I'm Kinda a Bad A$$

At least that's how I felt after running 5.43 miles with an average 9:19 pace today!  Quickest 5 Mile Drive run EVER!!!  I felt amazing!!!  Felt good up the hills, felt good on the down hill and finally feel like I'm on my way to a PR in two weeks!!!  The usual pace is about 10:48, so we were much quicker today.  I felt it, but I still managed to pull it off!!!  Thank you Mark for the baby free run this morning.  I don't run that fast when pushing Sky! 

I had plans to run again in the morning, but there is no way I can get all I need to get done and be ready for vacation, so I'm skipping it. 

After seeing this alert:

Achieved new personal record stats for running

RunKeeper FitnessAlerts

Farthest distance in a month

 I don't feel bad about skipping tomorrows run.  Looking forward to some new running adventures in Whistler!! 


More GREAT news...Baron Batch made the final team!!!  After dealing with a torn ACL all of last season he proved himself this pre-season and is on the team!!!  I can't wait to see what he does in the backfield/special teams.  I liked what I saw of him this pre-season!  GO STEELERS!!! 

We ended the day with some grilled chicken and corn on the cob...something Sky LOVES! 

Yep...she hugs her milk while eating.  I have tried to stop that habit, but the fit just isn't worth it.  I'm more concerned with her getting a healthy meal and eating enough.  When she fusses about the milk she ends up not eating. 

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for...

-Rest day for stretching and icing 

-Long hot showers...long enough that the hot water runs out

-That Sky loves her Daddy so much and can't stop talking about him all day long

-Drinks with the girls last night

-College football starts tonight

-That I have a bag of Canadian $ to spend next week

-Matchbox 20 and No Doubt have new albums!

-That this post was interrupted for Sky hugs

-For a potentially Sky free run in the morning with Michelle! 

Tired Legs

All the running has gotten to me I think.  I had to stop last nights run at 2.5 miles.  My legs are sore.  Not just this is a good workout sore, but things are hurting that shouldn't be sore.  So I stopped, walked back to the car and am taking today and tomorrow off from running. 

I'm stretching today, using my foam roller and beg board, and more stretching. 

Have a run Friday morning and Saturday morning, then it's vacation time.  I will be running on vacation, goal is 2 runs, add in all the hiking and walking and I will be good. 

I think Sky is loving today.  Not getting up and going on a run.  We have been playing non-stop...  through her morning nap.  I had a heck of a time getting her to go down at 12:30, two hours past nap time!  She loves having the run of the house and deciding when she wants attention and when she wants to play on her own.  Kinda letting her run the show today. 

Mostly because the rest of the week I'm going to be busy packing and trip planning so we can get out the door Sunday. 

This Is How We Play

 Let's see how long it takes her to figure out how to get the wagon onto the deck.  She refused any help I tried to offer, and eventually got it up the steps all by herself. 

 Just walking around.  This girl will walk around and around for hours and be perfectly happy.  

Pulling her wagon full of blocks all over the yard.  

Today we go to a free KinderMusik class to check it out. 

Life Over the Weekend

This is how Thursday afternoon, after shots, was spent...

So sad.

Thankfully by Friday she was 100% better!  Her legs were still sore from the shots, but she wasn't fussy about it any longer.  

Saturday morning I got up at 4:30 am all in an effort to get a kid free trail run in with Elya.  We have a 10 miler in Oct and she has never run on a trail!  It was stressing me out...I had to get her out there in the dirt, gravel, and tree roots.  So we hit Ft. Steilacoom and enjoyed having the entire park to ourselves!  We hit all the hard hills and had a blast.  The trail we came down was so dang steep we couldn't even walk it.  We slid from one tree to another all the way down.  Along the way we ran into a coyote, rabbits, and downed trees.  We spent good times climbing over and crawling under.  Was a great run!  

 

Then that afternoon we hit up ParaNorman.  Mark and Grace have been waiting over a year to see this "kid-friendly" zombie movie!  Because Mark has a zombie thing Grace has a zombie thing, and has repeatedly asked to watch zombie movies with him.  I won't recommend it one way or another, I will say it is a bit much for a 6 year old.  The end is pretty intense and she ended up jumping into Mark's lap.  I liked it and thought it was a unique kids movie in that it deals with a darker subject matter, but it is not for everyone.  

 

Sunday morning was another early get up for me as I had running plane with Michelle and El.  I was supposed to have Sky with me as well, but she slept in, so Mark watched her and I got another kid free run in!  

 

 We hit 5 mile drive and it was great!  Ran the entire thing...didn't stop once to walk...even up the hard hills!  50 minutes...my fastest 5 mile time ever!  

I came home got cleaned up and we hit Relay Night at the Rainiers.  Was the Rainiers last home game of the season and was actually pretty perfect weather.  Sky did great...made it to the 7th inning stretch and then we headed home.  She was getting restless and we didn't want to push her too much, especially since she refused to take a nap earlier, so there was high potential for a melt down!  

 Michelle and Sky...Sky has her eye on the peanuts Bob was shelling. 

Us at the game.  

Today is a rest day from running.  I have a pretty nasty skin tear on the bottom of my big toe.  Seems no matter what I do I have blister/rubbing issues.  I will figure it out eventually.  Exciting 1/2 news for next year...

I will be running the Seattle See Jane Run next July!  Super excited about it.  This will be Michelle's first 1/2, and I'm looking forward to putting all personal goals aside and focusing on getting her to the finish line and having fun!  A 1/2 that focuses on champagne and chocolate?!?!  How can we not do it?!  

I'm still contemplating doing Tacoma City again in May...it's a new route and I think I can handle the waterfront part since it's not out and back this time, and I really want to PR...I know I can cut a significant amount of time, but I still don't know if I really want to push doing the waterfront on myself again.  (I seem to remember posting "I'm done running the waterfront!")  Even though this would have been a good first 1/2 for Michelle I didn't feel like I could register to run it with her.  I know I would want to focus on PR'ing  and I didn't feel like it was right to register with someone else to do a race and have my own agenda, or force her to deal with my water front mental issues.  

 

I'm excited we are getting a "last day" of sun and warmth today.  After Sky wakes up from her nap and we have lunch we are heading outside and not coming in until dinner!    

 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for a healthy little girl.  15 month appointment was today.  She is 2 ft 8 in tall and is a whopping 22lbs!

Actually seems like she has been 22 for a while now, but she is taller than last time so she is growing.

Her body has finally grown into her head as her head circumference is no longer in the 75% range.

She was plenty ticked off at me for pinning her down during the shots.  I think it pretty much sucks they even make the parent do that...grab a 2nd nurse and let them be the bad guy.

But, the upside was she was super snugly this afternoon, lot's of crying and fussing too, but she wanted to be held and snuggled the whole time and that's always nice.    

Also thankful to have my weekend runs lined up! 

Dear Sky

15 Months ago I saw your beautiful face for the very first time and fell head over heals in love with you!

To you my lovely little girl I say, I See You!

My heart understands your heart.  I know deep down in my soul how your little mind works. 

Of all the babies in the world you are the only baby meant to be my daughter.

My little miss sassy, stubborn, fiercely independent, girl who wants to do it all by herself, get's pissed when she can't do it by herself, won't ask for help, get's mad when the help is offered, get's mad when the help isn't offered, thinks she knows all she needs to already, hates having to admit she needs help or doesn't know the answer.

Sweet little lady I get you. 

More importantly I LOVE you.  Your heart and spirit speak to mine.  You were meant to be my daughter and I was so meant to be your mommy.

I'm so thankful things worked out like they did.

I understand that you are going to need the freedom to figure out things for yourself even if that means doing it wrong until you figure out what's right.  For now that means letting you wonder off and explore at the park.  You don't want my help playing on the toys or exploring the boundaries.  You need to see just how far you can get before Mommy drags  you back within range.  I love that you want to walk off by yourself and see things and explore for yourself.

I love it to when you come back to me, touch base and then wonder off again.  You need the freedom, and the assurance that you will be given the freedom.  I get it, I totally get it.

Please remember that the adults in your life love you and only offer help to make your life easy.  It's a hard road your spirit has chosen for you, believe me I know.  Sometimes the sassy stubbornness won't serve you well and will make things so much harder than they need to be.

I hope I can help you learn to listen when it's needed yet give you the space to learn and make mistakes, and humbly enjoy when your right.  

I love you so much little girl, and I love being you mommy!  The last 15 months have been so much fun, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank You

To Jodi for a day at the zoo! 

Sky and I had fun, and Sky was really, really tired when we got home.  I had a lovely 3 hours to read my book, and still managed to get the laundry done, dishes done, and a car full of stuff ready for Good Will. 

Plus I feel like I got some good walking miles in pushing the two little ladies up and down the hills. 

Productive and fun day all the way around! 

4 Days In A Row!

I have run 4 days in a row.  They haven't all been long runs, but they have been runs.  I don't usually run back-to-back days like that.  I like to give my body, and my shoes (because I only ever have one pair of road shoes you are not supposed to run back to back in your shoes) and my washing machine a break. 

But, I have some races coming up to get ready for and I have had running partner offers and I hate to pass up a chance to run with people I enjoy running with.  So, back to back running has happened. 

Boy I felt it tonight.  From step one I had leg cramps, not bad and our pace was 30 second faster than normal, so obviously it wasn't bothering me that much, but still my legs were wondering why I was punishing them.  I was excited tonight that my pace was faster...I really want to PR my next race but I'm still about a minute a mile away from that happening.  That's a lot of time to shave, but I also know the more I run the easier it gets, and was glad to see some progress in the right direction tonight.  

I had another run scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, but I'm passing on that.  Sky and I will be at the zoo tomorrow, walking all over the place and I think my legs have earned a break. 

I was really excited yesterday because I ran 5 mile baby free and didn't stop to walk once!  That is a first for me.  There is always one hill or another that kicks my butt.  They still kicked my butt yesterday, but I didn't stop and walk until cool down time.  That's the great thing about running with someone.  Even if I would kill to stop and walk if the other person is still going, then I'm still going! 

So looking forward to fall. That's my absolute fave running weather!  I'm pushing through the heat and putting in some hot miles, but I'm ready for some cooler running weather for sure!  

Good Weekend

Our weekend started Friday evening with Mark taking a break from bathroom remodeling.  We took Sky to the book store and found two books for her.  Well she found one, picked it out herself, and I found the other.  She was so funny...ever time she lost track of daddy the whole store could hear her screaming DADDY, DADDY, DADDY!!!!

That girl loves her daddy! 

Saturday Sky and I met Uncle Randy, Aunt Nancy, Tracy and a little Velociraptor (I think that's the right one) for a stroll through the Olympia farmers market, play time at the park, lunch at the Reef, and then Sky and I hit up Dancing Goat Coffee for me to do some coffee tasting. 

Then Mark and I went to Costco and ended up with a new TV and DVD player for the bedroom.  It's something we have been talking about for several years and came down to the fact that we are so excited to make Friday night movie night a special/big deal for Sky once she's old enough to watch movies.  Plus, we have seen how well it works when we have the mini Beckham's over to have movie time for them in the room while the adults play X Box, pictionary or watch our own movie or whatever. 

We found a small, but bigger than the RV TV, TV for the room that was a great price.  We watched part of a movie last night after Sky went to bed and the sound is so much better.  Every time Grace comes over she tells us we need a bigger TV in there...she will be excited when she sees it. 

Today I have my 3rd run in 3 days...I'm not usually a back-to-back runner, but my next race I'm looking to PR and the race after that is a 10 mile trail run, and I need to get the miles up there so I don't feel like dying during the race.  So I'm running a lot, and actually feeling pretty good about it. 

Then tonight is Steelers football time!  It's only pre-season, but I'm excited to get my first look at the rookies and see how Ben is looking with his shoulder injury. 

Things Kids Say

Things heard at my house this week...

"Don't get naked booty all over the sleeping bag!"

"Her booty is all up in Sky's face."

"You have gravel in your crack."

"There is naked booty all over your yard!"

The joys of having a naked 6 year old, 3 year old, and 15 month old running around in the sun!

Top O The Head

Sky's first top of the head pony tail.  May be the only one considering I had to practically put body armor on to get it done.  She does not like me messing with her hair, at all.  Oh the years of battle I have in front of me. 

Thankful Thursday

I'm Thankful to have some running dates set for the next few days and into next week.  I love running with my little running partner, but sometimes you need a friend to hold you accountable and tell you to hustle your butt up the hill and stop complaining about running in the heat. 

All Sky yells is gogogo while laughing her head off like a crazy baby.

Gonna be some early mornings to beat the heat, but I'm looking forward to it!!!  

Daddy, Pooh Bear, and Books

This makes my heart so happy!  She talks about Daddy all day and can't wait to spend this special before bed time with him.  Perfect way to end the day. 

Hot Run

Yeah, it's hot, I'm not complaining because in the PNW we are lucky to get hot days.  The only thing I will say is I don't run well in the heat.  I get headaches  bad ones, like my head is going to explode and today I got to add in trying not to vomit.  Fun times!

I thought heading out before 9am would help with all that this morning, but it didn't.  2.31 miles in and my head was killing me, and I felt like I was going to lose my breakfast.  So I decided to end it there and walk the rest of the way home.  The funny thing is when I started I felt great.  My legs felt good, I was way under my usual plodding pace and Sky had even settled down from her morning crank fest. 

I was feeling like it was going to be a nice fast pace for a change, and it was (for me at least) for the 2.31 miles I did run. 

The nice thing is Sky is not cranky any more.  She usually wakes up the happiest little person in the world, but not today.  Thank goodness she loves our runs together! 

Her recovery snack...raisins and gold fish crackers, the extra cheddar ones.  She spends most her time yelling gogogo at me, or laughing her head off, I'm sure it tuckers her out.  

Today was supposed to be a P90X day, but darn it I felt like a run, so did that instead.  I will give it another go tomorrow.  Will probably try a different local...maybe a change will help take my mind off the heat?  Or maybe I will just suck it up and get up at 5am, and run before Sky and Mark wake up.  Plus, it would give me a stroller free run which I need so I can do a form check.  

I should probably also be better about drinking water and eating my normal pre-run breakfast instead of bacon and egg like I did this morning.  Dumb, dumb, dumb! 

8 Years

8 Years ago today Mark and I said I Do.  We don't make a big deal about our wedding anniversary (we celebrate the day we met) but it's still a special day. 

Happy Anniversary to the only person I want to be old and wrinkly with.  There is so much I could say, but will keep it simple.  I love you and I love this adventure we are on together! 

No this pic has nothing to do with our wedding (I can't find any of the wedding pics on our pic site) but this is a good adventure pic, and we try and make each day a new adventure!

Recipe of the Week

The recipe of the week this week is from Real Simple magazine.  I ended up getting the wrong cut of meat and Mark's comment was, "this would be really good if we had the right meat."  He thought the flavor profile was really good, but wasn't as good as it could have been.  We can't wait to try it again with the correct cut of meat. 

The cucumber salad is so yummy and great for summer, not heavy at all! 

Spicy Hoisin Skirt Steak with Cucumber Salad

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m| Total Time: 35m

Ingredients

• 1  cup  quick-cooking brown rice
• 2  tablespoons  hoisin sauce
• 1  teaspoon  Sriracha or Asian chili-garlic sauce
• canola oil, for the grill
• 1 1/2  pounds  skirt steak, cut into 4 pieces
• 1  English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 2  scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
• 1  tablespoon  rice wine vinegar
• 1/2  teaspoon  sugar
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4  cup  salted, roasted peanuts, chopped

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium-high. Cook the rice according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the hoisin and Sriracha; oil grill. Brush the steak with the hoisin mixture and grill, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the cucumber and scallion whites with the vinegar, sugar, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the steak and rice and sprinkle with the peanuts and scallion greens.

Busy Day

Sky and I started off with an early (for us anyway) morning run with Michelle.  We tackled 5 mile drive and ran all but one small part of the last hill.  That is the furthest I have run 5 mile without walking.  Usually there are 2 hills before the last one that I have to finish up by walking, but not today! 

On my way home I went the back way (through Steilacoom) and noticed a ton of garage sale signs and an estate sale sign.  For some reason it got me all excited I felt like we just had to go back and check things out.  I was hoping I could talk Mark into going with me because I just didn't feel like hitting garage sales by myself. 

But, Mark is kinda stuck in home improvement hell right now.  We (you know the collective we in which Mark does all the work and I talk about it like I have been helping him the whole time) started the master bath remodel many months ago (March) and one thing has led to another.  The plumbing has now been replaced and the flooring under the utility closet will have to be replaced.  Among other things. 

The upside is how often do you have flooring and walls torn out giving you access to the areas that you need to work on?  Single income cash flow and single person labor (meaning Mark) mean that everything takes a lot longer than anticipated.  But, we kind of have the hang of cramming into the guest bathroom, and am thankful we have a second bathroom. 

Anyway, I was supper excited that Mark was just getting up, it was already hot, and he was sore and had a headache all meaning he was more than happy to take the morning off and go garage sale with Sky and I.  (He did come home and work for several hours, through dinner even.)  

Having just held my own garage sale to get rid of all my grandma's stuff I know that "real" garage sale peeps go early and take all the good stuff hours before the sales actual open.  So, I didn't even bother showering after my hot stinky run.  I just put on more deodorant and a hat, changed out of my running cloths and we were out the door. 

What did we get...snow boots for Sky that will fit 3 sizes from now, super cute fall fashion boots that will fit her now, a sweater and a big dump truck with a pull handle (like a wagon) full of jumbo sized building blocks that lock together like legos.  Mark found a cool crockery canister for our coffee as well!  

And, the thing I'm most excited about...A new vacuum!  We were given a really, really nice one that we never could have afforded years ago, but the last 2 years it has been in the shop a lot for work and tune ups, and it never was fixed.  It's still been shocking my hand and turning off in the middle of vacuuming for no apparent reason.  The shop can't figure out what is up and I'm done putting money into it.  So, we got a great price on a brand new Hoover with all sorts of bells and whistles I never would have been willing to pay for if I were paying full price.  It works great and I'm supper excited to have a working vacuum that won't shock me every time I use it. 

Sky was a champ getting in and out of the truck, walking blocks and blocks, during her nap time.  She wasn't fussy at all. 

We did take a lunch break at the Topside Grill which sky was pretty excited about:

This was our first visit to the Topside Grill and we were impressed.  It's not fancy, but the food was good, the service was great, and the beer prices are the best in town!  We decided we need a date night to bike down there, have a few drinks and bike home.  (Can you get pulled over for biking under the influence?)  Now to find a babysitter to make that happen.  

After lunch Sky was out for about an hour while we continued to drive by sales, and hop out if we saw something we were interested in.  Turns out today was the town of Steilacooms town wide garage sale day, no wonder I was seeing signs everywhere!  

One of the things I LOVE about Mark and I, we have fun doing simple things like going to garage sales.  Was kinda the perfect day because I got to spend time with Mark and Sky.  Plus by the time we got home Sky was tired...she only slept for about an hour in the truck, so after dinner she was ready for bed at 6.  Early bed time is a gift that I love!  

Link Love

Today I'm sharing two links, because I just don't feel right sharing one and not the other. 

The first link is for my sisters blog: http://lathamsontherun.blogspot.com/

It's a lot about running and working out, and a lot about family life.  Every post make me either laugh, cry, or grimace in pain! 

My sister is a gifted writer, and her race reviews are honest and brutal.  It kills me sometimes to read about what she goes through during a race, but I love it at the same time!  And, I love all the great pics.  She runs with her camera and captures the highs and lows of running and life in general. 

The second link is her husbands blog: http://from262to26.blogspot.com/

Brian offers great product review, perspective, and tips on running and gear.  He is honest about where he (and my sister) have come from health wise to get to where they are now and honest about life getting in the way and getting back on track again.  I love his posts and value his opinions on gear! 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful I got to do this last night...

 The view from our seats at the Aerosmith concert!  

Yeah the stage was small from our vantage, and there weren't great big screans to watch, but we didn't care.  We danced and sang along all night and I LOVED it!  

Enjoying some micro brews waiting for the Bad Boys from Boston to take the stage.  

Yes, my 24 love affair is still alive and strong!  I have not missed a PNW concert in 13 years, and last night they did thing different than they ever have before.  The lead in's to all the songs were different, they did a couple of songs that I LOVE but have not heard them do live, each member got lengthy solos that were awesome!  And the best part was by far Steven playing the piano and singing Dream On solo.  

Steven is still so Steven and I love him, and Joe Perry...the only thing to say is he is such a f'ing rock star.  He is so cool and makes it look so easy.  

Thank you Mark for the tickets!  I was so happy to be there!   

Figuring Out Sky

It's becoming more and more challenging to figure this girl out.  She has a ton to say, but I understand maybe 25% of it.  I'm pretty sure she is taking a foreign language behind our backs.  

I have figured out that she says Daddy any time something makes her happy.  I think she is happiest when Daddy is around, a fact that I take zero offense to.  I figure she knows I'm there all day every day, I'm a given fact in her life.  Daddy is too, but Daddy is out of sight for hours at a time, so spending time with him and his attention is more important to her.  She is totally a Daddies girl. 

It has taken me a while to realize that saying Daddy all day doesn't necessarily mean I want my Daddy.  I realized today that any time she is happy, or does something that makes her happy she says Daddy...because her Daddy makes her happy.  Plus she says it when I'm typing or on the computer, or walk into the office...all things she associates with Daddy.  And, when she does something she is proud of she says Daddy, I think because she wants to show off for him.  I'm here and have seen it already so am old news in her mind. 

Every day is an adventure around here.  She is climbing higher and higher on things and no matter how baby proof we think we are, she proves we are not Sky proof. 

In other news I managed to get a run in this morning.  I was hard...I did P90X Plyo yesterday and my legs were shot, but I did it anyway, with a little help from my running partner and my new compression socks! 

 This was post run, I was out of breath and red face and was dreading the single step up to the front door.  I think this look says I hope you don't pass out before you give me a snack.  

Pro Compression had a discount on the USA sock, and I wanted to feel like an Olympian, so had to get them! 

Recipe Of The Week

Before I get to the recipe of the week I just have to say a few things. 

1.  There is going to be an Athleta store in Seattle by the end of 2012!!!  I'm so, so, so excited!!!  By far my fave running leggings for everyday use.  I love my other lined winter ones as well, but I wear the Athleta ones the most.  I'm going to start saving pennies now because that is one grand opening I really want to go to and get myself something fun! 

2.  Sky and I were losing our minds yesterday watching the USA Women's soccer match.  The ups and downs, and Sky jumping and yelling and clapping right along with me...priceless! 

3.  Sky's new thing is saying Stop It!  It cracks me up when she is playing with her toys, pushing buttons so they make noise and yelling at them to STOP IT when I know the toys are doing exactly what she wants them to.  She hasn't figured out yet what Stop It actually means.  Sometimes she nails it, like when she slapped my hand and said it while I was trying to wash her face.  Sassy, sassy! 

Ok, now for the Recipe of the week.  This one is from Realsimple Magazine, and Mark has decided it's his #1 all time favorite chicken recipe ever!  I skipped the Arugula and Plum Salad, just made the chicken.  I'm sure the salad is good as well, but we had fresh farmers market veggies to eat and didn't need to make the salad.

Grilled Honey-Mustard Chicken with Arugula and Plum Salad

 

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m| Total Time: 40m

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons  honey
• 2  tablespoons  Dijon mustard
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh thyme
• 4  tablespoons  olive oil
• 8  bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar
• 2  bunches arugula, thick stems removed (6 cups)
• 2  plums, pitted and thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, thyme, and 1 tablespoon of the oil.
2. Heat grill to medium-low. Season the chicken with ¹/₄ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Grill, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes; brush frequently with the honey mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, and ¹/₄ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the arugula and plums and toss to combine. Serve with the chicken.

By Charlyne Mattox ,  July, 2012

Post Dirty Dash

The aftermath!  

 Mark works with Jenni and she was nice enough to let me join her team!  

Dirty, dirty, dirty girl!!!  I had mud in place I was not happy about, and I don't know what they put in the mud, but I washed in the shower 3 times and still wasn't clean.  Soaked my feet in a foot bath this evening and the water was brown!  Cloths are on the third wash...will see if they get clean or not.  

By far the most fun I have had doing a "non-serious" race EVER!  Tons, and tons of mud, great obstacles, fun water slide, great atmosphere, Jenni and Michelle (her friend Michelle, not mine) were both a blast!  Bonus was I found Alison and Cory...friends from HS!  We were able to start with them, and they caught us at the beer challenge and we all finish together!  I can't wait until next years event!  

While I was wallowing in the mud Mark took Sky to Lattin's Country Cider Mill for some fresh produce, and fun with animals.  Plus, he brought me home the best donuts ever!!  They must have worn each other out because Sky just made it through dinner and Mark fell asleep around 7 and is just now (9:10 pm) awake and watching Olympics with me. 

Dirty Dash and Sky Pics

I have this race tomorrow morning...so looking forward to a fun, no stress race! 

And, because our weekends tend to get busy I leave you with cute pics of Sky for the weekend, in case I don't blog again until Monday. 

Ok, I guess these are cute pics of Mark too.  :)

Thankful Thursday

(This post subject was requested...good thing it's something I'm thankful for as well!) 

Today I'm thankful for my white board!  Yes I have my schedule on my phone set with bells to go off two hours before every appointment, and then 15 minutes before every appointment, but all and still I love having a visual list I can look at every day.

I know where I need to be and what I need to do every day with just a glance.  No need to enter the security code on the phone and click on the calendar app.  I'm organized and like my life and living space to be organized, looking at my white board makes me happy and helps me feel calm to have everything listed out.  

Here is how it works for me:

This is the overall view of the white board.  It features a cork strip frame to pin stuff too, two pens that have two colors each and eraser tips, and the board itself is magnetic. 

 

I have a calender, coupons and an event flyer tacked to the cork strip.  If there is paperwork needed for Sky's appointments, or a grocery list I will tack stuff like that to it as well.  

 

On the right hand side of the board I have all of our appointments and plans listed for the month.  Sometimes we are so busy I can only fit a week or two at a time and will update it every Sunday.  

 

On the left side I have a daily schedule of workouts and cleaning.  The blank space is mostly used to jot a quick phone number or last minute add on to the schedule, or for Mark to add things like his Iceland trip, or events that are taking place months from now.  

 

Close up of the cork strip.  

 Close up of the magnets.  

 Our schedule for the month.  Titled Adventure's because that is our family motto.  "Every day is a new adventure!"  Even if we are doing the same old thing, we find ways to make it new and fun for Sky.  

 

 One of the magnetic pens that came with the board. The other one is black and dark blue.  

 

The workout and cleaning plan.  

I got the white board at Costco a little over a year ago.  Don't remember how much it was, but I know it was under $30.  It came with the pens, magnets, and push pins for the cork strip.  It also has hardware on the back to hang vertical or horizontal.  I have no idea if Costco still has it or not.