WARNING: THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN GIVEN A PG-13 RATING.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In my state, children in public school get to take a 2 part sex-ed class in the 5th grade. Part One is the Maturation class, where they get to watch weird videos about puberty and body changes. Part Two, entitled "Wonder of Wonders" or "WOW", for short, talks about sexual reproduction. And, yes. It's really called WOW!
MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Here in Kiddyland, we feel its important for our children to attend these classes, but we also feel its important that we have "THE TALK" before they hear it at school. The parents of Kiddyland will be the ones who drive these conversations, thank you very much.
So, last week I received a letter that Ryan's sex ed classes were going to begin this week. I sent Rob an email that said something along the lines of "You've got 5 days, sucker!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAA!". Because don't most modern, happy marriages communicate almost exclusively through email. They do, right?
Sunday night, Rob came home from a meeting and told Ryan to get dressed, they were heading to Sarris'. Which frankly, I thought was a brilliant choice for two reasons. 1) Sex is awkward, and let's face it when something is awkward, it's good to have ice cream on hand. It's sort of my life motto. 2) Sarris is expensive. I am pretty sure Ryan will never think of Sarris in quite the same way again. Ryan: "Mom, can we go to Sarris? (has mental flashback of last time there...) Nevermind!" A genius money saving idea!
Rob and I both read all of the books on how to present this, er, topic to kids and they really all sort of creeped us out. So, we just choose to spit it out. Just spit.it.all.out. I didn't heaar how Ryan replied, they got home late. And, I'm pretty sure he was a little more "in the know" than the older kids at that age. It just happens with younger siblings. I'm glad we have the classes at school for followup because I am sure out of embarassment and , well, pure horror, Ryan checked out at some point and didn't catch everything. The classes will fill in some holes.
As for Rob, all I know is he came home and said: "hahahaha. I'm all done and you have one more!!". Because all modern, happy marriages include enjoying the other person's awkward moments. They do, right?
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Don't Hate Me Because I am Beautiful
Hayleigh loves to dress up. I love to oblige her. So, I spotted just the cutest.outfit.ever. at Crazy 8 and since I had a coupon (Did you hear that honey? I had a couponn!) I went for it. It was a cute little yellow sweater, a little denim skirt, the world's cutest tights with yellow suns on it, black patent leathers and a matching bow.
Hayleigh couldn't wait to show off her new duds at "school" aka daycare.
(I'll pause to wait for all of the gasps to subside at the mention of the "d" word)
Moving on...
She walked into daycare and all of her little girlfriends ran up to her saying "Hayleigh I love your clothes", "Hayleigh you look so cute." "Hayleigh your shirt is so cute". I can see that Hayleigh is getting upset. So upset in fact, that she had moved her hand to her hip and was stomping her foot. One little girl ran up to give her a hug and said "Hayleigh you are so cute". For reasons I could not understand at the time, Hayleigh pulled away, stomped her foot and yelled "I am not cute!" Then she ran over to me and buried my head in to my leg.
I wasn't sure what was happening so I bent down and asked her, "Hayleigh what's wrong?"
"I'm not cute, mommy, I beautial!"
For a split second all I could think was how sad her life is going to be if she gets upset about compliments that aren't quite up to her standards. Or, how tough life is going to be if she goes around demanding that girls call her beautiful. But, I figure, three is a little young for me to sit her down and explain in great depth the intracies of girl politics. Plenty of time for those sorts of talks.
So, instead I looked her square in the eye, smoothes her hair, and said, "Yep, Baby, you're beautial". To which came the quick reply:
"Yes. But I not a baby!"
Hayleigh couldn't wait to show off her new duds at "school" aka daycare.
(I'll pause to wait for all of the gasps to subside at the mention of the "d" word)
Moving on...
She walked into daycare and all of her little girlfriends ran up to her saying "Hayleigh I love your clothes", "Hayleigh you look so cute." "Hayleigh your shirt is so cute". I can see that Hayleigh is getting upset. So upset in fact, that she had moved her hand to her hip and was stomping her foot. One little girl ran up to give her a hug and said "Hayleigh you are so cute". For reasons I could not understand at the time, Hayleigh pulled away, stomped her foot and yelled "I am not cute!" Then she ran over to me and buried my head in to my leg.
I wasn't sure what was happening so I bent down and asked her, "Hayleigh what's wrong?"
"I'm not cute, mommy, I beautial!"
For a split second all I could think was how sad her life is going to be if she gets upset about compliments that aren't quite up to her standards. Or, how tough life is going to be if she goes around demanding that girls call her beautiful. But, I figure, three is a little young for me to sit her down and explain in great depth the intracies of girl politics. Plenty of time for those sorts of talks.
So, instead I looked her square in the eye, smoothes her hair, and said, "Yep, Baby, you're beautial". To which came the quick reply:
"Yes. But I not a baby!"
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Staches and Stumes
So, lately it would seem like most of my weekends are spent with teenagers. One of the kids usually wants me to take them somewhere or another with their friends. And, here comes a deep confession (shhhh....just between me and you...don't tell anyone) ... I actually enjoy it. It's God's little surprise to me, really. I didn't think I would enjoy teenagers, especially middle schoolers. My own middle school experience, well, sucked. But, I love my weekends with kids and their friends.
Take this weekend for example.
Friday night Trisha and a friend went to the movies. I have begun letting them go into the theater by themselves, which was a big milestone to be sure. When they came out, they were giggling and covering their mouths with their hands because, afterall, they were wering moustaches. "Mom. Will you take us to McDonald's even if we wear these in?" HA! I will not embarass so easily, I thought. "I will only take you to McDonald's IF you wear them in."
Most weekends, something similar to this happens. It's like, let's see what we can do that will embarass your mom. If I don't embarass right away, it's like they need to amp up the embarassment. Either by playing on the play center or saying hi to random people who then try to figure out where they know me from, stuff like that. So, really, walking into McDonald's with two girls with moustaches was no big deal. Child's play, really. I only had to wonder what else they might attempt to be random and embarassing.
Not Friday night though. No sir. Because on this night, the gods were smiling on moms all over the world.
The girls were up ordering their shakes when I saw them walking across the parking lot. By them, I mean boys. Three boys. Three cute boys. Oh, I suppose I could've gone up and warned the girls they were coming, but what fun would that have been? The boys saw the girls and and the girls saw the boys and off went the moustaches. So predictable and so funny. Apparently, cute boys are the STILL the antidote to random silliness. Imagine that.
I can hardly wait for next weekend's adventures. I heard something about Walmart and Stumes (or costumes for those of us over the age of 35).
Take this weekend for example.
Friday night Trisha and a friend went to the movies. I have begun letting them go into the theater by themselves, which was a big milestone to be sure. When they came out, they were giggling and covering their mouths with their hands because, afterall, they were wering moustaches. "Mom. Will you take us to McDonald's even if we wear these in?" HA! I will not embarass so easily, I thought. "I will only take you to McDonald's IF you wear them in."
Most weekends, something similar to this happens. It's like, let's see what we can do that will embarass your mom. If I don't embarass right away, it's like they need to amp up the embarassment. Either by playing on the play center or saying hi to random people who then try to figure out where they know me from, stuff like that. So, really, walking into McDonald's with two girls with moustaches was no big deal. Child's play, really. I only had to wonder what else they might attempt to be random and embarassing.
Not Friday night though. No sir. Because on this night, the gods were smiling on moms all over the world.
The girls were up ordering their shakes when I saw them walking across the parking lot. By them, I mean boys. Three boys. Three cute boys. Oh, I suppose I could've gone up and warned the girls they were coming, but what fun would that have been? The boys saw the girls and and the girls saw the boys and off went the moustaches. So predictable and so funny. Apparently, cute boys are the STILL the antidote to random silliness. Imagine that.
I can hardly wait for next weekend's adventures. I heard something about Walmart and Stumes (or costumes for those of us over the age of 35).
Monday, May 18, 2009
Race Day
That's my dad and I getting ready for our big race.
In some ways, it went better than expected. In some ways it went worse.
There are lots of informational articles on runnersworld.com about race strategy and what to do or not do to your best on a race. If I had to sum them up, their tips would be:
1) Don't overeat the night before. Eat a small breakfast about an hour before the race.
2) Get a good night's sleep the night before the race.
3) Whatever you do...DO NOT start off the race too fast. Make sure you pace yourself.
Out of those three tips, I pretty much accomplished....ZERO! I didn't eat any breakfast since I was too afraid of feeling nauseous. Thanks to the Sweet Adelines (think really loud ladies who like to sing and laugh and whoop all night long) I did not get any sleep. And, I don't know, maybe it was the energy jelly beans or the crowd or the cold or the good music, but when I finished the first mile in 10:53, even though my fastest ever mile before that was 12:00, I knew I was going to be in some trouble.
Somewhere between 1.5 miles and 2 miles I had to walk for a little bit. I was pretty disappointed about that. I caught my breath and kept on running. At 3 miles, I was at 36 minutes and some seconds. I remember thinking "Wow! I could actually do this in under 80 minutes". The fastest I had ever done 6.2 miles in training was 85 minutes. I was hoping to beat 85 minutes. Beating 80 minutes seemed like a total long shot. My plan was not to stop running again.
Only my groin started to hurt. And, my legs were running out of juice. I kept trying to dig deeper. I kept trying to look for some song on the music player of mine that would help me. Miles 4.5 to the end were tough. I'm not going to lie. I had to do more walking than I would have liked. It didn't help that the race ends going UPHILL. I'm not kidding. Who does that? Who ends a race going up hill??
Besides first laying eyes on my children, I am not sure I have ever seen a more beautiful sight than the finish line. My official time: 1:19:33. Under 80 minutes. So, although I had to walk more than I would've liked, I finished under the time I thought would be nearly impossible. I averaged 12:48 minute miles.
When I was done I didn't think that it was all that much fun. My dad told me that as time wore on it would seem like it was more fun. He's right. I'm already thinking it was pretty OK and am looking forward to planning my next race!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
In Less than 72 hours...
In less than 72 hours the race will be over. In less than 72 hours I will know the answer to the question "Can I really run a 10K?".
I am not sure how will I do. I hurt a muscle around my hips when I did that 6 mile run last week. And, then after that while trying to compensate for that plan, I pulled a groin muscle. Frankly, I didn't even know ladies had groin muscles. So, last week's training was weak at best and this week, I haven't done anything at all to try and give it a rest. My groin feels better. My confidence does not. I would've like to have gone into the race with at least one more 6 miler under my belt.
It's going to be perfect running weather. Sunny, breezy, and like 50 degrees. It's going to be perfect running conditions. I'll have great music and have the company of my wonderful dad and sister. Oh and my sister's boyfriend, who I am sure is a fine, upstanding young man. I don't base this on Kristin's past choices, of course, but on the fact that he likes the Steelers and George Bush. I have good shoes, good clothes, good socks, a good heartrate monitor and (hopefully) a good hip/groin. It should go well.
I wish I had been able to train more. I wish I had lost more weight. I wish I could know if all I have done has been enough. In less than 72 hours, I will.
I am not sure how will I do. I hurt a muscle around my hips when I did that 6 mile run last week. And, then after that while trying to compensate for that plan, I pulled a groin muscle. Frankly, I didn't even know ladies had groin muscles. So, last week's training was weak at best and this week, I haven't done anything at all to try and give it a rest. My groin feels better. My confidence does not. I would've like to have gone into the race with at least one more 6 miler under my belt.
It's going to be perfect running weather. Sunny, breezy, and like 50 degrees. It's going to be perfect running conditions. I'll have great music and have the company of my wonderful dad and sister. Oh and my sister's boyfriend, who I am sure is a fine, upstanding young man. I don't base this on Kristin's past choices, of course, but on the fact that he likes the Steelers and George Bush. I have good shoes, good clothes, good socks, a good heartrate monitor and (hopefully) a good hip/groin. It should go well.
I wish I had been able to train more. I wish I had lost more weight. I wish I could know if all I have done has been enough. In less than 72 hours, I will.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
2 Weeks to Go
To be perfectly honest, a large part of me never thought I would make it this far.
I mean, really. I am not the "athletic" type. Just ask the kids in grade school who picked me last for dodgeball, kickball, or any other ball game. Or the softball coach that put me in right field. Or the ski team that left me in the dust. Athletic stuff...just not me. I tried to get into running once maybe about 9 years ago. I maybe got up to like 1/4 mile. Just not me.
It IS like me to start a new "healthy lifestyle" plan and get really excited about it and then hit a roadbump or a snag and then give up and give in. That is like me. And then, once I had given up or given in, it would add to my "further proof that I will always be fat" or "further proof that I am not athletic" mindset.
This is different though.
I've hit roadbumps. I've hit snags...and I've kept going.
I've heard that voice in my head that said I could never do it...and I've kept going.
I've looked at a busy schedule that made it nearly impossible to get runs in...and I've kept going.
I've had aches and pains...and I've kept going.
I've had nearly 1 million reasons/excuses to stop...and I've kept going.
Saturday I ran 6 miles. No one is more surprised than me!
I mean, really. I am not the "athletic" type. Just ask the kids in grade school who picked me last for dodgeball, kickball, or any other ball game. Or the softball coach that put me in right field. Or the ski team that left me in the dust. Athletic stuff...just not me. I tried to get into running once maybe about 9 years ago. I maybe got up to like 1/4 mile. Just not me.
It IS like me to start a new "healthy lifestyle" plan and get really excited about it and then hit a roadbump or a snag and then give up and give in. That is like me. And then, once I had given up or given in, it would add to my "further proof that I will always be fat" or "further proof that I am not athletic" mindset.
This is different though.
I've hit roadbumps. I've hit snags...and I've kept going.
I've heard that voice in my head that said I could never do it...and I've kept going.
I've looked at a busy schedule that made it nearly impossible to get runs in...and I've kept going.
I've had aches and pains...and I've kept going.
I've had nearly 1 million reasons/excuses to stop...and I've kept going.
Saturday I ran 6 miles. No one is more surprised than me!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
FAIL!
If you are on facebook and if you love flair, then I am sure you have seen the ones where someone messes something up and then written over the scene is the word "FAIL!". That's how yesterday was for me.
Saturdays are usually my long runs. I was slated to do 8 miles of walking/running. I went in the morning prior to eating anything since that is how it will be the morning of the race. It was the hottest day I have run in so far. I'm still trying to figure out the balance between hydrating properly and yet not being 4 miles out on the trail and having to pee. Somehow yesterday, I was both dehydrated AND had to pee. How is that even possible! The only good thing is that outside if I pee my pants a little, I can just walk n the grass and no one will know. Doesn't work so well on the treadmill. In the end, I did 6.2 miles in 86 minutes (again). I only ran 3 miles of it, and my longest run was only 1.5 miles. Not very good. Especially not when my race is 3 weeks away.
One of the hardest things for me since I started this little journey has been not getting upset when I hit a little roadbump. It's not easy. I always want to be making progress. Yesterday didn't feel like progress. It felt like failure.
Saturdays are usually my long runs. I was slated to do 8 miles of walking/running. I went in the morning prior to eating anything since that is how it will be the morning of the race. It was the hottest day I have run in so far. I'm still trying to figure out the balance between hydrating properly and yet not being 4 miles out on the trail and having to pee. Somehow yesterday, I was both dehydrated AND had to pee. How is that even possible! The only good thing is that outside if I pee my pants a little, I can just walk n the grass and no one will know. Doesn't work so well on the treadmill. In the end, I did 6.2 miles in 86 minutes (again). I only ran 3 miles of it, and my longest run was only 1.5 miles. Not very good. Especially not when my race is 3 weeks away.
One of the hardest things for me since I started this little journey has been not getting upset when I hit a little roadbump. It's not easy. I always want to be making progress. Yesterday didn't feel like progress. It felt like failure.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Trusting the Process
Do you want to know something I have recently discovered? As it turns out, I don't know everything about everything. Strange, huh?
Last week in my running was what they call in the biz, a recovery week. That basically meant that I was not to try to run farther or faster than I had previously and none of my walking/running was longer than 4 miles. I wasn't so sure I liked the idea of a recovery week. I mean I only have so many weeks left until the race, and I am only half-way there, and I still have like a ton of weight to lose, and, well, probably Runners World doesn't know that I can't afford to take a recovery week. I know that they are the experts, but I was pretty sure I knew better. I mean I could literally feel the fat cells attaching themselves to my thighs as I recovered.
From Day 1, though, I told myself I wasn't going to give up. I wasn't going to trust my mind or the scale. I was going to trust the experts. I was going to trust the process. So, after a little bit of a battle, I took the recovery week. I ran 3 miles one day, 2 another and 3 on the third. (Well, actually, I ran 3.14 since I like to run a Pi in honor of Jonathan who is so intrigued by a number that could go on forever).
Today was the first day back in non-recovery mode and well....I ran 4 miles...straight! Hooray! I am actually getting there. I can hardly believe it.
As it turns out, I guess the good folks at Runners World.com actually do know more about running that I do. Weird.
Last week in my running was what they call in the biz, a recovery week. That basically meant that I was not to try to run farther or faster than I had previously and none of my walking/running was longer than 4 miles. I wasn't so sure I liked the idea of a recovery week. I mean I only have so many weeks left until the race, and I am only half-way there, and I still have like a ton of weight to lose, and, well, probably Runners World doesn't know that I can't afford to take a recovery week. I know that they are the experts, but I was pretty sure I knew better. I mean I could literally feel the fat cells attaching themselves to my thighs as I recovered.
From Day 1, though, I told myself I wasn't going to give up. I wasn't going to trust my mind or the scale. I was going to trust the experts. I was going to trust the process. So, after a little bit of a battle, I took the recovery week. I ran 3 miles one day, 2 another and 3 on the third. (Well, actually, I ran 3.14 since I like to run a Pi in honor of Jonathan who is so intrigued by a number that could go on forever).
Today was the first day back in non-recovery mode and well....I ran 4 miles...straight! Hooray! I am actually getting there. I can hardly believe it.
As it turns out, I guess the good folks at Runners World.com actually do know more about running that I do. Weird.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Breaking the Addiction
I love running on a treadmill.
It sounds so funny coming from me. I mean really. I love my kids...absolutely! I love Rob...you betcha! I love Ben and Jerry's Cookie DOugh Dynamo, especially when it is allowed to sit at room temperature for just a few minutes so it is extra soft and creamy...uh, yeah! I love using ellipses...obviously! But...I love running on the treadmill...who knew?!?!?
I think I enjoy the treadmill because it caters to my inner control freak. I know at every moment how fast I am going, how far I have gone, how much longer I have to run, how much farther I have to run, how many calories I have burned, and my current heartrate. If I don't like the numbers I see, I can go faster or slower and watch the results change in an instant. Ohhhhhh I love control! Add to that the little fan that blows in my face and my water bottle at arm's reach, and the fact that if I get my favorite treadmill, I can listen to music AND watch Fox news at the same time, and well, it's a little slice of heaven.
The bad thing is, I checked, and the 10K is NOT run on treadmills. It's run on a road. So, as much as I don't want to and as much as I miss my treadmill, I have to run outside. Running outside isn't really for control freaks. It's more for free spirits. I mean what if I get three miles out and I have to go to the bathroom? What if I get thirsty? What if some strange person tries to talk to me? What if I collapse and it takes hours for someone to find me but by then squirrels have started to nibble away at my hands? Do you see what I mean people?!?! Plus there are hills, and road bends, and curves to contend with. I have found out something interesting about myself...I really enjoy running downhill more than uphill. Prety strange, huh?
Saturday was my first swipe at 6.2 miles. I ran off and on for about 4.5 miles of it. I did it in 86 minutes. Not a bad start point and I have 5 weeks to improve on that. I am hoping by that time I'll stop jonseing for that treadmill.
It sounds so funny coming from me. I mean really. I love my kids...absolutely! I love Rob...you betcha! I love Ben and Jerry's Cookie DOugh Dynamo, especially when it is allowed to sit at room temperature for just a few minutes so it is extra soft and creamy...uh, yeah! I love using ellipses...obviously! But...I love running on the treadmill...who knew?!?!?
I think I enjoy the treadmill because it caters to my inner control freak. I know at every moment how fast I am going, how far I have gone, how much longer I have to run, how much farther I have to run, how many calories I have burned, and my current heartrate. If I don't like the numbers I see, I can go faster or slower and watch the results change in an instant. Ohhhhhh I love control! Add to that the little fan that blows in my face and my water bottle at arm's reach, and the fact that if I get my favorite treadmill, I can listen to music AND watch Fox news at the same time, and well, it's a little slice of heaven.
The bad thing is, I checked, and the 10K is NOT run on treadmills. It's run on a road. So, as much as I don't want to and as much as I miss my treadmill, I have to run outside. Running outside isn't really for control freaks. It's more for free spirits. I mean what if I get three miles out and I have to go to the bathroom? What if I get thirsty? What if some strange person tries to talk to me? What if I collapse and it takes hours for someone to find me but by then squirrels have started to nibble away at my hands? Do you see what I mean people?!?! Plus there are hills, and road bends, and curves to contend with. I have found out something interesting about myself...I really enjoy running downhill more than uphill. Prety strange, huh?
Saturday was my first swipe at 6.2 miles. I ran off and on for about 4.5 miles of it. I did it in 86 minutes. Not a bad start point and I have 5 weeks to improve on that. I am hoping by that time I'll stop jonseing for that treadmill.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
10K - Halfway there
So, according to the Cleveland Marathon website as of a few seconds ago, I have 37days 23hours 9minutes and 40seconds until my 10K.
Last time I wrote I was excited because I could run 5 minutes. I've made it a bit farther since then. On Tuesday, I was trying for 3 miles. Just like that 1 mile mark, 3 miles has been a bit elusive. I think with one mile there was such a mental block for me. I went to run like 6 times, each time thinking this is the day I will run 1 mile straight and each time failing. Finally, I made it. I punched right past 2 miles. But, 3 miles has been another challenge. Before Tuesday,I had tried three times to run 3 miles and fell short each time. Part of me still says "I am waaaayyyyyy too fat to be able to run this distance."
I woke up Tuesday feeling like it would be the day. But then everything went wrong. I couldn't find my favorite mositure-wicking socks. My only pair of running pants that keep chafing at bay were dirty. And, the biggest problem of all....my music was in Rob's car. I toyed with the idea of not even running at all that day. But, that was the old me. THe old me used any excuse whatsoever NOT to exercise. This is the new me. I am a runner (or at least a very slow jogger). THis is the new me. I am in training for a race. So, I put on cotton socks and febreezed my dirty pants and decided to try it without music. It looked like it was going to be another day of not hitting my 3 mile target.
But, something amazing happened when I started running. Well, actually, something amazing happened when I got past the first half-mile. I hate the first half-mile. I got into a rhythm. My breathing was good. My muscles felt good. I was in the zone. I felt like I could run forever. 1 mile down....2 miles down...2.5 mles down all at the same pace. I had to slow down for the last 1/2 mile or so, but I did it...3 miles straight! Then I ran .1 mile for good measure and just to say I could run a 5K.
So, I am half-way there. Me. Fat, lazy me...ran 3.1 miles straight. I didn't stay home because I couldn't find my socks. Me. It's a miracle. If I can do this, truly, anyone can.
I am feeling like I won't be able to run the whole 10K. I am feeling like I am running out of time. I really, really want to run the whole thing. I may have to re-evaluate that. But, if I have learned anything, it's to trust the process and that I am capable of much more than I think I am.
Last time I wrote I was excited because I could run 5 minutes. I've made it a bit farther since then. On Tuesday, I was trying for 3 miles. Just like that 1 mile mark, 3 miles has been a bit elusive. I think with one mile there was such a mental block for me. I went to run like 6 times, each time thinking this is the day I will run 1 mile straight and each time failing. Finally, I made it. I punched right past 2 miles. But, 3 miles has been another challenge. Before Tuesday,I had tried three times to run 3 miles and fell short each time. Part of me still says "I am waaaayyyyyy too fat to be able to run this distance."
I woke up Tuesday feeling like it would be the day. But then everything went wrong. I couldn't find my favorite mositure-wicking socks. My only pair of running pants that keep chafing at bay were dirty. And, the biggest problem of all....my music was in Rob's car. I toyed with the idea of not even running at all that day. But, that was the old me. THe old me used any excuse whatsoever NOT to exercise. This is the new me. I am a runner (or at least a very slow jogger). THis is the new me. I am in training for a race. So, I put on cotton socks and febreezed my dirty pants and decided to try it without music. It looked like it was going to be another day of not hitting my 3 mile target.
But, something amazing happened when I started running. Well, actually, something amazing happened when I got past the first half-mile. I hate the first half-mile. I got into a rhythm. My breathing was good. My muscles felt good. I was in the zone. I felt like I could run forever. 1 mile down....2 miles down...2.5 mles down all at the same pace. I had to slow down for the last 1/2 mile or so, but I did it...3 miles straight! Then I ran .1 mile for good measure and just to say I could run a 5K.
So, I am half-way there. Me. Fat, lazy me...ran 3.1 miles straight. I didn't stay home because I couldn't find my socks. Me. It's a miracle. If I can do this, truly, anyone can.
I am feeling like I won't be able to run the whole 10K. I am feeling like I am running out of time. I really, really want to run the whole thing. I may have to re-evaluate that. But, if I have learned anything, it's to trust the process and that I am capable of much more than I think I am.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
From Couch to 10 K - 4 months to go
So, I know i haven't been blogging. I'm unmotivated.
4 months until the 10K. I haven't made as much progress as I would have liked. But, I am making progress. Today I had two good victories. One was that I went to the gym and I ran on a Saturday. Usually, I just do the elliptical on Saturdays because there are so many young, skinny people running on the treadmills, I was afraid I would feel silly. It's amazing to me how each day I can feel different. One day I can feel like I'm really losing weight and toning up and the next I feel like Dr. Phil and his cameras are going to be busting into my house to do a story on the world's fattest woman. But, I read in a book "Courage to Start" that you have to start with the body you have and so that is what I have done. And, today, I went on the treadmills with all of the young, skinny people and I ran, or rather jogged, or really wogged (walking/jogging).
Secondly, I ran for the longest time I have ever run....5 minutes. Which isn't all that great. BUt, I remember the very first time I tried to run, I couldn't wait for the one minute to be over because I thought I might die. And, after walking for 5 minutes, I ran another minute and my shins were screaming at me to stop. Today, 5 minutes running (jogging), 3 minutes walking 5 times. I'm making progress.
When I start on the treadmill, I always listen to Van Halen's Right Now for my pep-me-up, because right now I am turning this thing around. And by thing, I mean my life. I am tired of hating my body. I am tired of feeling like crap about the way I look. I am tired of being a bad example for my children of a healthy lifestyle. I'm tired of not wanting to be in any pictures with my family because of how I look. I need to turn this thing around. Right now. Not only have I let myself get unhealthy and bloated physically, I've let this happen spiritually too. This running thing is a spiritual experience for me as well.
Last night at small group we talked about the difference between trying and training. Someone can try something...that's no guarantee it can happen. BUt in training, you have a goal, you have baby steps to get you there and if you keep at the disciplines, you will get there. I hope so!
4 months until the 10K. I haven't made as much progress as I would have liked. But, I am making progress. Today I had two good victories. One was that I went to the gym and I ran on a Saturday. Usually, I just do the elliptical on Saturdays because there are so many young, skinny people running on the treadmills, I was afraid I would feel silly. It's amazing to me how each day I can feel different. One day I can feel like I'm really losing weight and toning up and the next I feel like Dr. Phil and his cameras are going to be busting into my house to do a story on the world's fattest woman. But, I read in a book "Courage to Start" that you have to start with the body you have and so that is what I have done. And, today, I went on the treadmills with all of the young, skinny people and I ran, or rather jogged, or really wogged (walking/jogging).
Secondly, I ran for the longest time I have ever run....5 minutes. Which isn't all that great. BUt, I remember the very first time I tried to run, I couldn't wait for the one minute to be over because I thought I might die. And, after walking for 5 minutes, I ran another minute and my shins were screaming at me to stop. Today, 5 minutes running (jogging), 3 minutes walking 5 times. I'm making progress.
When I start on the treadmill, I always listen to Van Halen's Right Now for my pep-me-up, because right now I am turning this thing around. And by thing, I mean my life. I am tired of hating my body. I am tired of feeling like crap about the way I look. I am tired of being a bad example for my children of a healthy lifestyle. I'm tired of not wanting to be in any pictures with my family because of how I look. I need to turn this thing around. Right now. Not only have I let myself get unhealthy and bloated physically, I've let this happen spiritually too. This running thing is a spiritual experience for me as well.
Last night at small group we talked about the difference between trying and training. Someone can try something...that's no guarantee it can happen. BUt in training, you have a goal, you have baby steps to get you there and if you keep at the disciplines, you will get there. I hope so!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years Eve
SO, here's a conversation I had with Jonathan yesterday.
J: "Mom...how late can we stay up tomorrow night?"
M: "I don't know. 9:15?"
J: "Mom! That's our normal bedtime."
M: "Ok. How about 9:20?"
J: "I was thinking at least midnight."
UGH!! That means I have to stay up until midnight.
I suppose it is you know, tradition to stay up until the New Year arrives. Usher it in, if you will. I just like me my sleep. It wasn't always that way, of course. When I was Jonathan's age, my brother and I would make every effort to stay up until midnight and then when the New Year came we'd throw the confetti we had been making for the past several hours all over the living room. That was fun to clean up.
Then in my teen and college years, New Year's Eve was fun. Especially one time with a bunch of teenagers, some alcohol, and a hot tub. I won't give any more details since my parents read my blog, and, because that was 20-some years ago and I'm not sure I can remember them.
When I met Rob, his family has a great tradition of getting all dressed up and his dad, who is a super chef, makes a fancy, schmancy dinner. That was fun!
But, now I really can't remember the last time I stayed up. No scratch that. I DO remember. It was 1999. Canned goods and water in one arm and a fistful of money in another I waited for the world as we knew it to end. 3! (wait for it...) 2! (wait for it...) 1! (wait for it....) HAPPY NEW YEAR! And, then...nothing. Except for the sinking realization that I was stuck with 57 cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
Staying up just isn't my thing. However, even though it's not my thing. And, even though I've been getting no sleep what with the stomach virus going around our house, I'll let Jonathan stay up so that he can start the New Year with those he loves most...and be thankful that, at least for now, I get to be one of those people.
J: "Mom...how late can we stay up tomorrow night?"
M: "I don't know. 9:15?"
J: "Mom! That's our normal bedtime."
M: "Ok. How about 9:20?"
J: "I was thinking at least midnight."
UGH!! That means I have to stay up until midnight.
I suppose it is you know, tradition to stay up until the New Year arrives. Usher it in, if you will. I just like me my sleep. It wasn't always that way, of course. When I was Jonathan's age, my brother and I would make every effort to stay up until midnight and then when the New Year came we'd throw the confetti we had been making for the past several hours all over the living room. That was fun to clean up.
Then in my teen and college years, New Year's Eve was fun. Especially one time with a bunch of teenagers, some alcohol, and a hot tub. I won't give any more details since my parents read my blog, and, because that was 20-some years ago and I'm not sure I can remember them.
When I met Rob, his family has a great tradition of getting all dressed up and his dad, who is a super chef, makes a fancy, schmancy dinner. That was fun!
But, now I really can't remember the last time I stayed up. No scratch that. I DO remember. It was 1999. Canned goods and water in one arm and a fistful of money in another I waited for the world as we knew it to end. 3! (wait for it...) 2! (wait for it...) 1! (wait for it....) HAPPY NEW YEAR! And, then...nothing. Except for the sinking realization that I was stuck with 57 cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
Staying up just isn't my thing. However, even though it's not my thing. And, even though I've been getting no sleep what with the stomach virus going around our house, I'll let Jonathan stay up so that he can start the New Year with those he loves most...and be thankful that, at least for now, I get to be one of those people.
Monday, December 29, 2008
It's a Christmas Miracle!
Our Christmas was nice. It wasn't exactly what I expected what with all the puking and my parents getting sick/iced in and not able to come. But, really? What ever is exactly what I expected? The kids enjoyed themselves. The adults enjoyed themselves. Presents were opened. Jesus was celebrated. Paper and toys and candy and clothing and crayons and food were strewn all over the place when it was all said and done...it was a good time.
And yesterday I experienced what can only be called a Christmas miracle. My children played outside together (in 50 degree weather) for 3.5 hours without fighting. You did hear me right. 3.5 hours. 4 kids. NO fighting. What were they doing for 3.5 hours you might ask?
Yes. Go now and get yourselves one. And then maybe you too can have 3.5 hours of (awake)fight-free sibling time.
And yesterday I experienced what can only be called a Christmas miracle. My children played outside together (in 50 degree weather) for 3.5 hours without fighting. You did hear me right. 3.5 hours. 4 kids. NO fighting. What were they doing for 3.5 hours you might ask?
Yes. Go now and get yourselves one. And then maybe you too can have 3.5 hours of (awake)fight-free sibling time.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hayleigh's First Heartbreak
Rob and Trisha were in a play together over the weekend at a friend's church. The performance was Saturday so we went together to see it. Hayleigh was entertained for about 20 minutes, which I thought, all things considered, was really pretty good. But, she started to get fidgetly (as toddlers tend to do) so I took her out into the hallway to roam. Whilst (that's fancy Christmas-y language for while) roaming, she spotted a little boy who was probably 2. She got a huge grin on her face and started running toward him waving and saying hi. This little boy proceeded to poke her with his finger right in her chest and said "get away from me baby". Then he ran away.
I wasn't sure how Hayleigh would react. She sort of stood there stunned for a minute and then just started full out bawling. Her friendship advances had been denied and her heart was broken.
I tried to tell her to cheer up. I mean by the time she's Trisha's age, this sort of thing will have happened so much that she'll have a certain immunity to it. It will only sting instead of crush. That didn't seem to cheer her up.
After awhile she calmed down and found another child to wave hi to. But, I tell you what. If I see that 2-year-old again...man, I will take.him.out.
I wasn't sure how Hayleigh would react. She sort of stood there stunned for a minute and then just started full out bawling. Her friendship advances had been denied and her heart was broken.
I tried to tell her to cheer up. I mean by the time she's Trisha's age, this sort of thing will have happened so much that she'll have a certain immunity to it. It will only sting instead of crush. That didn't seem to cheer her up.
After awhile she calmed down and found another child to wave hi to. But, I tell you what. If I see that 2-year-old again...man, I will take.him.out.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Reason #4057 Why My Husband Rocks
He comes home from work. I say "Something smells like it died in the kitchen...probably the fridge". And, he takes care of it. He kills huge, hairy spiders, unclogs toilets, and gets rid of things that smell like death. And, that's reason #4057 why my husband rocks.
AND, today is his birthday. He's 39. It seems so hard to believe. A hip, young thing such as myself married to such an old guy. Can you imagine???!!!???
Anyways, Happy Birthday to the dh. And, um, thanks for getting rid of that smell.
AND, today is his birthday. He's 39. It seems so hard to believe. A hip, young thing such as myself married to such an old guy. Can you imagine???!!!???
Anyways, Happy Birthday to the dh. And, um, thanks for getting rid of that smell.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Top 10 things that came out of my mouth in 2008
The clean version :)
10) In order for an outfit to make you look fat, you actually have to be fat.
9) 4.09 a gallon?!?!?!?!?!?! Seriously?!?!?!?!?!
8) It will be fine. Just spray some Febreeze on it.
7) Can we please pick our underwear up off of the floor?
6) Please God give me strength.
5) Can't we all just get along?
4) Let's go ahead and get that out of your mouth.
3) Hi I'm a volunteer for the Pennsylvania Republican Party...are you planning on supporting Senator McCain on November 4th?
2) C'mon (little league sports team name)!! Let's go!! You can do it!
1) I love you too :)
10) In order for an outfit to make you look fat, you actually have to be fat.
9) 4.09 a gallon?!?!?!?!?!?! Seriously?!?!?!?!?!
8) It will be fine. Just spray some Febreeze on it.
7) Can we please pick our underwear up off of the floor?
6) Please God give me strength.
5) Can't we all just get along?
4) Let's go ahead and get that out of your mouth.
3) Hi I'm a volunteer for the Pennsylvania Republican Party...are you planning on supporting Senator McCain on November 4th?
2) C'mon (little league sports team name)!! Let's go!! You can do it!
1) I love you too :)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I try to be hip...I really do!
I really do try to be up on things. It just never works out quite like I hoped for. Because, in the end, I have gray hair and I drive a minivan...no amount of hipness can possibly overcome those two things. However, I am not one to give up easily, so I decided that I would go on Facebook. I mean, really, what could possibly be more hip than that? It's been interesting, though.
First of all, I couldn't just go on Facebook and announce myself with my real name. No, the really hip kids first go on with a pseudonym so they can check out the situation anonymously. Pretty brillant, huh? One hitch. I didn't anticipate how people would be able to find me by my email address. I was beginning to regularly get people asking me who in the world Sally was. Whatever...
So, I put my real name in. I found it funny that they said it would take 24 hours for them to verify this name change.
Once verified however, apparently Facebook was confused by my gender. I had a little message that said "Which statement is more appropriate for you: Nicole just updated HER profile or Nicole just update HIS profile?" HA! I haven't really been asked such a ridiculous question, well, since this one guy in college asked me if Nikki was short for Nictoria like Vikki was short for Victoria. Good times. Good times. He's a high-powered corporate attorney now, BTW.
Well, I let them know that Nicole would be updating HER profile. (Someday soon, I'm sure). Facebook then proceeded to make some friend suggestions to me. Here's the weird thing: I actually knew like more than half of the people they were suggesting I be friends with..like in real life. That was a little freaky, I must admit. I mean the thing doesn't know that I'm a lady, but it knows all of the people I know.
Anyways, now that I have all of that settled, I guess I am supposed to tell people what I am doing and how I am feeling and write on people's walls and chat and stuff. And, if I post the right picture of myself, you know, one without gray hairs and without a mininvan in the picture (do I even have one like that??) then finally, FINALLY, I'll be hip!!
First of all, I couldn't just go on Facebook and announce myself with my real name. No, the really hip kids first go on with a pseudonym so they can check out the situation anonymously. Pretty brillant, huh? One hitch. I didn't anticipate how people would be able to find me by my email address. I was beginning to regularly get people asking me who in the world Sally was. Whatever...
So, I put my real name in. I found it funny that they said it would take 24 hours for them to verify this name change.
Once verified however, apparently Facebook was confused by my gender. I had a little message that said "Which statement is more appropriate for you: Nicole just updated HER profile or Nicole just update HIS profile?" HA! I haven't really been asked such a ridiculous question, well, since this one guy in college asked me if Nikki was short for Nictoria like Vikki was short for Victoria. Good times. Good times. He's a high-powered corporate attorney now, BTW.
Well, I let them know that Nicole would be updating HER profile. (Someday soon, I'm sure). Facebook then proceeded to make some friend suggestions to me. Here's the weird thing: I actually knew like more than half of the people they were suggesting I be friends with..like in real life. That was a little freaky, I must admit. I mean the thing doesn't know that I'm a lady, but it knows all of the people I know.
I always feel like somebody's watchin' me...and I have no privacy. Oohohoh
Anyways, now that I have all of that settled, I guess I am supposed to tell people what I am doing and how I am feeling and write on people's walls and chat and stuff. And, if I post the right picture of myself, you know, one without gray hairs and without a mininvan in the picture (do I even have one like that??) then finally, FINALLY, I'll be hip!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
From couch to 10K in 5 months
Can it be done? I don't know...but I am sure going to give it a try.
My dad is turning 60 in 2009, so he was thinking he wanted to run a marathon to mark the occassion. It takes like 4-5 hours to run a marathon. The only thing I would like to do for more than 4 hours would be sleep. But, nonetheless, it is one of those things that some people like to check off their life "to do" list. How this pertains to me is that my dad is planning on doing some warm-up races and invited (challenged?) me to join him. The only problem is that I am fat. And, I am out of shape. But, I am not one to turn down a fun invitation, so we downloaded some training plans and away I went. I am in the 2nd week of the training schedule.
Last week: I walked for 3 minutes and ran for 1 minute.
This week: I walk for 2.5 minutes and run for 1.5 minutes (which is about 1/8 of a mile)
Next week: Walk for 2 minutes, run for 1.5 minutes
Here's something I found out: I actually like this whole running thing. It's pretty fun. And, it burns like 600 calories a session. And, today, I did two sets of running for 3 mintues (about 1/4 of a mile) so I am making good progress.
I'll keep everyone updated...maybe not because you care, but so that I can see my own progress. But, for now, I have to go, since all that running makes me want to take a nap!
My dad is turning 60 in 2009, so he was thinking he wanted to run a marathon to mark the occassion. It takes like 4-5 hours to run a marathon. The only thing I would like to do for more than 4 hours would be sleep. But, nonetheless, it is one of those things that some people like to check off their life "to do" list. How this pertains to me is that my dad is planning on doing some warm-up races and invited (challenged?) me to join him. The only problem is that I am fat. And, I am out of shape. But, I am not one to turn down a fun invitation, so we downloaded some training plans and away I went. I am in the 2nd week of the training schedule.
Last week: I walked for 3 minutes and ran for 1 minute.
This week: I walk for 2.5 minutes and run for 1.5 minutes (which is about 1/8 of a mile)
Next week: Walk for 2 minutes, run for 1.5 minutes
Here's something I found out: I actually like this whole running thing. It's pretty fun. And, it burns like 600 calories a session. And, today, I did two sets of running for 3 mintues (about 1/4 of a mile) so I am making good progress.
I'll keep everyone updated...maybe not because you care, but so that I can see my own progress. But, for now, I have to go, since all that running makes me want to take a nap!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Oh yeah...I rock this whole "mom" thing...
One thing I really like to do with my children is to take them out to eat...one on one. Or, now with Hayleigh...2 on 1. So, once between the start of school and Christmas, I will take each child out of school for lunch and I also take each child out to breakfast. I do this again between January and the end of the school year. So, during the school year, each kid gets two breakfasts and two lunches. And I get fatter, but I digress.
Today was Jaden's breakfast day. Jaden isn't a big breakfast eater. And by isn't a big breakfast eater I mean he almost never eats breakfast. He likes breakfast, but for some reason he gets full pretty fast with breakfast. Anyways, he wanted to go to breakfast (as opposed to another lunch) and so off to McDonald's we went. He wanted hotcakes and sausage and cinnamon melts, which I thought was a lot of food for a kid who gets full fast, but hey! it's his day so that's what I got him. I reminded him that we could wrap it up and take it home if he got full. I didn't want him getting so full he threw up. Several times I asked him if he was full and reminded him that I would be upset if he got so full he threw up.
Well...he got so full he threw up.
He was kind enough to warn me, as opposed to other times when he has just thrown up all over the place. Of course, there wasn't much time, so I was pushing him to the ladies room and dragging Hayleigh half in/half out of her highchair behind me. (Her shoe was stuck).
So, after he throws up, he starts crying and saying he's sorry.
And, that's when I realize that I am totally rocking this mom thing. There's probably something medically wrong with him that he can't help and that's why he gets full so quick in the morning and throws up. I don't know. Here's what I do know: I am setting up a Drs. appointment, and from here on out, Jaden and I will go out to lunch!
Today was Jaden's breakfast day. Jaden isn't a big breakfast eater. And by isn't a big breakfast eater I mean he almost never eats breakfast. He likes breakfast, but for some reason he gets full pretty fast with breakfast. Anyways, he wanted to go to breakfast (as opposed to another lunch) and so off to McDonald's we went. He wanted hotcakes and sausage and cinnamon melts, which I thought was a lot of food for a kid who gets full fast, but hey! it's his day so that's what I got him. I reminded him that we could wrap it up and take it home if he got full. I didn't want him getting so full he threw up. Several times I asked him if he was full and reminded him that I would be upset if he got so full he threw up.
Well...he got so full he threw up.
He was kind enough to warn me, as opposed to other times when he has just thrown up all over the place. Of course, there wasn't much time, so I was pushing him to the ladies room and dragging Hayleigh half in/half out of her highchair behind me. (Her shoe was stuck).
So, after he throws up, he starts crying and saying he's sorry.
And, that's when I realize that I am totally rocking this mom thing. There's probably something medically wrong with him that he can't help and that's why he gets full so quick in the morning and throws up. I don't know. Here's what I do know: I am setting up a Drs. appointment, and from here on out, Jaden and I will go out to lunch!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Once Upon A Time In a Land Far, Far Away
there lived a mom. She was a good mom who only wanted to give her children the very best. She loved spending time with her children. After several days of non-stop togetherness to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, this mom decided that a field trip was in order. Her baby wasn't feeling well, so she thought that it should not be a long field trip, perhaps just a trip out for lunch.
So, the mom, deciding not to scare other children out in the community, hopped into the shower. The mom figures she could be quick about it and it would be fine. However, within just a few minutes of the shower's beginning, the mother's baby hopped into the shower also. With all of her freshly changed clothes on. And then proceeded to cry because she decided that all of the water getting into her eyes wasn't so fun afterall.
Cutting her shower short, the mom grabbed the baby, dried her off and got her fresh clothes all before getting her own clothes on. All 4 of the mom's other children decided to barge in on her at this time to see if the mom knew where various clothing items were for them and they all were kind enough to recoil back in horror when they spotted the mom's naked self.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go the family loaded into the car. They decided that they would go to CiCi's pizza because the mom recently purchased several coupon books for a school fundraiser that had coupons for CiCi's pizza. Before going there, however, the mom had to stop at Sprint. You see, the mom had to switch her cell phone service to yet another cell phone. Apparently, the mom's baby has been trying to see if water and cell phones mix. They do not. After two times of this, te mom hoped that the baby knew this.
The mom decided to leave her children in the car while she went into Sprint. Afterall, she thought, the children are old enough to stay at home alone for an hour. Certainly, there would be no problem with leaving them in the car for 5 mintues? 3 minutes into the phone switching, the mom looked out the window to see her 11-year-old son running towards her with what appeared to be a bloody nose. Apparently, this son had found tweezers and was tweezing out nose hair when the 8-year-old in his like-to-be squirmy way elbowed him and thus the blood. This mom made a note to herself to rethink the whole "leaving the kids alone" thing.
From Sprint to CiCi's the mom's male children delighted themselves with talk of intestinal worms and boogers and hey! did you know that you really can eat your own stomach? The mom's preteen girl had a look that seemed to be questioning why she had the rotten misfortune of living with so many boys.
Upon arriving to CiCi's the mom realized she left her wallet in the other purse at home. There is $1 in the car, which will not be enough to take 6 people to lunch. the mom turns her car around and heads home to the sounds of weeping and gnashing of teeth in the back of the car. The mom promises that next time she will make it up to them. And, she will...try to anyways. We'll see how it goes!
So, the mom, deciding not to scare other children out in the community, hopped into the shower. The mom figures she could be quick about it and it would be fine. However, within just a few minutes of the shower's beginning, the mother's baby hopped into the shower also. With all of her freshly changed clothes on. And then proceeded to cry because she decided that all of the water getting into her eyes wasn't so fun afterall.
Cutting her shower short, the mom grabbed the baby, dried her off and got her fresh clothes all before getting her own clothes on. All 4 of the mom's other children decided to barge in on her at this time to see if the mom knew where various clothing items were for them and they all were kind enough to recoil back in horror when they spotted the mom's naked self.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go the family loaded into the car. They decided that they would go to CiCi's pizza because the mom recently purchased several coupon books for a school fundraiser that had coupons for CiCi's pizza. Before going there, however, the mom had to stop at Sprint. You see, the mom had to switch her cell phone service to yet another cell phone. Apparently, the mom's baby has been trying to see if water and cell phones mix. They do not. After two times of this, te mom hoped that the baby knew this.
The mom decided to leave her children in the car while she went into Sprint. Afterall, she thought, the children are old enough to stay at home alone for an hour. Certainly, there would be no problem with leaving them in the car for 5 mintues? 3 minutes into the phone switching, the mom looked out the window to see her 11-year-old son running towards her with what appeared to be a bloody nose. Apparently, this son had found tweezers and was tweezing out nose hair when the 8-year-old in his like-to-be squirmy way elbowed him and thus the blood. This mom made a note to herself to rethink the whole "leaving the kids alone" thing.
From Sprint to CiCi's the mom's male children delighted themselves with talk of intestinal worms and boogers and hey! did you know that you really can eat your own stomach? The mom's preteen girl had a look that seemed to be questioning why she had the rotten misfortune of living with so many boys.
Upon arriving to CiCi's the mom realized she left her wallet in the other purse at home. There is $1 in the car, which will not be enough to take 6 people to lunch. the mom turns her car around and heads home to the sounds of weeping and gnashing of teeth in the back of the car. The mom promises that next time she will make it up to them. And, she will...try to anyways. We'll see how it goes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)