be prepared to bleed

Summer is drawing to a close. The air has a crispness that wasn't there just a week ago.

Summer isn't my favourite time of year anymore. Being the entertainment director to four children who would watch TV all day if left to their own devices is infuriating and futile. Work is in full swing, wealthy cottagers filling the restaurant to capacity every night. Relentless heatwaves that make training for the half marathon painful and nearly impossible.

That being said, there is the little sadness that the beginning of school brings. Another year older, another holiday gone with more left unchecked on the list of "things to do this summer" than things crossed out with the black felt pen.

It's been one year since my the house fire. The day that sits up there in the 20 worst things that have happened. And it is true that in the end i have a safer, prettier home. That doesn't really change the trauma that stays with you after an event like that. It's one of those life events that most people can't relate to.

As far as my love life goes, it goes. It goes well, it goes not so well. It is up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right. Sunshine and lollipops.

It has been about five months since i started running. My goal used to be to just finish the half marathon on October 10th. Now i want to do it in under 2 1/2 hours. I have learned about things like pace and training. I know my body way better now and i understand just how hard i can push it, how much pain i can take and in return my body is turning into something i don't recognize – strong and lean and muscular. This running thing? Running has changed me. It helps me deal with every other aspect of my life with confidence and strength and a whole lot less fear.