H2Ohhhhhhhh!

Ever have one of those weeks when a common theme begins to emerge? It starts out as a series of seemingly small coincidences, followed by an undeniable pattern, and finally a "okay, you don't have to hit me over the head, I get it" kind of thing. Last week was one of those times, and for whatever reason, all roads flowed to water.

Let me give you three quick examples. The first was anything but a liquid asset, as first our basement drains backed up, followed by our toilets, then our showers. After much plunging and baling, we let the experts take over, and Jackie and I knew that the problem was much bigger than the both of us when we glanced around the corner to discover that the plumbers had placed one of toilets on our kitchen floor. Although the repair process seemed never-ending, and at one point, Jackie actually threatened to use the toilet in the middle of our kitchen, the job was finally completed and the results were Roto-Riffic. (Thank goodness we have a health club across the street from us with spacious locker rooms - and toilets!)

Secondly, if you live anywhere near the St. Louis area, you would swear we are now a suburb of Seattle. I can't remember a year when it has poured this much . . . and I absolutely love it. I'm no manic depressive but something about the dark, damp days has always put me in a great mood - something so cozy about it. (Jackie agrees.) Not to mention that I love to throw on my old shoes and visor and go for long runs in it. I've really turned up my training it recent days and wet weather always seems to encourage and motivate me to higher levels. Go figure.

Finally, and I was saving the best for last, our daughter, Aubrey, experienced the zoo for the first time. Wide-eyed and amazed, she smiled and giggled as she marveled at the animals and crowds of people. Jackie and I felt thrilled and humbled to see her so joyful as she rode on the carousel and constantly pointed to the new and interesting images that surrounded her. It was like seeing everything through her eyes for the very first time. Just as we were about to leave the zoo, Aubs pointed to a man-made stream flowing through the park, and proudly exclaimed, "WAT-ER!" While her vocabulary consists of all the everyday words we have taught her thus far, we didn't even know she had learned that one. It was yet another milestone in her childhood . . . and yet another indicator of the liquid pattern that had become our unofficial theme for the week. Coincidence? I think not.

Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff