Frosh Orientation

Our baby had orientation for his freshman year in high school today.  It is really hard to believe.  Our now 5 ft 10 baby is going to wander the halls of DHS, just like his old man.  It is just mind blowing.  My first born.  In high school.  How did that happen? And so quickly?
     This orientation session is called Link Crew.  The seniors volunteer to mentor the incoming freshmen and divide into teams.  The seniors show them all around DHS, so the freshmen have an idea where to go on day one.
     This really signifies some big changes.  For all of us.  Change will be most dramatic for Caz of course.  It all counts now.  Grades.  Sports.  Extra-curricular activities.  Its serious now.  Any college plans hinge on it.  But you want to have some fun too.  It is as much about social and individual growth as it is about educational growth.  I think he is capable of succeeding in all areas. It's all up to him.

The Castaways

Well, there was no storm.  And we were not shipwrecked.  But we were not exactly on course.  We took a family kayak trip out on Duxbury bay, along the salt marshes/North River.  It was a beautiful day, sunny and not too hot.
     The tides sort of worked out in our favor.  It was just before high tide when we started.  We did not have to worry about running aground in the back marshes.  But we were out so long - 3 hours, yes....a 3 hour tour - that the tide turned, so were were going against the tide both ways.  The surf was choppy for the bay.  A lot rougher than you would expect with little wind.  It must have been the high tide.
     Coco was a trooper but he got tired about the mid point.  Demi rode up front with Gizmo on the big kayak but took over for Coco.  She was much more relaxed on the ride out.  I worried that she would hurt her hip.  The whole point of the kayaks was to rest the hip.  Caz only got a brief rest and then rowed for all he was worth.  And then some.  He beat us back by quite a lot.  I tried to paddle both the boys and tow a kayak but it was just too much.
     Gizmo was really funny.  She was all concerned about the single kayaks.  Whoever wasn't in the boat with her, caused her great concern.  He took two swims.  None on purpose.  We got scared once, when we couldn't reach her immediately.  She headed for what looked like land but was just long salt marsh.  No land at all.
     It was a really good family day.  We all went for fried seafood right after.  We were famished.  Fortunately, we packed plenty of water.  We let the boys buy pastries and a baggette (Caz's pick) from French Memories.  Sky was the limit.  A limit of one pastry.....

Cross Country

Caz starts Cross Country practice with the whole team today.  The coach will be there.  The girls will be practicing too.  This is the start of high school sports for my young son.  I hope he has a positive experience.  I told him that I will be just as excited to see him compete in Cross Country, as I would a football game.  I really am.  I have never seen a meet, other than to walk by on the way to practice.  I told him, that if he tries his best and never places, that I will be extremely proud of him.  All I ask is that he tries his best.  That he works hard and pushes himself to be better, every time.

Captain's Practice

Caz's first high school sports captain's practice was held today.  He went with no problems.  No hesitation.  It started at 8 am, which is way earlier than he had been getting up all summer long.  We had gone shopping over the weekend for new running shoes.  We also stopped off to get compression shorts (since he was warned by his captain that the school uniforms ran on the short side - circa 1983 Celtics style) and running shirts.
     He reported back that he held his own.  They ran 4 miles or so.  He said he had a little trouble by the water.  I am sure it got hot and humid.  But I am proud of him.  He got through and went on with his day.

Paleo Day 14 - Last Day

Last day and in walks whoopie pies.  Are you kidding me?

All day was fine.  Veggie omelet.  Fruit snacks.  Salad for lunch.  Paleo friendly menu for the BBQ for dinner.  And my cousin walks in with homemade cookies and whoopie pies for our Fantasy Football draft.

Well? It's a good think I ran a Tillman this AM.  Burned 900 calories.  Yay me!

Down 1.64% in weight.  And I draft well.  Mission accomplished.

Well done to all the Paleo Challenge crew!

Paleo Day 13

One.  More.  Day.  But who's counting?

Not sure I am seeing much difference in the scale.  I think I will chalk that up to being sick.  My workouts have not been good since.  Other than bootcamp, I haven't had great ones.  Today's kayaking on the ocean isn't going to count for much.  Either is the *ss sitting on the beach.  But it is a nice day.

We are going to Billingsgate farm to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, courtesy of the Hamburglar.  They are away and let us use their half CSA share.  Demi picked out some nice stuff.  This should get us through that final push.  Added to that, Coco went out fishing with his posse.  He came back with a very nice bluefish filet that fed us all.  Great fresh food day!

Paleo Day 12

2 more days......I mean what a great Paleo day.

Spin this AM went very well.  I like having the heart rate monitor for that class.  I know I have to challenge myself in it, so this is a great tool.  I really like tracking the calories burned for each class.

Double sessions for the football team today.  We were out in the sun for hours.  8 AM-2PM.  It's almost like they are in high school.  Paleo actually worked well for this today.  I was able to cool down with my fruit.  The lettuce wrap went way better than bread or roll ever could have.  Water.  Lots good, old fashioned H2O.  I got so wrapped up that I did not eat breakfast.  Well, not much of one.  I goofed.  I only got my clementines in before I walked out the door.  I was too wrapped up in packing the cooler for double.  We had more than enough water.  Better safe than sorry.