Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Best for Last
When I began running a couple of months ago I knew it would be a process. I knew it would be hard, that it would take resolution, and there would definitely be some embarrassment involved. I actually prefer running in the early morning or at night to secure as much solitude as possible and avoid said embarrassment while relishing the time alone. As I started thinking about races I wondered and worried about coming in last place but thankfully dismissed the notion since many people walk the entire course, giving me some room for accomplishment.
Well, it happened.
I was last.
Dead last.
And actually, it wasn't so bad. I crossed the finish line smiling while every other race participant looked on, cheering. It was however, my second race of the day. The kid's fun run I did with Bella after my own 5k on the morning of the 4th, of which while close, I did not come in last.
Bella has been vying to join me on a run and in a race since I started telling her about my first 5k. Since she can't make it down the block without lying prone on the sidewalk I seriously doubted her commitment or ability to either of these endeavors, but not wanting to quash a worthy ambition I indulged her and paid the $10 to register her for the 'Fun Run'.
From the onset there was an abundance of complaining to which I responded by informing her of my impromptu first rule of running: There is no whining in running. I told her that running is hard and everyone knows that running is hard but we can do hard things. Apparently my pep talk didn't have much of an impact on her because not more than a few yards in she lost the capacity to voluntarily propel herself. The rest of the race consisted of me holding her hand, more or less pulling her along, continually telling her she was doing a great job, asking if she was ready to try running again, reminding her that there was no stopping during a race all the while observing kids of every age running past us. At some point a bribe of chocolate milk was offered.
By this point we are secured in our hindmost position, nearing the finish line with everyone watching from the sidelines. I try to inspire her to finish strong and somehow, perhaps motivated by he crowds, the cheering, the promise of chocolate milk, she runs. Everyone who has participated in the event and the event planning is standing on the sidelines cheering, singularly for Bella. An older gentleman reaches his hand out to give her high-5. The announcer calls her number and congratulates her. Hundreds of people, from young children to seniors are all clapping, calling, and cheering for this one little 4-year old as she pushes herself and those little legs over the finish line. I lope along just behind her, a bit sheepishly but mostly blissful as she crosses and a medal is bestowed upon her neck, a prize awarded to all the kids in the fun run. As she receives this commendation she aptly responds by declaring 'I never dreamed of this!'
After this she doesn't seem to have any recollection of being last, only of finishing. Only the applause and the award. We stop at the grocery store on the way home for our hard-earned recovery chocolate milk and she wears her race bib and her medal through the store frequently telling me she 'can't believe she got the first medal!' Why would I correct her?
I doubt she'll remember this for very long, having the fickle memory of a 4-year old. I hope she will participate again so she can experience the thrill of victory, the triumph of effort and the sound of hundreds of voices raised in chorus of praise for her alone, if only for a moment.
How often do any of us get to appreciate that?
Well, it happened.
I was last.
Dead last.
And actually, it wasn't so bad. I crossed the finish line smiling while every other race participant looked on, cheering. It was however, my second race of the day. The kid's fun run I did with Bella after my own 5k on the morning of the 4th, of which while close, I did not come in last.
Bella has been vying to join me on a run and in a race since I started telling her about my first 5k. Since she can't make it down the block without lying prone on the sidewalk I seriously doubted her commitment or ability to either of these endeavors, but not wanting to quash a worthy ambition I indulged her and paid the $10 to register her for the 'Fun Run'.
From the onset there was an abundance of complaining to which I responded by informing her of my impromptu first rule of running: There is no whining in running. I told her that running is hard and everyone knows that running is hard but we can do hard things. Apparently my pep talk didn't have much of an impact on her because not more than a few yards in she lost the capacity to voluntarily propel herself. The rest of the race consisted of me holding her hand, more or less pulling her along, continually telling her she was doing a great job, asking if she was ready to try running again, reminding her that there was no stopping during a race all the while observing kids of every age running past us. At some point a bribe of chocolate milk was offered.
By this point we are secured in our hindmost position, nearing the finish line with everyone watching from the sidelines. I try to inspire her to finish strong and somehow, perhaps motivated by he crowds, the cheering, the promise of chocolate milk, she runs. Everyone who has participated in the event and the event planning is standing on the sidelines cheering, singularly for Bella. An older gentleman reaches his hand out to give her high-5. The announcer calls her number and congratulates her. Hundreds of people, from young children to seniors are all clapping, calling, and cheering for this one little 4-year old as she pushes herself and those little legs over the finish line. I lope along just behind her, a bit sheepishly but mostly blissful as she crosses and a medal is bestowed upon her neck, a prize awarded to all the kids in the fun run. As she receives this commendation she aptly responds by declaring 'I never dreamed of this!'
After this she doesn't seem to have any recollection of being last, only of finishing. Only the applause and the award. We stop at the grocery store on the way home for our hard-earned recovery chocolate milk and she wears her race bib and her medal through the store frequently telling me she 'can't believe she got the first medal!' Why would I correct her?
I doubt she'll remember this for very long, having the fickle memory of a 4-year old. I hope she will participate again so she can experience the thrill of victory, the triumph of effort and the sound of hundreds of voices raised in chorus of praise for her alone, if only for a moment.
How often do any of us get to appreciate that?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Beaufort, N.C.
This is the apparently sleepy seaside town located right next to Morehead City where we were staying. Unfortunately we didn't go to see this beauty until the second to last day of our trip, but as soon as we stepped out, I was smitten. We parked and got out on Front St. which as its name would suggest, is water front. The street is lined with these charming antebellum homes with historic placards dating their construction, most in the 1700 or early 1800's. All of them were beautifully maintained with manicured gardens and picket fences enclosing their front yards and Southern rocking chair porches. All of the houses looked directly onto the water and the docks.
Like I said, I was smitten.
Window boxes: a certain sign of small-town charm.
I love these signs and their names.
Amazing woodwork and what looks like a reconstructed gas lamp.
The evening boardwalk scene.
I loved these oyster shells used as ground cover. Brilliantly cute recycling!
Just imagine.
Live music, nightly. I loved these two guys doing versions of the Beatles and the like. Love that scene.
Picture-squee.
(These boats were a favorite subject of mine.)
Can you say, 'privilege?'
Some guy building a boat inside the Maritime Museum.
These side-by-side bed and breakfasts were for sale for about 1.7 million each and would nicely fit my mom and my dream of running one. Sigh.
*Sigh.*
This badly-taken photo from my car window shows the city's town hall in what appears to be an old train station.
Look at that green copper roof! Those steps, that porch, that fence, that brick entry...
Where we had my fancy birthday dinner. I love outdoor seating cafe types.
That about says it. It was indeed, a general store. The owner was so cute and talked to me for a while about the town, its residents, relocation etc. It had old wide-plank floors, ice cream and 25 cent candy along with the requisite tourist shirts etc that we obligingly bought.
Another take on that cool house.
I loved this sight of a woman with her dog and small child in their boat off the dock. Idyllic.
That chimney must surely be original to the house! I love it.
Can you imagine having your own boat slip, private with your name on it? So cool.
Apparently Beaufort and this area are called 'the graveyard of the Atlantic' because of the amount of shipwrecks located off the shores. Specifically Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge. It is a scuba diver's haven! They lead all kinds of Pirate and hisotical tours by boat and by foot. There is also a smaller island that is still home to wild ponies, which you can see from a boat tour as well. Perfect!
Like I said, I was smitten.
Window boxes: a certain sign of small-town charm.
I love these signs and their names.
Amazing woodwork and what looks like a reconstructed gas lamp.
The evening boardwalk scene.
I loved these oyster shells used as ground cover. Brilliantly cute recycling!
Just imagine.
Live music, nightly. I loved these two guys doing versions of the Beatles and the like. Love that scene.
Picture-squee.
(These boats were a favorite subject of mine.)
Can you say, 'privilege?'
Some guy building a boat inside the Maritime Museum.
These side-by-side bed and breakfasts were for sale for about 1.7 million each and would nicely fit my mom and my dream of running one. Sigh.
*Sigh.*
This badly-taken photo from my car window shows the city's town hall in what appears to be an old train station.
Look at that green copper roof! Those steps, that porch, that fence, that brick entry...
Where we had my fancy birthday dinner. I love outdoor seating cafe types.
That about says it. It was indeed, a general store. The owner was so cute and talked to me for a while about the town, its residents, relocation etc. It had old wide-plank floors, ice cream and 25 cent candy along with the requisite tourist shirts etc that we obligingly bought.
Another take on that cool house.
I loved this sight of a woman with her dog and small child in their boat off the dock. Idyllic.
That chimney must surely be original to the house! I love it.
Can you imagine having your own boat slip, private with your name on it? So cool.Apparently Beaufort and this area are called 'the graveyard of the Atlantic' because of the amount of shipwrecks located off the shores. Specifically Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge. It is a scuba diver's haven! They lead all kinds of Pirate and hisotical tours by boat and by foot. There is also a smaller island that is still home to wild ponies, which you can see from a boat tour as well. Perfect!
I'm always obsessed with real estate and frequent the Allen Tate website, so this inspired a new rash of inquiries into small seaside towns. Beaufort specifically, but it is probably out of our reach. Even though statistically it only costs 1% more than Charlotte, there doesn't seem to be an abundance of available houses in our budget, for good reason. I've always wanteed to live in a small town. Liek a real small town, where yuo know everybody and everywhere you shop is locally owned and ran, you smile and talk to everyone on the street, you leave your doors open (theoretically)...Timm has always wanted to live on the water to indulge his hydro-adoration, and I have always loved the water and the peace and tranquility of the shore. The quiet, local, private types, not the crowded noisy smelly and unsightly public beaches. I have done dozens of googling along the lines of 'best nc coastal cities', 'affordable nc beach towns', 'smallest nc beach towns' and the like. Maybe not soon, but I think it's a dream that we could realize. It's not out of the question and one huge perk of Timm's profession is that we can relocate wherever we want. There will always be teaching jobs all over the country offering the chance to relocate and reinvent. Since the inception of my idea for us to move to Charlotte it has just felt right. Since we moved here it has felt right, like home. I really love North Carolina. I have always wanted to find a home and stay there- raise my family in one place that they can always remember and come back to. Because of this I don't want to bounce around, and i feel like Charlotte could definitely be the place where we settle indefinitely. Put another way, I have no intention or plans of leaving anytime soon, if not Charlotte, then North Carolina. I love this state and I look forward to exploring more of what it has to offer- the western region with the Smoky Mountains and Asheville, the numerous beach towns, the south-of Charlotte rural areas ... It feels good to fit.
But I will still continue to search real estate and job listings for other parts of the state, just to keep ou roptions open. Afterall, if we're going to relocate (within the state) we better do it sooner than later so our kids will be rooted.
But I will still continue to search real estate and job listings for other parts of the state, just to keep ou roptions open. Afterall, if we're going to relocate (within the state) we better do it sooner than later so our kids will be rooted.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
5 Years
It's hard to believe that Lola Jane would be 5 years old today.
The passage of time is such an odd and confusing concept- so long ago, a lifetime, myself a totally different person...yet how has 5 years passed already? What comprises 5 years of time? What experiences, challenges, changes, accomplishments, and shifts make up the entirety of 5 years of our lives? What has transpired to deliver us to who and where we are today?
So getting sealed in the temple, 5 more years of marriage, 2 more kids, graduating school, moving across country, buying our first house, getting a real job, starting a career,missing and connecting with loved ones, making and strengthening friendships...That has made up some of it.
This is the first year that I have not been in Utah on her birthday. It seems a bit strange, disconnected, but not necessarily depressing. Distant though.
We haven't done much today in remembrance- it's tricky because nobody else knows or remembers the significance of the day, a day that changed our lives, perspectives, and empathies forever. I don't' want to be macabre but I want to devote the proper reverence and appreciation it deserves. We are going to buy a flowering bush or tree that blooms this time every year as a beautiful reminder, perhaps a hydrangea since they grow so well here and I happen to adore them. Maybe replace an ailing camellia right next to our front door. We also got Cold Stone for a special treat which I am halfway regretting as we speak. I feel like I just spent an outrageous $12.84 (seriously-) to further derail my diet (post-vacation blues has done a number on me. It's been a week today.) and feel bloated and bad about myself. Woohoo. I decided that in years following I want to do a simple birthday cake. It's a simple, low-key, cheerful acknowledgement of the day, for what it should be. Celebration and remembrance.
I remember shortly after she died and I was wondering what life-purpose this experience held for me, since of course it's all about me, and I wondered if at least it would help me stay the course- if remembering that I had a perfect daughter in heaven waiting for me would inspire in me a lifetime of diligence and purposeful living. I don't know if that's true but I do reflect on it and sometimes wonder if I am making her proud. Most of the time I am afraid that I am not. I'm afraid that I would cause a lot of head-shaking, hand-wringing and sighs to say the least. I already fear disappointing those around me here on earth, let alone a perfect spirit watching my life and everything around me unfold in a frustrating ripple of oft-repeated mistakes. As I lamented this once to Michelle she reminded me that since I am a mortal I am not expected to be perfect...yet. I hope that's true as far as Lola is concerned, because otherwise I am surely a huge disappointment to my celestial daughter in heaven.
I wish I could believe that I must have inspired something worthy of mothering a perfect being like Lola, but I think instead she was born to me at least in part to inspire me to be worthy. Let me remember this throughout my life and perhaps I may prove worthy in the end.
I can't wait to meet her again. I know she is beautiful, awe-inspiring and I know she is amazing.
And I know she lives.
The passage of time is such an odd and confusing concept- so long ago, a lifetime, myself a totally different person...yet how has 5 years passed already? What comprises 5 years of time? What experiences, challenges, changes, accomplishments, and shifts make up the entirety of 5 years of our lives? What has transpired to deliver us to who and where we are today?
So getting sealed in the temple, 5 more years of marriage, 2 more kids, graduating school, moving across country, buying our first house, getting a real job, starting a career,missing and connecting with loved ones, making and strengthening friendships...That has made up some of it.
This is the first year that I have not been in Utah on her birthday. It seems a bit strange, disconnected, but not necessarily depressing. Distant though.
We haven't done much today in remembrance- it's tricky because nobody else knows or remembers the significance of the day, a day that changed our lives, perspectives, and empathies forever. I don't' want to be macabre but I want to devote the proper reverence and appreciation it deserves. We are going to buy a flowering bush or tree that blooms this time every year as a beautiful reminder, perhaps a hydrangea since they grow so well here and I happen to adore them. Maybe replace an ailing camellia right next to our front door. We also got Cold Stone for a special treat which I am halfway regretting as we speak. I feel like I just spent an outrageous $12.84 (seriously-) to further derail my diet (post-vacation blues has done a number on me. It's been a week today.) and feel bloated and bad about myself. Woohoo. I decided that in years following I want to do a simple birthday cake. It's a simple, low-key, cheerful acknowledgement of the day, for what it should be. Celebration and remembrance.
I remember shortly after she died and I was wondering what life-purpose this experience held for me, since of course it's all about me, and I wondered if at least it would help me stay the course- if remembering that I had a perfect daughter in heaven waiting for me would inspire in me a lifetime of diligence and purposeful living. I don't know if that's true but I do reflect on it and sometimes wonder if I am making her proud. Most of the time I am afraid that I am not. I'm afraid that I would cause a lot of head-shaking, hand-wringing and sighs to say the least. I already fear disappointing those around me here on earth, let alone a perfect spirit watching my life and everything around me unfold in a frustrating ripple of oft-repeated mistakes. As I lamented this once to Michelle she reminded me that since I am a mortal I am not expected to be perfect...yet. I hope that's true as far as Lola is concerned, because otherwise I am surely a huge disappointment to my celestial daughter in heaven.
I wish I could believe that I must have inspired something worthy of mothering a perfect being like Lola, but I think instead she was born to me at least in part to inspire me to be worthy. Let me remember this throughout my life and perhaps I may prove worthy in the end.
I can't wait to meet her again. I know she is beautiful, awe-inspiring and I know she is amazing.
And I know she lives.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Outer Banks
For 3 years running my family was able to go to an amazing 2 million dollar beach house in Charleston, South Carolina thanks to the generosity and talents of my mom and dad. One year they invited us to Nantucket as well, due to the same generosity and talent. However, the last 2 years have been beach-less which is a travesty. The beach (or 'shore' if you're an Easterner like me-)has long been my favorite getaway, respite, and true vacation. This year Timm was able to hook us up with a house in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and my parents footed the bill, allowing us to convene there with them as well as Ryan and Miles. Last Sunday morning we made the 6+hour drive to the coast to spend the week in Morehead City. We could only stay until the following Friday and I am now in the post-weekend hangover/mourning mode.
This little Sandpiper laid a nest in a seemingly ill-planned place right under a small tree by the road and our driveway. She chirped and cheeped in loud protestations every time we came near which was frequently. She and her mate also entertained us with diversions and distractions of every kind. We hoped for the eggs to hatch before we left, but after monitoring it several times a day we left the eggs as they were. I love beach wildlife.
This house in Morehead City was located on the Bogue Sound, right on the water. As in, their backyard was the water. They had their own dock. It was so delightful. Here is said dock.
This is the side entrance where we came and went. I love the Carolina Jessamine growing around the door and the beautiful hydrangea bushes flanking its side.
This is the rear of the 3-story house, seen from the dock-a frequent vantage point.
Timm's idea of fishing. I don't blame him.
I painted my and Bella's toes a couple of days before we left and neither one of ours held up too well. I blame the demise of my polish on running, and Bella's on being a 4-year old.
We made many trips back and forth across that dock.
This was the rock buffer along the beach behind the house.
Our access onto the beach during high tide.
One of the rocking chair porches we spent a lot of time on. It seemed there was always a gentle breeze off the water and it would rock the chairs. I loved it.
This was one of our views to the right. That bridge is the causeway over the water to Atlantic Beach, and my dad and I went running to, over, across, and back twice while on vacation.
Our dock as seen from the deck off the living room. One of my ultimate favorite things to do was lay on a lounge chair on this deck and read. The surf was constantly lapping, the breeze cooling the air, sea birds cawing and the occasional boater going by. Private, serene, picturesque. Ryan and Miles could usually be seen fishing at the end of the dock with the rest of us frequently going across the dock or swimming in the sound.
Across the water you could see all of the colorful houses on Atlantic Beach.
Sailboats were common visitors to the sound. Bella aptly called this one the 'candy corn' boat.
Fiona enjoying some one-on-one dotage from both grandparents.
She soaked every bit of it up.
Sigh. I just love the beach. It is the perfect destination. It just feels right when we're there- the water, the salty air, the spray, the vibe, the community, the lackadaisical attitudes, even the humidity...It feels right, like we belong, like the way the world should be. A sense of utopia. A life and a lifestyle I could readily adopt. One I really want to adopt. I dream of it. I yearn.
I fell in love with the neighboring town of Beaufort in particular, which I will document in detail later. I feel like it is my destiny to realize a life in a sleepy beach town with my family. Maybe someday it will happen or maybe I will have to wait for the Celestial Kingdom, but in either event I am holding on to the dream.
So what did we enjoy while there? The usual good food, many many games of Bananagrams in which Timm drove me insane with his speedy plays, a wonderful birthday celebration, naps, sleeping in, lots of help with the girls, catching up with Ryan and Miles, enjoying the dotage of my parents, swimming, reading, lounging, walking the beach, collecting shells, and finally exploring the other beaches and nearby towns.
For the most part our little piece of the beach on the sound fulfilled all of my beach needs. It was private, we could swim, fish, stroll, lay in the sun...we rarely needed to leave for anything. I wish we still hadn't left in fact.
My thoughts are so disjointed right now and I'm not sure why. Maybe because I am trying to haphazardly watch tv while I write this and remember...I need to reflect in a quieter environment.
More later.
This little Sandpiper laid a nest in a seemingly ill-planned place right under a small tree by the road and our driveway. She chirped and cheeped in loud protestations every time we came near which was frequently. She and her mate also entertained us with diversions and distractions of every kind. We hoped for the eggs to hatch before we left, but after monitoring it several times a day we left the eggs as they were. I love beach wildlife.
This house in Morehead City was located on the Bogue Sound, right on the water. As in, their backyard was the water. They had their own dock. It was so delightful. Here is said dock.
This is the side entrance where we came and went. I love the Carolina Jessamine growing around the door and the beautiful hydrangea bushes flanking its side.
This is the rear of the 3-story house, seen from the dock-a frequent vantage point.
Timm's idea of fishing. I don't blame him.
I painted my and Bella's toes a couple of days before we left and neither one of ours held up too well. I blame the demise of my polish on running, and Bella's on being a 4-year old.
We made many trips back and forth across that dock.
This was the rock buffer along the beach behind the house.
Our access onto the beach during high tide.
One of the rocking chair porches we spent a lot of time on. It seemed there was always a gentle breeze off the water and it would rock the chairs. I loved it.
This was one of our views to the right. That bridge is the causeway over the water to Atlantic Beach, and my dad and I went running to, over, across, and back twice while on vacation.
Our dock as seen from the deck off the living room. One of my ultimate favorite things to do was lay on a lounge chair on this deck and read. The surf was constantly lapping, the breeze cooling the air, sea birds cawing and the occasional boater going by. Private, serene, picturesque. Ryan and Miles could usually be seen fishing at the end of the dock with the rest of us frequently going across the dock or swimming in the sound.
Across the water you could see all of the colorful houses on Atlantic Beach.
Sailboats were common visitors to the sound. Bella aptly called this one the 'candy corn' boat.
Fiona enjoying some one-on-one dotage from both grandparents.
She soaked every bit of it up.Sigh. I just love the beach. It is the perfect destination. It just feels right when we're there- the water, the salty air, the spray, the vibe, the community, the lackadaisical attitudes, even the humidity...It feels right, like we belong, like the way the world should be. A sense of utopia. A life and a lifestyle I could readily adopt. One I really want to adopt. I dream of it. I yearn.
I fell in love with the neighboring town of Beaufort in particular, which I will document in detail later. I feel like it is my destiny to realize a life in a sleepy beach town with my family. Maybe someday it will happen or maybe I will have to wait for the Celestial Kingdom, but in either event I am holding on to the dream.
So what did we enjoy while there? The usual good food, many many games of Bananagrams in which Timm drove me insane with his speedy plays, a wonderful birthday celebration, naps, sleeping in, lots of help with the girls, catching up with Ryan and Miles, enjoying the dotage of my parents, swimming, reading, lounging, walking the beach, collecting shells, and finally exploring the other beaches and nearby towns.For the most part our little piece of the beach on the sound fulfilled all of my beach needs. It was private, we could swim, fish, stroll, lay in the sun...we rarely needed to leave for anything. I wish we still hadn't left in fact.
My thoughts are so disjointed right now and I'm not sure why. Maybe because I am trying to haphazardly watch tv while I write this and remember...I need to reflect in a quieter environment.
More later.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Birthday Wish List
Well, my mom has requested this list of ideas since at first all I had to offer in the way of suggestions was : Sewing stuff, Gardening Stuff, and Running Stuff.
I still don't have too many specific ideas so I am listing any and everything that comes to mind. Practical or not, large and small. Just thinking out loud. Or in type.
This bike from Target!! I love it! I've been wanting a new bike lately for several reasons. As I am running I want/need to have another activity for cross-training/rest days and the end of our street connects to the Greenway which is a fantastic place for bike-riding. I've even thought about doing a triathalon at some point. This bike caught my eye for it's obvious good-looks, but I was then impressed with it's price and the fact that it is in fact more of a mountain bike-style than a sissy but cute Cruiser.
The Creative Family- For the most part I have given up buying books. I use our library religiously and am there at least once a week with as many as 20 books out at a time. Unless it is an all-time favorite that I will read and reference again and again, I will save money and paper by using the library. However, there are a few books worth owning and treasuring. These are a few of them.
Handmade Home- preorder!
Bend-the Rules Sewing- I've already checked this out twice, renewing it as many times as they would allow each time. I've yet to actually make any of these things yet however...
I Love Dirt! Just stumbled on this and it looks cool!
Sewing stuff- fabrics, notions, tools...stuff.
Running stuff- this heart rate monitor/watch or something similar to track distance, time, heart rate.
Gardening stuff-um... I don't know. Plants, exterior home makeover... OH! Window boxes!! I REALLY want 2 window boxes for my front windows.
A tummy tuck.
Exercise pants. Capri length.
iTunes gift cards.
gift cards of any kind.
Cooking Light subscription.
Okay, here's some actual gardening ideas: Containers of all kinds. I want to do herbs and some veggies on my deck. I'm also doing flowers everywhere, and at some point want to build some raised beds in the backyard to do a real garden. So, $ at Home Depot or nurseries or dad's help making my garden :)
Dad's help building a small chicken coop. I'm totally serious. This could be an entirely service -oriented birthday and that would be rad. Service and chicken-oriented.
Painting my house.
Cute hair.
A swimsuit-ready body.
A housekeeper.
Boundless energy, at least 4 more hours in every day, or the amphetamines to make it appear so.
Teleportation device for friends and family, namely Michelle and Hannah.
So as you can see, I would be happy with anything from thread to a new exterior of my house. I'm really not picky, unless anyone's thinking of giving me the Swine Flu, tickets to Jerry Springer, or a pet ostrich. (They're pretty cranky birds.)
Or a card. Or an email. Or just happy thoughts-we're all just getting older.
I still don't have too many specific ideas so I am listing any and everything that comes to mind. Practical or not, large and small. Just thinking out loud. Or in type.
This bike from Target!! I love it! I've been wanting a new bike lately for several reasons. As I am running I want/need to have another activity for cross-training/rest days and the end of our street connects to the Greenway which is a fantastic place for bike-riding. I've even thought about doing a triathalon at some point. This bike caught my eye for it's obvious good-looks, but I was then impressed with it's price and the fact that it is in fact more of a mountain bike-style than a sissy but cute Cruiser.
The Creative Family- For the most part I have given up buying books. I use our library religiously and am there at least once a week with as many as 20 books out at a time. Unless it is an all-time favorite that I will read and reference again and again, I will save money and paper by using the library. However, there are a few books worth owning and treasuring. These are a few of them.
Handmade Home- preorder!
Bend-the Rules Sewing- I've already checked this out twice, renewing it as many times as they would allow each time. I've yet to actually make any of these things yet however...
I Love Dirt! Just stumbled on this and it looks cool!
Sewing stuff- fabrics, notions, tools...stuff.
Running stuff- this heart rate monitor/watch or something similar to track distance, time, heart rate.
Gardening stuff-um... I don't know. Plants, exterior home makeover... OH! Window boxes!! I REALLY want 2 window boxes for my front windows.
A tummy tuck.
Exercise pants. Capri length.
iTunes gift cards.
gift cards of any kind.
Cooking Light subscription.
Okay, here's some actual gardening ideas: Containers of all kinds. I want to do herbs and some veggies on my deck. I'm also doing flowers everywhere, and at some point want to build some raised beds in the backyard to do a real garden. So, $ at Home Depot or nurseries or dad's help making my garden :)
Dad's help building a small chicken coop. I'm totally serious. This could be an entirely service -oriented birthday and that would be rad. Service and chicken-oriented.
Painting my house.
Cute hair.
A swimsuit-ready body.
A housekeeper.
Boundless energy, at least 4 more hours in every day, or the amphetamines to make it appear so.
Teleportation device for friends and family, namely Michelle and Hannah.
So as you can see, I would be happy with anything from thread to a new exterior of my house. I'm really not picky, unless anyone's thinking of giving me the Swine Flu, tickets to Jerry Springer, or a pet ostrich. (They're pretty cranky birds.)
Or a card. Or an email. Or just happy thoughts-we're all just getting older.
I Did It!! (The Long Version)
I am the prodigal blogger- I can't explain why,or give particulars, but I feel so busy lately. Just life. Nothing of note, nothing unusual, nothing that every other housewife and mother of young children doesn't do on a daily basis. As life goes, I find myself becoming more and more busy-busyness that I know will only increase with time. Good busy, but I'm still having a hard time managing my time. Finding time to cook, clean, meal plan, coupon, garden, exercise, laundry,ironing, grocery shop, do errands, play with my kids, take care of the pets, have a life, sleep... I need better time management skills. Still, despite sporadic exercise lately I did make time to run my first race!
It seemed almost anticlimactic by the time I did it. For the last couple/few weeks I have corrected many misconceptions about a 5k and races in general. It usually went something like this:
'How long is a 5k exactly?'
'Just 3.1 miles.'
'Oh, that's not bad at all.'
or
"Wow! 5 miles!'
'No, it's a 5K, so 3.1 miles.'
'Oh.'
Many instances of downplaying the feat or having others minimize it for me. Then one day Linda asked me when my marathon was. I sputtered, "A marathon?! No, it's only a 5k.' She asked what the difference is, I told her and tried to explain that people train forever to do marathons and that is a completely different thing. Like, something I hope to do someday, but...ha. No, 3 miles. Again, minimizing. I talked to Nana the night before the race and she also wished me luck on my marathon. I just let it slide.
So by the time I actually got there to do it, I kind of felt like... much ado about nothing.
Still, I was pretty pumped to pin my bib on. Timm had to work so he couldn't go but he snapped a couple of shots before he left.
I really hate this picture, but I am posting it for motivation to keep it up. It is evidence that although I have lost weight, there is still a lot to lose. Yuck.
Luckily I was able to drop the girls off at Molly's for the race. It happened to go through her neighborhood so it was convenient- for me, at least. I dropped them off and Molly drove me to the congregating crowd before the race. I checked in and got my timing chip and tied i ton my shoe. Walking through the crowd I felt like a total fraud. I felt like it was painfully obvious that I've never done this before, I wasn't a 'real' runner, evidenced by my lumpy 'Athena'-like non-runner's body. Luckily I did know 2 other people in the race and we started together. There were 800 runners!
When we started it was so cool- they closed one side of the roads, so we had 2 or 3 lanes to comfortably run through. I was of course in the back of the pack, which did have the advantage of a very cool sight. Hundreds of runners spanning the horizon, all heading for the same goal, the same finish line. There were even small children, from 5 and up.
My synopsis: it was great. It was hard. 3.1 miles is a lot longer than you might imagine. Even the slightest of inclines is brutal when you're running it, especially when you're out of shape and overweight. My goals were 3-fold: Run as much of it as I could, come in under 45 minutes, and push myself to my limit. I'm happy to say that I did all three. On paper, (or in pictures-) my accomplishment doesn't look like much. My time was 43:14, and I came in 734th place, out of 775. I beat 41 people, none of which were several octogenarians that passed me, young children, and a blind guy with a 4-foot pole leading the pack. Still. I worked hard. I can say I worked as hard as I could. In fact, at times I was dizzy, had chills, and felt a little sick to my stomach-probably signs of overexertion or overheating, but I'd be damned if I stopped or slowed down. I might not have had a spectacular performance, but I ran 3.1 miles, the same distance, the same as everyone else did. The good part is that as long as I continue to train it should be easy to continually improve my time! The next one I want to do is on the 4th of July, so my goal is to improve my time. By what, I don't know.
Molly brought my 2 and her 2 kids to the last turn to see me and cheer me on. Sebastian and Bella were holding construction paper signs for me and cheering. It definitely gave me a boost for the last hill right before the finish line. I also had a friend who ran ahead of me waiting for me at the finish. That helped too.
It was such a fun, festive atmosphere. It was like a party! The whole parking lot was filled with local businesses and their booths. There was a local radio station, Rita's Water Ice giving out free ice, baked goods, bananas, PowerAde, massage chairs, and on and on. People stayed for at least an hour or hour and a half after I finished, just socializing, glowing. It felt awesome to be part of the collective.
Sweaty, afterwards.
My shoes, laced the way Hannah showed me to help alleviate my Morton's Nueroma as best i can. (Basically a pinched nerve in my toes. Not fun.) Incidentally, these are some sweet Sauconys that are usually upwards of $100 that I got for $30- deal master!
my dues.
Ever since I started this attempt at running my right heel continues to bleed as it tries to form an effective callous. It keeps rubbing the same spot every time, so its taking a bit to toughen up. Luckily, I don't even feel it anymore. I'm concentrating more on the pinching nerve pain in my left foot and the resulting hip pain I have after I finish from my different leg lengths. (Apparently.) I'm not complaining, I'm just sayin...
So there you have it. A very detailed account of 43 minutes of my life this last Saturday. I can't wait to do it again. I haven't run since then, spending the time taking Advil and resting my hip. Tomorrow I hit the pavement again at 5 am.
It seemed almost anticlimactic by the time I did it. For the last couple/few weeks I have corrected many misconceptions about a 5k and races in general. It usually went something like this:
'How long is a 5k exactly?'
'Just 3.1 miles.'
'Oh, that's not bad at all.'
or
"Wow! 5 miles!'
'No, it's a 5K, so 3.1 miles.'
'Oh.'
Many instances of downplaying the feat or having others minimize it for me. Then one day Linda asked me when my marathon was. I sputtered, "A marathon?! No, it's only a 5k.' She asked what the difference is, I told her and tried to explain that people train forever to do marathons and that is a completely different thing. Like, something I hope to do someday, but...ha. No, 3 miles. Again, minimizing. I talked to Nana the night before the race and she also wished me luck on my marathon. I just let it slide.
So by the time I actually got there to do it, I kind of felt like... much ado about nothing.
Still, I was pretty pumped to pin my bib on. Timm had to work so he couldn't go but he snapped a couple of shots before he left.
I really hate this picture, but I am posting it for motivation to keep it up. It is evidence that although I have lost weight, there is still a lot to lose. Yuck.Luckily I was able to drop the girls off at Molly's for the race. It happened to go through her neighborhood so it was convenient- for me, at least. I dropped them off and Molly drove me to the congregating crowd before the race. I checked in and got my timing chip and tied i ton my shoe. Walking through the crowd I felt like a total fraud. I felt like it was painfully obvious that I've never done this before, I wasn't a 'real' runner, evidenced by my lumpy 'Athena'-like non-runner's body. Luckily I did know 2 other people in the race and we started together. There were 800 runners!
When we started it was so cool- they closed one side of the roads, so we had 2 or 3 lanes to comfortably run through. I was of course in the back of the pack, which did have the advantage of a very cool sight. Hundreds of runners spanning the horizon, all heading for the same goal, the same finish line. There were even small children, from 5 and up.
My synopsis: it was great. It was hard. 3.1 miles is a lot longer than you might imagine. Even the slightest of inclines is brutal when you're running it, especially when you're out of shape and overweight. My goals were 3-fold: Run as much of it as I could, come in under 45 minutes, and push myself to my limit. I'm happy to say that I did all three. On paper, (or in pictures-) my accomplishment doesn't look like much. My time was 43:14, and I came in 734th place, out of 775. I beat 41 people, none of which were several octogenarians that passed me, young children, and a blind guy with a 4-foot pole leading the pack. Still. I worked hard. I can say I worked as hard as I could. In fact, at times I was dizzy, had chills, and felt a little sick to my stomach-probably signs of overexertion or overheating, but I'd be damned if I stopped or slowed down. I might not have had a spectacular performance, but I ran 3.1 miles, the same distance, the same as everyone else did. The good part is that as long as I continue to train it should be easy to continually improve my time! The next one I want to do is on the 4th of July, so my goal is to improve my time. By what, I don't know.
Molly brought my 2 and her 2 kids to the last turn to see me and cheer me on. Sebastian and Bella were holding construction paper signs for me and cheering. It definitely gave me a boost for the last hill right before the finish line. I also had a friend who ran ahead of me waiting for me at the finish. That helped too.
It was such a fun, festive atmosphere. It was like a party! The whole parking lot was filled with local businesses and their booths. There was a local radio station, Rita's Water Ice giving out free ice, baked goods, bananas, PowerAde, massage chairs, and on and on. People stayed for at least an hour or hour and a half after I finished, just socializing, glowing. It felt awesome to be part of the collective.
Sweaty, afterwards.
My shoes, laced the way Hannah showed me to help alleviate my Morton's Nueroma as best i can. (Basically a pinched nerve in my toes. Not fun.) Incidentally, these are some sweet Sauconys that are usually upwards of $100 that I got for $30- deal master!
my dues.Ever since I started this attempt at running my right heel continues to bleed as it tries to form an effective callous. It keeps rubbing the same spot every time, so its taking a bit to toughen up. Luckily, I don't even feel it anymore. I'm concentrating more on the pinching nerve pain in my left foot and the resulting hip pain I have after I finish from my different leg lengths. (Apparently.) I'm not complaining, I'm just sayin...
So there you have it. A very detailed account of 43 minutes of my life this last Saturday. I can't wait to do it again. I haven't run since then, spending the time taking Advil and resting my hip. Tomorrow I hit the pavement again at 5 am.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Bella's Party
Okay, I am so behind in my posts, but I will come back with a recap of Bella's 4th birthday party. Afterwards it occurred to me that almost every single picture I took was of the decor and hardly a one of the actual kids or the goings-on of the party. What can I say? What did I spent the most time and effort on? The details of the decor, food, and favors... Molly took some more pictures so hopefully she has some that actually feature people and I can post those later.
Bella had originally told me she wanted a blue birthday party, a request that was met with more than a little reluctance. Blue? Really? Are you sure? So for a few weeks I racked my brain trying to think of the decor, food, favors and activities incorporating the color blue. I came up with giving the kids blue ribbon name badges, but that was about it. Luckily one day she suddenly told me she wanted a green party, at which point I replied 'Are you sure? Green? You're sure? Okay it's green. We're not changing.' Luckily it worked. Green happens to be my favorite color so I had fun imagining the possibilities for a simple and inexpensive party. The results:
It all started with the invitation. (Shell's affirmation covering my address and phone number)
Unfortunately none of the pictures do the party justice, so please mentally enhance the images.
Centerpiece featuring Molly's vase, limes, key limes, lemons, fake green and white Gerbera daisies and some forsythia stems from my yard. Monochromatic, so cute.
These were the favors. I spray painted mini terra cotta pots, tied them with ribbon and did a monogram rub-on for each guest. Then for an activity we planted a small impatien in each one. The kids had fun digging soil with a spoon and had a small cute pink flower to take home.
Fresh fruit- always a cheery centerpiece.
I attempted to make these party hats/cones for them to wear and then collect their loot in. I hung one on each chair.
Oh.
These tissue paper pom poms make my heart sing. I saw them on Martha Stewart's site, and then my friend Kim made them and solidified my desire to make them myself. Martha and Kim both have tutorials, and ti is the easiest thing possible. This is my new favorite decoration for any special occasion. Each one cost 99 cents, and took about 5 minutes to make. All you need: tissue paper, monofiliment, and floral wire. Ta-da! Seriously, I'm a little obsessed with these. It's now Thursday and they are still up. I'm not sure when these are coming down. They just lift my spirits to see them floating there, ethereal and magical. Also I made a mini pennant banner out of scrap green fabrics I had, using Michelle's tutorial, on a mini scale. Love it! Now we're going to hang it over Bella's window in her room. Whenever I take it down, which is undecided as of now.
I was rushed so I didn't get a better picture of the adults food as they were trying to eat from it (the nerve-), but I just served cucumbers, green apples, green grapes, celery and dip, all in various shades of green bowls of course, with another lime-filled vase with floating tea lights.
Party sign on the mailbox. Timm's only job prior to the party was to pick up 3 green balloons on the way home from work. I was somewhat exasperated with the 2 blue balloons, but apparently Timm thinks aqua is a shade of green. Really.
The setting.
If you look very closely you may be able to see an actual child at the party, and in fact, it is the birthday girl! I hope Molly has better pictures of my cupcakes, but just in case, here's the description: various green card stock wrappers around the cupcakes, green icing, and green pennant cupcake toppers. I had them on two stacked cake plates with Bella's topped with 4 skinny celery colored candles.
Also not pictured, or at least visible- I made Bella an appliqued '4' shirt. I used a bright green scrap of fabric that I also used in the banner and appliqued it to a white shirt we already owned. I'm going to get a picture later and make it a tradition.
Homemade paper bag pinata! I was going to make her a traditional paper mache pinata in the shape of a 4, but time was running out so I googled pinata substitutes and immediately came up with a paper bag version! What could be easier or cheaper? I didn't spend a dime on it except for the green candy inside of it. It was surprisingly strong! Totally doing this again.
I tied ribbons and bows through the arms of my chandelier.
Close-up of the mini-banner.
All in all, I felt like her party was a complete success. A little stressful and busy leading up to it, which could have been avoided by not procrastinating, but the actual party felt flawless. i wasn't stressed, I purposely kept the activities simple and low-key. The adults mostly socialized inside, and the kids played 'freeze dance', 'red light green light', planted their flower, hit the pinata and had cupcakes and ice cream. No gifts, no drama, no stress- just 5 4-year olds (or nearly 4) running around playing, together just for the sake of having fun, celebrating a birthday, eating ice cream and being friends.
Other things I loved about this party: the theme. I love that it is simple and doesn't promote or pursue commercialism, consumerism and doesn't feature any characters whatsoever. Other themes I've thought of for the future: a letter birthday, i.e. 'F' for Fiona- courtesy of Michelle and Martha Stewart, a polka dot party, a number party, i.e. '5' for next year, an art party, a book party...I want to do another one soon!
And last but not least, my total cost for the party including every detail was about $40. My goal was to keep it at $25, but the produce alone for the adults was $15, so that was shot. Still, $40 for the whole she-bang. Not bad.
So as you can see, it was cute, and as you cannot see but I will tell you anyway, is that a good time was had by all. I got several comments from the adults that they really enjoyed the party, and the general flow and feeling of it. It was the perfect length (almost 2 hours) and just enough mix of structure and freedom. Best of all, there was hardly any cleanup when everyone left!
I mention every detail and list every achievement not to boast, but to document and remember for next time. This was done well. We all liked the outcome, and the pattern should be repeated.
Coming Soon (meaning at some point-) Bella's 4 post, Fiona's 8 1/2 months catch-up post, gardening updates, whining and typical minutea. Where does the time go?
Stay tuned for the thank-you cards!
Bella had originally told me she wanted a blue birthday party, a request that was met with more than a little reluctance. Blue? Really? Are you sure? So for a few weeks I racked my brain trying to think of the decor, food, favors and activities incorporating the color blue. I came up with giving the kids blue ribbon name badges, but that was about it. Luckily one day she suddenly told me she wanted a green party, at which point I replied 'Are you sure? Green? You're sure? Okay it's green. We're not changing.' Luckily it worked. Green happens to be my favorite color so I had fun imagining the possibilities for a simple and inexpensive party. The results:
It all started with the invitation. (Shell's affirmation covering my address and phone number)
Unfortunately none of the pictures do the party justice, so please mentally enhance the images.
Centerpiece featuring Molly's vase, limes, key limes, lemons, fake green and white Gerbera daisies and some forsythia stems from my yard. Monochromatic, so cute.
These were the favors. I spray painted mini terra cotta pots, tied them with ribbon and did a monogram rub-on for each guest. Then for an activity we planted a small impatien in each one. The kids had fun digging soil with a spoon and had a small cute pink flower to take home.
Fresh fruit- always a cheery centerpiece.
I attempted to make these party hats/cones for them to wear and then collect their loot in. I hung one on each chair.
Oh.These tissue paper pom poms make my heart sing. I saw them on Martha Stewart's site, and then my friend Kim made them and solidified my desire to make them myself. Martha and Kim both have tutorials, and ti is the easiest thing possible. This is my new favorite decoration for any special occasion. Each one cost 99 cents, and took about 5 minutes to make. All you need: tissue paper, monofiliment, and floral wire. Ta-da! Seriously, I'm a little obsessed with these. It's now Thursday and they are still up. I'm not sure when these are coming down. They just lift my spirits to see them floating there, ethereal and magical. Also I made a mini pennant banner out of scrap green fabrics I had, using Michelle's tutorial, on a mini scale. Love it! Now we're going to hang it over Bella's window in her room. Whenever I take it down, which is undecided as of now.
I was rushed so I didn't get a better picture of the adults food as they were trying to eat from it (the nerve-), but I just served cucumbers, green apples, green grapes, celery and dip, all in various shades of green bowls of course, with another lime-filled vase with floating tea lights.
Party sign on the mailbox. Timm's only job prior to the party was to pick up 3 green balloons on the way home from work. I was somewhat exasperated with the 2 blue balloons, but apparently Timm thinks aqua is a shade of green. Really.
The setting.
If you look very closely you may be able to see an actual child at the party, and in fact, it is the birthday girl! I hope Molly has better pictures of my cupcakes, but just in case, here's the description: various green card stock wrappers around the cupcakes, green icing, and green pennant cupcake toppers. I had them on two stacked cake plates with Bella's topped with 4 skinny celery colored candles.Also not pictured, or at least visible- I made Bella an appliqued '4' shirt. I used a bright green scrap of fabric that I also used in the banner and appliqued it to a white shirt we already owned. I'm going to get a picture later and make it a tradition.
Homemade paper bag pinata! I was going to make her a traditional paper mache pinata in the shape of a 4, but time was running out so I googled pinata substitutes and immediately came up with a paper bag version! What could be easier or cheaper? I didn't spend a dime on it except for the green candy inside of it. It was surprisingly strong! Totally doing this again.
I tied ribbons and bows through the arms of my chandelier.
Close-up of the mini-banner.All in all, I felt like her party was a complete success. A little stressful and busy leading up to it, which could have been avoided by not procrastinating, but the actual party felt flawless. i wasn't stressed, I purposely kept the activities simple and low-key. The adults mostly socialized inside, and the kids played 'freeze dance', 'red light green light', planted their flower, hit the pinata and had cupcakes and ice cream. No gifts, no drama, no stress- just 5 4-year olds (or nearly 4) running around playing, together just for the sake of having fun, celebrating a birthday, eating ice cream and being friends.
Other things I loved about this party: the theme. I love that it is simple and doesn't promote or pursue commercialism, consumerism and doesn't feature any characters whatsoever. Other themes I've thought of for the future: a letter birthday, i.e. 'F' for Fiona- courtesy of Michelle and Martha Stewart, a polka dot party, a number party, i.e. '5' for next year, an art party, a book party...I want to do another one soon!
And last but not least, my total cost for the party including every detail was about $40. My goal was to keep it at $25, but the produce alone for the adults was $15, so that was shot. Still, $40 for the whole she-bang. Not bad.
So as you can see, it was cute, and as you cannot see but I will tell you anyway, is that a good time was had by all. I got several comments from the adults that they really enjoyed the party, and the general flow and feeling of it. It was the perfect length (almost 2 hours) and just enough mix of structure and freedom. Best of all, there was hardly any cleanup when everyone left!
I mention every detail and list every achievement not to boast, but to document and remember for next time. This was done well. We all liked the outcome, and the pattern should be repeated.
Coming Soon (meaning at some point-) Bella's 4 post, Fiona's 8 1/2 months catch-up post, gardening updates, whining and typical minutea. Where does the time go?
Stay tuned for the thank-you cards!
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