Quick updates

Sandy's work (as I understand it): Sandy works for Gwava, a division of Groupwise/Novell. Gwava is the email software that is used for large corporations to give them privacy online in the building. They also filter and fix viruses. Sandy's bosses promote this product at corporate events around the world. Sandy is currently learning the product and will be coordinating these promotional events. This will include, among other things, booking flights, reserving hotels, finding conference rooms, inviting executives, etc. That's probably about 80% accurate. I think the job is too new for anyone to know exactly what all she will do, as her bosses seem to be booming with success and growing rapidly. It sounds like they are one COOL couple and Sandy mixes well with them.

Jonathan's training: It is difficult to put any tangible evidence to what improvements I have encountered thus far. My first competition is not until January (pole vault) and my first full decathlon under my new coach will not be until March. The exciting news for now is that I am noticeably stronger in the weight room, possibly faster on the track, and noticeably progressing in applied skill. Strength+Speed+Skill=Success. I have never trained so effectively or intensely. I just finished a six week intensive on pole vault, shot put, and strength. This next phase will add hurdling, jumping, and speed. My coach continues to introduce new ways of extending my limitations. This past week I had what may be the most difficult challenge in the weight room I have ever faced. For time, having to fully complete one exercise before moving on to the next, we did:
100 pull ups, 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 weightless squats. It took me 20 minutes and felt like a full body cross country race.

Living arrangement: We think we are done with the apartment hunt. We found an incredible place in a good location. The rent is fair (for So. Cal...any 1 bedroom apt. under $1k is pretty good) and the grounds have a resort type of atmosphere. I'm sure we'll show you pictures if it works out. Carol, our "hostess" is getting married in December and moving to the east coast. She has been a great friend who is always full of energy and laughter. We are excited to see her signing up for new adventure in life even in her 50's.

Church: We have encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly, but still are not finished. We are doing our best to remain patient and persistent and are determined to find the great among the good.

Visitors: My parents came in last week (view previous post). I had a day off from training on wednesday so we took a quick, unexpected road trip to visit Blake Hern (soon to be brother in law) and Caleb and Ashley Brown in Fresno. Theirs was the wedding we missed because of our wreck in L.A. It was so good to see all three of them and hash out two months of thought in 2 hours with Caleb. I sure do miss my brothas in Bend. It was also great to see Blake's new life in Fresno and hear some of his future plans and dreams. Seth and Heather (soon to be Stimson) will be in town for Thanksgiving. We are very excited to host and dine with them, along with Seth's extended family.

Zest: The voting is over but the results won't come for a few weeks... I'll keep you posted.


Well, I guess that's all for now-
see ya later alligator