Done!

Mountain Bike season 2008 came and went. Rain outs, travel, heat, gas prices and a serious case of burn out made this a short season. I only attended 5 races (of 6, I think) and didn't have to tag along on any serious road trips.

I remember heading to the first race at Clinton Lake, I said to Mark, "I really don't think I'm ready for this". He agreed. I am not sure if it was a continued case of the Winter doldrums or if I was sensing his burn out or what...but the 'mountain bike thing' never really kicked in.

When he raced, he raced great...and I know he genuinely enjoyed it when he actually got out there and hit the trails w/ the guys... and the Heartland crew ALWAYS put on amazing gigs...but this year he seemed 'unattached'. That's the best way I can describe it. I got the sense that it wasn't just Mark either. I think the horrible Winter that took over Spring sucked up a lot of enthusiasm that's usually reserved for the sport.

While I didn't clock as many spectator hours on the MTB trails this year, I've been told that 'spare time' will be cashed in during Cross season.

I came home the other day to find Mark standing in the garage all googly-eyed working on his spare cross bike. That look, coupled by the goofy smile on his face, instantly let me know that there will be NO burn out for Cross season. In fact, I think the countdown is on until the mountain bike gets hung up...10 more days to be exact!

Funny, but I think I am actually ready for Cyclo-Cross season too. Something about brisk air, misty mornings and crunchy leaves on the ground are very appealing right now and has me saying, "Hang it up and hand over the cowbell!"

Oh Buster...

Buster is on the mend...again. He's had another bout with his hemolytic anemia. Now that it's affected a third organ (this time his joints), he's been diagnosed with Lupus. Poor pup. He's doing much better and starting to walk a little better (he's been limping/not using one hind leg for over 5 weeks).

I'm very thankful he's doing better. Buster and I have very deep connection. I swear he knows my every thought - I can just think the word 'walk' and he gives me that excited 'let's go!' look even if I haven't said a word. At 8 years old, it's too early for him to be so ill. He's being placed on 'maintain' meds that he'll have to take forever in hopes he stays healthy.

Other than limping, he's acting fine...playing with tennis balls and being his demanding self. Upside of having a bad leg means he can't jump, can't say I miss that. Lou has taken to following Buster around and sitting right next to him. I think she knows he's sick. A dog's sixth sense is really amazing.

Send good thoughts for Buster!

Olympic Rockstar - London 2012 here we come!

I just have to share my excitement about our young relative that is a diving phenom. At just 15 years old, Kristian is currently training with the USA Diving 2008 Olympic Team. While he wasn't one of the two selected to dive in this year's Olympic games, he was selected as the first alternate. This means he will continue to train with the Olympic team and be ready to fly off to Beijing if the others can't dive.

Kristian is SUPER talented and we are all so proud that he more than accomplished his personal goals this year. No one is more deserving to be in his place than he is. He is an all-around great young man - amazing athlete, great student, super big brother/son and an all-around gentleman.

As the youngest athlete to win a gold in the World Junior Diving Championships (beating out the Chinese favorite), Kristian has already made is mark on the sport.

I'm saving my money now to head to London in 2012! Way to go Kristian!!!!

(photo courtesy of Getty Images)