January Race

I found my January race!!  I am registered for the No Sun Fun Run, 1/21 in Puyallup. It's a flat 5K and stroller friendly, so I could run with Sky, or try and get some Stroller Fitness ladies to join me.  Or since it's flat I could go for a new PR!!  Either way I'm excited to be registered for my first race of the year!!!

Merry Christmas!!

I doubt I will be posting much the next week.  So I leave you with two Christmas cutie pies!  Sky and her friend Regean (from stroller fitness) they are both 7 months old and share the exact same birthday in fact.  No Jodi and I did not plan the outfits, it was a very happy coincidence.  :)



 

Sky Pics...That's All

Sky with Grace and Kiera. 

Chillen  with Aunt Michelle.

 In one of her new tutu outfits from Bob and Michelle.  

 I was totally prepared for the typical crying picture with Santa, but not Sky, she smiled nice and big!

I love her smile. 

Santa baby, at her first Christmas party. 

Official Time

27:56!!!!   That's just short of 2 minutes faster than last time on this course.  I ROCK!!!  :)  LOL.  Average pace was 9:01..that is about 1 1/2 minutes faster than my usual average.  Yeah...I feel pretty darn good about my running right now. 

Post Race Report

I PR'd again!  The race clock said 28:14 or 24 (I didn't really look at the seconds), my GPS said 28:37, but I started it before the race started and stopped it after the timing chip was cut off, so at the very least I was over a minute faster. 

The funny thing is I still don't like this course.  It is a love hate thing, I don't enjoy running it, but it's the only course I have PR'd on, so I'm not sure what to make of that.  I get to do it again in March, which will be after my next 6 week challenge, and I hope a few pounds less so will see if my time gets better.  I kind of don't care though...I did what I wanted to...run the course and not feel like I was going to die at the finish line.  

A few funny facts about me and running:

-I literally have to pee every 5 minutes the 1/2 hour leading up to the race.  Today I just kept going to the end of the line over and over until the race started. 

-Every time Usher plays in my earphones I so want to dance my way down the road.  Would anyone really notice if I just stopped and danced it out?

-I have pant issues.  My under armor leggings are a little bit too big I totally ran out of them today.  I felt them sliding down, but didn't realize how far down they were...thank goodness I had my long Lululemon top on so my butt was not hanging out.  I totally was wishing I had suspenders on!  (At least I know Stroller Fitness is paying off, too bad I found out by my pants almost falling off during a race!)

-I don't like knowing the course...I do better when I don't know the 1/2 way point etc.  Even though my GPS gives me pace and mile updates it still doesn't really register with me how much further it is, and I run better not knowing how much further it is. 

-Sometimes I start singing along with my music.  This is bad, very bad because first of all I don't sing well at all and second I really need to save the extra breath for running.  I always look around hoping no one heard me. 

-I LOVE the final 30 second leading up to the start with the crowd and excitement, unknown potential to PR/have a great race, and figuring out who ahead of me I'm going to chase down or try to keep in sight (I run better when chasing someone faster than me, yet potentially catchable). 

-I pretend that every person cheering loved ones on is actually a big Jen fan and is cheering for me.  I totally steal their encouragement for myself. 

-I can't eat after a race, my stomach is jacked.  I don't know how people eat pizza/clam chowder/drink beer or water for that matter etc after a race.  I need a good 20 minutes to let things settle. 

I'm totally ready to eat now though...time to get ready for dinner with the Beckham's.  I have earned my drinks and dessert tonight!!!

A Year of Running

My last race of the year is tomorrow. 

I have mixed feelings about it.  On one hand it's a 5K, I know I can totally do it, on the other it's cold, I'm running alone (which I hate) and it's the course that nearly killed me last March.  Oddly enough the March race was the hardest most difficult race (ran with a migraine thought I was going to black out) yet it's the race I PR'd, a PR that still stands. 

My goal for this race is to get over my very strong dislike of this course.  I'm going to turn the music up and just cruise.  I would like to beet my time since I feel like I'm in the best running shape I have been in all year, but I will consider it a success if I can run this race and get over the negative feelings associated with this race. 

I'm registered for the March race again already and would feel a lot better about it if I can overcome the course tomorrow.  

Looking back I have done 9 races over the last year.  The first one was 1/29/11 last one 12/17/11.  All but two have been 5K's, best time is 29:45 (that is so going down!)  The two non 5K's were 5 mile trail runs both finishing in around 1:11 and 1:09. 

It's really hard to believe I went from "I hate running, I will NEVER be a runner" to running almost a race a month.  My goal for last year was a year of 5K's to figure it all out.  I feel like I have done that.  I know what shoes work, what clothing works, what food works, and how much training I need during the week to maintain and feel confident going into a race.

This last year was a stepping stone year for me.  I have some exciting races on the horizon.  There are some 10K's in there, a couple of 10 mile races, and a 1/2 marathon all on the list. 

My goal is to run a race a month in 2012.  Having said that I have yet to find a race in January that I want to run but I'm working on it, increased mileage means increased race fees - I will only do what we can afford if I have to skip a month then that's what will have to happen, August is too hot and Nov - Jan are too cold, but I'm going to tough it out the best I can. 

This last year would not have been possible without my running partner Michelle.  She has been there for almost every training run and all but one race.  I have loved every mile me have logged together! 

Thank you to my Dad for the never ending support!  I would not be running in comfort without him sending me random packages of clothing and shoes throughout the year.  He always has a word of encouragement and advice just when it is most needed. 

Thank you to Mark for standing in the cold to watch me cross the finish line, staying up all night with Sky the night before races so I can sleep, for always supporting me in every race I have decided to register for!

And, last a BIG thank you to my sister.  She has provided inspiration, motivation, advice, support, training schedules, and I can't say enough how much the encouraging text's race morning have meant.  
I'm so excited to run into the new year and log more miles!!!

#1 Response to It's An Open Adoption...

...is Wow, doesn't that scare you?

No...it doesn't scare me in the least, for several reasons. 

We did our homework, spent a lot of time looking at all our adoption options, talked to several friends that could offer incite into all the options, and we talked to several adults who were adopted and had open and closed adoptions. 

It all comes down to what is best for Sky, and we feel it is best to first of all be honest about the adoption from day one, and second keep an open relationship with the birth mother and father so that when she is ready to meet them (if she decides that is what she wants) we can make that happen for her. 

I think the number one reason it doesn't scare me though is that I am 100% secure in the fact that I am Sky's mom and nothing will ever change that. 

However, I also know that the only reason I am Sky's mom is because there were two people who made the difficult decision that I should be Sky's mom.  They obviously loved Sky and wanted what was best for her.  Why would we keep her from that much love?


It's pretty obvious that Sky knows who her parents are and is most comfortable when she is with Mommy and Daddy.  I'm her mommy and she's my baby and we both know it...nope I don't have anything to be scared of. 

(I try not to speak for Mark in my posts...that's why this is about me being her mommy and why I'm not worried...I'm pretty sure Mark feels the same way.  He is just as much her Daddy as I am her Mommy, but it's not for me to speak for him.)

Follow Up Shout Out...

My niece Emma...finished her first 10K in 1:16!  I am so proud of her and adore the pink ribbon in her hair!

Shout Out

I want to give a shout out to my 9 year old (I think she is nine anyway, maybe 10?) niece...she is running her very first 10K this weekend.  She has been kicking booty at the 5K distance and is moving on up.  The best part is, she doesn't even know it! 

Not sure how my sister pulled that off, but she is running her first 10K and doesn't know it.  The nice thing my sister is her pacer so she will be there with her to offer support when needed. 

My guess is, Emma is going to kill it and leave my sister in the dust.  (please don't be offended Beth!)  I don't say that without giving it some thought, my sister is a very accomplished runner in her own right, but I just have a feeling Emma is going to blaze it out. 

I will admit I'm a little jealous...I have been wanting to do a 10K for a while now.  More on that later though. 

I wish them great weather and a wonderful race.  Emma is PR'ing tomorrow no matter what!  :)

Top 10 Ways Motherhood Has Changed Me

10.  I am more of a morning person than ever before.  

9.  It doesn't really matter how I look as long as she is in a cute outfit.

8.  I'm obsessed with finding socks and shoes that stay on her feet all day.

7.  6 hours of sleep is actually enough.  (Coming from someone who loved 9 plus hours of sleep at a time.)

6.  I actually can take a shower in under 5 minutes!

5.  If I can't do it (insert almost any activity/social outing) with Sky I don't care to do it.  (for the most part.)

4.  Shopping for me always turns into shopping for Sky instead.

3.  I find it totally acceptable to pretend my stomach really is that upset just to get a few extra minutes of reading in. 

2.  It doesn't bother me that most of my me time happens in the bathroom.  (Showering, brushing my teeth, drying my hair, pretending to have an upset stomach, etc.)

And the number one way motherhood has changed me...

1.  Success is changing an overfilled poopy diaper and not getting any on me!  (Ok I know true success is raising a wonderful little person that will make amazing contributions to society, but that will come after she is out of diapers!)

The Year of Two Christmas Cards

We ended up with two Christmas cards this year.  How does that even happen?!

We had won a photo setting at a Relay For Life auction earlier in the year and figured we would use that photo shoot as our Christmas card.  Well scheduling was an issue, waiting until Sky was old enough which meant we were in to bad weather was an issue, and the fact that we were used to being able to use any pic from the previous year when it was just Mark and I, but that doesn't work for a baby...people want to see a current pic of her. 

I had a $50 credit with mixbook so we picked a photo from our trip to the pumpkin patch.  Mark really didn't love the pic because I had sunglasses on/Sky was not looking at the camera/and Mark was a little squinty.  But it was the best option we had and the most current pic of the three of us.  So we went with it.  I was surprised to find that the card also had a back side and I was able to use a photo of just Sky on the back of the card...it is pretty adorable.

(We had ongoing conversation about Mark wanting to just have a pic of Sky on the card, and I was insisting on a family pic, or a combo of multiple pics so that we were all on the card.  I really feel like a Christmas card from "The Yeatmans" should include all of us!  That contributed towards ordering the first card even though the family photo was not all that Mark would have liked it to be.)

Then we went to the Christmas Tree farm and  Mark took a lot of really great pics of our adorable little girl.  Since we didn't actually have to pay for the first set of cards when Mark showed me one of the photo's he took and said he would really be happy if we could order new cards and just use the picture of Sky, I said ok. 

We got the second card yesterday, and the first card today (go figure) and you know what...I LOVE the first card!!!  I also LOVE the second card, and I refuse to toss either one in the trash. 

So you know what...everyone on our list gets both cards!!! 

First's...

We took Sky to her very first Christmas Tree Farm today, in the very first baby outfit we ever bought (at a Relay For Life garage sale only weeks after we started the adoption process), for her first time meeting Shelley on the Sprouffske Tree Farm, also meeting John Paul (Shelley's youngest, 7 month old, who is a very strong first boyfriend candidate...he won my heart at least) for the first time, playing in fallen leaves for the first time, and picking out the wreath (it's actually an arch) for our front door for the first time...

 Sky and Shelley

 That jacket makes her look like the stay puff marshmallow baby!

 Daddy and Sky...love the tongue!!

 Oh what fun!

Brand New Eyes - part 2

(Day of Surgery)

Mark was a little bit nervous but mostly excited about the surgery.  The night before the PR person for Star Surgical had talked to him about Komo 4 being there and the interviews etc that would take place.  Mark had to make a quick trip to get a new shirt to meet the request of the PR guy to have a neutral colored polo shirt on. 

His surgery was scheduled for 4:30pm and we had to be there at 2pm for interviews and filming pre-surgery.  Of course Sky was a hit and not only did the Evergreen Eye Center film crew want her in most of the shots, the Komo 4 camera guy took all sorts of footage of her, even though all she was doing was sleeping.  They also got footage of Sky and I wishing Mark and Dr. Chung good luck.

I left to take Sky to our friends that live Edgewood while Komo interviewed Mark and Dr. Chung.  The camera guy actually filmed the entire surgery while the reporter waited in the waiting room with the rest of us.  It was a little overwhelming coming back from dropping Sky off because when I walked into the waiting room it was standing room only.  Not only were all the media folks there (by this time Tacoma Weekly had arrived as did another reporter from some other paper that I never did figure out) but a lot of Evergreen Eye Center staff were waiting as well.  They were all watching the surgery live on a TV in the waiting room.  I was not expecting to walk into a room full of people watching Mark's eye on the TV! 

My weak stomach meant that I couldn't watch all of it.  I would glance up now and then, but for the most part was content to let the staff explain to me what was going on.  It was really hard for me not to cry.  I was so excited for Mark...I know how much his vision bothers him, the things it has kept him from doing and how much he wanted this surgery, and for how long he has wanted it.  The emotion of it hit me while watching the contact be implanted into his eye.

Finally it was over and Dr. Chung came out to let us all know Mark did great and the surgery went well.  Instantly all the media folks got up to go into the recovery room to interview him etc.  The second I walked through the door Mark looked up (from about 30 feet away) and he was able to see me.  That is huge considering he couldn't see me from one side of our bed to the other.  That was the best moment, seeing the look on his face when he realized just how well he could see.  We provided the perfect emotional moment that reporters love.  We didn't mean to, I just happened to walk in right in the middle of the post-op interview.    

 2 1/2 hours later when we went back for a pressure check he was already seeing 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other.  It wasn't until that follow up appointment that we learned from Dr. Chung that he, as well as all the clinic and surgery staff involved, had donated their time.  We wrongly assumed that Star Surgical as the sponsors of the contest were compensating them.  Once again I was on the verge of tears. 

We can't say thank you enough to everyone who voted for Mark on Facebook, to all the staff at Evergreen Eye Center (best customer service I have ever experienced in a medical office period), and to Dr. Chung for donating his time and skills. Never once did Dr. Chung or the staff make us feel rushed, or any less than patients they collect payment from.  It didn't matter to any of them that they where not going to make money from us.      

 Mark is still making comments about how much better he can see and how fun it is to have the gift of good vision, and he is already planning our first adventure trip with his new eyes!

Brand New Eyes - part 1

(there is too much to share for one post!)

That's what it's like for Mark! 

It has been a long journey to get to this point.  Mark has wanted to have corrective surgery for a long, long time.  He is legally blind without correction and that has been a source of frustration for him when it comes to sports, adventure travel, water activities etc.  There is a lack of security in knowing that if you lose your glasses or contacts while on a jungle adventure in a third world country you are forced to rely on others to see for you.  Or if someone breaks into the house in the middle of the night how do you defend your family if you can't get to your glasses fast enough?  Not to mention that event photography involves a lot of outdoor photo work.  For him to have his best vision he needed contacts and glasses, glasses are not so great in the rain, and it tends to rain here.   

The icing on the cake was cuddle time in the morning with Sky though.  He could see a blurry blob in bed, but he couldn't really see her.  He really wanted to be able to open his eyes and see her smile first thing in the morning.  (To be clear, Sky does not sleep with us because that is not safe, but after I get her up and feed her I bring her in to our bed for some morning cuddle time before the day starts).
 
Mark had done his homework and found out he was not a good candidate for any of the more well known corrective surgeries, but found out he was a perfect candidate for the Visian ICL procedure.  Not only did he have to wait for it to be approved in the US he then had to save up the money to pay for the procedure.  Finally, 5 ish years later, everything was falling into place, the procedure was approved and we had the money. 

Then...we decided to start our family, and Mark decided that the surgery money would be better put to use helping to pay for the various expenses that go along with adoption.  He never once complained about having to wait another 5 to 6 years for us to save up the money.  Being a parent was way more important to him/us.

Fast forward 2 1/2 ish years to a Facebook contest to win the surgery for free!  Mark went through all the steps to qualify for the contest.  Perhaps the most challenging part was getting 100 votes for his video.  I was amazed at the people that gave Mark their Facebook log in and password info so he could vote for them since they didn't have time, or the number of our friends that hit up their friends, people we don't even know, to vote for him.  Thanks to complete strangers, our friends, and people trusting Mark with their Facebook accounts he won his surgery!

During the adoption process we always said, "it will be the right baby at the right time", and Sky is the perfect addition to our family!  It turns out that by using the surgery money to help pay for the adoption, not only did we get the perfect baby and the right time, Mark got his surgery for free! 

Which brings us to the day of surgery events, but that is for tomorrows post.  This is long enough already. 

Happy Saturday all!

Post-Op Report

Home around 10...things took a little longer than expected, but all is well!  Very well in fact.  When we went back to the clinic at 8:45 his eye pressure was perfect and he was already seeing at 20/40 (he was 20/2000 pre-surgery) and that was with things still being blurry. 

When he goes back in tomorrow morning he should be seeing even better!

I will post more when I'm not so tired and emotional.  There was a lot that went on today, a ton of media, and meeting a lot of really amazing people that helped make all this happen. 

For now, good night...Mark is so excited to wake up in the morning and actually be able to see Sky when I bring her in for morning cuddles. 

I See You...

...which is what Mark will be able to do after his eye surgery today.  Yep, today is the day, he is having his long awaited surgery this afternoon at 4:30 pm.  If you are interested in viewing the surgery live, visit the Visian ICL Facebook page for the live broadcast. 

It's going to be a long day:
2:15 pm - meet with film crew, do interviews, meet with King5 news, all the rest of the marketing pieces 
4:30 - Surgery time will take 1 1/2 hours
6:00 - Leave the clinic and kill time for 2 hours
8:00 - Return to clinic for post-op pressure check of eyes
9:00 - If all goes well will be home

9:00 am Friday Morning - back to the clinic for his post-op appointment

I will post updates on FB as that is the easiest way for me to keep everyone up to date using my phone. 

To all of you that voted for him, Thank You!!!  Mark has been waiting for 12 plus years for this surgery. 

I'm off to cook his "last meal" since he can't eat after 10am today. 

All Is Well

Thankfully Sky woke up her normal happy healthy self.  Loved seeing her big bright smile when I went in to get her out of the crib.  She slept pretty well last night as well.  She still thinks that a bottle at 3:30 am is perfectly acceptable, but since I'm not working I don't fight it too much.  She sleeps in 4 to 5 hour stretches on either side of that 3:30 am bottle. 

Here is a picture of her from yesterday, one of the few times she actually managed to fall asleep. 

And here is a pic of the new nail polish I'm obsessed with!  I always do color on my toes and clear on my fingers, but I totally want to do my finger nails in this as well...I LOVE it that much!

It's so pretty.  Essie Trophy Wife...so glad Target carries Essie!

Ramblings of a Crazy Woman?

Nope, just ramblings of a delirious mommy. 

-I have watched 6 movies and 4 1/2 football games since Saturday. 

-I know there is an ad campaign saying that sleeping with your baby is just as dangerous as letting her sleep with a butcher knife, but I ask what are you to do when your so tired you can't sit up with her anymore?  I startled myself awake in the rocking chair to find her slipping out of my arms because I had fallen asleep...thank goodness I didn't drop her.  At that point I said screw it, I'm going to bring her to bed with me so I can at least lay down while snuggling her.  You should have seen the wall of pillows I built on the other side of her to keep her from rolling over.

 -I'm so tired of people saying they don't like this football player or that football player because they are not a good role model.  Really, if you are (or if you are letting your kids) looking to football players (or any sport really) for role models you have bigger issues then if said player has or hasn't raped someone, abused animals, used drugs etc.   How about you be a role model for your kids and how about you look to someone who is truly worthy of being a role model.  Here's a tip - don't look to the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS for a true role model.  (I know there not all bad...I'm generalizing). 

 -I can't believe how cranky people get when shopping around the Holiday's.  I was at the grocery store Tuesday before Thanksgiving and it was packed.  Which I was expecting, I was ready to wait in long lines, that's when smart phones really come in handy, but there were some ultra cranky people that were pissed they had to wait in 20 minute lines to check out.  To them I say, It's the Friggin Holidays so cheer the F up! 

-Having a sick baby breaks my heart.  She is so miserable, but that doesn't stop her from flashing a huge lovely smile in the middle of her crying jag. 

-I so need to go for a run.  Even though I'm beyond tired, delirious in fact, I feel the need to burn some energy, which is funny because I don't have any energy. 

-I am addicted to Pinterest.com!  I can't do it justice, you just have to check it out. 

-Love the Breaking Dawn soundtrack!

-Need to find some bell canning jars for not much money...guess I will start with thrift stores. 

-I could use a good snow storm.  I just want to watch it snow since I'm limited to cuddling on the couch with a sick baby for now. 

-I keep burning myself...on hot pans, on the oven racks, on my flat iron, and the end of my hair dryer.  My hands are a mess right now!

-Bruno Mars is the only musician I care to listen to as of late.  (That was before the Breaking Dawn soundtrack by the way).

-Sky picked out her own stocking stuffers and didn't even realize it. 

-I am going to spend a day cooking soup all day and freeze the extra, just feel like I want a lot of soup on hand. 

-So thankful I have a massage today...I really need it, and need some me time outside the house. 

Oh, as to why I'm delirious...Sky has her first cold, which not only brings along a very not sleeping baby but my first "I'm a crap Mom" moment as well.  

I was at a friends house Saturday evening and she was holding Sky and decided we needed to take her temp since she felt really hot.  Turns out she had a temp of 104, and I had no clue.  Thankfully said friend is a nurse, she sent us home with instructions on what to do.  By Sunday morning she was down to 100.9, and by her 6 month Dr. appointment yesterday she was at 99.8.

(I have been trying to finish this post for 3 hours now...just took her temp again and it's up to an even 101).

Even though her temp is going down she is not sleeping much at all, her nose is plugged to the point that drinking her bottle is a challenge because she can't breath, and the Dr. went ahead and gave her all the 6 month shots.  Suffice it to say we have one cranky, not feeling well baby that wants to be held All. The.  Time. 

Thank goodness Mark got home from hunting Monday, because I was worn out from taking care of her all by myself.  I don't mind doing nothing but snuggling with her on the couch, but the not getting any sleep thing was getting to me.  It's better today thanks to regular doses of children's Tylenol.   

Stuffing Success!

I am stuffed, that's for sure.  I'm a little concerned that I have gained back every last ounce I lost over the last 6 weeks.  Too much yummy food and too much drink!  So between tomorrow and Christmas I'm giving up latte's and limiting myself to one beer a week.  I will of course be hitting it hard in stroller fitness to help out as well. 

I was in charge of stuffing this year, and that is my great Stuffing Success!  Once again thank you to Rachel Ray, I get so many of my recipes from her magazine!

Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffing
Serves 8 Prep 1 hour Bake 1 hour

What you need:
2 large leeks, white and green parts separated and well rinsed (really well rinsed!)
4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups wild and whole grain rice mix (I used only brown rice as I was trying to save money)
7 tbsp. butter
3/4 cups sliced almonds
1 lb. mixed sliced mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster, morels, shiitake) - I used mostly normal old white mushrooms and added a few of the fancy ones in, again was a money saving effort.
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
3/4 tsp ground allspice

1.  In a large saucepan, combine the leek greens, chicken broth, rice mix, 2 tbsp. butter and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Bring to boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is cooked, about 50 minutes.  Discard the leek greens and scrape the rice mixture (including any liquid) into a large bowl. 

2.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Grease a 9 X 13 inch baking dish.  Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 8 minutes.  Add to the rice. 

3.  Meanwhile, chop the leek whites.  In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat.  Add the leek whites and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to the rice.  Melt the remaining 3 tbsp. butter in a skillet and add the mushrooms.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 12 minutes.  Scrape into the bowl with the rice and add the currants, parsley, lemon zest, allspice, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.  Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish, patting the stuffing down.  Cover with greased foil and bake until hot, about 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. 

Everyone who tried it loved it!  I made a double batch to feed 16 people (some kids) and only needed a single batch.  I LOVE how this turned out and can't wait to make it again!

Recipe of the Week

Pork and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry - Thank you Rachel Ray!

What You Need:
3 tbsp. oil
1/2 lb boneless pork loin chops, cut into 1/4 inch thick strips
1 lb brussels sprouts, halved
2 scallions, whites and greens sliced separately
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar

What You Do:
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add pork and cook until golden; transfer to plate. 

Add remaining 2 tbsp. oil and sprouts to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and tender, 5 to 8 minutes. 

Add scallion whites and garlic; cook 1 minute.  Add soy sauce, brown sugar and 1/4 cup water; cook until sauce is slightly thickened. 

Return pork to pan and toss to coat.  Top with scallion greens. 

Mark and I both really loved this and he particularly liked the bits of brussels sprouts that were dark brown and a little crusty.  Bonus, this is supper quick and easy to make!

I'm Thankful....

...for a lot of things.  This Thanksgiving I'm keeping it simple though.  I could do the long list of things and people I'm thankful for, but this year it comes down to two people. 

To say I'm thankful to Crystal and Brian (Sky's birth mother and birth father) is hardly adequate.  I am thankful every second (even the early morning, 3 am seconds) of every day that I get to be Sky's mommy.  She is the most amazing little person in the world and she has changed my life for the better and completed our family.  

I'm thankful that when they were going over their options that they first of all chose life for Sky.  I can't imagine the world (and my world) without her in it.

Second, I'm thankful that they chose Mark and I to be her parents.  They gave us the most wonderful gift in the world when they entrusted us with the precious gift of our beautiful little girl. 

Sky brings joy not just to Mark and I, but to all her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.  She is a very loved little girl, and it started with her birth parents loving her enough to give her life and give Mark and I the gift of being her parents.

That's what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  I wish you lots of yummy food, good drink, and time with loved ones.   

 

6 Week Challenge SUCCESS!!!

Today was the last day of the Stroller Fitness 6 week challenge.  We re-took all our measurements, then let the kid's play while we ate some yummy food pot luck style.

Before I share my numbers I just have to say...I ROCK!  I feel so good about the improvements, some of the numbers didn't change a lot, one didn't change at all, but I still feel really good about my results!  It's a hard class, yet I love going, love knowing I'm going to be sore after, and love feeling strong and healthy.  Plus, Sky seems to enjoy it and has gotten so much better about being around "strangers".  

The best part is there are some really great people in the class.  I have a whole new group of people to run with and have made new friends. 

As far as cheese goes...I miss it a little, but not enough to start eating it every day again.  Once in a while is fine, but I will not be buying it to have on hand as a snack anymore. 

And now for the numbers:

Start of the 6 Weeks - End of the 6 Weeks
Hips: 40 1/4 - 39 1/2
Chest: 37 3/4 - 37
Bicep: 10 1/2 - 10
Thigh: 22 1/2 - 22 1/2 - given the leg workouts we do I thought this would actually increase!
Waist: 35 1/2 - 33 1/2
Weight: 154 - 149
Body Fat %: 26.5 - 24.9

Pull Up Attempts: 5 - 9 - still can't do a full one, but at the beginning of the challenge those 5 attempts were just a slight movement, the 9 I did today were half'ish pull ups. 
Sit Ups in 1 minute: 18 - 27
Pushups in 1 minute: 7 - 12
Air Squats in 1 minute: 20 - 40 - this would be why my leg's didn't get smaller!
Running 8 laps around the track: 5:58 minutes - 5:37 minutes - this may be the improvement I'm most excited about!!!  I think this class has done more for my running than my running has done for my running. 

Now for my reward, trip to Bellevue to visit the Lululemon store!  I love their athletic/running clothing and can't wait to visit the store in person!  I may only be able to afford a pair of socks, but I don't care, I'm going to have fun trying stuff on! 

I'm not the only one that has made friends in class....

Sky and Reagan are the exact same age and are so darn cute playing together!  It took about 10 pictures, and Jodi (Reagan's Mom) laying on the floor in front of them to get one with them both looking in the same direction as the same time.  :) 

Now to maintain through the Holiday's and get ready for the 8 week challenge in January! 

Dear Sky

6 months ago today you entered my life and took hold of my heart.  Every day is still such an adventure with you.  I love getting out of bed and starting my day with your smile and wondering what kind of fun we will have that day. 

I am so in love with you little girl, and so in love with how much life has changed since you joined our family.  I love everything about being your mommy, even the challenging little fits you throw.  Your so darn cute when you are angry that I can't help but chuckle when you put on your sour face and scream.  I know I won't always find your fits cute, but for now it's pretty adorable.

Your smile is the best gift in the whole world.  You make my day over and over again every time you look at me and smile.  You make me feel like the most important person in your world with that smile of yours. 

I knew life would change when you became part of our family.  I knew there would be ups and downs, challenges and lot's of laughing and happiness.  But, I had no idea how full my heart would be, how much I would love you, and how much I would love EVERYTHING about being your Mommy.

I know you are going to grow and change a ton in the next few months, and I can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings for you and our family.

What your doing right now:
-Not teething yet, thankfully.  I know it's coming, but am happy to wait as long as possible.
-You have tried steamed green beans, banana, and waffle.  You seem to like all three.  You can't really chew them yet, but you manage to get them to your mouth all by yourself and suck on them. 
-You are so close to crawling...I don't get much done around the house because I am watching you like a hawk so I don't miss it when you finally do take off across the room.   
-You are so in love with your toes that all the sucking on them has resulted in athletes foot.  It's a constant battle keeping your toes dry and not smelling funky. 
-You LOVE your monkey toys.  I don't know why you like monkey's so much, but those are the only toys you want to play with. 
-You have started throwing lovely little fits when I won't let you play with my phone, chew on my magazines, or slobber on my laptop.  No matter what I'm doing you want to be part of it and get pretty ticked when you can't play with mommies "toys". 
-You LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your jumper.  You spend tons of time just bouncing away and laughing like crazy! 

 This is pretty much how you spend your days...playing with your toes and popping them in your mouth every chance you get. 

Ugggg

I feel like crap today.  Blisters on the bottom of my feet, my stomach has been a mess for days now, and I need some sleep. 

(Sky is way off on her eating and sleep schedule, I have no idea why, but it is making me one tired momma.)

Anyway, despite feeling like crap I'm going to class today.  It's the last workout before we weigh and measure on Wednesday and end the 6 week challenge. 

Can't wait to see how much my numbers have changed!

Official Time

1:11:08.4

Race Report

Well we finished.  It was cold, mid 30's, but clear no rain or snow.  Grand Ridge is beautiful, really nice trails and once again well organized and great food after.   

Thoughts:
-mid 30's may be too cold for me.  It felt like razor blades slicing my lungs apart with every breath and it gave me a splitting headache the entire race.

-I'm very apposed to starting on an uphill...I need at least a mile to mile and a half to warm up my legs before the crazy hills start!

-Setting time goals for single track trail running is kind of pointless.  You're only as fast as the slowest person in front of you, until you find a spot you can pass. 

-Running, walking, running, walking kills my legs.  By 3.5 miles I had nothing and I mean nothing left in my legs.  Thank goodness the downhill part came at 4 ish miles in, I let gravity keep my legs moving! 

-I'm supper confident on the downhill, feel good about my footing and have no trouble keeping track of what my next step should be and what the next 4 to 5 steps involve.  ie. rocks, water, roots, mud patches and trees to jump over - all of which we encountered today. 

-Despite the challenges...I LOVE trail running!  So pretty through the woods and I don't get bored while trail running. 

Unfortunately both my water crossings were less than ideal, I had wet feet for most of the race, and 5 miles is more than enough to have blisters on the bottom of my feet.  There were a lot of lose rocks on the trail as well.  In the first 1/2 mile I twisted my ankle a couple of times, nothing serious, but enough to cause twinges up into my bad knee.  Not using it as an excuse for anything since most of the time there is some sort of ache or pain while running, but I felt it. 
   
I read an article recently about not heel striking on the downhill, it acts like a break, so I focused on hitting mid-foot on the downhill and there were some parts I literally felt like I was flying down the trail, and it was FUN!!!

As for the time goal...my GPS tracked it at 5.6 miles in 1:14 ish (official time will be posted tomorrow).  The time I wanted to beat - 1:09:18.6 although that race was 4.76 miles and this race was almost a mile more, plus I started my GPS 4 minutes before the race started.  It takes me a little bit to get my phone zipped into the arm band and get the earphones in my ears, so I never wait for the gun to do that.  

All in all it was fun.  I may reconsider running races Nov - Jan though.  I'm sort of regretting having registered for a race next month already.  Will have to look into getting one of those hats that have the muffler thing that goes over your mouth, so I'm not breathing frigid cold air the whole time.

It's Race Day!!!

I love race morning, especially trail run race mornings.  So excited to hit Grand Ridge and maybe even run in the snow.  It will add to the traction issues that come with trail running, but I don't care.  I actually love running in the snow!

My goal this race is to finish in better time than the last 5 mile trail run I did, which means finishing in less than 1:10.  The Lord Hill run was full of well hills, not just any old hills mind you, hills that you practically had to crawl up they were so steep. 

Today's race has no mention of hills in the course description so I expect to finish in better time even with the potential of snow. 

A big thank you to my Dad for the winter running gear...we are looking at 35 F out there today!

Perfect Moment

My idea of a perfect moment...Sky falling asleep in my arms.  She has not done that in a very long time.

We are blessed with a sleeping champ.  Sky has always gone to bed easy and sleeps in 6 to 8 hour stretches.  Sadly she stopped falling asleep in my arms around 2 months.  I have missed it, really, really  missed snuggling my baby girl to sleep. 

Usually she rubs her eyes, fusses a little, I put her in her crib with her favorite blanket and she is out.

Not today, today she just wanted to be held and snuggled, and she cuddled in and fell asleep.  I'm in heaven with a sleeping angel in my arms. 

I usually keep Thursdays free of plans so Sky and I don't have to go anywhere.  That means we can stay in pj's all day, snuggle and just relax.

I LOVE my life!

Babies Can Be Emotional

Sky is having a rough day today.  She seems to need extra snuggles and cuddles.  She has been pretty fussy, not taking full bottles, no wanting any of the things that usually make her happy.  And, even after cuddling her she is not happy for long. 

I wonder what could be so upsetting to a 5 1/2 month old, but whatever it is it sure has her out of sorts. 

You know what though, there is still no where I would rather be than home with her even when she is supper fussy. 

Pink Sunday Hat

I so wish I could take a good picture of Sky.  As soon as she sees the camera, or phone, she stops smiling.  That doesn't stop me though I snap away.

I LOVE this hat and in person with her adorable cheeks and big eyes she is irresistible!  The hat reminds me of pink whip cream topping on a Sunday.
 

So Excited...

Most of you know I have been doing a 6 week challenge and I have been really good about sticking to it.  I have made all but one workout, have been running more during the week, and sticking to the no cheese thing, for the most part. 

Considering I ate cheese every day I think the three times I have had it the last 5 1/2 weeks is a huge improvement.  And, I want to note it was justifiable cheese eating!  When out and about or over at friends if the only option, or most healthy option, means eating cheese then I go with it.  I don't like to impose my eating habits on others and while I'm really good about keeping healthy snacks in my purse, sometimes you get caught out when you don't expect it, and if the healthiest option is some cheese slices and fruit and veggies, then so be it. 

I am feel great from the workouts.  Sore, but in a good way.  I don't feel like I want to die during a workout any more, I just want to push and do more.  I have trouble with burpees, they really bother my shoulder.  I know it looks like I'm slacking when it comes to those, but it's a fine line of pushing myself right to the edge of doing damage.  40 or 50 of those in a row and I can hardly lift my arm over my head because my shoulder is killing me in a bad way, not a I got a good workout way. 

I still don't know that I will be able to do a pull up at the end of this, but I am able to get half way up with a little leg swinging to give me momentum. 

Here is what I'm excited about...I have lost 5 lbs!  The only reason I'm excited about that is that now instead of having to put the heavy bottom slider thing on 150, it is now just on 100 and then I can use the top smaller slider to finish the measurement!  That makes me feel really great!!!

One more full week of the challenge next week, then a final workout the following Monday and final measurements the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! 

Here is an example of what our workouts can look like...

The blue numbers are the full workout which should take 50 to 60 minutes, the lighter numbers next to them are how to cut the workout if you can't get through the whole thing.  I went for the full workout and made it through the toes to bar, did half the sprints, skipped the pull-ups because I really wanted to give the bear crawl a go...that was so hard I wanted to cry!

Happy Veterans Day

Thank you to those that have served, are serving, and to the families that support and love them, and wait for them to come home.   

Next Race...

Grand Ridge 5M, Half-Marathon, Marathon and 50K, 11/19, Issaquah, WA

Michelle and I are super excited.  We LOVE trail running.  I am a little bummed though because I totally thought this was a 10 miler, not just 5.  But, I am pretty sure we will be doing a half sooner rather than later, and it will be one of the Evergreen Trail Runs!!!  The slower pace of a trail run makes tackling a half less scary!

Mark's Birthday

What is the past tense of Skydiving?  Skydove sounds way wrong.  Anyway, that is what we did for Mark's birthday. 

Before anyone freaks out, it was at iFly in Renton and was an indoor wind tunnel, so there was no jumping out of an airplane! 

Mark has been wanting to do this for a long time, and we had a blast!  We each had two, one minute sessions in the wind tunnel, and we were all able to fly solo at different points. 

It is much harder than it looks to get the correct body position to "free fall", and I was way sore the next day from holding my legs in the right spot.  But, it was so much fun! 

Yesterday was his actual birthday and the three of us decided to check out a Korean BBQ in Lakewood, and it was amazing!!!  We are very adventurous food people and I ate stuff like pork jowl, and other stuff I had never had before.  The fun part was you get all your meat and sides and then you cook it yourself on the grill in the center of your table.  We had so much fun trying all different combinations of yummy food.

The staff was wonderful teaching us what to do and what everything was, they adored Sky, the price was great and we will totally go back!  I highly recommend Cham Garden Korean BBQ! 

Some pics from iFly...

 Me flying with the instructor keeping a hand on my leg so I don't hit the wall.  The wind speed when I was flying was around 98 to 100 MPH. 

 Mark of course was good at it and lot's of solo fly time.  His wind speed was between 107 to 111 MPH.  

All of us geared up and ready to go.  In the wind tunnel there is too much noise for the instructor to be able to talk to you so they use specific hand signals to communicate.  This one means relax.  Hold your position, but relax because stiff boards don't fly. 

Football

This is how Sky watches football....

...you can see how into it Mark is, obviously we are not watching the Steelers!

World Run Day 11/6

Sunday is World Run Day!  What are your plans for running?  Michelle and I are hitting 5 mile drive at 8:30 in the morning, rain or shine. 


This is how Sky gets her run on...

Happy Running!!!!

Radom Thoughts

-Is there anything more fake than a Kardashian?  

-I'm loving the cool yet sunny days we are having, makes running so much more fun!

-I broke down and got Sky thigh-high socks in the hopes they will stay on.  Not sure how I feel about my baby girl in thigh-highs.

-Really wish I could just cook all day, I love being in the kitchen.

-I love the new speakers Mark installed in the kitchen, now I can hear the stereo when it's playing in the living room. 

-It's perfectly acceptable to put Christmas stuff up now isn't it?

-I love listening to Sky talk herself to sleep over the baby monitor.  She cracks me up!

-Why is the Social Security Office full of not "normal" people?  People that sit next to you and fart so much they stink you out and then have the nerve to blame it on my baby?! 

-I can't believe how hard it is to stay on task.  I just love sitting and talking to/playing with Sky so much that I don't get half of what I should get done, done. 

-Love the Ellen show!!  I look forward to it every day. 

-I really don't enjoy Dodgeball as much when we lose.  I use the drive home to stop being pissed.

-I kind of want to do a year of not buying any clothing/shoes new.  That means thrift store shopping for a whole year.  If I do it I may have to modify it and add Ross and TJ Max so that it's only discount or thrift stores.  Don't know though that I can commit to it for a whole year.  But being unemployed may necessitate it.  I will think about it. 

-Half done with Christmas shopping, only the difficult to shop for people are left...off to see what I can find on-line.  

-Oh one last thought, speaking of on-line shopping...I love getting FedEx and UPS packages.  And way easier than dragging Sky around from store to store. 

Recipe of the Week

Mexican Pot Roast in a Tequila-and-Chile Sauce

Spice Rub:
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-2 teaspoons pure New Mexico, California, or Ancho Chile Poweder
-1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
-2 teaspoons salt
-1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Pot Roast:
-1 boneless chuck roast or rump roast (about 4 lbs), tied
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-2 cups onions, thinly sliced
-2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
-3 tablespoons tomato paste
-1 cup tequila
-2 tablespoons tomato paste
-1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
-2 tablespoons (about 1 chile) fresh jalapeno, chopped (optional)
-1/2 cup pineapple juice, fresh or canned
-1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
-1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth
-1 bunch cilantro stems, finely chopped (save leaves for garnish)
-salt
-black pepper, freshly ground
-lime juice

Garnish:
-fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
-reserved fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
-red onion, finely chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 325 F
2.  In a small bowl, combine all rub ingredients.  Sprinkle over meat.
3.  Heat oil in a large, heavy-lidded pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown meat until all sides are nicely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.  Transfer meat to a platter.  Pour off all but 2 tablespoons or so fat and add onions. 
4.  Cover pot and cook onions until they are soft and just beginning to color, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in garlic and chile powder and cook 1 minute.
5.  Pour in tequila and stir, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of the pan.  Bring to a boil and reduce tequila to about half.  Add tomato paste, oregano, optional jalapeno, pineapple juice, lime juice, chicken broth, cilantro stems.  Stir and bring to a boil.
6.  Add back reserved meat.  Reduce to a simmer, cover, and place in middle of oven.  Bake until meat is fork-tender, about 2 hours.  If not tender, continue to cook, checking every 15 minutes.  Transfer pot to stove-top.  Remove and keep meat warm and degrease the liquid.   
7.  Reduce liquid at a boil until it just becomes syrupy.  Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice if needed. 
8.  Slice meat into 1/2 inch thick slices or cut into chunks and arrange on a platter.  Pour on some of the sauce.  Let guests add their own garnishes to taste. 

Mark LOVES this dish, and we found that shredding the leftover meat, warming up some corn tortillas and topping with the Garnish ingredient turned the pot roast into amazing tacos!!!

Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

We get it easy this year since she is too young for candy.  We had a cozy night at home with Grampy and Grammy.  She wore her costume ALL DAY though! 

Halloween Camping Trip

We spent a fun weekend camping at Millersylvania for Halloween this weekend.  Our main goal was to visit Lattin's County Cider Mill.  We had a blast playing games, petting animals, feeding animals, eating a ton of really good food, face painting, and picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. 

After dark Mark, Bob, Justina and I hit the haunted corn maze down the road.  First time I have ever done that and it scared the crap out of me!

Some picks from the weekend...there are many more on our photo site.  

Not sure what she saw but it totally looks like she is waving at someone.

The kids weren't the only ones that got their face painted...Bob looks like a crazy pumpkin head.  

Kiera and Grace.  

I love this little girl so much!!!

Kiera, Grace and Abbey with their carved pumpkins.  

I was so excited that Uncle Randy, Aunt Nancy and Cousin Magnus were able to join us at the pumpkin patch!

Sky's first Halloween costume!  Our cute little Ladybug!

Oh Balls...

...Cake Balls that is.  We have a Halloween camping trip planned this weekend.  Taking the kiddos to a pumpkin patch in their costumes and maybe some after dark tag or hide and seek. 

I made spice cake with butter cream frosting cake balls and gluten free chocolate cake with milk chocolate frosting.  Dipped in orange candy melts and decorated with black sparkle gel. 

I LOVE to cook, I really don't like to bake.  Have you ever tried to make perfect cake balls?  I don't think it can be done.  I will not be making cake balls again.  They are really good but really too much of a pain in the butt.  I will leave the baking to those that enjoy it!

Now off to make the chili for tomorrow nights dinner around the camp fire. 

BTW - the ball in the third row down, second from the right DOES NOT say "screw"...it says scream.  :)

Such A Big Girl

Sky is cool to hang out pretty much all day as long as she can be in the same room/see what's going on.  I usually put her in her bouncy chair that is very low to the ground, but as of late she wants to be up where Mark and I are.  So I got the highchair out today to give it a go.  She LOVED it!  She could see me no matter what I was doing in the kitchen, dinning room, and living room.  I can't get into my bathroom because the perfect spot for her to see the most is right in front of the bathroom door, but I don't mind. 

doing dishes and cooking dinner is so much more fun when I can talk to her and make her laugh.  Plus she is learning about gravity and how it works with her toys.  :)

Corner Turned

I've been waiting for it, and it finally happened!  I have found that when I start a new physical activity/work out program it kind of sucks for the first few weeks.  But, I know if I stick with it long enough eventually it won't suck.  I will still be sore, and some days will still feel like I would rather take a break, but it will eventually get to the point that I will feel strong and able to get through it. 

I will be honest I have doubted the wisdom of Stroller Fitness and running and only taking a day off on Sunday.  It has been tough, I have hated it some days, but today I finally felt like my body is strong enough to handle whatever I throw at it. 

Don't get me wrong...I'm still really sore, and some days I hate (in a good way) stroller fitness/'running, but I have turned the corner from being miserably sore to being good sore.  The kind of sore that means I'm getting good workouts in, the kind of sore that means I know I can take on any physical challenge I decide to take on, the kind of sore that means yep I'm sore...but I'm strong too and my body is a fine tuned machine that will not fail me!

Ok, so maybe there is still some fine tuning to do, but I really feel pretty great!!!

And, while I hate scales and fight becoming obsessed with weighing myself 5 times a day, I have decided that weighing once a week is ok and so far have lost 3 pounds since starting the 6 week challenge. 

I want to be clear though, this is not about numbers for me.  I don't care how much I weigh and I don't care what size I am.  I care that my husband enjoys how I look and that I'm able to keep up with my babe as she grows, able to keep up with Mark on hikes/activities, and really care about being able to be active into my 90's.  That is what this is about for me, but I also need some way to track if I'm making any progress, so the weekly weigh in.  

No I'm NOT Worried

I get that question a lot, in relation to am I worried about finding a job when it's time to go back to work. 

First of all I have a job.  It's called being a Mom and it's 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Second, there are jobs out there to be had.  I may not land my dream job (because I already have my dream job being Sky's Mom and Mark's Wife) but, if we need the money and I really need to get out there working there are jobs I can and will do if I have to. 

I can always keep looking for that dream job while working at a less than dreamy job. 

Third, I have a lot of great skills from working in HR/Recruiting and all my volunteer work with the ACS. 

Fourth, Mark has a great job that pays well.  We can totally make it work on a single income if we want to.  We may not be able to travel like we would like, or move into the next "bigger/better" house as soon as we would like, but that's ok if that's how it goes. 

So, no I'm not worried finding work when it's time to do so. 

What I am worried about is that one of these days I'm going to punch someone in the face for asking me crazy questions/suggesting being a stay at home Mom is the equivalent of watching TV and eating  bon-bons all day. 

I find it interesting that most of these conversations/comments take place with perfect strangers.  I think people who know me know the truth and/or know better than to make anger inducing comments to me.  :)   

Race Report

We had the perfect day for a run!  No rain, yet cool, and a great course.

According to my GPS it was a 3.26 5K, so there was a little extra in there for us.  We finished in 32:57 (however I started my tracking around 20 seconds before the gun, so we finished a little quicker than that), and our average pace was 10:06 a mile.  

Our usual average is around 11:33, so we have sped up!  I thank a year of running and stroller fitness for the improved pace.  And, the best part was I felt great.  It felt easier to run, I can't wait for the next race and can't wait to start running some longer distances.  I'm totally ready!!!

I will have official times tomorrow and maybe a pic. 

General Tso's Chicken

This was really good, but a lot of work and considering we can get enough for the two of us down the street for $7.99 and it taste good...I probably won't make this at home again.

1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 large egg white
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Chinese chile-garlic sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying
2 tablespoons very finely chopped fresh ginger
2 large garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Steamed broccoli and white rice, for serving

1.  In medium bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil with the egg white, 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch.  Add the chicken, stirring to coat.  Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the chile-garlic sauce, sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

3.  In  a large saucepan, heat the 1 tablespoon of oil.  Add the ginger and garlic and cook over high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Stir the broth mixture, add it to the pan and cook until thickened and glossy, about 3 minutes.  Keep the sauce warm over low heat.  

4.  In a large, deep skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil until shimmering.  Carefully add the chicken, one piece at a time, and fry over high heat, turning once or twice, until very browned and crisp, about 4 minutes.  Drain the chicken on paper towels and immediately add to the sauce along with the scallions.  Cook just until coated, about 30 seconds.  Serve right away, with steamed broccoli and rice. 

Friday Randoms

-A post a day for a month - last time I did this I didn't have a mini human in the house and spending time with her/taking care of her (and spending time with Mark/family) is more important than maintaining a blogging streak. 

-Just in case everyone hasn't heard, Mark won the free eye surgery!  For those that voted for his video THANK YOU!!!  Surgery is scheduled for 12/1/11.

-Receiving Sky's birth certificate in the mail with our names on it was pretty cool!

-Apple bits mixed in with scrambled eggs, onion, and potato = not very good.

-I'm adding beer to the 6 week challenge.  Cheese is proving to be too easy and I want a challenge, so no beer or cheese until the end of the 6 weeks. 

-I really don't see the problem in wearing pj's All Day during the week.  The UPS driver must think I'm the laziest stay at home mom ever!

-Dear baby sock makers....please make a sock that stays on little tiny baby feet.

-So, so excited for Sunday's race!!!  So ready to hit the trails, and it's going to rain!  I like trail running in the rain!

-Thinks that snuggling with Sky on the couch ALL DAY is perfectly productive!

-Would like it if Sky would find Aerosmith as soothing in the car as she does Eminem.  I like me a little angry white boy rap, but it's really not appropriate for a 5 month old.

-OMG - she is going to be 5 months old Saturday!!!  I can't believe it!

-I LOVE the new jogging stroller...it is amazing!  I love running with it and feel like it gives me supper running power.  Can't wait to run a race with her in the new stroller!


And now for a few pics....

 Sky, in the new jogging stroller with the net zipped and harness fitted.  

 Without the net covering.  

 I needed new trail shoes (pictured below) but there was such a great sale on running shoes that I got new road shoes and new trail shoes.  Road shoes above...trail shoes below.  

I needed new trail shoes because my old ones are still filled with sand, imbedded in the foot-bed of the shoe, from my Rampage at the RAC race.  It is the kind of supper fine sand that I just can't get rid of it.  Every time I have worn the old once since that race my socks are full of sand when I take them off.  I'm going to hold onto the old ones though and make those my official mud-run racing shoes. 

Sky, sleeping on our bed, with her hands clasped and ankles crossed...this is a standard sleep position for her. 

Too Sore to Type

That's my story as to why I didn't post yesterday, and I'm sticking to it.  :)

Let's just say I'm 36, not 26 and doing Stroller Fitness in the morning and playing dodgeball in the evening, after running around having fun all day, was a bit more than my body should really have to deal with.

I was counting on us having a full dodgeball team last night, which means with the rotation we get to rest and play every-other game, but that was not to be.  We had exactly 6 people for our toughest match up of the season, no rest for any of us.

Let's just say that doing 100 squats, 50 lunges on each leg, sprints, 100 push ups, 100 sit-ups then trying (key word being TRYING) to play dodgeball doesn't work very well.  I felt like I was trudging through concrete, I couldn't move, and my arms were so sore I couldn't throw or catch anything.  By the last three games I was having muscle cramps in my legs...it just wasn't a fun night at all.

I feel an obligation to the team, but I also feel an obligation to myself to get a good workout and hit my fitness goals.  Not sure what/if I will do anything different next week.  I just hope we have a full team next week.

Sky Pics

 And this is why there are safety belts!  (FYI - I was sitting right next to her the whole time and saw what she was doing...she was never in danger of falling out.  If I'm not right next to her, with my hand on the swing, she is belted in.)

First pair of shoes.  Little high tops.  The thinking was they would help keep her socks on, it didn't work.  

I have more pics, but it's late and I'm tired.  Will get more up later this week.