WAYNE’S WORDS

DECEMBER 2006

TOPIC: 2006

Last year, my December 2005 article was about NOT making resolutions, but, rather reflecting on the past year, realizing what things I did wrong, trying not to make those same mistakes again, and celebrating those things I did accomplish. I’m not going to make any resolutions this year either, rather, I’d like to reflect on the accomplishments that I made in 2006.

I sold my condo before they starting building 32 small ugly condos right across the street. (See November’s article). As luck would have it, I was able to buy a ranch house about two miles away that is absolutely perfect for me. It has a big yard with lots of trees and unfortunately lots of leaves. Everything is on one level, which is nice after those hard workouts, not having to climb any stairs. It will also work out really well when I’m real old rolling around in a wheel chair and I don’t have to worry about stairs. It has everything I would want, a great room with a big wood burning fireplace, two patios on the south side of the house to catch some rays and to put my hot tub on. I made it a bit more private by putting a 6' privacy fence around the whole backyard. It’s in such a nice neighborhood that I’m surprised that they let me live there.

I was on a relay team for The Gulf Coast ½ Ironman. I was the swimmer, of course. I did Race for Sight, Babler, Octomax and Lake St. Louis. Gone are the days of racing, but, it’s now is fun to be out there and having a good time and seeing people I haven’t seen for a year. I did the MS 150, which I didn’t think I could finish. Hey, you can actually go out and bike, and have fun, and not hammer all the time! A big thanks to all of you that sponsored me.

Yep, I’m still teaching PE, and I’m still saying it’s my last year, but I’ve been saying that for the past two years. My daughter Kristen is 25 now, living in KC and loves it there. She and her current boyfriend went out looking at rings a while back. I’m not ready to have a married daughter!! I’ve been with a wonderful person that actually puts up with me, trains with me, brings me great home cooked meals and is lots and lots of fun to be with. I’m still writing for Swim Bike Run St. Louis, which I thoroughly enjoy.

So reflecting back, all in all it has been a really great year. In fact it’s probably in the top 5 of the best years of my life. I’m quite happy where I am in my life right now. I’m healthy enough to train everyday and do 4-5 races every year. I’m glad I’m almost done with my teaching career. Teaching has changed so much since I first started some 30 years ago. I like having a house with all those home projects that take up most weekends. I have family and friends that all seem to care about me. Yep, like the old saying goes....life is good.

My goals for 2007, not my resolutions, are to let the good times keep rolling. To enjoy each day, to be friendly to people that I don’t know and to help those that I do whenever and wherever I can. To stay healthy enough to do that ½ marathon in April, and still do four or five triathlons. To stay happy and content, and, not worry so much, and not sweat the small stuff.

Here’s wishing you a healthy, rewarding, safe, and challenging 2007, full of great achievements, happiness and most important, lots of love.

Me and my buddy Maddie in Florida

Until 2007,

Train Smart, Live Right

Wayne

whuckshold@yahoo.com