Catchin!g up...

Well, I keep putting off making another entry because I don't have a picture to post, but that isn't much fun for anyone who tries to check my blog... (If there is even anyone out there who hasn't already given up on it. Post a comment so I know if I still have readers! Otherwise, I'll have to send out an e-mail indicate I'm back.)

So, I decided I better put something here so I don't lose momentum. Previously my posts have mostly been about activities with Brynna... so I thought I'd mention a few things about what is going on with me...

Back in December I received a promotion of sorts... I was made a section manager at work. What that means is that I have a group of about 8-10 engineers over whom I am responsible for writing their yearly reviews, giving "permission" for time off, etc. I also now help with staff planning and stuff in my department. It isn't very glamorous, but it's not bad. I wrote my first three reviews this last week. It was an interesting experience, and I didn't mind it at all.

I've been trying to get in better exercising habits for the last few years, and this January I decided to try running. I've always hated running, but it is good aerobic exercise, and it seems like runners are always thin. I'd like that side benefit :) So I started running with the goal of completing a 5K. Because life is so busy, I haven't been able to work in a run more than once a week, usually, but I am making progress. I can't run for the whole distance yet, but at the gym I can usually do it with only walking 5 or 6 of my 31 laps around the track. Currently my fastest gym time is about 29 minutes, 30 seconds. I was thinking of waiting until I could run the whole thing before entering a race, but I decided to try it anyway. So, on April 28th I ran in a 5K race at Thanksgiving Point. It was probably about 50 degrees outside, so it was pretty cold. My time was a little slower (probably around 34 minutes -- the race timer thing didn't work quite right so I don't have an exact time), but it was a good experience. I've already been checking out other race opportunities throughout the upcoming summer, so I will keep working on it. I have a few pictures from this event, and I will post them later.

Some other random things I can think of to mention at this time:
1. Over the last year I've developed an intense liking for fish tacos. I'm always looking for good ones. I've liked fish for years, but it always seemed odd to me to eat them in a taco, but now I love them!
2. I recently started listening to Pandora (pandora.com). It is a web "radio station". You start by picking a band or song that you like, then it tries to find similar music or more music by the same artists. You can "vote" on the songs for your own stations and tailor it to your likes and dislikes. I've found it pretty fun and like to have it on while I'm at work.
3. Last fall I finally got around to plantings some spring bulbs... I was going to try and get some "fancy" ones, but I finally just picked some (about 90) at Home Depot. I've enjoyed seeing them come up this year. I got crocuses, daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips. My tulips said they were just plain pink, but when they came up some were light pink with ruffled/jagged edges, some were ivory with the same ruffled/jagged edges, some were dark pink stripes on ivory. Some still haven't opened, so I'll see soon.

Well, I'll post this and then try to add some pictures.