Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

REAL TRAINING

2010-08-27T14:15:00.003-04:00

Running is going well. I am getting back into the swing of things - 3 weeks in! :) Doing kickboxing is really helping my running. It's amazing how actually following the training schedule makes you better than going at it half-assed. :)

Kickboxing is really kicking my butt too! I don't think that there has been 1 class that I didn't take a break of some sort. Some of those breaks have been just to stop myself from barfing - so those are totally excusable. Shut it - i said that they were excusable, darnit!! :)

The Dude is doing taekwondo - and sticking with it! I'm so happy that he's found something that resonates with him. Team sports were just realllly painful to watch. We're going to the national tournament in September, and we're super excited about it. We just paid to have his patches put on his uniform, so that's the biggest committment we've made to a sport ever.

Stinky wants to do basketball or soccer this fall. I really have to get on that but I don't know how i'm going to fit that in my schedule. We're totally booked most nights, so it'll have to be Mondays I guess.

It's amazing how hard it is to get a whole post in here after you don't post for months.

POP A SHOT

2010-05-16T23:35:00.003-04:00

Later this week, we'll have this in our driveway! :) I am really excited to be able to have the kids play in the front yard. Maybe I can work on my dunk. LOL

In running news, I'm actually still working on my base for the Monumental Half. I haven't signed the dotted line yet, but we have a team! :) R from my neighborhood, 2 girls from work, and one of their sisters are all joining "Team Make Me a Sandwich". OK, that teamname is still in the works - but I think it's funny! We're debating on a tshirt or something like that for our team. It may be chilly on Nov 6th, but it could be sort of warm too - so we don't know what to do. Maybe get a tech t and get it silk screened - if its too cold, put a long sleeve shirt under. If we put something over it - it sort of misses the whole point of having matching shirts!

One of the girls said that we should put different parts of quotes on our shirts so that as a whole, they say something funny. Problem with that is, 1 girl is doing 9 minute miles and i'm doing 11 minute miles and 2 others are doing 12+ min miles. So, by the time we all pass by, people will be like, what the heck does "with a big" mean?

Oh yeah - my dog farts... bad. I just had to kick him off the couch.

MONUMENTAL

2010-05-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

www.monumentalmarathon.com + Hal Higdon = :)

ONE MORE STEP

2010-03-13T21:38:00.002-05:00

As if having 2 kids weren't enough, I have been DYING (srsly folks) to get a dog for like a year. But, my husband, being the wiser of the pair, told me we'd need to wait a little while... you know, at least until we unpack all of the underwear.

Well folks - we just took one giant leap towards getting a dog! YEEEEEEEEE!! I just completed an online application to adopt a 11 month old mixed breed. It is SOOO hard to resist those cute 3 month old puppy faces when you go to the adoption events. You just have to keep repeating your mantra in your head "housebroken dog, housebroken dog...."

It feels oddly like I'm growing up all over again... yes i know i have children, but these people made me answer questions about what would happen if we were no longer able to care for the animal. No one did that with the kids... they were all,
"CONGRATULATIONS! Here's your new helpless baby that depends on you for everything!! Isn't he adorable? By the way, there is no owner's manual for this one, buddy!"

And you just know that they were giggling at your vacant expression after they closed the door.

INSPIRED

2010-02-24T19:30:00.002-05:00

Leah is starting to run again... so I decided to be a huge copycat and do the hal higdon spring training program. Only my work SUCKS A BIG FAT TOE, and I am so far behind that I don't think I'll ever be able to catch-up. So, I ran last night... but can't tonight.

Logging off to work my arse off... boo.

HOT WHEELS PARTAY!

2009-07-29T19:45:00.004-04:00

August 22nd, several (trying to forget the #) boys under the age of 8 will be invading my home for a HOT WHEELS PARTY!!!! I am super excited about having the kids over. BUUUUUT, now I am in a dilemma. I want to have some cool race car themed activities and food, but I need help... PLEASE HELP!!

So far, I am thinking that we'll get a pinata, have an obstacle course, decorate with checkered flags, have Hot Wheels cupcakes (or cookies). We also are watching a new cartoon Hot Wheels DVD. We'll have goodie bags with hot wheels, action figures, and Hot Wheels posters.

Any other (or better??) ideas out there?

FROM THE BACKSEAT

2009-07-27T22:43:00.003-04:00

K: EWWWW, that stinks!!
Me: (OK, I'll bite) What stinks?
K: My feet, socks, and shoes!
Me: Why the heck are you smelling your shoes!?
K: And my feet.... and socks...
Me: You are so weird...
K: It smells like fart! *sniff* Bad fart!
T: Stop smelling your feet!! That's gross! *sniff* AH MAN THAT STINKS! *falls out laughing*
K: *cackling*

Why are boys so gross!? And... why was he wearing socks with crocs!?

RUNNING COMES BACK SO HARD

2009-07-18T20:51:00.006-04:00

Went for a slow, mildly painful 3 miles this week. I have been doing P90X, so I thought that would be substantial enough to jump right back in... and I was wrong... oh I was so wrong.

One thing to note - I will definitely need new shoes within the next month. Knee did NOT like running in these. When the knee talks, I listen.

BTW, got pics of the dudes done tonight!! They ROCK! We spent way too much money, even though I vowed walking in there that we were NOT BUYING ANYTHING!! We had a free coupon for the Picture People - free 8x10, 2 sheets 5x7, & a sheet of wallets. It had been 2 years since we had professional pics taken and I am *cough* thrifty.

I saw those pictures that they bring out & I LOVED THEM... almost more than the actual kids themselves. These faces LOOK like my kids, but I imagined that these kids listen ALL THE TIME and clean their rooms, and wash behind their ears! Their little voices whispered to me... said that they even weed the flower beds and wash the dog with a smile on their cherubic faces. Well, they would wash the dog... if we had one.

BIG LEAGUE CHEW

2009-07-13T18:04:00.001-04:00

IS DA SHIT!!!

AB RIPPER

2009-07-06T22:37:00.002-04:00

Sorry, Tony... couldn't hang with you tonight on the abs. Maybe it was because I ate the Penn Station for lunch... yum...

SOMETHING ELSE THAT SUX

2009-07-06T19:40:00.000-04:00

Losing a big toenail... gross.

WEEK 3

2009-07-06T19:35:00.002-04:00

We did week 1 like... 2 or 3 times... but now we're onto week 3. I just didn't feel right moving on without giving the week a fair shot. :) I think I have started to adjust to the workouts too, which is totally against what P90X is supposed to be doing. Next week is a 'rest' week. Which all of us know is just code for a little less butt kicking than normal. :) I think when the 3 months is up, I'll have to post a pic for you guys to see how buff I got. LOL

On a side note, POISON IVY SUX!!!

GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT

2009-06-12T22:03:00.002-04:00

Did plyometrics today - holy crap! What's that John Cougar Mellencamp song ... hurt so good... feeling better now - but I was totally hurting for that entire hour!

P90X

2009-06-11T21:24:00.002-04:00

is no joke. I barely can lift my fingers.

First day down. :)

I can't believe I'm smiling.

Next time I'm putting the (pitiful) numbers here.

Plyometrics tomorrow.

BIKING

2009-06-01T13:46:00.003-04:00

T is riding his bike - ALL BY HIMSELF!! WOO - WOOOOOOO!!

Now we can actually go on family bike rides - which will be great when we start going to the Y. It is a little far for him now, but soon he'll be up to the mileage.

WEEK 1

2009-05-25T10:40:00.002-04:00

Having an actual schedule keeps me running. Imagine that. :) I did all 3 runs on my schedule and actually walked a day too. :) It was nice to be active again. Chad is right - I am happier when exercising. Now I just have to make the decision to join the YMCA or not. I just don't want to waste the $$.

My knee was twingey at the end of my great big 3 mile run this weekend. I will have to make sure not to add mileage too quickly. I want to start training for a 1/2 marathon for this fall, but I don't know which one I want to do, yet. I do know that I'm anxious to begin, so I am prone to add mileage too quickly. If I do, I know I'll just get hurt - since I'm good at getting injured.

I just saw the most hilarious thing on Sesame Street (shut up, I have 2 preschool kids!). James Blunt was on the show. He was singing "You're Beautiful", but the lyrics were changed to "My Triangle". HAHA OK, so it wasn't GUT SPLITTING hilarity, but it was slightly more hilarious than stubbing my toe.

SCHEDULED

2009-05-19T09:13:00.001-04:00

Almost... LOL

I printed out my Hal novice 5K schedule. Now, just to find a race. I am not really a novice, but I don't think that I could do the first week of the Intermediate without pain. So, since I like to move my legs at work, I figured I'd do a modified novice. Like last night, I did 2 mi instead of 1.5. That's WAYYYY more. :)

Now, just to find a race in about 2 months...

To get you caught up a bit - Tony is in T-ball and doing GREAT!! Kyle starts basketball in a couple of weeks and is super excited. Chad got P90X, so now i'm looking for a good deal on SelectTech dumbells from Bowflex. :) Being an active family is so much more time consuming than couch potatoes. LOL

ALL GROWED UP

2009-03-19T12:34:00.003-04:00

You guys - it was just yesterday when my dudes were babies!!! just think... Now my oldest is registering for KINDERGARTEN!! I was looking at the supplies list & thought about him sitting at his desk in school... awwwww. I know he'll do well. :) It's just that - he's a LITTLE KID now instead of my baby. He doesn't even have those baby wrists like Kyle has anymore.

Chad thinks I'm a total dork. LOL

WHOA

2009-03-12T12:40:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day back on... a measly 30 min. But, at least it's 30 minutes more than yesterday.

There are so many changes since the last time I've written... too much to go into.

no excuses now... we have a treadmill at the house. it even smells like new plastic in the house. :)

INTERNET HILARITY

2008-10-22T10:24:00.003-04:00

PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

2008-10-08T08:37:00.003-04:00

...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

oh yeah, and healthcare.

MAMA NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES

2008-09-12T22:44:00.003-04:00

Since the Brooks Trance 7, I have not had a shin splint or knee problem! woot! So, I now have the Trance 8 now (thanks Chad!!). Hopefully, these shoes will treat me just as well. My 7s were really worn - I've had them since the (woulda, coulda, shoulda) Chicago Marathon last year! You could see that one color of the rubber had worn in places all the way through to the black. Plus, they were brown/gray/grungy from the run the spring that plopped me into a mud bog.

After my run today, it seemed pretty good. I like the fact that the toe box upper is completely mesh, sort of like my ubercushiony (although not supportive enough) ProGrid4s. The arch support is definitely different though. It seems like it is pressing on my left foot differently than the 7s did, although this could be because I was running on a slanted surface for most of the run, which would wear out one foot more than the other. Definitely positive to note, my heel didn't slip or slide in these at all.

WEEK 1 AGAIN

2008-08-27T15:34:00.003-04:00

Yes I am doing week 1 again. Shut up. I didn't get all 3 workouts in last week, so I am redoing it. On the bright side of things, day 1 was really not hard at all last night.

:)

On the dark side of things, it was hot as hades and my run sucked.

NO JOKE

2008-08-19T11:07:00.005-04:00

Push-ups are HARD. :) I don't think I truly realized the magnitude of doing 100 push-ups when I started this freak show...erm, i meant to say journey. :)

Last night I did 2 whole miles... then did the first day of week 1 again. I am going to keep doing this freaking workout until I can get through the first week without doing girly push-ups. I noticed that today I don't hurt nearly like last week - it felt like I had bruises on my sides!

I am taking Leah's advice (for once) and doing 3 miles for months until it's easy peasy rice & cheesy. Then I'm going to start looking at 1/2 marathons in the spring. I don't want to get too ahead of myself... so i'm just looking at 3 miles tomorrow. Eventually I might actually do the whole 3. Last night, I wanted to do three, but ended up with 2 because treadmills suck & my tummy wasn't really agreeing with me. This douche got on the machine next to me when there are literally 30 open ones that are not next to me. So I had to hold in any functions... which made my tummy hurt.

It seems like people really like running next to me. I must look too nice or something. I need to get a mean face so that people stay away.

DAY 2 PUSH-UP

2008-08-15T11:33:00.002-04:00

Totally busted me. I couldn't do it. I was in the gym, my puny arms were shaking, and I couldn't do 1 full set of 12, let alone complete the entire workout! I think that I will go down to the middle level plan... what was I thinking? Obviously 11 push ups was a fluke! :)

I'm sure that the men around me had a good laugh at my pathetic attempt. :)

DISNEY BOUND

2008-08-14T13:47:00.004-04:00

In 2009, I think the fam is going to Disney in FL. I've been looking at pricing and things like that now (i know it's early). I think that a Disney vacation seems so nebulous & confusing that I need to have things planned out way early or it'll become a huge hassle that I would wish that I had never done. I hate hassles.

A co-worker is a complete Disney pro though - they go twice a year. I think we'll go the first week of December (when it's the cheapest and the least # of people). That is a really slow time for me at work. I have no clue when Chad's slow time at work is anymore, but I think that he could probably go at any time.

Any tips would be appreciated! :)

I think we'll probably stay at the Caribbean Resort (name??) in a Pirate room. The kids would really like that. It's really close to MGM Studios & Disney Downtown. Plus my insider said that the bus for that resort only goes to that resort instead of the others that make numerous stops.

I don't know how many days we'll actually go to the parks, or whether to get the park hopper pass. I'd sort of like to go to 1 park/day, but if the kids are monsters at one, then we go back to the hotel for a nap (more for me than them LOL), then what if we want to go to a different one? Dunno... have to think about that one.

I've been thinking - HOW IN THE WORLD ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO ORGANIZE THE DAY?! Is there some sort of master schedule of shows, parades, events, and general happenings that I get upon check-in to the hotel? Really seems overwhelming. I want to meet the characters, but don't want to stand in line for 4 hours to do so. I want to ride Space Mountain (that IS a ride, right?), but don't want to have to wait in the line 2x because I know Chad'll want to ride it too - and the kids are too small to ride most rides.

I just don't want to miss something and regret it. I never got to go to Disney growing up & want to make the most of it because who knows if we'll be able to go again?!

OK, once again, I know I am freaking out about something that is happening over a year away. LOL

I ALWAYS WANTED

2008-08-14T09:32:00.003-04:00

to be asian, hawaiian, italian, latina, philippino... any darker skinned nationality other than mine. They are always so much more TAN than I am. Even when they're not tan - they are!

This doesn't mean that I don't love my family - I definitely do. I just wish they endowed the supernatural powers of the tan to me.

edit: my ribs hurt from pushups! is this even possible!?

BACK TO COLUMBUS

2008-08-11T20:30:00.004-04:00

Got back from Chicago yesterday. I had a blast! Alas, my children, marriage and my job called me home. :) I really missed the little boogers, too. They had tons of fun playing in the dirt at MIL's house, so I'm sure they didn't miss me too much.

First we went to The Pontiac (Cafe?). Had a couple of beers & then went to Leah's apt to drop off my stuff, pick up Dr. J., & head to the Silver Palm. We totally brought back 1999... then promptly went to sleep at 9:30. LOL. Silver Palm's food was pretty good! We were almost the only people in the train car though, so it was really cool to be as loud as you wanted.

The next morning, Leah & I went to get mani/pedi's. Then we walked around for 50 hours. Then we went on an architecture tour on the river. That was surprisingly fun. :) Then we walked around for another 50 hours & went to the West Fest. Which we then walked around, for another 50 hours. (See a trend?)

Sunday we (wait for it) walked around for 50 hours, then I had to come home. My entire family met me at the airport & I was surprised because Tony was actually still awake. Usually by 9, he is snoring. According to Chad, T's snoring actually kept him awake all weekend!

Synopsis of the weekend, walking, eating, drinking beer. Sounds not so fun, but it was completely and totally fun because Leah is the hottest.

Another note: I just completed my first day of the 100 push-up challenge... damn, it was hard! My wrists hurt. Gotta get buff.

TRAVELING

2008-08-07T15:32:00.001-04:00

Chicago baby! I am so excited! Going off to see some doctors. See you all soon. :)

INITIAL TEST

2008-08-04T21:38:00.003-04:00

11 push-ups. Completely & totally average - rank 2. I think I could've done more though... hrm. :) OK, not redoing the test.... so stuck at 2. LOL

Random addition: I organized my Christmas presents that I have already purchased. Yes, I have Christmas presents...envy me.

AM I THE LAST ONE

2008-08-01T12:27:00.003-04:00

to get the 100 push-up challenge memo? I mean, really!?! I am a sucker for a challenge (sometimes). I'm definitely down for making my arms look more like Ahnald than Danny DeVito.

I'll try it tonight after my hair appt... and after the camping thing with T. Maybe I'll even run again last yesterday before attempting push-ups. Does this sound like I am procrastinating? Well, I'm not. :)

Oh yeah, aaaaaaand I watched I love the 80's last night on VH1 - hilarious.

HURTS MORE THAN EXPECTED

2008-08-01T10:23:00.001-04:00

2 things:

1. first 1/2 mile of any run
2. 2 y/o told me I was a bad mom. How mean is he?!

CHILDCARE

2008-07-14T11:42:00.004-04:00

My nanny is really awesome. That being said, T is having a hard time not emulating her little girl (who is 2). According to Chad, she throws the mother of all tantrums and now Tony is starting that same thing...over EVERYTHING. My previously improving little dude is now backsliding.

So, now we have an issue. Do we just continue on as we are now & when he returns to school we have to undo this problem? Or, do we fire the (awesome) nanny & send him to school camp until August 1st, when we then have to find something else to do with him for 3 weeks until school starts again at the end of August?

I really hate to fire her because we're her job and she's going to be hard-pressed to find a job for 6 weeks until school begins. I know I would be completely bonkers for $ if I didn't have a job for 6 weeks. On the other hand, another month of this may really hurt him when he returns to school and the other (well-behaved) children. I need to put my kids first, right? But I made a commitment to her to employ her for the whole summer! Argh.

Kyle is the same little dude he always is... goes with the flow mostly. So, we would probably send him back to the daycare we just took him from for 6 weeks & he'd do great until the montessori school started up in August. Then he'd flow right into the montessori school just as easily. I am so thankful that he is so easygoing. ;)

I think we'll just start off by talking to her and seeing what we can hash out about the tantrums. He's 4 1/2 years old for christ's sake - he shouldn't be rolling around on the ground kicking his feet because it is time to shut off the tv...

BLEH

2008-06-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

ON THIS DAY

2008-06-09T14:59:00.001-04:00

I was wrong. Mark it in history.

Mario Kart is not da shiz.

GUITAR HERO III IS!!!

STARTING OVAH

2008-06-03T14:46:00.004-04:00

I really like where I live. The actual apt is not that great-big enough, but not home-but the location ROCKS! I live across the street from the grocery store and Burger King (this is not as much of a temptation as you may think), 1/2 mile from a great park, and 3/4 mile from my gym! So last night, I ran to the gym (actually a little past), grabbed a swim lesson pamphlet, and ran back home. I felt like a rockstar - and eco-friendly. :)

So what, it's only 1.5 miles... I'll take it since I haven't run in weeks. Plus, I had a pamphlet, that counts as an extra .5 miles. LOL

Tonight swimming! This is the first week of my training for the tri in August. No, I haven't paid for it yet. BUT! It is in PEN in my planner. That is commitment.

HEY LAY-DEEEEEES

2008-05-29T20:52:00.004-04:00

As sad as it is to go through divorce, Dwayne Johnson is a party of one. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but, my oh my, is this man gorgeous!

I'd like to give him my "People's Elbow". And I would definitely "go one on one with the Great One", the most "ELECTRIFYING MAN in sports entertainment".

Since I don't cook, you KNOW I can definitely smell what the Rock is cookin'!

Maybe he can just come by & take me to the Smackdown Hotel. :)

MIRACLE FRUIT

2008-05-29T13:51:00.005-04:00

I wouldn't really call it that - but evidentally other people do. No - it's not beans! (besides that's the magical fruit)

This guy is throwing Miracle Fruit (Sideroxylon dulcificum fo yo ass) parties in SF & NYC.

It looks oddly like a party I would throw, only the food is crazy! Radishes, lemons, limes, crappy tequila (ok I would have that)... I SO WANT TO TRY IT! That would be the best way ever to get all your veggies in!

You would never have your kid tell you:
Kid: No I won't eat BRUSSEL SPROUTS! YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! (not that I eat brussel sprouts)

Hell, you could even say it was candy - just give it to them & they would NEVER KNOW! Awesome. I am all about duping my kids.

BEST IDEA EVER

2008-05-27T21:26:00.001-04:00

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC!

Any tips, caveats, ideas???

MARIO KART IS DA SHIZ

2008-05-24T21:49:00.001-04:00

that is all.

ALONE IS HARD

2008-05-20T15:06:00.003-04:00

I have been meaning to take the kids to LifeTime to get them on our membership so that I can do something besides ride the couch.

Since Wednesday.

It is so HARD to get anything done when you're the only person over the age of 12 in your house... or in my case, over the age of 5. You're constantly refereeing WWIII in the living room while trying to make dinner, clean up dinner, fold laundry, vacuum the carpet, reattach limbs... you get the idea. The kids go to sleep at 7. Yes - SEVEN! If they don't go to bed that early, they are maniacs & I might have to kill one. Or both.

By the time I get them to bed, I'm exhausted.

I am not trying to complain or grumble... I'm just putting it out there. It's hard for Chad to be away so much too. I know he'd rather be here so that I didn't go bald or drown my 2 year old. :) *just kidding!* Plus, I know that there are tons of women out there that don't have a spouse or partner to help them with there kids...ever. They're rolling their eyes at me right this very second. I guess it's hard to adjust to get back to time management. Maybe I'll have to push back the bedtime. Or, maybe I'll not give them a bath everyday.... shudder. All I know is that something has got to give. I think I have gained 8396 pounds this week that Chad is gone. I am sniping at the kids. I know it is because I haven't ran in over 3 weeks. I haven't swam (swum?) in over a week. Biking...what's that, eh?

So, today we're going to the grocery store to buy things for T's lunch. We're also getting a couple of things to eat so that we won't have to go back at least until Saturday. So, I'm not going to Lifetime again today! HOPEFULLY, I'll be able to go tomorrow.

RANDOMNESS

2008-05-14T14:44:00.003-04:00

Chad is out of town for 9 F-ING days. (aren't you proud of my self-censorship?) That leaves me with a semi potty-trained Stinky-Face & a semi well-behaved Dude. I'm not too worried - we'll just eat PB&J for 2 weeks.

Going to gym tonight - but not to work out. We are going to add the kids to the membership. I keep telling people it's so that I can go workout while Chad travels, but really it is because the kids are fat. Those chix nuggets are going straight to the gut, Dude.

Boss has been gone @ work for a week. Jeans & shorts were great. Tomorrow it's back to khakis. Booty.

Mario Kart is da shiiiiiiiz!! Fo REALZ! I'll post my License # so that we can race. And yes, I have looked up shortcuts & cheats on the webbernet. :)

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ME

2008-05-03T16:11:00.003-04:00

JOBS

2008-05-01T09:55:00.002-04:00

Oh yeah - we both got 'em!

Now, hopefully the next two posts will be:
HOUSE: Oh yeah - we got one!
DOG: Oh yeah - we got one!

LOL

EDIT: I don't know why I suddenly want an animal to invade my home. Weird. Am I becoming human?

NOT DOING IT

2008-04-29T13:04:00.003-04:00

Obviously, I am not doing the pig. Can't. Won't. Tomato. Tomahto.

Should I drive to the expo? Pick up the packet? Decisions. Decisions.

I really want to run. Can't. Won't. um - see above.

Cutting my hair into something completely different. Yes, again. Yes, it will be cute. Yes, I'm tired of waiting.

Sunny & breezy outside. Yay! Too cold for shorts. Boo!

I'm totally ambivalent & contrary. I am in this SORT OF bad mood. I don't know why. I think it has something to do with me WANTING to run... but it is uncomfortable in my current state (which I will not elaborate on - I've got SOME privacy here). I'm totally in this in-between-waiting-wanting-not-wanting place and I hate it. I'm sure it'll be better next week when I can run again. I'm totally taking Leah's advice (shocking) and doing 3 miles OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER ad nauseum until my legs are fine. Buildin up again. again.

I don't know what's worse... to not do. or to not want to. or to sort of want to, but not really. kinda almost?? Jeez, am I an f-ing girl or what.

MY HUSBAND DOES NOT KNOW

2008-04-25T16:10:00.002-04:00

that I am totally running tonight. Then, I'm lifting weights. I MIGHT even check out the pool situation @ lifetime again.

Whooooo - party friday night!!

sidenote: I really need to get inspired. any good reads?

I RUN

2008-04-21T16:03:00.001-04:00

Last night 31 minutes before zingers got me. I was 1/2 mile from home... so that made a chilly walk back after sweating.

Definitely won't be ready for the pig. :(

TWITTER SUCKS CRAP

2008-04-10T11:50:00.003-04:00

I just tweeted (twat?) twice and nothing posted. Booty.

Going to Indy this weekend for a little get-away. Staying at Grandma's house - BOOYA! The kids really miss their cousin and I'm bored in Cols. This will probably kill any chance of me going to do well at the pig, but really, that looks like it's the crapper as well. Last night I did 2 miles before knee pain... which is longer than before, but still... 2 miles is NOT 13 miles (hello mr. obvious).

This trip is good timing because blockbuster just sent us 3 MOVIES! Blockbuster's error=our gain! Bee Movie & Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium here we come!

7

2008-04-07T09:56:00.003-04:00

I did the whole 7 miles. Although, if I were on the treadmill instead of out on the road, it would've been more like 5. That's the good and bad thing about being out there, you can't just quit. You've got to eventually make your way back home.

Knee update:
It has gone from twingey, to zinger, to UGLY.

The last 2 miles were HARD. I think I'm going to get a knee compression brace-thing to see if that helps. I could run 4-5 min then had to walk... then the last mile was complete pain running or walking. So I decided to run as much of it as I could stand. Every uneven part of the path jarred my knee.

I did the 7 in an hour & a half-ish... sad, but done.

OH YEAH - I didn't tell you... I decided to downgrade my long runs to Hal's novice plan. There was no way I could get back on the wagon at this point, so I'm trying to keep Hal's weekly intermediate plan but long runs on the novice plan.

Really, at this point, I'll take any mishmash of a plan I can get if it means I'll make it through the half in May.

EDIT: Just got an email - 26 more days! WTF, are they trying to kill me?

ZIIIIIIIIING

2008-04-03T10:01:00.001-04:00

zing: the feeling my knee gives me when I run.

AWWWWWW

2008-04-01T20:23:00.003-04:00

DUDE: You know what I prayed? I prayed that when I grow up - when I get bigger and older and grown up - that I can be a superhero.

ME: You can DEFINITELY be a superhero when you grow up.

DUDE: You know what else I prayed? I prayed that Kyle can be a little superhero, too. He can be Spiderboy.

SO MAD

2008-03-31T14:17:00.003-04:00

This is probably going into TMI territory, but I am so pissed off right now, I need to vent. This post will probably be deleted when I get calm, but it makes me feel better now.

I had a test done that came back abnormal. The office called to say that the doctor would like to have a consultation with me to discuss the results and what we're going to do about them. So, I went in for a consultation and basically was told :

"We're going to need to do this... which is another test. If it comes back this level to this level, then we'll just need to do follow-ups. If it comes back above that level, then you're going to die." (well, not really, ad libbing here)

Then he handed me a brochure & said that I'd need to make an appt. Which is fine, except SURPRISE, SURPRISE! the front desk ladies had gone to lunch. So, I had to call back.

So mad.

So I call them after 1 and say I need to schedule this procedure and they said that a nurse does that. She'd have a nurse give me a call. WTF. Got the nurse's return call and the machine is at 'service' for 2 weeks! So, my appt is the 16th.

Why didn't they just schedule the damn appt when they called me last week to schedule the "consultation"... which is really just him sitting there giving me a brochure. They could have done all of this over the phone and saved me the $20 co-pay and the 1/2 hour it took me to drive, sit & listen. Bastards.

THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS

2008-03-30T14:31:00.004-04:00

I went to Highbanks today. For the non-Columbus people (me included), Highbanks is a metro park. It is actually a pretty cool place to run & the trails are great. Good scenery, and a lot of people out, even though it was pretty chilly/sprinkly today.

I was running this trail that started out gravel and in great shape... then somehow I got on this trail that was dirt & grass. No problem, just keep running, it's all loops, so I'll get back somehow. Plus they have signposts that show you where you are if you just keep an eye out. It was a little mucky, but that's no problem, I just ran around the muddy areas. Then I ran into some mulch... that was not mulch. It was a mud pit covered by a thin skin of mulch. COMPLETELY SOAKED MY SHOES. I checked my map (yes i am a dork) and realized that I am as far away from the car as I could be on this trail, so I ran/walked back to the car because my shoes were squishing at me. I could actually hear them!

9 miles didn't happen yet. But I have another pair of shoes (old ones, :( oh well), so I'll probably do 6 on the mill tonight at the gym. Not the same, but at least I got the mileage in.

One more thing to note, my right knee is twingey. Its on the outside right by the kneecap. I definitely have to keep an eye on it.

EDIT: It physically hurts my eyes to look at the brown mess that used to be my beautiful shoes. sigh.

ALGEBRA

2008-03-30T14:29:00.001-04:00

S + W = NJ

where

S= Steep hill
W = head wind
NJ = No Joke!

NEW ROUTE

2008-03-27T14:01:00.002-04:00

I found a neighborhood that has a perfect 2 mile loop around it. It's awesome! So, I know exactly how fast I'm going every 2 miles. I don't know how that really translates into keeping me on pace, but I think it's cool. Plus, it is EXACTLY 1.5 miles from my house. So, to get a perfect 5 miles in, all I have to do is run there do a loop & run back. Perfect.

It's hard for me to back track & make loops and such in order to get a full run in. It's even worse if I have a loop, then I have to add a little extra to it... like, if I make this loop, and go on this street out & back .5, then I'll have my full run. Plus, if I run by my house or car more than once, I feel it tugging at me, like it is calling me... "Briiiiiidgette... Briiiiiiiiiiiidgeeeeette. You know that you'd feel alot better if you stoooooopped." I much prefer an out & back or one BIG loop.

I really have to get used to running outside - my legs and knees are sore after running 4.5 last night. Since it's rainy & cold today (and I haven't found a track that is unlocked, yet), I'm going to run my 9x400 on the treadmill. as long as it isn't suffocatingly hot at the gym. and my clothes don't have tons of static cling. I hate it when it does that. I'm also doing my strength work out tonight. I figure that speedwork is more important than a slow 3.

SUCCESS

2008-03-24T13:13:00.004-04:00

I got in a ~5 mi run on Sunday. I know that the schedule calls for 6.2, but that's the best I could do & I'm happy to report it! The weather was really beautiful. It was also on hills - I just wish I had a comparison so I know if I'm training hard enough for the Cinci hills. I think that I will be able to jump right back in this week with the Higdon plan. Yay!

Also - Kyle has on BIG BOY UNDIES!! Spiderman to be exact. He is SO EXCITED about them. I'm relieved. Today is day #2 and Sunday went really well with the Diego undies. LOL. We'll see how he does at daycare. He has to wear his pullups/diaper when he sleeps still. But I can totally handle that. I am SO TIRED of freaking diapers I could puke. I hope he doesn't have any accidents at school - we sent 5 pairs of pants & socks to school, so that should take care of today.

ROB & BIG

2008-03-21T12:38:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love this show on MTV. Chad found it a couple weeks ago & we sat down & watched it until oh... twelve or so... at night. This is unheard of. IT IS ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.

Even Dooce thinks so.

I sit on the couch the whole time thinking, what in the world are they doing? I guess this is what ppl with more money than time do. AND LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF.

BACK TO 75%

2008-03-19T20:49:00.002-04:00

My illness suuuuuuucked to the maximum suctitude that ever sucked. I haven't ran since last wednesday. I am hoping to run tomorrow. This weekend's 're-doing last weekend's 8 miles' seems pretty much a pipe dream. I'm going to formulate a new plan - as soon as I figure out what my craptastic back will let me do.

I SHOULDA BEEN MORE SYMPATHETIC

2008-03-17T16:00:00.002-04:00

to Leah, Jason, & Chad. I have been horribly sick since Friday. We went to the hospital & they said that my liver, gall bladder, & pancreas were all ok... it must be a spastic bowel. I don't really know what the heck htat means, except that it felt like my intestines were twisted. I couldn't eat anything and had to take 2 vicodans every 4 hours just to keep the pain at bay. I am still not 100%. I feel druggy & tired. I think I'm on the upswing though.

Think good thoughts.

I will have to tweak this week's training to accomodate my puniness.

I <3 WII

2008-03-13T08:29:00.005-04:00

Last night, before the 7x400 that I completely rocked, Chad downloaded my all-time fave game on the Wii... Super Mario Bros 3!!! This is the one that you can turn into a flying raccoon. Chad played it for 1/2 hour bfore I had to go... it was hard - running or Wii-ing? I made the responsible decision (and was eventually happy), but it was touch & go there for a minute. I want to check out the New Super Mario Bros - but it is only for DS :(. Mario is GIGANTIC in some of the promo pics, how awesome would it be to play on a real TV?!

Also, RE: the 7x400 last night... I was in the middle of a row of empty treadmills (i know, it was beautiful, but I couldn't get outside during the day), and this lady comes & uses the mill RIGHT NEXT TO ME. The WHOLE ROW was EMPTY! So, I didn't think anything of it, until another girl uses the mill on the OTHER SIDE! WTF?! The latest girl was going 7.2 mph! Tramp.

I am getting faster, I think. I got up to a 8:41 mi during 3 of the intervals. I just need to translate that into running actual miles at that speed.

JEALOUS

2008-03-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

OF YOU! That is, if you're outside running today in Columbus. At 2, it was 50 effing degrees! I won't get the chance to get outside tonight because Chad has a meeting with dentists tonight & a big seminar tomorrow... so I'll have to do today's run tomorrow night (which I hate! because then I don't feel like a got a day off, even though I did - obviously).

I take solace knowing that it will be like this all the time soon...

Spring come quickly!

TEMPO

2008-03-06T09:58:00.002-05:00

This is one of the harder runs in this program and I can't really figure out why. Is it because I 'think' that it's hard? Is it really harder?

My shin pain is kicked up a bit. I am getting a wee bit concerned about it, truthfully. I may have to take out a run and substitute bike or swim for it. Not that it's a 'real' substitution. Kyle landed on my shin yesterday while I was sitting on the ground and I had a real tear pop out of my eye. There's no lump, yet. I'm just icing & ibuprofening the shit out of it, hoping it will go away.

SWITCHEROO

2008-03-04T17:32:00.004-05:00

I did today's workout last night since it was FREAKING 65!! Are you kidding me? How could I do S&S when I could go for a run? Unfortunately, it started sprinkling...and I had the iPhone... so that mean I booked my ass back to the house ASAP. I was not going to ruin that $400 phone!

So, I didn't do the entire scheduled run. But when I did come back, I did do a couple laps around the circle in front of the house with the kids. It was really fun! It also left today open for my haircut. :)

At work today, I completely jacked my knee into the side of my desk... right under the kneecap in that little hollow place. IT HURT LIKE HELL! It still hurts 6 hours later! I'm sure i have a nice bruise starting. Tomorrow's a tempo run! Wheeeeee!

WASTED DAY

2008-03-03T09:54:00.003-05:00

I completely wasted yesterday's 60 degree heatwave... damn gummy bears gave me a stomachache!

I'm thinking of making up for it tonight - doing 7 miles tonight so that I can still do the 5k this weekend.

Thoughts?

LAUGHABLE

2008-02-22T20:16:00.003-05:00

I just put the 2 kids to bed. I let them watch Transformers all the way to the end. Mostly because I wanted to watch it again, but slightly because I knew it would be a fight to the death with The Dude if I made him go to bed before he saw the credits. It's Friday night - what's an extra hour? Hopefully they will sleep in tomorrow.

The little guy has a new puppy stuffed animal that he HAS TO HAVE EVERY NIGHT. If he doesn't have it, I think that there just might be some sort of space time continuum shift and our world will cease to exist as we know it. just a thought.

The things I do for this kid... he could find it anywhere. So I helped him look. We came up with 3 stuffed animals that were dogs, but now THE DOG. So everytime I thought I could trick him he started wailing again that he wants HIS PUPPY.... it was so pitiful. So, the last place to look was in the car. If it wasn't there, I think his face would melt off and I'd actually see this black hole where his soul has escaped his body. Thankfully, the puppy was in his car seat - so that crisis averted... I thought it was time to sing 2 good night songs & off to sleep because Lord knows that he can barely keep his peepers peeping.

Oh no.

"I need socks." wailing ensues.

Of course, he has pajamas with feet on them. There's NO PLACE to put socks. Try to explain that to a sobbing 2 year old that HAS TO HAVE SOCKS! More incomprehensible sentences mixed with wails and the word socks. By this time, The Dude is staring at him and saying, "you don't need socks! You don't need socks!" Can Stinky hear this? no. Because he doesn't HAVE HIS SOCKS! So, I tried to put the socks on his pillow. This actually made it worse, if you can imagine that.

I put them on his hands. Immediately, he was calm. I didn't even get through 2 good night songs and he was asleep. Snoring.

I guess socks will save the world.

EASY SCHMEASY

2008-02-21T19:50:00.004-05:00

HELL I WAS WRONG! First to admit it... (okay, probably not the FIRST, but sometimes I'll admit it) The 30 minutes was sort of rough. Max speed on the mill was 6.1, so I was going pretty darn fast for a turtle. :)

I hate being rushed when going to the gym. Usually I take my time to change & lace up the shoes & get warmed up & make sure that my sansa is probably stationed. Today was a different story. I completely rushed through getting dressed/undressed. I hoped that I hadn't forgotten something important (like my sansa, doh!). But I was in & out of the rec center in 40 minutes. Probably a record for me. Chad is in Chicago for a dental meeting & we're left to fend for ourselves this weekend. That means that it'll be hard to get in my runs... good thing the gym has daycare. Bad thing is that they don't change diapers. So, if Stinkyface cuts a big one, my long run will definitely turn into a short one.

The Dude is getting another evaluation done tomorrow - something like a play date something or another. If school is cancelled, though, the eval is cancelled. So we're hoping for a ton of snow tonight. We're supposed to get 3 inches tonight, then ice. Hopefully it'll be cancelled... then I can take him to his new school & get my run in during the am. Since I already have scheduled a half day tomorrow, I'll do my 3 miles + strength in the am.

I have noticed something about my legs. BOTH shins are a little sore. I am not one to jump to conclusions...okay, maybe I am... I just know it's cancer! J/K I figure that the right shin will be one of those things that will always be with me now... sort of like the old lady with arthritis that can tell when it'll rain. I'm totally cool with that. It makes me feel sort of experienced - like, "yeah, see this leg - it always hurts for the first mile or so... war injury from my first marathon training plan." I'll definitely keep an eye on the pain though. I know now that if you see a huge goose egg on your shin - stop running. It's bad. But, this pain is totally manageable. I think it's cause I've really kicked up the mileage (going from 0 to training). Nothing a little I & I can't handle.

I ALMOST FORGOT

2008-02-20T11:39:00.003-05:00

Last night while I was at the gym, a random guy started talking to me about triathlons. I was wearing my Eagle Creek Sprint t-shirt and he is training for his first this spring. Actually, his first is going to be a kayak, bike, run tri. Then he'll do a regular spring in June, then an Oly in September (ambitious much?). He was so nice & funny that I think he's inspired me to get back into the pool.

Lifetime's pool is open 24 hrs, so I'll be able to go after my runs in the evening. I don't think I'll have many problems getting a lane @ 10pm... and there'll only be the lifeguard to watch me suck. :) FUN!

Other news, Chad is miserably sick. He might have to miss his Chicago Mid-Winter trip. As much as he says he doesn't like going, I know that he does because it's fun to be out of your element & go to all those dental parties. :) Wish him good feeling thoughts.

CRASH

2008-02-20T11:00:00.003-05:00

That sound would be me this morning on 270. That would also be the sound of the other wreck that happened 15 minutes after mine when the guy drove OVER the freaking guard rail! IT WAS CRAZY! Needless to say I'm glad we pulled over onto the other side of the road to exchange info.

I really hope that this girl doesn't try to screw with me/my insurance. She was clearly at fault, but we were both alone in our cars, so it would be a she said/she said issue if she did try to lie. There was no option, though, for the police to take our report because they weren't taking any statements unless there was an injury. Boo.

Hopefully the run tonight will go better than this morning...30 min tempo, easy peasey rice & cheesey.

WEEK 1 DOWN

2008-02-19T13:20:00.003-05:00

I made all of my workouts. Thank god. I'd hate to be a big loser and big sick or something the first week I start my half marathon training. Jeez, only horrible jerks do that. :)

I have had a couple of revelations on my rebirth as a distance runner (half marathons count, dammit). I will share them with you now. I know that you're really interested because otherwise, why the hell are you reading this?

1) Lifetime Fitness is ALWAYS BUSY. Don't expect to park closely unless you're handicapped. Yes, even at 10pm. I've never been @ 3am. You go & report back.
2) Since I am coming to the gym to run, I count that extra 3 miles from the 4th parking lot to the door in my workout.
3) Running slow seems to be harder than running fast...inexplicable but true (at this point).
4) My foot numbness only comes when I am running less than 4.6 mph. This is probably because I have to shorten my natural stride to go that slow.
5) Lifting weights is more enjoyable when not rushed. I will be buff and you will envy me.

Completely unrelated to running - it is a completely miserable experience when your face is numb from the dentist & you get an itch in the numb area. WTF is that all about? How does that even happen? You can't itch the itch! It is like having a nose itch & having your hands tied behind your back!

We went to Chuck E. Cheese yesterday. This is because the Dude had school off - damn this 'real school' montessori crap. After we had our fill of crappy pizza & running amock (does this count as a cross training day?), we went home & promptly passed out.

DAY2

2008-02-13T21:51:00.003-05:00

5x400m = way better than 3mi easy. My intervals were at 6mph on the mill... so does that mean I should be running about 31 minutes for my 5k?? That would be awesome! I'm still looking for a 5k to run on the weekend of the 8th... doesn't look too promising. Maybe I'll just have to do a pretend race. :)

In other news, I have a ginormous pimple on my cheek that is threatening to disfigure my face like the elephant man.

ANOTHER iPHONE WARNING

2008-02-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

Do not place iPhone on the ledge near the top of a staircase. You may bump the phone unexpectedly from its perch and it may fall down the stairs. This may cause hyperventilation & high blood pressure, as well as possibly damage your iPhone. Hopefully, there is a pillow at the bottom of the stairs to create a softer landing.

A NON-FAILURE

2008-02-13T09:58:00.003-05:00

1st official run for the flying pig 1/2 is in the books. 3 miles! OK, so I was supposed to stay under 147bpm. That so didn't happen. That was too slow for my stride (gasp!)... my left foot kept going to sleep because I kept running on the balls of that foot (why not the other, dunno). So, after 2 miles of boring running I kicked it (beast-eee boyz!) up to where it was a little faster. 155bpm. I'm definitely retesting my max HR. This Saturday.

I also am uber-cool. 2 gym memberships! HUZZAH The 30 min limit at the rec ctr was totally cramping my style so I'm at Lifetime now. Does this qualify me as a real athlete now?

HILL ON MILL

2008-01-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

I did a hill workout today, on the treadmill....blech. It was so boring that if I didn't have duelling Ellen & Oprah, I might have gouged the eyes out of the lady that kept staring at my stats. Really, do they HAVE to put it out there for everyone to see that I am going 5.4 mph & have gone 1.9 miles & blah blah blah? Why can't there be a button to make it secret? The "Not so fast, nosy!" button. I think I have found my $1,000,000 idea! Screw running - I'll just pay someone else to do it for me - wheee!

Onto Dude-related news - he is going to a Montessori school. Hopefully this will help him transition easier because it is self-propelled learning. The directress (fancy!) told me that at his age schedules seem to be arbitrary - why should he have to sit down & eat snack? he's not hungy... he wants to finish making his block tower... or whatever. I just hope that he doesn't choke somebody and they kick him out. Then we'd really be screwed cause we have NOPLACE to put him. I guess I'd just have to quit my job & become a stay-at-home mom. Then I could train him to bring me bonbons & massage my feet. Ah, the life.

Stinky-face news: he is doing well using the toilet. He's getting the hang of telling us he needs to go, but not so much on actually holding it until we get his diaper off. Or, he'll be dry for 5 hours, then he'll throw a huge tantrum & pee. I wish I could just make him have tantrums while he's on the toilet. Success every time!

Oh yeah - Sunshiney news: I sent in my $ for the Flying Pig 1/2. I dare you all to join me. hehehe... Leah & Jason are going to run and I've bugged everyone I know to sign up too. PLUS - TOMORROW IS HAIRCUT DAY! Woot!

REE-DIC-OO-LUS

2008-01-29T08:22:00.000-05:00

Running last night started out great - over 50 degrees & not sunny. Until I turned around. I hadn't noticed that there was a STRONG tailwind (now headwind) that froze my ears & fingers. Since it's hard to run with your hands covering your ears, I basically walked back.

I'm sure I looked SO COOL!

While walking back, I saw Chad leaving to pick up the kids from daycare. I flagged him down to hop in. I didn't think that kids are brutal at the age of 4. They all wanted to know why I was wearing those funny shorts (spandex - not lovely).

Good thing I brought my Sword of Omen to chop all their heads off.

ARMS

2008-01-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

After my hr test, I decided that I had some time to kill myself. I did abs & push-ups & superman/supermen/wtfs. Why is that when you do your core workout, your abs always hurt 10x more than any other workout, but then the next day your arms are so sore that you can't pick up your delicious Mt. Dew can?

MAXIMUM HR TEST

2008-01-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

I tested out my new Reebok HR Monitor that I bragged about earlier last night. Yes it was only $25... but it worked like el champo! I wore it even though I figured the treadmill would pick up the transmission the chest belt was sending. They were the same. So I figure that both of them must be accurate - otherwise that would mean that they are in cahoots to kill me. I ran 1.5 miles at a 'not-leisurely' pace, gradually increasing speed. For the last 1/2 mile, I sped up & sped up & sped up. I only got to 6.6 mph (last week I did 7.2). But at the end, my highest number during the run was 191... so add 5 bpm... max HR = 196. I really think it might be higher though because I can run faster than 6.6. So, I'll retest next week. No, it's not an excuse to use my HR monitor - I don't need one of those. I think I'm the coolest kid @ the gym because I've never seen any other girls with one. So there.

NEW GOALS

2008-01-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

Flying Pig Half is officially on my radar. I am beginning my training schedule - Hal's Intermediate Half program. I was considering joining a program like I did last summer - but that didn't end as well as when I trained on my own... so maybe that's an omen. Hopefully I'll be able to con - erm - convince someone to train (at least virtually - COMEONVICKI!) with me.

I hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew on this one. It seems like a lot - but that's probably because I have completely slacked.

I am going to do 3 weeks of 'official' training to get a feel for the speedwork & my schedule. I always leave myself open to taking a day out of the 'real' program because it's taking too much time away from the family. If it's too much - I'll go back to the Novice program. At one point, I thought that Hal had a Novice I & a Novice II program on his website - but I don't see that now. I would've liked to do an 'Experienced Novice' schedule so that I can ease into the speedwork... but eff it - in for a pound, right?

My Heart Rate Monitor that I wooted earlier this month came today! I think I'm going to wear it tomorrow & check my Max HR... Maybe I'll do it later since its almost 11pm & I'm going to sleep soon & didn't read instructions (yes I have to do that).

My new mantra - hillsarefun hillsarefun hillsarefun

Edit: I see that Hal does have a Novice I & II program, they're just for the marathons, not halves. Boo

OOOOOOOOH YEAAAAAAAAAH

2008-01-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

I have a boring job of recordkeeping 401k/profit sharing plans. I have a reconciliation that I have been working on for 2 weeks now and it was kicking my ass. Transfers here that should've gone there... deposits to the wrong plan then transferred to the wrong account...you get the idea. At the eleventh hour, I FIGURED THAT FUCKER OUT!

AHHHHHHHH

2008-01-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was going to the rec center when I realized that I was so hungry I could eat the a$$hole out of a rhinoceros. So, I went home instead to stuff my face with lasagne. Yum!! Much better than rhino butt. :) I definitely need to get a couple snacks in my desk for 2 o'clock so I can do my run after work.

Oh yeah - just wooted my first Heart Rate Monitor! Yay! I figure that always running at 177bpm is not good.

iPHONE WARNING

2008-01-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

Do not gaze lovingly at your iPhone while walking down stairs. This may cause you to lose your balance and fall the last 3 steps in the staircase. At the bottom, you will most likely fall into the wall, which will then give way under your weight and make a big hole. Not only that, you will probably twist your ankle & tweak your back.

Not that this happened or anything.

PROUD?

2008-01-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

I am wearing an outfit that costs less than $5. And it didn't come from a thrift store.

IN UNRELATED NEWS

2007-12-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

Running has commenced in my household.

Nate Dogg (REGULATORS! Mount up) had a stroke.

CHRISTMAS HAS BEGUN

2007-12-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

Last night we were @ the in-laws for Christmas exchange & merriment. They got the boys bikes (OK - Kyle got a trike)! I could barely keep up with them on feet - now wheels?

They loved the bikes. Wanted to ride them today, but it was way too windy for that.

Kyle is thoroughly confused. His birthday is tomorrow. So, he thinks that Santa comes 3 times! He came last night to his aunt's house, tomorrow for his birthday & then for Christmas.

YOU KNOW - CHRISTMAS IS COMING

2007-11-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

I didn't know that they still made these! Click on the link to buy one for everyone for Christmas! Very reasonable - $5.99

Members Only Reversible Retro Jacket

AWESOME FOR CHICAGOANS

2007-11-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Very cool Tshirt.

EVEN CELEBS ARE SLOW

2007-11-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

According to TMZ, Katie Holmes finished the NYC marathon in 5:29:28. See, celebrities are just like us. Except, she's in corral F and has number 127... is that weird to anybody else?

Yay, the OOSG beat someone famous!

MILESTONES

2007-11-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

Hear Ye, Hear Ye
To all those in the Kingdom of Miller,

Sir Kyle went PeePee in the Potty this morning!

That is all. Please continue with your regularly scheduled program.

CHECK THAT EGO

2007-11-02T08:06:00.000-04:00

Conversation this morning

The Dude: Mom, I don't think Santa Claus wants to see your hair like that.

Me: I'm sure you're right.

____________________________
If Santa didn't bring toys to people with bad hair, I would've been the saddest, most clothesless girl in the 6th grade.

BOO!

2007-10-31T19:43:00.000-04:00

HALLOWEEN 2007

FEATURING:

THE DUDE AS SPIDERMAN
&

KYLE AS DUCKIE

We only trick-or-treated for 1/2 hour before the kids sat on the sidewalk & declared that they were done & needed to go home. Need to train these kids before next year!

SHOPPING QUEEN

2007-10-29T23:04:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been obsessed with getting a good deal on Leapster toys for my kids. I find it RIDICULOUS that they cost so much. About 1.5 weeks ago, I found this link to a Leapster at Kohls.com for $45! Of course they were sold out, but I kept checking like 2x each day & it FINALLY PAID OFF! I got the $45 Leapster, plus when I used extra codes, I got an extra 20% off PLUS free shipping! Now, we just have to get the charging system & we're D-O-N-E with toys for Christmas.... already! :)

Can you tell that I am so excited!?

Plus, I just got my email from www.cafemom.com and the Playskool group to get FREE TOYS!

This is the greatest shopping night so far! And, its not even Black Friday yet! OH, I can't wait for that shiz!

GOTTA LOVE KIDS

2007-10-18T08:25:00.000-04:00

Me: My skin looks horrible! Why do I keep breaking out in pimples?

The Dude: Mom, it's just because your skin, well, it's old.

Me: THANKS

COMMENTS

2007-10-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

For some reason, blogger hates me. I have been trying to leave everyone comments for weeks and I keep getting this endless pop-up loop of "Do you wish to display nonsecure items?" over and over and over.

Hopefully, I can post comments later.

WHOLE LOTTA NOTHIN

2007-10-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

As you can see, my posts lately have had nothing to do with running, swimming, or biking. Hrm. That's probably because I haven't done any of that. I haven't really been hitting the gym either. I blame it all on hormones. (cause I'm a woman, and I can)

That is aaaaaaaaaall about to change. As of today, I told Leah about my plans to get faster using the FIRST 5K program I read about online. (Once you tell someone, you can't back out.) I realize that it's tough - but I need that because my runs (not so) lately have been all about endurance and not enough about intensity. Which is fine, if I'm happy with the speed that I'm at, but I'm not...so it's not. Plus, I need to have a SCHEDULE to actually make myself get to the pool or befriend my lonely bike (or do *anything*). OK, so now I have to do a 5k, which I haven't done since....February (i think). This will give me my time on which to base all workouts.

My To Do List:
1. Find 5K in Columbus.
2. Run said 5K and whip its ass.
3. Congratulate myself heartily for all that ass whipping.
4. Find 5K in January/February.
5. Follow FIRST training plan to get uber fast.
6. Kick 2nd 5K's ass even worse than 1st 5K.
7. Congratulate myself even more!
8. Start training for Cincinnati Flying Pig 1/2 in May 2008.
9. Find triathlons in Columbus that are fun...at least 2 for 2008.

You get all that? Oh yeah, this is TOTALLY after relaxing in Chi this weekend. Yes, I said it - I'm doing another 1/2 and more tris. Bonus: I'm not completely dreading either.

Edit:
I have found 2 5Ks in October close to me that look fun:
Dublin - Fright Night 5k
Westerville - Dead Celebrity 5K

Please vote for the one you would run... I am obviously incapable of making decisions. :)

EMBARASSED

2007-09-24T08:06:00.000-04:00

OK, this morning I was reminded of my first brush with 'celebrity' and how totally I was embarassed by the whole fiasco (which lasted oh about 2.5 seconds). Notice the ' '. :)

I was at IU (Go HOOSIERS!) at a *ahem* small party. It was in this big duplex right off 17th Street - one my friends in the Circle of Death lived there. (Circle of Death is a long story - all guys - Leah you know 'em) So, anyway, we were having a great time - the music was great - the guys were great (plentiful & cute - just like I like 'em) - we totally ruled the party. Until, they showed up. AJ Guyton & another basketball player...It wasn't LUUUUUUUUUUKE (that traitor), but it was somebody pretty important on the team that I can't remember right now (not the dirty little animal either, snicker). Since I have absolutely NO chance at getting either guy (no boobs & too smart), I figured that this was a good thing for me because now all the other girls had their attention totally focused on the tallest men in the room. The bad thing was now the keg seemed miles away - I was blocked by a sea of fawning dopes and desperate oafs. So, I had to do the party weave, you know the dance where you try to flatten yourself as much as possible to pass through the miniscule openings between people and not piss them off so that you don't have to kick ass just to get a freaking beer.

So, I was dodging & weaving like Ali while sporadically saying "excuseme.........excuseme" (yes I have some manners) I managed to get within 3 feet of the keg when somebody said to me, "No I don't want to dance with you!" I looked up... it was AJ Guyton. I looked UP at him and said, "uhm, okaaaaay" with my "you are the craziest dude" look on my face - you know the one that says 'like I would eeevah dance with you anyway'. Then I abandoned my party weave, and walked to the keg decidedly faster than before. Then he grabbed my wrist & was like, "No, wait!" and I looked back at him like "NO WAY!", yanked my arm, and kept going. I'd like to think that it was a last second realization that he made himself look like a turd - but more than likely it was so that I could get him a beer (like I said, our friend lived there & we got the fastest service).

All this just for some stinking Natty Light... jeez, you can tell I was in college.

P.S. I would've totally danced with him.

MOMMA OWIE

2007-09-19T14:52:00.001-04:00

Somehow I think that my 2-year old would jump on me & laugh rather than call 911.

This kid must be uber-smart... I'd prefer to think of it that way.

FROM MY MOMMA

2007-09-19T11:20:00.001-04:00

BOY don't I know it. :) LOL

POSH HAIR

2007-09-15T22:47:00.000-04:00

Or just a great haircut? I took the plunge... or rather, lost a couple lbs? Maybe - hopefully!

I think it definitely looks like this. :)

Ok - maybe more like this!

My first attempt at styling was not horrible. :) I think that it looks poufier in person than in this picture. Is poufier good or bad? Plus, it seems really messy here, but I smoothed it down after this pic. I should have taken a pic right after the stylist did it - but we were running late to our pahtay. :) It definitely withstood my mandatory afternoon nap well.

I went to Target today to get a smaller flat iron (mine was made for longer hair) and some new slippers for the boys. My youngest child peed on the Dude's slippers, so we had to go get new ones. But, that's a totally different post. Plus, I am almost out of blush, and they had this Rimmel eyeshadow on sale. Suffice it to say that a $20 trip to Target turned into $70. But doesn't it always?

Also, the Dude got 7 points (maximum) at school TWO TIMES this week!! We definitely needed that. He is SO PROUD of himself! So, that means that we have to go to Chuck E Cheese two times this weekend... today wasn't bad, so hopefully Sunday's trip will be just as good.

Edit: it looks like I have makeup on in these pictures, so the color must be off too... weird!!

BECOME ROYALTY

2007-09-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

Buy land in Scotland and become a Laird!

And if you buy that 'bargain', I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you. Seems fishy to me!

MORE OUCH

2007-09-11T11:47:00.000-04:00

Lunges = sore inner thigh.

ouch.

BEOUF

2007-09-11T07:56:00.000-04:00

During my workout last night I saw the buffest lady... she wasn't huge like some bodybuilder, but she was so toned & BUUUUUUFFFFFFFFF. Plus she was probably over 40. Made me envious, but also that I could look like that too. :) As long as I put in the work, I could do it.

I did run on the mill just to warm up... warm up 5 min, then ever 2 min after increased the incline 2% until 8%. Then after 2 min at 8%, I decreased the incline by 2% every 2 min. Now my shin is sore - gotta take some advil. Jeez, you would think that my shin would be fine by now, or at least not hurt after 20 min of running. Maybe this is one of those things that will always be with me now - like old people knowing it'll rain?

Anyway, got in some leg press, leg curls, and core work. I tried to do some bicep curls, but I couldn't do 3 without needing some help from my other arm, so I decided to give the arms a rest.