Friday, I waved goodbye to Madge, my 1993 Mazda Protegé, as the tow truck lifted her to higher purposes than lazing neglected behind our apartment building. She's been donated to Habitat for Humanity. Madge was a dream. We went to the Grand Canyon a couple of times, and we know the roads between Washington and Memphis pretty well. A longer tribute is forthcoming.
Later Friday, Natalie and I were pre-approved for a mortgage. Today, we made an offer on a really wonderful place in Greenbelt. Our fingers are crossed, and we're grateful for any good mojo passed our way.
I've just learned that, for a few reasons, I absolutely must defend my dissertation in December at the latest. An intense summer looms, but I'm grateful for the hard deadline.
A few professional options for the next academic year are in play. I'm looking forward to making choices.
Marathon training is on again. At the moment, I'm considering two options: 1) a faster marathon than last year or 2) the JFK 50-Miler in November following two slower marathons as training runs. The former is plausible because things were, well, hot, last Halloween. I ran a 3:50 race in 80 degree weather. With better conditions, I'd aim for quicker. The latter is indicative of a certain psychosis, but I ran a short stretch of it with a good friend who completed the insane race at a great pace last year, and it seemed fun. Besides, I'd get the joy of reading dismayed facial expressions after saying, "yeah, fifty miles is a long way to run."
Remember, good mojo for the Greenbelt place... Much obliged.
Posted by dave at May 15, 2005 9:20 PM | TrackBackGood mojo flowing your way. Greenbelt's nice I hear. Had some friends who lived there once. They're moving out-of-state, though, JUST IN TIME! (not feeling bitter, not feeling bitter, not feeling . . .)
But seriously, lots of good mojo. Hope to hear about it soon, maybe at a lunch date?
Posted by: Ryan at May 15, 2005 10:19 PM | Permalink to CommentHope all the mojo you need comes your way. Good luck on the house. You and Speck should NEVER have taken that Run For Fun (if you're an idiot) class at Rhodes.
Melisa
More good mojo from this quarter, Dave. And I hope you'll say more about the house in Greenbelt at some point (we're still renting, and thinking if we don't start looking in the next year or so for a house, we'll end up retiring in the Blairs).
Posted by: kari at May 16, 2005 8:15 AM | Permalink to CommentGood mojo indeed. Is this old town?
Keeping fingers crossed for you.
Posted by: Jason at May 16, 2005 10:15 AM | Permalink to Commentmojo-jojo. as fate would have it, the missus and i put an offer on a place today. this will be our third home for which we've slapped down ernest moola. as in your neck of the woods, houses here are listing at $395/sqft, but appraised at $290/sqft. typically houses are selling anywhere between 6 and 12% over list. mojo-jojo indeed.
Posted by: fritz at May 16, 2005 1:09 PM | Permalink to CommentThanks for the good mojo, guys! News is beginning to come in, and I'll say more about things when it's appropriate.
Meliscious, it's all your lunatic sister's fault. I was a perfectly happy smoker who loathed unecessary movement until she got me running again.
Posted by: dave at May 16, 2005 7:37 PM | Permalink to CommentMojo indeed. Owning a home is one thing that brings a couple closer together in a way none other will. Some call it love. Some call it liability. Who cares, it's a wonderful time for you both.
Posted by: chrisafer at May 17, 2005 11:36 PM | Permalink to CommentThat's a thoughtful sentiment, Chrisafer. Much obliged. Here's to love and joint liability.
Posted by: dave at May 18, 2005 12:06 PM | Permalink to Comment