inverse proportions

It seems a lot of times that my life is governed by some kind of law of inverse proportions.  For example, if I want to get to work a half hour early, I end up being an hour late.  When I want to lose five pounds, I gain ten.  If I want a little time alone, I get twenty invitations to do things, or if I'm feeling particularly social, the invitations dry up.  And so on.  Recently, I've discovered that it's not my fault.  Like most problems in my life, it's all genetics.

Case in point:
About nine months ago, Lizzy decided it would be fun if our whole family tried to participate in the Myrtle Beach marathon, either running or walking the full or half.  We knew it might be a hard sell to some of the family members, but it was worth a shot.  Plus, we knew a few extended family members might be interested.  We figured all in all we might have the seven members of our immediate family, plus maybe five more from the rest of the family for a grand total of twelve Neeleys.  That was the original plan.

Then things started happening.  I'm actually not sure anyone talked to Big Brother about doing it or not, but he didn't register, so he was out.  Lydia couldn't afford to fly out, plus she was in the middle of student teaching, so she was out.  Dad was a bit under the weather and stopped training, so he was out.  Mom had to take care of dad, so she stopped training and she was out.  And then the marathon sold out.  So those family members (including Jane) who didn't register were all out.  In the end, I gave up my spot to my cousin, Jo, who really wanted to do it because I am the nicest cousin anyone could ask for.  (It may have also been that I didn't train, with this in the back of my mind.)

Those still in were Lizzy, Jo, Professor Bhaer and Marmee.  Down to four from the original twelve.  Still a pretty good showing, if not impressive.  And then the day of the race came.  And this happened:

(Yes, stolen directly from Jo's blog.)

It snowed in South Carolina.  It doesn't happen often, to be sure.  The entire marathon was cancelled because the organizers just didn't think it could be done safely.

And, in a way, I think it's partially my fault.  We went from having twelve family members to zero.  And not only zero, but we ruined it for everyone else.  From twelve to negative ten thousand.  Way to go, family.  Though, it might not be entirely our fault.  Maybe your family was registered too.