Marathon Eve

I am hydrated, carbo-loaded, got my outfit picked out, got my bus bag packed, got my after-race bag ALMOST packed . . . but must finish my most important task:
Concluding my Liver Lover List of Honor:

Mile 16 is dedicated to my dear friend Jane. We've been friends since seventh grade, when I was "Skyppi" and she was "Janie K"! We daringly skipped school and took the bus to Boston, and were spotted by a teacher (the incomparable Kirk O'Donnell, who taught our class for the year before he joined Kevin White's staff, to begin his career in political life--he never turned us in, by the way.) Later, we shared apartments and wild social lives in Somerville and on Beacon Hill, highlighted by Jeffrey's gifts of cannolis from Romano's, visits from our crazy upstairs neighbors, vernal equinox parties . . . Still later, Jane became official godmother to Julian, and unofficial godmother to Kit . . . sharing Celtics games with the former, and ballet performances with the latter. And . . . she was my maid of honor when Pierre and I married! We all love and appreciate her . . . she is part of our family, forever. Jane, thank you for sponsoring me, and for hanging in there as my friend through all the years!

As I toddle on to Mile 17, my thoughts will turn to new friends, Lee and Alexis Hammond. I have talked to many of you Liver Lovers about Lee's wonderful photography. He took beautiful photos of Kit for her auditions, and I am planning to redecorate the house entirely with these photographs, they are that gorgeous. Now I know the subject is lovely beyond compare, but Lee took the time and trouble to put Kit at ease, catch her at her prettiest, and present her at her absolute best.
For a visual treat, check out his website at www.leehammondphotography.com
Alexis and Lee, I truly appreciate your support!

Mile 18, the beginning of the hills--Ed and Lisa, this mile is for you! As neighbors, fellow dog-walkers, concert companions, wine tasting buddies, etc, you can't be beat. Thank you for lending me your coffee-table, and for sponsoring me!
Liver Lovers who also love movies should look at Ed's blog at www.bostonherald.com
just click on Bloggers, and select Ed Symkus, for interesting, off-beat movie musings.

Mile 19, if I am actually running at that point, will be filled with thoughts of Anne, Lou, and their lovely daughters, Maeve and Gioia. What a lucky day it was for Libby and me, when we met at the millennium Park swing set! Since then, we've shared many more outings-- picnics, dragon dances, a memorable evening at the Summer Revels, and an afternoon at last year's Marathon, right about at this point on the course. I am so thankful for your friendship, and for your support for my Marathon run.

Mile 20 . . . Ricky, this is your mile. I so much admire the commitment and passion you demonstrate in your work as an educator and environmentalist. Talking with you is such a treat--your energy and wit revitalize me, and I always learn something new from you. Thank you for sponsoring me, and for all your positive energy--hope you're aiming it at me tomorrow!

Mile 21 is dedicated to Maura, mainly because at the end, it passes Boston College, Maura's alma mater. Also, it is the hardest hill, and keeping Maura in mind will help me focus on making my best effort. Maura is smart, focused, funny, and in all senses, a high achiever! She's the mom to two of my favorite young ladies, Christine and Lee--I was honored to be one of their Girl Scout leaders. No surprise, they take after their mom, and are high achievers, too--as are their younger sister, Caroline, and dad, Joe. You guys are awesome, and I am honored that you sponsored me.

Mile 22: This one is for the Spy family! Once again, I have to ask: how did I get so lucky to end up with the best family-in-law possible? One of the first things that I loved about Pierre was that he had so many siblings! The first day we really talked in depth, he told me he was from a family of five, and I was enchanted. I loved all their names: Mimi, Marc, Alan, and Leslie. And when I actually met them, I found out they were just as attractive and interesting as their names--good-looking, talented, and open-hearted. I've already thanked Mimi for her support, but I want to thank here Mimi's son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Gwen, parents to the lovely new kid in the family, Elise; Alan, whose video editing on projects like, ummm, the OLYMPIC GAMES makes us so proud; and Leslie, who is my role model, and though she's younger than me, the person I want to be like when I grow up! She's beautiful, kind, fun, and a mother to five kids--I really don't know how she does it. Thank you all, not just for your sponsorship and donations to the ALF, but for being such a wonderful family.

Gee, I have to run a Marathon tomorrow. Think I should go to sleep?
Good night, and Go Liver!