Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year!

A great time was had on Christmas eve with my dad and bro. My mom & stepdad were having a large get together hosting my stepdad's family in our house and Daniel & I went with my dad to a family friend's house to celebrate his last Holiday in the US- as he will be moving to Cancun early next year. The company was wonderful, and we enjoyed some backgammon and pool. It was hard to stay awake past midnight drinking water though haha.

Yesterday Daniel and I opened our presents and hit the movies to see Sherlock Holmes- it was reall good! Today I'm uber refreshed as I promised myself to take 2 days OFF and then lightly finish off December training because Jan 1, 2010, the work begins.

I've decided to join the LifeSport team and am excited to see what I can do next year under coach Paul's guidance. They've worked with/developed numerous world champions both ITU and IM, so have no doubt I'm in good hands. For a while I thought of coaching myself but who was I kidding? I need direction and someone to tell me when it's too much.

Tomorrow is my last Sonterra brunch :D before heading home on the 30th. I'm thrilled that my H-1B visa got approved and it was perfect timing by my attorney to send me the notification email on xmas day! I have to get to SD to pick up my passport and fill out some paperwork before making the trip down to Monterrey early Jan and getting stamped by the Embassy...now I'll be able to travel outside the U.S. again!

Good stuff...hope everyone had a fab Christmas and that 2010 treats them well.

Sunday Brunch

Sunday brunch at Sonterra is one of my favorite things about being back home :D Anticipating the food fest, I was up early to do a short but intense trainer ride, have enough time for a nap, and then hit the pool for a 3-4k.
My stepdad couldn't join us as he left mid morning to go hunting, so it was my mom bro and I.
Now it's onto the couch and perhaps goin to the movies later. We had planned on seeing Avatar in 3D last night but it was sold out and Daniel had a swimming holiday party...tonight it's sold out too :( so I guess we'll see Brothers.


I loooove seafooooooddd!! Rd #1 of many

Daniel on his 100th serving of apple pie

Dear Santa:

Next year I just want my family and I to be healthy and for my brother and I to go VERY VERY FAST!!!

Thanks :)

Holiday Celebratin'

That's it!! Booze/food quota met. Intense morning after headaches serve to remind me why I steer clear of alcohol. Last night was fun, the Morrisons actually came with Camilla & Collum (yay, people my age!), whom I hadn't seen in forever- went to St. Mary's Hall with them through middle school. Daniel disappeared with his buddies after practically eating all the food- well deserved for his 16k swim he did earlier.

Here's some pics of the night...


Guns- I gots 'em ;) ....haha looks like I'm trying to immitate Price is Right


Pork roasting for traditional Mexico City tacos called Tacos al Pastor- served on mini corn tortillas w/ cilantro, onion, salsa, lime, & a slice of pineapple


Bad news...


Mom & I chillin (literally) outside- sooo cold!

The Office

Today will be my first trip down to the Sun Loan office. For two weeks I'll be doing some hands on training & meeting all of the Brundage Management folks. I'm excited!
This week I'm easing back into what you could actually call training vs. working out. I haven't run since early last week when my legs & joints were screaming after 10min. My rides are all on the trainer while in San Antonio- I just cannot get out in <50F weather unless it's for an epic/long ride & I'm only doing 2hrs or less right now. Plus, I'm spoiled now & feel unsafe without a bike lane and at least the confidence that drivers are used to seeing cyclists- here you're an anomaly that should get "the hell out of the road!!"
I found a masters program because the pool at my club, The Spectrum, is heated for sr citizens & babies, it's like 90degrees! So after a ride on the trainer this morning I'm off to the JCC for M.O.S.T (masters of S. TX). After work (damn that sounds strange), I'll attempt a 30min run.
Saturday's my brother's bday as well as the company Holiday party for which there have been too many people running in and out of my house the past 2 weeks setting up for. Unfortunately for me, there's not gonna be anyone my age- just a couple of my brother's teenage friends, and the 40+yr old party-invites. My mom scared me when she tried to hire a dj and hinted that they might be dancing. First off the dj talked at one million mph, loud/obnoxious character. Second, I wouldn't be choosing the music, obviously :( hehe. Plus side is there'll be amazing catering and by then I'll be done with the juicing part of my "fast" so I'll be able to take full advantage!
Alright, time to get on the bike. Happy Monday!

22 Double Trouble :D

Some pics from bday dinner w/ my family

Texas

Off I go! Heading home till first wk of Jan. I'm excited to see my family, go into the Sun Loan office to meet everyone and get some hands on training, and of course celebrate my bday & my bro's bday off-season-style ;) Oh yes, and Xmas and New Yr's celebrations!
I'm bumming about leaving the sunny 70s here, but it's comforting to know that I can enjoy the cozyness of winter clothing and not worry about suffering through a cold/long ride or run.
Not much else to report, gotta go make sure all's set to leave!