This is a little late, but just wanted to give a shout out to my mom, my sis, my cousin, and my little girl.
Y'all know I hate to shop (except for groceries and running clothes, go figure...), but I was really in need of some new clothes, and these ladies spent part of our girls' weekend helping me find some. Four {four!} pairs of jeans, several tees, tops, & tanks, and even a summer dress (on clearance!) later, I'm well ahead of the game. Most of y'all are thinking, "Isn't girls' weekend all about shopping?" Maybe, but not of the "I'm desperate, the seasons are changing and I have no pants" variety. And besides, we like to eat and then check out the clearance racks at Target. These ladies took me to the mall!
And my little girl, well, she is not only growing up into a responsible young lady, but she's got a great sense of style, too. Not to mention her awesome sense of humor! We had some awesome mom-and-daughter time on the drive down and back.
It would be a shame if I didn't mention that my husband and son enjoyed their weekend, too. My son asked me last night if we could have kid-and-parent time every weekend! Or at least more often :)
I think it's a wonderful idea!
Showing posts with label Things that Make You Go Woo Hoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things that Make You Go Woo Hoo. Show all posts
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
And the rain...
We had big plans to head to the drive-in movie theatre on July 4th. It had been raining all week, and Thursday looked to be our best chance for a clear evening. After a day of off-and-on showers with sun in between, the sky really started to look dark in the afternoon. The drive-in is an hour away, so we really didn't want to risk getting there and then have the movies (always a double feature!) cancelled due to weather. So, we passed on our plans for the drive-in, hopeful for another family-friendly double feature (maybe in the fall?).
The kids were looking forward to popping a big bowl of popcorn (we recently tried and succeeded at popping it on the stove), so we did that anyway and had an indoor picnic and a movie at home (I got the movies from the Redbox just before our big evening shower began). We made three flavors of popcorn and everyone was happy.
{Hmmm, this sounds a lot like our rained-out plans two years ago!}
{Hmmm, this sounds a lot like our rained-out plans two years ago!}
It's been rainy for several days now - the same on-and-off showers. It's not so bad, I guess, except there's never enough time for the grass to dry out and time to mow. It's starting to get tall! And it's humid, but thankfully the temps are not too, too warm.
Today, it was sunny and dry enough for the kids to go to tennis lessons. Big J and I played on a nearby set of courts. Well, "played" might make it sound like we could volley more than about 4 hits in a row - but we still enjoyed the time outside!
As we settled back in at home this evening following a search for a new microwave, the rain started again. It's really a nice, gentle rain for the most part, but its completely unpredictable. I'm ready for all-day sun again!
{Aside from books, movies, video games, and complete stir-craziness from being indoors, here's something I did with Miss this week. It was fun, and we've even gotten a couple of compliments! M picked my colors - I'd have never chosen these myself, but I really like them!}
Sunday, March 17, 2013
10k - check!
Just popping in with a quick update to say -
Woohoo! I did it! The 10k was yesterday, and I can check it off of my list now!
It was a beautiful day, but 10-15 degrees warmer than any day I've gone running in preparation for this race. That made it a little harder, especially in miles 3 and 4. I also didn't do the best job pacing myself (running about 25 seconds per mile faster than usual) - I had lots of butterflies beforehand and the closer it got to race time, the more excited I got.
Still.... I finished 5 minutes faster than my estimated time - which was pretty exciting!
The best part - my family coming to see me! I got to see them at 4 different points during the race, and my sweet husband even ran with me for a bit of the last mile so he could check in on how I was feeling and give me some encouragement to make it to the end. And there's nothing like having high fives from your kids or having them run alongside for half a block!
Next up, increasing speed! I'm running a 5k in May, and I need to set my time goal for that race. I'll have to go back and look at my old 5k times, my current 5k pace, and figure out a good goal to work towards. Although I'm not excited about hill repeats and track workouts, I know they are good for me! And when I reach that goal it will all be worth it!
Woohoo! I did it! The 10k was yesterday, and I can check it off of my list now!
It was a beautiful day, but 10-15 degrees warmer than any day I've gone running in preparation for this race. That made it a little harder, especially in miles 3 and 4. I also didn't do the best job pacing myself (running about 25 seconds per mile faster than usual) - I had lots of butterflies beforehand and the closer it got to race time, the more excited I got.
Still.... I finished 5 minutes faster than my estimated time - which was pretty exciting!
The best part - my family coming to see me! I got to see them at 4 different points during the race, and my sweet husband even ran with me for a bit of the last mile so he could check in on how I was feeling and give me some encouragement to make it to the end. And there's nothing like having high fives from your kids or having them run alongside for half a block!
Next up, increasing speed! I'm running a 5k in May, and I need to set my time goal for that race. I'll have to go back and look at my old 5k times, my current 5k pace, and figure out a good goal to work towards. Although I'm not excited about hill repeats and track workouts, I know they are good for me! And when I reach that goal it will all be worth it!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Out of My Comfort Zone
Oh, y'all, I just have to admit it. Meeting new people makes me nervous. If you know the job I used to have before I became a full-time mama, you will probably find this pretty darn amusing. But it's the truth.
I stepped a bit outside of my comfort zone on Wednesday, though. As Miss M and I were walking back to the car from after-school pick-up, I saw another mom walking toward us. I had seen her at Back-to-School Night, knew I recognized her, but couldn't pinpoint where - so I said nothing. Totally easy for me to do since the classroom was crowded.
As an aside, Miss M started 1st grade at a new school this year. Haven't addressed it here yet - and still may or may not - but I'm thinking I will share first-day-of-school pics after Mister J starts back to school next week. An-y-way.... I'm a newbie at this new school. So that's why I couldn't immediately place the other mom from Back-to-School Night.
Moving right along - I eventually figured out that I recognized the other mom from the dance class that Miss M took two years ago. When I saw her again a couple of days ago, I just said hello, remarked that I recognized her from the dance class that our daughters had taken together, and that now they were in the same 1st grade class. We chatted for just a bit - she reminded me of her daughter's name and then, this is the part that I could not believe, THANKED ME for stopping to say hello. I don't think that has ever happened to me before. It sure helped me feel not-so-nervous - so I'll take that any day!
I just might have to introduce myself to some of the other moms and try this thing out a bit more.
Does meeting new people make you nervous? How do you deal with being a "newbie"?
I stepped a bit outside of my comfort zone on Wednesday, though. As Miss M and I were walking back to the car from after-school pick-up, I saw another mom walking toward us. I had seen her at Back-to-School Night, knew I recognized her, but couldn't pinpoint where - so I said nothing. Totally easy for me to do since the classroom was crowded.
As an aside, Miss M started 1st grade at a new school this year. Haven't addressed it here yet - and still may or may not - but I'm thinking I will share first-day-of-school pics after Mister J starts back to school next week. An-y-way.... I'm a newbie at this new school. So that's why I couldn't immediately place the other mom from Back-to-School Night.
Moving right along - I eventually figured out that I recognized the other mom from the dance class that Miss M took two years ago. When I saw her again a couple of days ago, I just said hello, remarked that I recognized her from the dance class that our daughters had taken together, and that now they were in the same 1st grade class. We chatted for just a bit - she reminded me of her daughter's name and then, this is the part that I could not believe, THANKED ME for stopping to say hello. I don't think that has ever happened to me before. It sure helped me feel not-so-nervous - so I'll take that any day!
I just might have to introduce myself to some of the other moms and try this thing out a bit more.
Does meeting new people make you nervous? How do you deal with being a "newbie"?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Love!
Y'all. I have fallen in love with Pinterest.
Oh, my, the recipes I want to try! From breakfast to lunch box ideas to dinner and all sorts of other yummies. Oh, my, the crafts I want to make! Some to give away for Christmas gifts. Party ideas, quotes I like, ways to reuse things, books to read, my camping wish list....
Today I cleaned my kitchen - a real good, scrub the stove cleaning. And, sorry, but it already doesn't look like that any more. You see, when I have a nice, clean kitchen - and especially a shiny stove - I get the urge to cook. And cook. And.... You get the idea. And thanks to Pinterest, I tried two new recipes tonight. (I love trying new recipes!)
Here's what was on my list this evening:
Chicken Nuggets - these were supposed to be like eating the Christian Chicken at home. Not quite, but the kids still enjoyed them. Mister J at at least a dozen!
Comeback Sauce - this is some tasty stuff! I had to sub sriracha for the chili sauce, so only used 1/2 of the amount called for. And onion flakes instead of powder. I figure once it's had time for all of the flavors to marry, it won't really matter so much. After just an hour, it tasted so good! I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in my house who will eat this, so I'm glad it works on everything!
Pepperoni Roll Ups - these are for tomorrow's lunch boxes. J can reheat because there's a microwave in the cafeteria in his building. M will just have to eat hers at room temp.
All of those recipes were found on Pinterest! I also made ranch dressing a sweet tea, but those are recipes we use so much that I know them by heart. (Can one actually have a 'recipe' for sweet tea? I just make it without really thinking about it!)
So, what's next? I'm going to try new recipes, of course, but I'm also excited about making some plans for Christmas gifting. Since Thanksgiving comes next, though, and it's my favorite holiday, I might hold off a bit on the crafting (if possible). And then there's a special kid's birthday coming up, too. I'll be searching Pinterest for ideas, once he decides what he wants to do!
If y'all aren't on Pinterest yet, I'm happy to send you an invite. Just let me know you want one - and make sure I have your email address! If you are already on Pinterest, come and find me! That link above goes directly to my boards. Happy Pinning!
Oh, my, the recipes I want to try! From breakfast to lunch box ideas to dinner and all sorts of other yummies. Oh, my, the crafts I want to make! Some to give away for Christmas gifts. Party ideas, quotes I like, ways to reuse things, books to read, my camping wish list....
Today I cleaned my kitchen - a real good, scrub the stove cleaning. And, sorry, but it already doesn't look like that any more. You see, when I have a nice, clean kitchen - and especially a shiny stove - I get the urge to cook. And cook. And.... You get the idea. And thanks to Pinterest, I tried two new recipes tonight. (I love trying new recipes!)
Here's what was on my list this evening:
Chicken Nuggets - these were supposed to be like eating the Christian Chicken at home. Not quite, but the kids still enjoyed them. Mister J at at least a dozen!
Comeback Sauce - this is some tasty stuff! I had to sub sriracha for the chili sauce, so only used 1/2 of the amount called for. And onion flakes instead of powder. I figure once it's had time for all of the flavors to marry, it won't really matter so much. After just an hour, it tasted so good! I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in my house who will eat this, so I'm glad it works on everything!
Pepperoni Roll Ups - these are for tomorrow's lunch boxes. J can reheat because there's a microwave in the cafeteria in his building. M will just have to eat hers at room temp.
All of those recipes were found on Pinterest! I also made ranch dressing a sweet tea, but those are recipes we use so much that I know them by heart. (Can one actually have a 'recipe' for sweet tea? I just make it without really thinking about it!)
So, what's next? I'm going to try new recipes, of course, but I'm also excited about making some plans for Christmas gifting. Since Thanksgiving comes next, though, and it's my favorite holiday, I might hold off a bit on the crafting (if possible). And then there's a special kid's birthday coming up, too. I'll be searching Pinterest for ideas, once he decides what he wants to do!
If y'all aren't on Pinterest yet, I'm happy to send you an invite. Just let me know you want one - and make sure I have your email address! If you are already on Pinterest, come and find me! That link above goes directly to my boards. Happy Pinning!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Busy, busy, busy!
Well, not really.... We have about 8 weekends where we have plans (other than stay-at-home, family time), and this just happened to be one of the busiest!
The boys were at a Parent-Son Campout with Cub Scouts. I attended a photography workshop with a friend. And thanks to those two out-of-town events, my parents-in-law came to hang out with M.
I missed the boys like crazy, but it was totally worth it because they had a great time!
And that's just what the boys did!
I attended a fantastic photography workshop and learned how to use my DSLR in manual mode! I went with a friend, which made it even more enjoyable. Now that I know a little more about what I'm doing, I want to try out my dad's old SLR. That's right - a film camera! I'd love to see what kind of results I could get now that I understand what I'm doing just a little more.
Miss M was not left out of the fun. Although she was just hanging around at home - which wasn't a bad idea since she spent 3 days out of school last week - she was also getting undivided attention from the grandparents! They played inside, they played outside, and they even got treats from the ice cream truck! No, I'm sure she wasn't spoiled at all....
Huge thanks to the grands for helping make this busy weekend possible!
The boys were at a Parent-Son Campout with Cub Scouts. I attended a photography workshop with a friend. And thanks to those two out-of-town events, my parents-in-law came to hang out with M.
I missed the boys like crazy, but it was totally worth it because they had a great time!
BB Shooting
Every shot hit the target!
Boulder Room and Rock Climbing Wall
Big J tried this one out - and made it to the top!
Fishing
Apparently, a big hit!
Food
Baked chicken and baked potatoes with all the fixings for Saturday dinner.
Hotdogs and mac and cheese for the kids.
And that's just what the boys did!
I attended a fantastic photography workshop and learned how to use my DSLR in manual mode! I went with a friend, which made it even more enjoyable. Now that I know a little more about what I'm doing, I want to try out my dad's old SLR. That's right - a film camera! I'd love to see what kind of results I could get now that I understand what I'm doing just a little more.
Miss M was not left out of the fun. Although she was just hanging around at home - which wasn't a bad idea since she spent 3 days out of school last week - she was also getting undivided attention from the grandparents! They played inside, they played outside, and they even got treats from the ice cream truck! No, I'm sure she wasn't spoiled at all....
Huge thanks to the grands for helping make this busy weekend possible!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Happy New Year!
Nope, it's not January, but it's the beginning of another school year. If you're like me, you count years not necessarily by calendar year, but by school year. And a new school year means a new calendar!
I'm a little behind this year - I just ordered my new momAgenda. Since it begins in August, I'll have missed almost the entire first month. *sigh* But I'm still excited about getting a brand-new planner!
For the past two years, I've used the momAgenda desktop (first in fuschia, then in turquoise). I debated a bit this year - kelly green faux crocodile or soft gold? I've always wanted a green one, but the soft gold looked so, so pretty! Then, at a Girl Scout meeting tonight, a friend of mine had the Home Office edition in charcoal. Yes, I looked through her momAgenda - and periodically peeked in it when I thought of other features I wanted to check out. (She was very tolerant!)
I'd briefly considered the Home Office edition before, but worried that it would be too big. Then I realized that since my Desktop never fit in my purse anyway, what was the difference? The spiral binding, the pockets, and the tabs helped me finalize my decision. It's always nice to see and hold something that personal before you buy it, I think!
There was just one more important decision - the color! Hot pink, turquoise, zebra, or charcoal? Hmmmm...
I chose zebra! Yep, surprised me, too!
Ok, so here's where I tell you that if you want your own momAgenda, you can click here and - if you are a first time customer - you get 10% off of your order (of $15 or more) and I also get a little credit in the form of momAgenda dollars (to help me support my momAgenda habit).
What kind of calendar do you use? Pen-and-paper? Electronic? Do you have one calendar for yourself and one for the family? How do you keep yourself organized?
PS - You are welcome to take a peek at my momAgenda anytime!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Summer favorites
A BLT made with tomatoes fresh from the garden...
Sweet tea in Mason jars...
Boiled peanuts...
Watermelon with a sprinkle of salt...
What foods (or drinks) mean summer to you?
I'm linking to Ann Kroeker's Food on Fridays, even though it's Saturday!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Jonah's EB Auction
OK, folks - it's starting tomorrow night! Be there or be ... Well, you know!
You don't want to miss Jonah's EB Auction!
There are lots of awesome items up for auction (I've got several on my radar), and here are the details (shamefully lifted straight from their blog):
And, as I've said before, if you haven't met Jonah, Patrice, and Matt - get thee to their blog posthaste! When she's not getting Radical, showing off her too-stinkin-cute Jonut, and fundraising for DebRA, you can find Patrice here, too.
You don't want to miss Jonah's EB Auction!
There are lots of awesome items up for auction (I've got several on my radar), and here are the details (shamefully lifted straight from their blog):
What: An ONLINE auction to raise money for EB research and advocacy (all proceeds go to DebRA)
When: Thursday February 24th @ 8pm until Sunday February 27th @ 8pm
Where: Right here at www.jonahsebauction.blogspot.com! You can bid on lots of fabulous items from the comfort of your own living room!! If you want to see how bidding will work (or get a little practice bidding for your favorite item!) you can do so here.
When: Thursday February 24th @ 8pm until Sunday February 27th @ 8pm
Where: Right here at www.jonahsebauction.blogspot.com! You can bid on lots of fabulous items from the comfort of your own living room!! If you want to see how bidding will work (or get a little practice bidding for your favorite item!) you can do so here.
And, as I've said before, if you haven't met Jonah, Patrice, and Matt - get thee to their blog posthaste! When she's not getting Radical, showing off her too-stinkin-cute Jonut, and fundraising for DebRA, you can find Patrice here, too.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day!
We did things a little differently around here for Valentine's Day 2011 - no gifts! And we still had a lovely day!
In the past, I've gotten the kids books or music - usually something small - to celebrate. I think I spent the most ever for Valentine's Day last year - I spent about $35 on two beanbags for the kids' rooms. It was usually around $16 for childrens' books in previous years.
Today, I spent about $25 - on all four of us! I brought Chick-Fil-A lunch to school, Daddy met us there, and we all had lunch together. It was actually a nice bit of family time, since we get to eat a table away from the activity of lunch in the classrooms. The kids are always excited to have us come for lunch, I got a day off from packing lunches, and Daddy got a cookies-n-cream milkshake for his treat! (CFA was running a buy-two-combos-get-a-shake special today!)
Also - the weather was gorgeous today, and the next session of 5K training began this evening. My goal is an all-running 5K in the spring, and I ran 1.25 miles tonight - no intervals! That's the longest distance I've ever gone without intervals - woohoo!
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and running shoes today.... Miss M came home from school sounding very hoarse and even a bit squeaky (sad face). Mister J has had a nagging cough, too. So, with both kiddos sick, there was no basketball practice for Mister J tonight. Miss M will be home with me tomorrow, and we've had to cancel our after-school doughnut date with a friend. (sigh)
That's just life, though, you know? Thankful that I've got these three to share it with - the ups and the downs.
In the past, I've gotten the kids books or music - usually something small - to celebrate. I think I spent the most ever for Valentine's Day last year - I spent about $35 on two beanbags for the kids' rooms. It was usually around $16 for childrens' books in previous years.
Today, I spent about $25 - on all four of us! I brought Chick-Fil-A lunch to school, Daddy met us there, and we all had lunch together. It was actually a nice bit of family time, since we get to eat a table away from the activity of lunch in the classrooms. The kids are always excited to have us come for lunch, I got a day off from packing lunches, and Daddy got a cookies-n-cream milkshake for his treat! (CFA was running a buy-two-combos-get-a-shake special today!)
Also - the weather was gorgeous today, and the next session of 5K training began this evening. My goal is an all-running 5K in the spring, and I ran 1.25 miles tonight - no intervals! That's the longest distance I've ever gone without intervals - woohoo!
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and running shoes today.... Miss M came home from school sounding very hoarse and even a bit squeaky (sad face). Mister J has had a nagging cough, too. So, with both kiddos sick, there was no basketball practice for Mister J tonight. Miss M will be home with me tomorrow, and we've had to cancel our after-school doughnut date with a friend. (sigh)
That's just life, though, you know? Thankful that I've got these three to share it with - the ups and the downs.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Adventure Girl!
I love my adventure girl!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Doesn't Take Much to Make Me Happy
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, December 10, 2010
Local Helping Hand {giveaway!}
I enjoy keeping up with local bloggers and tweeters - it's been a great way to learn more about the city we call home (since we didn't grow up here), and a way to make some fun local connections. Not too long ago, I got connected to our local Ronald McDonald House (web, blog, twitter, Facebook) as they were celebrating a recent expansion. Just a few days after I started following on twitter, I got the message that they were in need of some pantry items. As it turned out, our entire family was in Costco at the time, so we added a few things to our cart and made plans to visit the House!
And now, the RMH has given me some goodies to share with you!
Yes, those are coupons for free cake squares from Dewey's! I've got five sets of twenty coupons each, and all you have to do is leave a comment! I'll award a coupon book to each of five winners!
To enter: I'd love to hear ways that you try to teach your children about giving, but any old comment will do.
Extra entries (leave me a separate comment if you do 1, 2, or 3):
1) Follow @RMHWinstonSalem on twitter
2) Subscribe to the RMH Winston-Salem blog
3) Like the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem on Facebook
4) Send a friend over to leave a comment and enter the giveaway! If they let me know that you sent them, you will get an extra entry!
The fine print: The coupons have no expiration date (yay!), but since Dewey's is a local business, this giveaway is open to local folks (or those willing to drive here to use them...).
If you don't know me in real or bloggy life, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you (name at email dot com). I'll draw the winners on Thursday, December 16th (or maybe use random.org, but I think my kids would have fun drawing the names), and try to contact you by the 17th for your mailing address. I'll post the winners here, too - so if you didn't win, you know who you need to meet at Dewey's for coffee and cake squares!
By the way, if you don't win - or if one pack just isn't enough - these coupon books are also for sale at the Ronald McDonald House through Christmas. The booklets are $5 each (remember: 20 coupons in each booklet) and all of the proceeds go to the RMH! I sent them to school for my son's birthday (no cupcakes allowed at school, but these were a fun substitute!), and they would also make great teacher gifts or stocking stuffers!
Best of luck, readers - I'll be waiting for the comments to start rolling in!
 |
| So glad to be here! |
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| Getting ready to unload our goodies! |
To enter: I'd love to hear ways that you try to teach your children about giving, but any old comment will do.
Extra entries (leave me a separate comment if you do 1, 2, or 3):
1) Follow @RMHWinstonSalem on twitter
2) Subscribe to the RMH Winston-Salem blog
3) Like the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem on Facebook
4) Send a friend over to leave a comment and enter the giveaway! If they let me know that you sent them, you will get an extra entry!
The fine print: The coupons have no expiration date (yay!), but since Dewey's is a local business, this giveaway is open to local folks (or those willing to drive here to use them...).
If you don't know me in real or bloggy life, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you (name at email dot com). I'll draw the winners on Thursday, December 16th (or maybe use random.org, but I think my kids would have fun drawing the names), and try to contact you by the 17th for your mailing address. I'll post the winners here, too - so if you didn't win, you know who you need to meet at Dewey's for coffee and cake squares!
By the way, if you don't win - or if one pack just isn't enough - these coupon books are also for sale at the Ronald McDonald House through Christmas. The booklets are $5 each (remember: 20 coupons in each booklet) and all of the proceeds go to the RMH! I sent them to school for my son's birthday (no cupcakes allowed at school, but these were a fun substitute!), and they would also make great teacher gifts or stocking stuffers!
Best of luck, readers - I'll be waiting for the comments to start rolling in!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Exciting! Or, One Big Reason for the Blog Quiet Over Here
I'm ten weeks into my twelve-week training program, and I'm running a couple of 5Ks to help me prepare for the target run. This run has around 250 runners (yep, I was a late registrant), so it'll be a good 'break-in' for the big race in two weeks.
Ten weeks ago, I could barely run for one minute. When I began training, we were running 1-minute run, 2-minute walk intervals and our 'long run' for the week was 1.25 miles. Now the intervals are 4 minutes running and 1 minute walking (or more when/if you can), and our long run this week was 3.25 miles. My 'short run' next week is 3 miles - so I'll be running a 5K on Thanksgiving Day!
Have I mentioned that I'm excited? Heck, I'm not just excited, I'm proud, too!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Technical Socks and NEW Shoes!
Last week, I realized it was time for new running shoes. In fact, I'm close enough to my 5K that it was "now or never" time - to ensure enough time to break in the new kicks. I can't tell you how exciting it was to realize that I'd worn out a pair of shoes by running! So, this new pair should get me about 500 miles - which turnsout to be less than a year if I keep up this pace. Want to see what I got?
I also picked up a pair of technical socks for running. I chose Feetures! Original No-Show with Tab. I love that they wick moisture (just like my other technical apparel) and that they are very soft and seamless, but I'll have to get used to them being a little more 'slippery' in my shoe (which may work out somewhat over time, but is definitely expected with synthetic fibers).
I'm running my first "real" 5K this Saturday (by "real" I mean one that had an entry fee)! It's not my target race, but I'm running this one as a practice for the target race next month. Saturday's will be timed, and I don't think I'll be running with anyone that I know, so it should be interesting. I may try to find/charge/load songs to my iPod shuffle if I can find some time this week. It'll make the time go by more quickly, for sure!
Just as an FYI to my readers, I'm not compensated by any of the companies mentioned above. I'm just sharing my personal experience with the items that I have purchased and used in pursuit of my own fitness goals.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Jeopardy! (also, Overheard #36)
From my Facebook status last night:
My 6-and-3/4-year-old just answered a Jeopardy! question all by himself. Way to go, Mister J!
And after someone inquired as to the question:
Honestly, I didn't hear the whole question - but I heard him say "bamboo", then the contestant said "bamboo", and then Alex said "correct". And then we all celebrated with Mister J :)Thursday, October 28, 2010
Keeping Track of My Days, 2 Years and Counting
Another quick post about something I love - the momAgenda! Friends, if you don't have a calendar that makes you happy, you MUST check this one out! Non-mom friends, there's the myAgenda for you - personally, I love the mochacinno! Tweens and teens, check out the myPlan - in three color combination, including zebra!
There's no better time to give it a try than when it's on SALE!
Although the current momAgenda started back in August, it goes through December of 2011 - so you still can put over a year's worth of appointments, reminders, and to-dos in one pretty, hardworking, made-for-you package! Let me know if you decide to give the momAgenda, myAgenda, or myPlan a try!
Confession - yes, it's a bit pricier than your average calendar, but it's got an awesome layout and the cover is bulletproof! Well, at least kid- and coffee-proof! I always wait for a sale to purchase mine! And, yes, I write about it a LOT. Can't help it! It's a bit of an obsession....
My first momAgenda
Guest Post about momAgenda
My second momAgenda - and a review of how the first one held up
There's no better time to give it a try than when it's on SALE!
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| and 30% off of the myPlan! |
Although the current momAgenda started back in August, it goes through December of 2011 - so you still can put over a year's worth of appointments, reminders, and to-dos in one pretty, hardworking, made-for-you package! Let me know if you decide to give the momAgenda, myAgenda, or myPlan a try!
Confession - yes, it's a bit pricier than your average calendar, but it's got an awesome layout and the cover is bulletproof! Well, at least kid- and coffee-proof! I always wait for a sale to purchase mine! And, yes, I write about it a LOT. Can't help it! It's a bit of an obsession....
My first momAgenda
Guest Post about momAgenda
My second momAgenda - and a review of how the first one held up
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Christmas Ideas!
OK, I know it's not even Halloween, so I hate to post anything holiday-related, but I want to start sharing some great ideas with you. I know I've got some readers who are moms, some who like to cook, maybe some who are technology/gadget folks, and perhaps some who are interested in fitness. My ideas (at least so far) fall into these categories. Check them out! (I've included links where possible.)
GENERALLY COOL STUFF FOR MOMS
Aveda Hand Relief Cream - such a yummy fragrance (and I don't usually like smelly creams), plus it's nice and thick, which does great things for my dry-and-cracked-before-the-end-of-October hands.
COOKING
My Lunch Box recipe box - You just might have to love packing lunches for this one - or maybe it'll inspire you and you will come to love packing lunches!
TECHNOLOGY/GADGETS
PropUp - I saw this over on Ree's blog, and I think it's a pretty cool, useful gadget. I'm not a big fan of the iPad yet (I think I just heard several of you gasp - sorry!), in part because I have to hold it up with one hand to use it, so it's not as convenient as I would like. I use it primarily in landscape orientation, so I think this would improve my iPad experience.
FITNESS
Feetures (Original No Show with Tab) or Balega (Lady Enduro Medium) technical socks.
Technical (Mesh) Running Cap
Headband or skull cap with ponytail pass-through - trying to find a way to keep my ears warm!
Long sleeve technical t-shirt - there are so many pretty colors out there! I've got a fitted base layer, but I'd also like to try out a semi-fitted tee for running in cool-but-not-cold weather.
I would LOVE to get the registration fee for a New Year's Eve 5K (hint, hint, honey!)
Monkey Hooper hula hoop - If you follow my twitter updates, you know that I tried out a hoopdio class (hula hoop + cardio) last week. Even though I am not great at it (as in, I could sort of hula hoop and was not able to add in the cardio at all), I still think hula hooping on it's own is fun! And it's also great exercise! I'm particularly fond of the Candy Stripe hoop.
CAMPING
How could I forget that I need a category for camping gear? I know we needs some pots and pans and a means for cooking, but I haven't shopped around to figure out exactly what I want yet. Rest assured, there will be some links here! (OK, so no links yet...) And then I'll probably ask to go camping again for my birthday ;) Also, we need a hatchet, some looong-handled cooking utenstils, and perhaps a good camp knife, too.
I think a 2-gallon jug would work nicely for our cooking (and water bottle refill) needs - size-wize and weight-when-full-wise - so here's what I'm looking at this jug from Coleman.
GENERALLY COOL STUFF FOR MOMS
Aveda Hand Relief Cream - such a yummy fragrance (and I don't usually like smelly creams), plus it's nice and thick, which does great things for my dry-and-cracked-before-the-end-of-October hands.
COOKING
My Lunch Box recipe box - You just might have to love packing lunches for this one - or maybe it'll inspire you and you will come to love packing lunches!
TECHNOLOGY/GADGETS
PropUp - I saw this over on Ree's blog, and I think it's a pretty cool, useful gadget. I'm not a big fan of the iPad yet (I think I just heard several of you gasp - sorry!), in part because I have to hold it up with one hand to use it, so it's not as convenient as I would like. I use it primarily in landscape orientation, so I think this would improve my iPad experience.
FITNESS
Feetures (Original No Show with Tab) or Balega (Lady Enduro Medium) technical socks.
Technical (Mesh) Running Cap
Headband or skull cap with ponytail pass-through - trying to find a way to keep my ears warm!
Long sleeve technical t-shirt - there are so many pretty colors out there! I've got a fitted base layer, but I'd also like to try out a semi-fitted tee for running in cool-but-not-cold weather.
I would LOVE to get the registration fee for a New Year's Eve 5K (hint, hint, honey!)
Monkey Hooper hula hoop - If you follow my twitter updates, you know that I tried out a hoopdio class (hula hoop + cardio) last week. Even though I am not great at it (as in, I could sort of hula hoop and was not able to add in the cardio at all), I still think hula hooping on it's own is fun! And it's also great exercise! I'm particularly fond of the Candy Stripe hoop.
CAMPING
How could I forget that I need a category for camping gear? I know we needs some pots and pans and a means for cooking, but I haven't shopped around to figure out exactly what I want yet. Rest assured, there will be some links here! (OK, so no links yet...) And then I'll probably ask to go camping again for my birthday ;) Also, we need a hatchet, some looong-handled cooking utenstils, and perhaps a good camp knife, too.
I think a 2-gallon jug would work nicely for our cooking (and water bottle refill) needs - size-wize and weight-when-full-wise - so here's what I'm looking at this jug from Coleman.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Owe You...
I'm waaay behind on blogging. Not just the fun stuff. Not even the running updates. I'm talking about the blogging that I do to keep my friends and family up-to-date. The blogging that I do to keep track of milestones since scrapbooking isn't a part of my life right now.
So, here's a quick rundown of some fun stuff - a few photos, a few notes, and hopefully enough to jog my memory when scrapbooking is a part of my regular routine again.
August 5th - We still had a very large cardboard box hanging around (from back when our washer and dryer were delivered - they don't pick up cardboard for recycling around here, and I hadn't hauled it off yet), so I let the kids make a fort out of it, complete with artwork.
Miss M got this umbrella for Christmas, and waited (and waited...) for a rainy day to play outside with it. Typically, our rainy days were school days, and you can't take umbrellas to school. So, on a rainy day in August, out she went to walk around in the rain! Sadly, it stopped about the time she got out there.
Sept 28th - You might remember that Mister J lost his first tooth back in August. Well, the second one came out about a month later!
Also towards the end of September, we met some friends in Virginia for a weekend visit (one of whom was running an ultra-marathon in the George Washington National Forest). When we realized we were withing a 30-minute drive of Monticello, we decided to visit before we headed home. Here's a snap of Big J and Mister J in the gardens, one of the many impressive features of Thomas Jefferson's estate.
Early October - Fall is fair time! I love the displays and the food, the kids love the rides and the "candy cotton" (as Miss M called it). While Daddy and the kids waited in line for the ferris wheel (Mom passes on that...), the kids were gifted with stuffed toys by someone else in line. They were thrilled, since we don't play games to win toys.
Just last weekend, we went on our first family camping trip! We went along with two other families, for a total of 5 adults and 7 kids! The kids played hard, hiked 2/3 miles on Saturday, and got dirty! For nearly 48 hours, didn't ask for tv, video games, or computer time. The climbed trees, pretended to be secret agents, and discovered the Atlantic Ocean! We didn't have a cell phone signal all weekend, so no texting, facebooking, or tweeting - and I have to admit that it was glorious! Yes, it was cold. Yes, we went longer than usual without showers. Yes, everything that came home smelled like campfire. But it was a great experience, and I can't wait for our next trip!
So, there's a very quick wrap-up of the past several weeks. Thanks for stopping by!
So, here's a quick rundown of some fun stuff - a few photos, a few notes, and hopefully enough to jog my memory when scrapbooking is a part of my regular routine again.
August 5th - We still had a very large cardboard box hanging around (from back when our washer and dryer were delivered - they don't pick up cardboard for recycling around here, and I hadn't hauled it off yet), so I let the kids make a fort out of it, complete with artwork.
Miss M got this umbrella for Christmas, and waited (and waited...) for a rainy day to play outside with it. Typically, our rainy days were school days, and you can't take umbrellas to school. So, on a rainy day in August, out she went to walk around in the rain! Sadly, it stopped about the time she got out there.
Sept 28th - You might remember that Mister J lost his first tooth back in August. Well, the second one came out about a month later!
Also towards the end of September, we met some friends in Virginia for a weekend visit (one of whom was running an ultra-marathon in the George Washington National Forest). When we realized we were withing a 30-minute drive of Monticello, we decided to visit before we headed home. Here's a snap of Big J and Mister J in the gardens, one of the many impressive features of Thomas Jefferson's estate.
Early October - Fall is fair time! I love the displays and the food, the kids love the rides and the "candy cotton" (as Miss M called it). While Daddy and the kids waited in line for the ferris wheel (Mom passes on that...), the kids were gifted with stuffed toys by someone else in line. They were thrilled, since we don't play games to win toys.
Just last weekend, we went on our first family camping trip! We went along with two other families, for a total of 5 adults and 7 kids! The kids played hard, hiked 2/3 miles on Saturday, and got dirty! For nearly 48 hours, didn't ask for tv, video games, or computer time. The climbed trees, pretended to be secret agents, and discovered the Atlantic Ocean! We didn't have a cell phone signal all weekend, so no texting, facebooking, or tweeting - and I have to admit that it was glorious! Yes, it was cold. Yes, we went longer than usual without showers. Yes, everything that came home smelled like campfire. But it was a great experience, and I can't wait for our next trip!
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| Saturday morning before breakfast - we just needed to get warm! |
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| Hanging out on the big rock - about 2/3 of the way through our hike. |
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| Monkey! The trees around the campsite were great for climbing on and crawling under. |
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Good Stuff Guide
Hi Friends!
If you aren't already reading The Good Stuff Guide, well, you need to add it to your reader. Heidi's blog is fantastic! She has a regularly-scheduled peek into some gorgeous homes on Home Tour Fridays, has a series of posts on Great Books for Kids, and offers great gift ideas, tips for parents, suggestions for mini-vacations, and more. And I can't forget the generous giveaways!
Right now, she's asking for help as she works on a post about mini-vans. She's asking moms (or dads!) to complete a short survey; I just emailed my answers. It's quick and easy - see? Here are her questions and my answers:
1) Your Minivan Make and Model Year (just so we know what style): 2004 Honda Odyssey
2) My favorite feature is: The space! The power doors! The DVD player for long trips! (I could go on...)
3) I really wish...: We had gotten leather seats, and that the rear door had a power option (that came in 2005, I think)
4) Would you repurchase the same model? Hmmm... While I love it, and I'll drive it until the day it can't go any more, I don't think so. We aren't planning to expand our family, so I *think* we might go SUV next.
5) Which make/model is your dream? Honestly, the one I have. There are lots of bells and whistles on the newer Odysseys (have you seen the newest one? W.O.W.), but according to Consumer Reports and to our friends with newer model years, the 2004 is really the most solid one out there. We weren't really impressed with the others back when we were looking for ours, so they aren't on my radar. And, since my plan is to drive mine for about 10 years (which is shocking to most folks), I still have a few years before I start thinking about it.
See, that was easy! Now, just email heidi@thegoodstuffguide.com with your answers. Also, she'd love to have a snapshot of your cool wheels, if you happen to have one, and she's particularly interested in folks driving any of these...
Kia minivans
The VW
Toyota Sienna
Nissan
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