“Twas two nights before Christmas…” or “Our lives in iambic pentameter” (sung to the tune of “Hey Jude…” (or something)).
Twas two nights before Christmas and all through our house,
my knee was still hurting so I’m drunk as a louse (okay, JUUUUST kidding, but it rhymed… and it was funny).
Delaney’s still nestled all snug in OUR bed,
So a bunk bed we’re building from her “wish list” instead.
Lisa in her yoga pants and Gore-Tex on me,
we’re headed to workout – tis nuts, I’ll agree.
At Christmas it’s time to relax and indulge,
but a tad more elliptical helps keep off the bulge.
We started the Vi-life, and I speak with no jest,
the 90 Day Challenge is simply the best.
It could be good fortune, or maybe just fate,
But it’s awesome seeing so many people lose weight!
Lisa’s still coaching, beloved by all,
I stay home with Delaney, and shop at the mall.
Being “Home daddy” is really quite fun,
I love our sweet princess, that’s job number one!
I do laundry and cooking; not much of a chore,
and have Lisa’s bath ready when she walks through the door.
It really helps make the marriage-partnership work,
along with my “golden rule:” “Don’t be a jerk!”
I’m doing my permits for races next year,
a task sometimes daunting and boring I fear,
but then someone calls, excited to race,
and it makes it worthwhile, so I pick up the pace:
Expedition Idaho and Adventure Sports Week,
the new 24 hour relay will provide all that you seek.
I’m leading a group for a climb up Rainier,
and running our gym camp in Ju-ly this year.
We also host “Gymfest,” our gym meet supreme,
twould be impossible to do without our great team!
With Paul, Rick and Michael, Deb, Marci and Scott,
we’ll DO the impossible, believe it or not!
The in-laws are precious, no ifs, ands or buts,
and Becky has kicked cancer right in the nuts!
It’s great having family so close to us here,
The Givenses help fill our lives with such cheer!
Delaney’s amazing; precocious and smart.
Kind and polite, she brings warmth to my heart!
She’s really quite brilliant, and has many jokes to tell…
Considering she’s four, she’s as funny as hell!
Maryn and Chloe and Connor do well,
It makes me so proud as I watch them excel!
Maryn’s married to Andy, who she met in Grad school,
Chloe’s teaching in China, which is really quite cool!
Connor’s focusing all his attention on dance,
I’m sure I could do it, if given a chance…
Okay, maybe not, I’ll agree with a smile,
but embarrassing him makes it somehow worthwhile!
Me? I’m still racing; I did Ironman,
which isn’t too bad for a beat up old man.
I’m willing to try almost anything new,
which is my main mantra as I turn fifty-two!
I climbed Hood and Adams, did the Bend-AR in Bend,
and after the surgery, my knee’s on the mend.
Some folks say “retire!” but I can’t turn that page,
I’m having fun racing ‘gainst folks half my age!
I’m not quite as fast as I was years ago,
but I keep moving forward, despite going slow.
I love setting challenges, and I feel just great;
After all, fifty-two is the new forty-eight!
To close, I am blessed with my friends and fam-ly,
and it’s amazing how special they all are to me.
Their love and their friendship has infinite worth,
and I know I’m the luckiest guy on the earth.
We don’t always have money, and our car’s not the best,
but in what truly matters, I’m ever so blessed.
Thanks to you all in this holiday season;
Hug your loved ones so close, as they are the reason.
Well, it’s time to wrap up-I’ve got a bunk bed to build,
May your Christmas be peaceful, happy and joy filled.
And even if somehow you’re a long ways apart,
I wish you God’s blessing with all of my heart.
Na, na na, nanana nahhhh, nananahhh, Hey, Jude…
Love you all!
Rick McCharles 