Author Archives: GJD

Blue Thoughts

Posted on October 15, 2012 by GJD

“Blue Thoughts” He wasn’t home to meet me tonight. Never again. I won’t be able to hold him tonight. Never again. Meltdown. Can’t be helped. Hurts so bad, but don’t want to not hurt. Reminds me how much he mattered. … Continue reading →

Posted in Animal Impact | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

What Really Happened At My First Olympic Triathlon?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by GJD

I usually start every race hopeful I’ll be a contender–you know, beat someone.  Then, by the end of the race, I’m pretty happy to finish it.  Usually, I don’t beat many, if any, people.  In my age group or not.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Holy Bat Guano!

Posted on June 13, 2012 by GJD

When I got a text while shopping at the Bead & Button show in Milwaukee from my husband, I expected something to the effect of… Do you really need to buy that?  Not:  The bat was rabid.  Of course, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Animal Impact | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

How To Gain 9.4 Pounds in 13 Days. Really.

Posted on April 30, 2012 by GJD

Let’s get right to it: 1.  Go on vacation to somewhere like… sunny, carefree Florida.  2.  Pack only drawstring or elastic-waisted baggy shorts.  And flip-flops.                                            Loosen up–literally. 

Posted in Unchained Observations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Cats Love the Company of Other Cats: Debunking the Myth

Posted on December 5, 2011 by GJD

 =^,^= Okay, about cats…  This morning I read a Facebook post by a friend who’s under pressure from her husband and two young sons to adopt another cat (kitten) when they already have one perfectly happy cat.  The responses to … Continue reading →

Posted in Animal Impact | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

When Your Husband Means Well…

Posted on October 25, 2011 by GJD

A couple of disclaimers: 1.  Before the race a couple of day ago, my husband and I had never run together. 2.  I am not a natural athlete.  He is.  When I started running about 6 months ago, he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Three Triathlons in Eighty-One Days. Now what?

Posted on October 19, 2011 by GJD

Water still dripped down my neck from the swim as the thermometer crawled toward forty.  Except for the burn in my thighs as I shifted into high gear, there was no evidence I was connected to my lower extremities.  As … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The Second Time Around: Can It Ever Be as Good as the First?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by GJD

Well, if you walk away with a trophy, maybe it can.  Or not… After my first triathlon, I was flying high from the excitement of the whole event.  If you read my summary “Can’t Wipe This Smile Off My Face…”, you know what I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Can’t Wipe This Smile Off My Face: Confessions of a First Time Triathlete!

Posted on July 18, 2011 by GJD

It started the night before the race.  The smile.  My husband noticed it as we walked the path to the pre-race swim clinic.  As 30-50 people gathered to hear what Ironman triathlete Bryan Rhodes had to say about open water swimming … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Just When I Was Feeling So Good (Translate Cocky) About The Triathlon…

Posted on July 12, 2011 by GJD

Here’s my top 11 random thoughts during a 25 mile bike ride in 90 degree weather today. 1.  Is the wind ever, ever at your back?  I mean ever? 2.  And will I ever be able to catch my breath? 3.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments