DePauw 2012

East College

Two weekends ago I traveled back to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN for my 10th reunion. It was quite enjoyable reliving some past experiences and seeing how much things have changed. For one, sticker price tuition has doubled in 10 years. So if I had kids right now and want to send them to DPU, I need to save more than the value of my house.

Meharry Hall

I wondered around to some spots. East College is the main building. We had many special events held in Meharry Hall. It is less Methodist Church and more auditorium these days. It still creaks the same way but they put in some new carpet! I don't think I remember the organ.

Meharry Hall from the back

First classroom in college, College Writing

Roy O. West Library received a face lift

GCB and Ranch Fries

Of course no trip to Greencastle would be complete without a stop at Marvin's. Marvin's is the home of the Garlic Cheese Burger, GCB. It is a creation that was divinely inspired. What you see in the picture is actually a half GCB. A whole is 2 1/4 patties because we all know college students need something to help pack on the freshman 15. Just imagine the best thing ever and multiply by infinity, that is the GCB.

Fraturday on the lawn of my beloved Sigma Chi

All day Saturday we brought back Fraturday and drank and told lots of stories at the house. Two RVs showed up. Lots of Sigma Chi, Pi Phi, Kappa, and Alpha Phi love to go around. We even let some Phi Psis join the fun.

Crazy dancing by young and old alike. Jessica has skillz.

Eventually, we moved the party to the big tent for the band and silly dancing. There was some lawn mower, shopping cart, stove, and more sweet dance moves on display.

List of those "officially" in attendance from class of 2002

Great times had by all. I should go back every year. If you have kids, send them to DePauw, you won't regret it, and they'll have a fantastic time they'll enjoy forever. (They'll also party their ass off)

Cutting Edge Half Classic 2012

photo credit: SJP

This weekend I traveled to Effingham, IL for the Cutting Edge Half Classic with Stephen. It was a fun little trip aside from my passenger door not closing and then not opening. I'm sure it looked like a clown car with Stephen climbing out after me through the driver's door.

This was my first 70.3 mile triathlon since 2010. I was only a runner in 2011. For those not in the know, this is considered a half. We swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles. Yes, in that order.

The day started with an overcast sky. The swim had excellent buoys that I could actually see.

On the bike we traveled due west for 28 miles, turned around, and came back. On this day, we had a 15 mph West wind. Fighting the wind was a struggle. At one point I looked down and saw I was going 14 mph. When I figured out that meant it would take me 2 hours to get to the turnaround, I LOL'd, for real. Once I turned around, it was excellent having such a strong tailwind. Of course, it started to die as I went. Also, the sun really started to come out.

The run was 13.1 miles of sun baked gravel and pavement. The temperature at finish was 93 degrees. I could hear my shoes sticking to the hot tar in the pavement. With 3 miles to go I started to run out of energy and really wish I could find a port-a-potty. Needing the facilities really slows my running down. As you can tell from the picture, I have a more on my mind than simply finishing.

Finished 6th in my age group and 40th overall. Even with all the wind my bike was just under 6 minutes faster than my previous best bike. Thanks, Big Tree Cycling!

Memorial Day

I went up to the farm on Memorial Day. We went around to our dead people and decorated their graves. We all shared a lot of laughs. Mom couldn't remember where her parents were buried, Uncle Tom suggested we just text flowers to people, and I found out our family plot has Frank buried on it. Frank was planted there over 100 years ago and is no relation. I'm guessing my grandfather bought the plot with him on it because it was probably discounted.

I thought the view out of the cabin looked particularly good so I took a picture. Dad would have liked it.

Noticed some critter had turtle for dinner next to the road.

Hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day, too!