I have a new favorite song that made it to my "running" playlist. I like to hear it while I'm running, but I especially like to hear it after I'm all done and stretching. Give it a read and a listen.....
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
by Avett Brothers
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it
When nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected
If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it
There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out
There’s a darkness upon you that’s flooded in light
And in the fine print they tell you what’s wrong and what’s right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it
There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out
There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it
Oh, and another one that makes me feel warm and fuzzy after I've gotten myself all sweaty....
I Am Mine
By Pearl Jam
The selfish, they're all standing in line
Faithing and hoping to buy themselves time
Me, I figure as each breath goes by
I only own my mind
The North is to South what the clock is to time
There's east and there's west and there's everywhere life
I know I was born and I know that I'll die
The in between is mine
I am mine
And the feeling, it gets left behind
All the innocence lost at one time
Significant, behind the eyes
There's no need to hide...
We're safe tonight
The ocean is full 'cause everyone's crying
The full moon is looking for friends at high tide
The sorrow grows bigger when the sorrow's denied
I only know my mind
I am mine
And the meaning, it gets left behind
All the innocents lost at one time
Significant, behind the eyes
There's no need to hide...
We're safe tonight
And the feelings that get left behind
All the innocents broken with lies
Significance, between the lines
(We may need to hide)
And the meanings that get left behind
All the innocents lost at one time
We're all different behind the eyes
There's no need to hide
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
A warning...
I've been meaning to blog about this for a while now and am finally sitting down to do it. I want to talk about dentists. You may remember me writing about taking the kids to the dentist...and if you don't re-read it here and here too.
To refresh, our old dentist kept pointing out these "cavities" that we couldn't see. Cavities that they'd only pick up on the x-ray. Cavities that would require "laughing gas" and Novocaine. I'd ask to see the x-ray and for some reason or another, I wasn't allowed/able to see. I also was never allowed to go back with the kids, unless I made a big fuss about it, which I usually did anyway.
Well, 2 years of this and I had pretty much had it. Crazy high bills ($274 for 2 cavities....that's AFTER insurance.), and just a condescending tone, you know? Last August the kids had their LAST check-up at this dentist. I was told that Katie had 3-4 cavities that again - I couldn't see. I was also told that Will had 2 cavities...one which I could see - a little spot on the outside lower molar. She said that this cavity required that Will be put "out" and the procedure done in an OR. Did you catch that? They wanted him unconscious!
I told them that this was OUT OF THE QUESTION and we would not be coming back. A few days later I got a call from the dentist and was told that she needed to read me a statement and that I had to give oral notification that I was read the statement. It was along the lines of "so you're gonna put your child's life in jeopardy because you don't love them like we do", etc.
It came time to find a new dentist...for myself as well because I didn't want to drive to Minnetonka anymore for myself - I wanted something closer. I hit the yellow pages called some that had evening and weekend appointments. Some I just got bad vibes from - one I did not. One receptionist was wonderful and friendly and sweet. The kids were able to get in right away for their check-up and I was only a couple weeks later. The staff insisted I come back with them....they got to watch cartoons on TVs during their check-up and loved the staff - many of whom were grandmas themselves. :)
I alerted the dentist beforehand that I was aware the kids had a lot of cavities. After their exam she had a talk with me about what she found. Katie had ONE tiny cavity (not 3-4) that she was certain she could fill without Novocaine...just 2-3 seconds of drilling. Will had ONE little cavity as well, (not 2) also not needing any Novocaine...just 3-5 seconds of drilling, and certainly did not need to be "put under". We have since gotten the bill for these 2 cavities as well.....$140 total. A HUGE difference from the last dentist, who I feel, took advantage of us as parents.
Sooo....for all you locals out there, I'm naming names......Dr. Angela Wandera and Associates in Eden Prairie. Stay away from them.
To refresh, our old dentist kept pointing out these "cavities" that we couldn't see. Cavities that they'd only pick up on the x-ray. Cavities that would require "laughing gas" and Novocaine. I'd ask to see the x-ray and for some reason or another, I wasn't allowed/able to see. I also was never allowed to go back with the kids, unless I made a big fuss about it, which I usually did anyway.
Well, 2 years of this and I had pretty much had it. Crazy high bills ($274 for 2 cavities....that's AFTER insurance.), and just a condescending tone, you know? Last August the kids had their LAST check-up at this dentist. I was told that Katie had 3-4 cavities that again - I couldn't see. I was also told that Will had 2 cavities...one which I could see - a little spot on the outside lower molar. She said that this cavity required that Will be put "out" and the procedure done in an OR. Did you catch that? They wanted him unconscious!
I told them that this was OUT OF THE QUESTION and we would not be coming back. A few days later I got a call from the dentist and was told that she needed to read me a statement and that I had to give oral notification that I was read the statement. It was along the lines of "so you're gonna put your child's life in jeopardy because you don't love them like we do", etc.
It came time to find a new dentist...for myself as well because I didn't want to drive to Minnetonka anymore for myself - I wanted something closer. I hit the yellow pages called some that had evening and weekend appointments. Some I just got bad vibes from - one I did not. One receptionist was wonderful and friendly and sweet. The kids were able to get in right away for their check-up and I was only a couple weeks later. The staff insisted I come back with them....they got to watch cartoons on TVs during their check-up and loved the staff - many of whom were grandmas themselves. :)
I alerted the dentist beforehand that I was aware the kids had a lot of cavities. After their exam she had a talk with me about what she found. Katie had ONE tiny cavity (not 3-4) that she was certain she could fill without Novocaine...just 2-3 seconds of drilling. Will had ONE little cavity as well, (not 2) also not needing any Novocaine...just 3-5 seconds of drilling, and certainly did not need to be "put under". We have since gotten the bill for these 2 cavities as well.....$140 total. A HUGE difference from the last dentist, who I feel, took advantage of us as parents.
Sooo....for all you locals out there, I'm naming names......Dr. Angela Wandera and Associates in Eden Prairie. Stay away from them.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Comfy and cool
Two weeks ago John and I were able to escape for 24 hours to head to a wedding in St. Cloud, MN. We left the kids with his mom who had driven up from IA for just the occasion. This was a co-worker of John's getting married...about the last guy in the office to do so.
Obviously we decided to stay overnight, but the REALLY nice touch that the bride and groom had added were shuttles to take guests back and forth between the hotels and reception/dance area. This allowed everyone to have a really good time and know that they'd be safe getting back to the hotel. Hmmm....maybe TOO good of a time.
The bride and groom also had a photo booth set up where piles of people could crowd in, take some pictures, and one set went in a book for the couple while the other set you got to keep. Talk about craziness. :) Throw in a mullet wig and you've really got a party.
As is becoming tradition, hot pizzas showed up about 10:30 or so just to give everyone the last burst of energy needed to get to midnight. Then we all piled into the shuttles and headed out. Oh, did I mention the hotel was connected to an Old Chicago? Perfect for one last nightcap...which was certainly not needed - however, a friend and I decided we'd have one more.
That brings up to the bathroom floor. It's been a long time since I've had so much to drink that I was sick all night. (Ok...so it's only been 2 years....thanks to Shelley's bottle of wine.) BUT in college it seemed to happen more often - as it was supposed to. The last 2 years of college I lived in a campus apartment with 5 other girls. We had 2 bathrooms. On nights where I had had a LOT of "fun" I wouldn't allow myself to get sick in these bathrooms because I didn't want to gross out my roomies. Sooo...I would go out in the hallway, around the corner and use the public lobby bathroom. I'd lock the door, hunker down with a blanket and just sleep there for the night so I wouldn't have to go back and forth. If the roommates couldn't find me...they knew I'd be in the lobby bathroom. Soo...the hotel bathroom also became my bed of choice that night. The cool floor, water availability and lights were necessary, believe me. It was nice to revisit the "younger" days....and now I think I'm good for at least another 5 years.
Made me feel young again....to a point. Until, of course, I came home to two kids. And sure enough, Katie picked that afternoon to get sick herself. So as I'm holding back her hair, I know just how she feels.
Obviously we decided to stay overnight, but the REALLY nice touch that the bride and groom had added were shuttles to take guests back and forth between the hotels and reception/dance area. This allowed everyone to have a really good time and know that they'd be safe getting back to the hotel. Hmmm....maybe TOO good of a time.
The bride and groom also had a photo booth set up where piles of people could crowd in, take some pictures, and one set went in a book for the couple while the other set you got to keep. Talk about craziness. :) Throw in a mullet wig and you've really got a party.
As is becoming tradition, hot pizzas showed up about 10:30 or so just to give everyone the last burst of energy needed to get to midnight. Then we all piled into the shuttles and headed out. Oh, did I mention the hotel was connected to an Old Chicago? Perfect for one last nightcap...which was certainly not needed - however, a friend and I decided we'd have one more.
That brings up to the bathroom floor. It's been a long time since I've had so much to drink that I was sick all night. (Ok...so it's only been 2 years....thanks to Shelley's bottle of wine.) BUT in college it seemed to happen more often - as it was supposed to. The last 2 years of college I lived in a campus apartment with 5 other girls. We had 2 bathrooms. On nights where I had had a LOT of "fun" I wouldn't allow myself to get sick in these bathrooms because I didn't want to gross out my roomies. Sooo...I would go out in the hallway, around the corner and use the public lobby bathroom. I'd lock the door, hunker down with a blanket and just sleep there for the night so I wouldn't have to go back and forth. If the roommates couldn't find me...they knew I'd be in the lobby bathroom. Soo...the hotel bathroom also became my bed of choice that night. The cool floor, water availability and lights were necessary, believe me. It was nice to revisit the "younger" days....and now I think I'm good for at least another 5 years.
Made me feel young again....to a point. Until, of course, I came home to two kids. And sure enough, Katie picked that afternoon to get sick herself. So as I'm holding back her hair, I know just how she feels.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lots to say....
There are lots of things I should say today....
Happy Anniversary to my sister, Janet and her husband, Jeff.
Congratulations to my niece, Sarah for graduating from high school.
I should tell you about the Wizard Of Oz cast party we went to today.
I should update you on Katie's knees and condition. (All ok, go in for a checkup on Tuesday. There I did it.)
I should tell you about the wonderful wedding we went to last weekend and the VERY comfortable bathroom floor that the hotel gave me to sleep on. :) (Yeah, that one probably deserves it's own post.)
Instead.....I HAVE to tell you about my running today. Now, I know - some of you may be getting sick of hearing about the "running". But this one was big. I ran outside for the first time today in 7 months. I ran last October in a 5k...and for about 4 months I had been regularly running outside. Over the winter I had to make due with the treadmill in the basement.
It's HARD running on a treadmill - nothing to look at but #'s, no breeze, no sun, etc. Today I remembered why I love running outside so much. PLUS.....I ran my whole "loop" that I had planned out last summer. Did you catch that? I RAN the whole stinking thing! Not once did I stop to walk, like I have always done in the past - at least two stops to walk. That's 30 minutes of non stop running. Could I do that on the treadmill? No. So don't ask. Oh, and my pace was pretty much the same as the treadmill.
Remember my "training schedule" a few weeks back - they wanted me to run 20 minutes!! Those bastards.
I did it! So - I guess they did know what they were talking about.
Ok - enough running. Next post - hotel bathroom floor.
Happy Anniversary to my sister, Janet and her husband, Jeff.
Congratulations to my niece, Sarah for graduating from high school.
I should tell you about the Wizard Of Oz cast party we went to today.
I should update you on Katie's knees and condition. (All ok, go in for a checkup on Tuesday. There I did it.)
I should tell you about the wonderful wedding we went to last weekend and the VERY comfortable bathroom floor that the hotel gave me to sleep on. :) (Yeah, that one probably deserves it's own post.)
Instead.....I HAVE to tell you about my running today. Now, I know - some of you may be getting sick of hearing about the "running". But this one was big. I ran outside for the first time today in 7 months. I ran last October in a 5k...and for about 4 months I had been regularly running outside. Over the winter I had to make due with the treadmill in the basement.
It's HARD running on a treadmill - nothing to look at but #'s, no breeze, no sun, etc. Today I remembered why I love running outside so much. PLUS.....I ran my whole "loop" that I had planned out last summer. Did you catch that? I RAN the whole stinking thing! Not once did I stop to walk, like I have always done in the past - at least two stops to walk. That's 30 minutes of non stop running. Could I do that on the treadmill? No. So don't ask. Oh, and my pace was pretty much the same as the treadmill.
Remember my "training schedule" a few weeks back - they wanted me to run 20 minutes!! Those bastards.
I did it! So - I guess they did know what they were talking about.
Ok - enough running. Next post - hotel bathroom floor.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Another friend needs your throughts....
I'm posting another link to a CaringBridge site. Please take some time to send them your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, etc. A good friend of mine recently found out that her husband has stage 4 colon cancer. He's young, strong and they are gonna kick this, but right now it's difficult since it's so early on and they're just trying to get everything figured out.
Some friends of ours have also set up a calendar for us to bring meals. I'm signing myself up so I need some thoughts from you all on healthy, whole grain meals that I could bring over.
Here's their CaringBridge link, and it will also be posted over on the right hand side of the blog.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/seanmcquillen
Some friends of ours have also set up a calendar for us to bring meals. I'm signing myself up so I need some thoughts from you all on healthy, whole grain meals that I could bring over.
Here's their CaringBridge link, and it will also be posted over on the right hand side of the blog.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/seanmcquillen
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I found it!
I finally fount it! No, not the Christmas present I hid 2 years ago....a book!
Allow me to explain....when I was little I would spend a lot of time at my aunt Carol's house. She was a school teacher and had "older" books for children. I think the newest book she had was "Morris Goes to School" - published in 1983. (A great book, by the way!) Anyway, most of the books I remember very well, and have been able to find at library book sales.
However, there is one book that was my FAVORITE, but for the life of me I couldn't remember the title. I loved the pictures, loved the plot of the story - everything. Now, thanks to Google's amazing search techniques I was able to find the title.
I typed in "children's book invention kids run away from home live in houses they build". I searched through the first 10 or so results, and there it was "Andrew Henry's Meadow" by Doris Burn.
It said that the author, Doris Burn, had just recently passed away on March 11, 2011. She was 87 years old. When my aunt passed away she was 87 years old too.
I got chills and took this to mean that I needed to get a copy of this book. I want to share it with my kids, in the hopes they enjoy it like I did. Even if they didn't - I knew I would. I found a used copy on ebay for $8.00 and I scooped it up. It's not here yet....but soon....and I can't wait!
Basically it's about a boy whose family doesn't pay any attention to him so he runs away, builds his own home in the woods and lives in peace. As the story goes on, more neighborhood kids get the idea of running away and join him in the forest. They each have Andrew build them a unique forest home. And pretty soon the forest looks like a tiny little town. As a kid it made me want to imagine what MY forest house would look like and what kinds of things I'd want to have in it.
Supposedly there's a movie in the works based on the book......Ugh.
Allow me to explain....when I was little I would spend a lot of time at my aunt Carol's house. She was a school teacher and had "older" books for children. I think the newest book she had was "Morris Goes to School" - published in 1983. (A great book, by the way!) Anyway, most of the books I remember very well, and have been able to find at library book sales.
However, there is one book that was my FAVORITE, but for the life of me I couldn't remember the title. I loved the pictures, loved the plot of the story - everything. Now, thanks to Google's amazing search techniques I was able to find the title.
I typed in "children's book invention kids run away from home live in houses they build". I searched through the first 10 or so results, and there it was "Andrew Henry's Meadow" by Doris Burn.
It said that the author, Doris Burn, had just recently passed away on March 11, 2011. She was 87 years old. When my aunt passed away she was 87 years old too.
I got chills and took this to mean that I needed to get a copy of this book. I want to share it with my kids, in the hopes they enjoy it like I did. Even if they didn't - I knew I would. I found a used copy on ebay for $8.00 and I scooped it up. It's not here yet....but soon....and I can't wait!
Basically it's about a boy whose family doesn't pay any attention to him so he runs away, builds his own home in the woods and lives in peace. As the story goes on, more neighborhood kids get the idea of running away and join him in the forest. They each have Andrew build them a unique forest home. And pretty soon the forest looks like a tiny little town. As a kid it made me want to imagine what MY forest house would look like and what kinds of things I'd want to have in it.
Supposedly there's a movie in the works based on the book......Ugh.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A perfect 10!
On Saturday Katie and I headed to the University of Minnesota for a gymnastics clinic that the Gopher Team was putting on for local girl scouts. (I was really excited.....I love gymnastics and regret that the only time I attempted even a handstand, I broke my collarbone.)
Katie spent two hours in their practice facility, met all the girls and their coach, and got a signed poster for her room. She got to do tricks on the beam, floor, bars, vault, and trampoline. She said the trampoline was her favorite, and the bars hurt her hands.
Katie spent two hours in their practice facility, met all the girls and their coach, and got a signed poster for her room. She got to do tricks on the beam, floor, bars, vault, and trampoline. She said the trampoline was her favorite, and the bars hurt her hands.
Katie is in the purple shirt right in front....upside down.
I think the bars really tuckered Katie out. She had to keep using strong arms to push up and them they'd help her flip around the bars.
Katie on the bar (purple shirt). She wouldn't let go of the girl's hand. I kinda don't blame her....
The Gopher Gymnastics Team in the back along with all the girl scouts.
Katie is down front (second row) on her knees in the purple shirt.
So when am I signing Katie up for gymnastics? Probably won't. Unless I can find a nice little camp....bulk up her arms a bit. :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Molly has a new friend!
Well, maybe "friend" is too strong a word.
This is Dustball...the neighbors cat that likes to run around outside and hunt for mice, bunnies, birds and anything else she can sink her claws into.
No Molly, you can't go out and play.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Almost forgot the Easter bunny.......
Our Easter was pretty quiet - church, eggs, frozen pizza....you know - the usual. Both kids sang at church that morning as well.
Will is in the red checkered shirt, Katie is right next to him in the white dress. Looks pretty innocent right? Well, this was rehearsal. They sang at the beginning of the service. Katie waited with me, and Will waited with his choir teachers. When they brought them out and lined them up, Will was a totally different child. He wasn't singing - he was giggling, laughing, running around behind the alter, stomping - you name it, he did it. I was mortified! And here it was, Easter Sunday - packed church and I was stuck in back (cuz we had gone to the earlier service)....couldn't get near the front to get his attention and tell him to stop. Of course everyone else thought it as cute....well, some anyway.
There's always one kid that does that, right? I just would rather it be someone else's next time.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Run like the wind
Ok - so I don't quite "run like the wind".....
But I thought I'd give a little update from a couple weeks ago when I posted the 5k schedule I was following. Remember I was a little shocked at how it jumped from running 3/4 of a mile on day to running 2 miles the very next time. Well, let's just say I didn't do the 2 miles.
Week 5 had me doing 5-8-5-8 (walk 5, run 8, walk 5, run 8). I did that for a couple days then decided to "up it" to 5-10-5-10, and I was shocked that I didn't fall over dead. In fact, I realized that I honestly could have gone 5-12-5-10...maybe more. I think I'm starting to break through that "wall". I have to have conversations with different parts of my body when my head starts screaming at me "STOP!! What are you trying to do to us - we can't do this! You KNOW we can't do this - STOP!!"
I have to consciously "check" my legs - they're fine....no pain...just tired...they can keep going. My arms: same thing, no pain - keep going. My chest - take some slow breaths, try to do some deep breaths instead of all quick shallow breathing. Calm down. No pain in the side. Then I tell my head to F*#k off, we CAN do this.
Now I think most "runners" do this about mile 13-14....I do this at about 8 minutes in. :) However, it really makes you realize how short of a time span 2 minutes is. If you can run for 8 minutes, then I bet you can do 10. If you can do 10, then I'm sure you would survive 12...and so on. Plus - the first minute goes by so fast, doesn't really count....so if you run for 15 minutes....you really only have to worry about running 10. (Stop laughing...this rational works for me.) When I was pregnant the first time, we took a delivery class at the hospital and that teacher told me something that really helped get me through the delivery. "You can do ANYTHING for a minute." A minute is not that long - you really can do anything for a minute. Take each contraction, deal with it on it's own. Take each minute you run, deal with it on it's own. They all end sometime.
I think I've come a long way. The fact that I can run a whole mile - walk for 4-5 minutes, then run another mile right away, makes me happy and proud of myself. I never could do that before. So, I'm not really following the 5k schedule anymore - I'm improvising my own. Right now 5-10-5-10 is a good challenge, and I'd like to see the first 10 minutes increase a little each week, while the 5 minute walking in between shortens up. Yesterday I did 5-10-4-10 and that was a challenge. Usually by the end of this 29 minutes, I'm at just under 2.75 miles....then I was for about 90 seconds and sprint the last 90 seconds so I can get 3 miles in around 32 minutes. My goal has always been to get a 5k in under 30 minutes. Not sure if I'll ever get there, but after 7 weeks of solid running 3 times a week, I'm happy with where I'm at.
My question for you all.....
I've had to re-vamp my music that I listen to lately. The hard, fast, pulsing sounds of Green Day seem to make me more out of breath, even if I don't speed up. So I've inserted some Avett Brothers, Dave Matthews, etc.
If you listen to music when YOU exercise, what do you listen to?
But I thought I'd give a little update from a couple weeks ago when I posted the 5k schedule I was following. Remember I was a little shocked at how it jumped from running 3/4 of a mile on day to running 2 miles the very next time. Well, let's just say I didn't do the 2 miles.
Week 5 had me doing 5-8-5-8 (walk 5, run 8, walk 5, run 8). I did that for a couple days then decided to "up it" to 5-10-5-10, and I was shocked that I didn't fall over dead. In fact, I realized that I honestly could have gone 5-12-5-10...maybe more. I think I'm starting to break through that "wall". I have to have conversations with different parts of my body when my head starts screaming at me "STOP!! What are you trying to do to us - we can't do this! You KNOW we can't do this - STOP!!"
I have to consciously "check" my legs - they're fine....no pain...just tired...they can keep going. My arms: same thing, no pain - keep going. My chest - take some slow breaths, try to do some deep breaths instead of all quick shallow breathing. Calm down. No pain in the side. Then I tell my head to F*#k off, we CAN do this.
Now I think most "runners" do this about mile 13-14....I do this at about 8 minutes in. :) However, it really makes you realize how short of a time span 2 minutes is. If you can run for 8 minutes, then I bet you can do 10. If you can do 10, then I'm sure you would survive 12...and so on. Plus - the first minute goes by so fast, doesn't really count....so if you run for 15 minutes....you really only have to worry about running 10. (Stop laughing...this rational works for me.) When I was pregnant the first time, we took a delivery class at the hospital and that teacher told me something that really helped get me through the delivery. "You can do ANYTHING for a minute." A minute is not that long - you really can do anything for a minute. Take each contraction, deal with it on it's own. Take each minute you run, deal with it on it's own. They all end sometime.
I think I've come a long way. The fact that I can run a whole mile - walk for 4-5 minutes, then run another mile right away, makes me happy and proud of myself. I never could do that before. So, I'm not really following the 5k schedule anymore - I'm improvising my own. Right now 5-10-5-10 is a good challenge, and I'd like to see the first 10 minutes increase a little each week, while the 5 minute walking in between shortens up. Yesterday I did 5-10-4-10 and that was a challenge. Usually by the end of this 29 minutes, I'm at just under 2.75 miles....then I was for about 90 seconds and sprint the last 90 seconds so I can get 3 miles in around 32 minutes. My goal has always been to get a 5k in under 30 minutes. Not sure if I'll ever get there, but after 7 weeks of solid running 3 times a week, I'm happy with where I'm at.
My question for you all.....
I've had to re-vamp my music that I listen to lately. The hard, fast, pulsing sounds of Green Day seem to make me more out of breath, even if I don't speed up. So I've inserted some Avett Brothers, Dave Matthews, etc.
If you listen to music when YOU exercise, what do you listen to?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wedding Week
Have you heard that there's a royal wedding taking place this week? Just checking to make sure you aren't living under a rock or anything.
There are TONS of specials about the royal wedding on this week, and I've watching a few here and there, but none are great. I don't give a flying fig about where Kate and William shared their first kiss....where they held hands.....how many times they broke up......what kind of dress she will wear......yadda, yadda, yadda. Don't get me wrong - I'll watch the ceremony (not at 4 am), but I'd MUCH rather hear about Westminster Abby itself - do a special about that. Tell everyone about how many wonderful coronations have taken place there......how many other weddings (besides members of the Windsor family) have taken place there. Tell us about who's buried there - no, you won't, well then allow me....
Did you know ALL these and TONS more are buried there.....
Jane Austen
Margaret Beaufort (Henry viii's grandmother)
William Blake
Sir Winston Churchill
Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector of England in the 1600's.....his plaque says "Burial place of Oliver Cromwell 1658-1661....only 3 years....cuz after 3 years Charles II had him dug back up....taken to Tyburn - where most executions were done and his dead body was hung up for a few days, then his head cut off and put on spikes. I'd gather he upset a few people while alive. )The fact that this still happened even just 200 years ago - blows my mind.
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Isaac Newton
William Shakespeare
Frances Brandon (daughter of Charles Brandon - niece of Henry viii, mother of Lady Jane Grey who was Queen for 9 days, then executed.)
Anne of Cleves (4th wife to Henry viii.....Queen Mary ordered her buried in the Abby....cuz she was catholic and Mary quite liked that about people.)
Speaking of being catholic....did you know that William had to ask the Queen's permission to marry? Not a big surprise - but one of the reasons she gave her approval is because Kate is NOT catholic. The monarchy demands that if a person in line for the throne marries a Catholic - then they abdicate their claim to the throne.....or the Catholic must convert faiths. I guess they'll be damned if another Catholic gets any power in England. :)
This is the stuff I want to know about - so since the news coverage isn't giving it to me - I guess I've found other sources. :)
I figured I can do as many posts about the royal wedding as I want because we have OUR OWN Kate and William.
There are TONS of specials about the royal wedding on this week, and I've watching a few here and there, but none are great. I don't give a flying fig about where Kate and William shared their first kiss....where they held hands.....how many times they broke up......what kind of dress she will wear......yadda, yadda, yadda. Don't get me wrong - I'll watch the ceremony (not at 4 am), but I'd MUCH rather hear about Westminster Abby itself - do a special about that. Tell everyone about how many wonderful coronations have taken place there......how many other weddings (besides members of the Windsor family) have taken place there. Tell us about who's buried there - no, you won't, well then allow me....
Did you know ALL these and TONS more are buried there.....
Jane Austen
Margaret Beaufort (Henry viii's grandmother)
William Blake
Sir Winston Churchill
Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector of England in the 1600's.....his plaque says "Burial place of Oliver Cromwell 1658-1661....only 3 years....cuz after 3 years Charles II had him dug back up....taken to Tyburn - where most executions were done and his dead body was hung up for a few days, then his head cut off and put on spikes. I'd gather he upset a few people while alive. )The fact that this still happened even just 200 years ago - blows my mind.
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Isaac Newton
William Shakespeare
Frances Brandon (daughter of Charles Brandon - niece of Henry viii, mother of Lady Jane Grey who was Queen for 9 days, then executed.)
Anne of Cleves (4th wife to Henry viii.....Queen Mary ordered her buried in the Abby....cuz she was catholic and Mary quite liked that about people.)
Speaking of being catholic....did you know that William had to ask the Queen's permission to marry? Not a big surprise - but one of the reasons she gave her approval is because Kate is NOT catholic. The monarchy demands that if a person in line for the throne marries a Catholic - then they abdicate their claim to the throne.....or the Catholic must convert faiths. I guess they'll be damned if another Catholic gets any power in England. :)
This is the stuff I want to know about - so since the news coverage isn't giving it to me - I guess I've found other sources. :)
I figured I can do as many posts about the royal wedding as I want because we have OUR OWN Kate and William.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad!
Today I am sending out birthday wishes to my dad. I hope you get to do whatever you want today! It's probably too early to mow the lawn....so maybe that leaves a trip to the nearby gambling boat. :) If that's on the schedule - good luck!
John has memories of his dad taking him into town (they lived in the country) and treating him to a pop. I have the same memories with my dad too. Sometimes if I ran errands with him we'd stop off and I'd get to have a pop...in a glass....with ice...and a teeny straw.....and usually a candy bar or chips of some sort while I twirl and spin around on the wobbly circle bar stool. I guess that's a "dad" thing - unexpected treats like that. It's the same thing in our house - if the kids want candy or a treat they know that their odds are best if they hit up John first. :)
So happy birthday dad! I wish we could go share a pop today, but maybe we can make time to do that in a few weeks. Either that, or I'll help you mow the lawn. :)
John has memories of his dad taking him into town (they lived in the country) and treating him to a pop. I have the same memories with my dad too. Sometimes if I ran errands with him we'd stop off and I'd get to have a pop...in a glass....with ice...and a teeny straw.....and usually a candy bar or chips of some sort while I twirl and spin around on the wobbly circle bar stool. I guess that's a "dad" thing - unexpected treats like that. It's the same thing in our house - if the kids want candy or a treat they know that their odds are best if they hit up John first. :)
So happy birthday dad! I wish we could go share a pop today, but maybe we can make time to do that in a few weeks. Either that, or I'll help you mow the lawn. :)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Weddings really ARE for other people
I remember when I was planning our wedding, people told me "Remember, the party is really for everyone else, not you." I thought - What?! Of course it's for John and I....nope - it's for everyone else. Here's why - I'm a mom of two who's been married for over 8 years, and am planning on attending a wedding/reception/dance in 2 weeks with NO kids to drag along. Oh, and we're staying over night in a hotel....again, with NO kids.
I think I'm more excited than the bride and groom.
I get to buy a new dress, maybe new shoes, get a haircut, relax with friends (who are also leaving their kids at home!!) It's been 18 months since John and I spent a night away from the kids....but who's counting.
I'm heading to the mall today to look for a dress...I have created one in my mind that would be perfect, so of course I can't find anything that looks even remotely like it. Oh, I take that back...I did find an Oscar de la Renta number that looked like the "mind dress", but it was $1,999. I'm not THAT excited.
I think I'm more excited than the bride and groom.
I get to buy a new dress, maybe new shoes, get a haircut, relax with friends (who are also leaving their kids at home!!) It's been 18 months since John and I spent a night away from the kids....but who's counting.
I'm heading to the mall today to look for a dress...I have created one in my mind that would be perfect, so of course I can't find anything that looks even remotely like it. Oh, I take that back...I did find an Oscar de la Renta number that looked like the "mind dress", but it was $1,999. I'm not THAT excited.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Party ideas
John's birthday present was Rocky Rococo pizza and breadsticks. It wasn't much, but seemed to hit the spot. It had been a while since he's gotten to enjoy their pizza because it's such a long drive for us to get some. (It's about 35 minutes away.)
The kids did help decorate with balloons, signs and streamers. And we also had ice cream with sprinkles and cherries.
Now I guess it's on the next set of birthdays in the house - the kids. Katie's is coming up in June, and while that seems like it's far away - we have to start getting ideas of what we (she) would like to do for it. We had thought about renting out a place nearby called the "Outdoor Center". They put on an animal program for up to 10 kids, lead a nature walk, and you can bring in your own food/cake. Now, Katie thinks she wants to have to the party here at home. Even better! But....what do I do to entertain 5-6 seven year old girls for 2 hours. (Honestly, probably very little.)
In the past we've done water balloons, colored flower pots, made bookmarks, and doorhangers. This year I was casually looking for ideas online when I ran across this site that helps you put together a treasure hunt throughout your house and yard. The kids have to find clues, keys, solve coded messages all to lead them to a locked treasure box filled with goodies. I can use this as a guide and create my own, or pay them $15 and they'll make it for me, tell me where to hide stuff and give me all the stuff to print out. I think it's a pretty reasonable investment considering I would spend more on a getting a craft for the girls to do. It'll be my own little Amazing Race....and I think I'll add some funny tasks they have to do along the way.
So far it's looking like an all-girl party. I think there are 5-7 girls on the invite list. Out first friend-birthday party we had 2 out of 5 show up....last year we were 3 for 3....this year, I may just have 8 girls screaming through the house. But it's only for 2 hours. :)
And hey - I can make copies of everything and save it for Will's 7th birthday that'll come soon enough....or better yet, I've got John's 42nd birthday party planned too. :)
The kids did help decorate with balloons, signs and streamers. And we also had ice cream with sprinkles and cherries.
Now I guess it's on the next set of birthdays in the house - the kids. Katie's is coming up in June, and while that seems like it's far away - we have to start getting ideas of what we (she) would like to do for it. We had thought about renting out a place nearby called the "Outdoor Center". They put on an animal program for up to 10 kids, lead a nature walk, and you can bring in your own food/cake. Now, Katie thinks she wants to have to the party here at home. Even better! But....what do I do to entertain 5-6 seven year old girls for 2 hours. (Honestly, probably very little.)
In the past we've done water balloons, colored flower pots, made bookmarks, and doorhangers. This year I was casually looking for ideas online when I ran across this site that helps you put together a treasure hunt throughout your house and yard. The kids have to find clues, keys, solve coded messages all to lead them to a locked treasure box filled with goodies. I can use this as a guide and create my own, or pay them $15 and they'll make it for me, tell me where to hide stuff and give me all the stuff to print out. I think it's a pretty reasonable investment considering I would spend more on a getting a craft for the girls to do. It'll be my own little Amazing Race....and I think I'll add some funny tasks they have to do along the way.
So far it's looking like an all-girl party. I think there are 5-7 girls on the invite list. Out first friend-birthday party we had 2 out of 5 show up....last year we were 3 for 3....this year, I may just have 8 girls screaming through the house. But it's only for 2 hours. :)
And hey - I can make copies of everything and save it for Will's 7th birthday that'll come soon enough....or better yet, I've got John's 42nd birthday party planned too. :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy Birthday John!!
Today is John's birthday!!! I won't tell you how old he is, although I WILL mention that he was 40 last year. :)
I think I finally decided on a birthday present, although it isn't much - I think he will like it. (As will the rest of us....which is always nice.)
I think I finally decided on a birthday present, although it isn't much - I think he will like it. (As will the rest of us....which is always nice.)
Happy Birthday to the bestest dad, husband and friend we could ever ask for!! :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Funny Friday
Katie is in the middle of studying poems at school. I thought it would be fun to get a Shel Silverstein book of poems from the library and read through it. We're only about 1/4 of the way through, but I found some favorites that I remember when I was young. These are all from A Light in the Attic.
Prayer of the Selfish Child
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my toys to break.
So none of the other kids can use 'em...
Amen.
One Two
One, two, buckle my shoe.
"Buckle your own shoe!"
Who said that?
"I did. What are you doing with those silly buckles
on your shoes anyway?"
Three, four, shut the door.
"You shut it - you opened it."
Er....five, six, pick up sticks.
"Why should I pick them up - do you think I'm your slave?
Buckle my shoe, shut the door, pick up sticks, next thing
you'll be telling me to lay them straight."
But it's only a poem....Nine, ten, a big fat....oh never mind.
Fancy Dive
The fanciest dive that ever was dove
Was done by Melissa of Coconut Grove.
She bounced on the board and flew into the air
With a twist of her head and a twirl of her hair.
She did thirty-four jackknives , backflipped and spun,
Quadruple gainered, and reached for the sun,
And then somersaulted nine times and a quarter -
And looked down and saw that the pool had no water.
Prayer of the Selfish Child
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my toys to break.
So none of the other kids can use 'em...
Amen.
One Two
One, two, buckle my shoe.
"Buckle your own shoe!"
Who said that?
"I did. What are you doing with those silly buckles
on your shoes anyway?"
Three, four, shut the door.
"You shut it - you opened it."
Er....five, six, pick up sticks.
"Why should I pick them up - do you think I'm your slave?
Buckle my shoe, shut the door, pick up sticks, next thing
you'll be telling me to lay them straight."
But it's only a poem....Nine, ten, a big fat....oh never mind.
Fancy Dive
The fanciest dive that ever was dove
Was done by Melissa of Coconut Grove.
She bounced on the board and flew into the air
With a twist of her head and a twirl of her hair.
She did thirty-four jackknives , backflipped and spun,
Quadruple gainered, and reached for the sun,
And then somersaulted nine times and a quarter -
And looked down and saw that the pool had no water.
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