The End...of this Book

Let's start out with the easy stuff.  Three runs this week and only one work out with the app.  I did complete a workout in my backyard that was more functional per se than typical gym work out.  Let me explain.  

We had new neighbors move in a bit ago and they approached us about our fence that we share.  When we bought this house, one of the main reasons was for the fence.  It's wooden and in decent shape and tall, but our new neighbors wanted to put up a fence of their own.  They asked if they could just butt up to our fence OR take our fence down and put up theirs in its place.  I was torn because they wanted to put up a metal fence and I wasn't sure how I would feel about it.  In the end, we decided to go with the metal fence because it's maintenance free and should last the rest of our lives in this house.  It will also be super hard to tear down because it's welded.  Anyway, the guys doing the fence work have a lot going on so it's taken quite a bit to get it done.  They finally got our side done and there was a gap in places under the fence that I just could see Ollie getting out of.  We inherited from a job site lots of landscaping limestone stones that over the years we've used here and there but still have a ton of.  Since it was originally piled up against the fence, we had to move it and I thought why not use it to block those holes???   Let's just say I did a ton of squats and lifts of these heavy buggars, but they are placed and I've used up several of them.  It was a great combo of arm and leg work out for sure.  Functional fitness is the best!  I am hoping we can redo our backyard now, finally get grass to grow because we have sun, and maybe build a fire pit in the middle of the yard to make it more usable.  Honestly the past years it's just been a dog toilet, and I would love to change that.  I love our deck, but would love a fire pit just as much.  

We also had another wrestling dual this week.  Andrew did not make weight, clocking in at 170 so he had to wrestle JV.  The first dual team only had one kid at that weight, but they kindly let him wrestle both JV and varsity to give Andrew some mat time.  The match ended in a pin, but Andrew put up a fight and that is all I ask of him.  This kid was a BEAST and normally that would freak Andrew out, but this time it didn't.  Baby steps and small victories.  I will take it.  Still on the journey to lose those last five pounds.  

We also had yet another round of Northern lights.  This will never get old!  I could see them faintly with the naked eye but my camera on my phone got some good ones, even with light pollution.

Ollie also got an early Christmas present.  She's not very sure of it and Boom hates his so I am not sure why my dogs don't like these Noxgear light up harnesses.  We need to continue to work on fitting it I guess, but she needs something at night so I can see her black butt in the darkness.  

We also finally got to a playoff game!  Wamego got the W and Andrew got to play in the pep band for the first time.  He smiled all night!  We have a tough opponent at sub state next week, but I am proud of this team for working hard and going far this year. 

Saturday was the end of year banquet for our little racing club.  We had a very hard-working committee this year that knocked it out of the park.  The venue space was decorated nicely, the food was amazing, and the awards and raffle were great as always.  Somehow even though we voted someone else in for the volunteer award for the year, my name was called and I was SUPER surprised!  I don't do what I do for any awards, but it sure is nice to be noticed for my hard work.  

I love this club deeper than most.  Some of us hardcore people have been with this club for many years and frankly it's all their kids have.  My kid may do other things, but this is his favorite, his safe space, and I will protect it at all costs.  I hope that I have passed the torch and the love for this club on to others.  They have an amazing board in place now and I can't wait to see what they do next.  It's for the kids, about the kids, and should remain as such.  

We also got some thank yous to many of the volunteers who give up nights and weekends for these kids.  I am proud to serve with them and can't wait to see another group step up and join in.  

Andrew ended up 4th in heavy Honda.  Our size made this class tough, but he never gave up, and he got a podium most weeks.  Just got bit by the rookie average.  

He got a flip award for two flips this year which is two flips too many.

2nd in Unrestricted animal.  Love this class and love the sound and the speed of these engines but hated that we fought keeping the car on the ground so much.  

3rd in Heavy 160.  Our weight got us in the class, but he battled hard for that 3rd spot.  So proud of him.  

We also got to celebrate Dash's first year in Heavy World Formula in the Coleman Electric car.  We are SO proud of how far this kid has excelled in just one year of driving a new to him car and motor.  We can't wait to see what big things lie in store for him next year!  

It's so bittersweet.  Our last year racing QM, our last banquet, our last time seeing some of these people.  I will miss it because it really has brought some of the best people into my life.  Even the bad people taught me things about myself I didn't know so I am still thankful for them as well.  I've learned so much about myself even in the toughest of situations, that it makes it worth it.  Okay this post is super long and it's a week behind so I am going to hit post and then probably revisit this topic at some time.  As one of my good friends said, at least we are moving to some other form of racing and not saying goodbye all together.  Racing is in our family now and even if Andrew moves on, I could see Tony picking up the torch and continuing.  

Have a great week y'all!!!!!