Yesterday morning, Jerry took the kids to the park and to run some errands so I could have some time and space to clean the house. I just needed to be able to really clean things because it was driving me nuts, and I wanted everyone OUT. So, he got back with everyone -- and the house was sparkling for that small window of time before they all returned! -- and he had decided to pick me up a treat: A Dunkin Donuts Iced Latte.
Dammit, Jerry!
He was being nice, and apparently, he didn't understand I was trying to quit it entirely (he thought I was going for "cutting back"), but I was faced with either drinking it and breaking my 10 day no-DD-streak, or essentially pouring $3 down the drain.
I like to stick to streaks, but I also HATE to waste money.
I drank it.
And, it tasted like shame.
So, I'm back to Day #1 of no DD. And now Jerry understands that, under no circumstance -- even if I beg and plead for him to swing through a DD drive thru -- should he be a darling husband and bring his wife a treat. Cuz starting over is tough.
TAT CN Header
Monday, July 29, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Flesh Wound
I am pretty vain about my feet, and I usually treat myself to regular pedicures. But, this summer has been very busy and I've had little time for those luxuries.
Long story, short: My heels are as thick as hooves.
So, as any grosso would, I pick at the layers of dead skin as I mindlessly watch tv in the evenings. Turns out, I dug a little Grand Canyon in my right heel and now it's killing me, Smalls.
The irony here is that now I REALLY can't go get a pedicure so they can take that cheese grater thingy to my heels to slough off the thick calluses because anyone with a forebrain knows you can't get a pedicure with an open lesion. That's just asking for an infection.
So, I'm dutifully applying Neosporin and limping around on it.
Of course, it hasn't kept me from streaking: Unless that foot falls off, I'm still running.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Dunkin Detox
A few years ago, I began to treat myself -- once or twice a week -- with a small iced mocha latte from Dunkin Donuts. Then, I began to go more frequently, and THEN, they put a Dunkin on campus (about 100 feet from my office), and my occasional habit become an official addiction.
This summer, I figured I'd try to scale back to more moderate consumption, but alas, my efforts at moderation have been in vain. Maybe one week, I'm successful at limiting myself, but I always go back to a-latte-a-day in the next week.
So, it was clear to me that only one course of action would work for me: Cold turkey.
At the end of last week, I decided to cut myself off, and I'm now on Day #5 of no DD.
Don't misread me: I'm not giving up coffee, or caffeine, I'm just forgoing DD. Two reasons: Cost and calories.
The drink I get isn't expensive, but when purchased on a daily basis, it adds up. I've been rationalizing the daily treat's cost by justifying that I don't spend much on myself, and this is true, but perhaps I'd get more enjoyment from spending money on something that lasts and not something I consume. I've calculated that I can save myself about $90 a month if I quit the cold stuff. And, I think I'd like an extra $90 in my pocket.
The other, perhaps bigger incentive, is to save myself the calories. Again, the "cost" isn't much in the grand scheme of things (220 calories for the drink I get), but again, when added up, it probably isn't doing my waistline any favors. It's easy to justify extra calories such as this when streaking -- "I run every day; I eat what I want!" -- but, really, if I ever want to lose those last 5 lbs, then gulping down whole milk and sugary syrup everyday isn't going to help me.
From obvious experience, I'm putting the whole 21 Day thing to the test here in breaking myself of this habit. So far, so good. But, man, it takes just as much willpower to quit a habit as it does to form one!
This summer, I figured I'd try to scale back to more moderate consumption, but alas, my efforts at moderation have been in vain. Maybe one week, I'm successful at limiting myself, but I always go back to a-latte-a-day in the next week.
So, it was clear to me that only one course of action would work for me: Cold turkey.
At the end of last week, I decided to cut myself off, and I'm now on Day #5 of no DD.
Don't misread me: I'm not giving up coffee, or caffeine, I'm just forgoing DD. Two reasons: Cost and calories.
The drink I get isn't expensive, but when purchased on a daily basis, it adds up. I've been rationalizing the daily treat's cost by justifying that I don't spend much on myself, and this is true, but perhaps I'd get more enjoyment from spending money on something that lasts and not something I consume. I've calculated that I can save myself about $90 a month if I quit the cold stuff. And, I think I'd like an extra $90 in my pocket.
The other, perhaps bigger incentive, is to save myself the calories. Again, the "cost" isn't much in the grand scheme of things (220 calories for the drink I get), but again, when added up, it probably isn't doing my waistline any favors. It's easy to justify extra calories such as this when streaking -- "I run every day; I eat what I want!" -- but, really, if I ever want to lose those last 5 lbs, then gulping down whole milk and sugary syrup everyday isn't going to help me.
From obvious experience, I'm putting the whole 21 Day thing to the test here in breaking myself of this habit. So far, so good. But, man, it takes just as much willpower to quit a habit as it does to form one!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Day #200
Saturday was day #200 in my running streak. I ran a short 3 miler, and as I drew near to home, on the corner, I spotted Jerry and the kids who had come out to meet me for the last quarter mile of the run. Norah was dressed in her "running clothes," Caleb was in regular clothes, and both kids were barefoot.
Having them run toward me was the best thing I'd seen that day.
We met up and they ran with me for the last stretch of my run, and then, eager to run some more, we went a little farther and then turned around for home. As a 2 year old, Caleb often looks like he's about to careen forward as he's running (still a top-heavy-toddler), but he's getting more balanced and loves to run as he declares: "Me feet supa fast!" He hasn't figured out what to do with his arms yet, so they just sort of flap loosely at his sides.
Norah, however, gets the concept of bending her arms at the elbow and tucking them in a bit, and since she's better balanced, she doesn't look like she's gonna nose-dive into the pavement at any minute. Plus, Norah is getting surprisingly fast, and a few times, I had to run in earnest to keep up with her.
Afterward, since we were "so sweaty" (Norah's words), we took a dip in the pool. It was a nice way to mark the day in the streak.
July has been a bit of a trial on the streak: Like everyone else, I'm sweltering out there, and I seemed to have lost some mojo. Still, I'm getting the runs in -- most of them short and slow -- and am hoping it's just the season, and like the season, I'm hopeful that this lackluster feeling will pass.
Having them run toward me was the best thing I'd seen that day.
We met up and they ran with me for the last stretch of my run, and then, eager to run some more, we went a little farther and then turned around for home. As a 2 year old, Caleb often looks like he's about to careen forward as he's running (still a top-heavy-toddler), but he's getting more balanced and loves to run as he declares: "Me feet supa fast!" He hasn't figured out what to do with his arms yet, so they just sort of flap loosely at his sides.
Norah, however, gets the concept of bending her arms at the elbow and tucking them in a bit, and since she's better balanced, she doesn't look like she's gonna nose-dive into the pavement at any minute. Plus, Norah is getting surprisingly fast, and a few times, I had to run in earnest to keep up with her.
Afterward, since we were "so sweaty" (Norah's words), we took a dip in the pool. It was a nice way to mark the day in the streak.
July has been a bit of a trial on the streak: Like everyone else, I'm sweltering out there, and I seemed to have lost some mojo. Still, I'm getting the runs in -- most of them short and slow -- and am hoping it's just the season, and like the season, I'm hopeful that this lackluster feeling will pass.
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
The Kiddos
I figured it's been a while since I've dedicated a whole post to talking about the kids. So, to indulge that urge:
Caleb
It's my theory that kids reach a peak level of cuteness at 2, which seems contradictory to 2's typical bad-rap, but I think 2 year olds are pretty much the cutest. They're still kinda babies, but with increasing verbal abilities, more physical dexterity and agility, and a kid's expanding understanding of the world. This all equals total cuteness.
Caleb, therefore, is at Code Red Cute right now. Don't get me wrong, he is also a goblin, but at least he's an adorable goblin -- which is maybe even worse.
He can now scale almost all playground equipment and manages most obstacles with prowess as he follows in Norah's shadow. He talks a lot, doesn't listen to us, is stubborn as a mule, is swimming like a fish (he recently started jumping in and swimming to me on his own; it's pretty impressive, really), and can harass his sister and Scooter like a pro. He also recently moved up to a big boy bed because he was leaping out of his crib, so that now means we get regular 2 am visits, and he decided that, as a 2 year old, it's now his job to get picky about food and making bedtime a chore.
He's also prone to biting and hitting. I don't know if it's a boy thing, or just his personality, but you have to watch out for those teeth and his propensity to smack you with a toy (he has two toy swords, both of which are forever "put away").
Still, do you see that little dude handing me my 4th of July beer? THAT is why I had kids -- so cuties could hand me coldies.
Norah
Jerry and I were just recently talking about the difference a year makes (for both kids: this time last year, Caleb was taking his initial steps; now he can climb rock walls), and with Norah, there's been a lot of maturation. She's getting to be such a big girl now, a sweet big sister who is, more often than not, very patient, kind, and understanding with Caleb (even though he returns her kindness by biting her). She listens to us so much better now and we can reason with her so much better now. She understands complicated concepts, like delayed gratification, and is eager to pull her share around the house (she actually loves being assigned "chores").
Granted, she's still an almost-4-year old, so we still have tantrums and fits of rage (especially directed at her frustration with Caleb; today, I overheard her tell him, "You're really giving me a headache!"), and no kid is perfect. 3 was kinda a rocky age for her (as it seems to universally be; 2 gets the bad rap, but so far, in my experience, 2 was sorta-tough, but 3 was a shitticane of tough), but she seems to be coming into her own now as a full-blown kid, and it's fun to be a part of.
Caleb
It's my theory that kids reach a peak level of cuteness at 2, which seems contradictory to 2's typical bad-rap, but I think 2 year olds are pretty much the cutest. They're still kinda babies, but with increasing verbal abilities, more physical dexterity and agility, and a kid's expanding understanding of the world. This all equals total cuteness.
Caleb, therefore, is at Code Red Cute right now. Don't get me wrong, he is also a goblin, but at least he's an adorable goblin -- which is maybe even worse.
He can now scale almost all playground equipment and manages most obstacles with prowess as he follows in Norah's shadow. He talks a lot, doesn't listen to us, is stubborn as a mule, is swimming like a fish (he recently started jumping in and swimming to me on his own; it's pretty impressive, really), and can harass his sister and Scooter like a pro. He also recently moved up to a big boy bed because he was leaping out of his crib, so that now means we get regular 2 am visits, and he decided that, as a 2 year old, it's now his job to get picky about food and making bedtime a chore.
He's also prone to biting and hitting. I don't know if it's a boy thing, or just his personality, but you have to watch out for those teeth and his propensity to smack you with a toy (he has two toy swords, both of which are forever "put away").
Still, do you see that little dude handing me my 4th of July beer? THAT is why I had kids -- so cuties could hand me coldies.
Norah
Jerry and I were just recently talking about the difference a year makes (for both kids: this time last year, Caleb was taking his initial steps; now he can climb rock walls), and with Norah, there's been a lot of maturation. She's getting to be such a big girl now, a sweet big sister who is, more often than not, very patient, kind, and understanding with Caleb (even though he returns her kindness by biting her). She listens to us so much better now and we can reason with her so much better now. She understands complicated concepts, like delayed gratification, and is eager to pull her share around the house (she actually loves being assigned "chores").
Granted, she's still an almost-4-year old, so we still have tantrums and fits of rage (especially directed at her frustration with Caleb; today, I overheard her tell him, "You're really giving me a headache!"), and no kid is perfect. 3 was kinda a rocky age for her (as it seems to universally be; 2 gets the bad rap, but so far, in my experience, 2 was sorta-tough, but 3 was a shitticane of tough), but she seems to be coming into her own now as a full-blown kid, and it's fun to be a part of.
Also, this summer has been nice since being at home, I took away her afternoon nap, and bedtime stopped feeling like waterboarding for me. My opinion of her rose considerably when I didn't have to spend an hour with her every night bargaining and pleading with her to go to bed.
Now, I get to do that with Caleb.
She's eager to go to VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) this fall, and I already feel the familiar heart-twinges at seeing her slowly growing up. (In general, thinking of going back to school on Aug 19 gives me the heart flutters; we've been enjoying such a carefree summer.)
Over the weekend, we all went to see "Despicable Me 2" in the theater (Caleb's first successful theater experience!), and Gru has this freeze gun ("Freeze ray!"), which I keep thinking about: I'd like to freeze these kids at this age forever right now.
Of course, if I even tried, they'd both lipstick-taser me. I know it.
Monday, July 08, 2013
Taking a "Rest" Week
Toward the end of June, my left ankle began to make some complaints. It's what'd I'd consider an ache more than anything, a dull pain at the most, but still, combined with some general running fatigue and once again a failing Garmin, my enthusiasm for running and for the streak was waning.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to quit streaking -- today will be day #188, which is officially more than halfway through the year -- I can't stop now, can I? No, I didn't want to quit running, but I definitely needed some kind of break.
Since last week was busy anyway -- my SIL was visiting all week and we packed our days with fun times and it was the 4th, which was, as Norah described, "the best day ever!" -- I figured it was a good time to scale the mileage back to the minimum. So, last week I only ran 20 miles. Not that I've been running any BIG mileage this summer, but downsizing to 20 miles did feel like a significantly easier week, and I think it helped the ankle feel a bit less grouchy.
Still, I have a watchful eye on it.
If only all my joints could be replaced with bionic ones! I'd never have to rest again!
Plus, I'd probably be a superhero or something.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to quit streaking -- today will be day #188, which is officially more than halfway through the year -- I can't stop now, can I? No, I didn't want to quit running, but I definitely needed some kind of break.
Since last week was busy anyway -- my SIL was visiting all week and we packed our days with fun times and it was the 4th, which was, as Norah described, "the best day ever!" -- I figured it was a good time to scale the mileage back to the minimum. So, last week I only ran 20 miles. Not that I've been running any BIG mileage this summer, but downsizing to 20 miles did feel like a significantly easier week, and I think it helped the ankle feel a bit less grouchy.
Still, I have a watchful eye on it.
If only all my joints could be replaced with bionic ones! I'd never have to rest again!
Plus, I'd probably be a superhero or something.
Monday, July 01, 2013
For Every Uphill
Over the weekend, we went to visit my dad, who owns a vacation/future retirement home in Central FL. For those unfamiliar with Central FL, the landscape is very different from South FL; in fact, driving through this part of the state, one would assume they were in Georgia or Alabama, not Florida: There are lush, green trees with cascading Spanish moss, there are pastures and orange groves, and, oh yeah, there are hills.
The rolling kind. But, still: HILLS.
In South Florida, the only hills we have are in the form of bridges or re-purposed landfills. Therefore, I rarely, if ever, run hills.
Much to my running disadvantage. I know all the benefits of hill repeats to boost strength, speed, and endurance, but to do hills, I have to drive somewhere inconvenient, and one of the reasons I love running, is that I can walk out my door and go; if I have to commute somewhere to run, I better get a medal at the end of it.
So, over the weekend, my runs took place on some scenic roads that featured these foreign landscapes.
Saturday morning, I was chugging along, admiring the lovely houses and the rural neighborhood, but couldn't ignore the hard work of huffing and puffing up these hills. At one point, I was putting forth what felt like my hardest effort, yet I felt like I was stuck on a treadmill going no where. I glanced down at my Garmin and was dismayed to see that on the uphill, I was slowing to an 11+ min/mile.
The reward, however, was reaching the hill's crest and then enjoying the easy descent.
But, there wasn't much by way of flatness, so as soon as I reached the road's valley, it was a journey back up. Lordy. It was a short run -- a little more than 3 miles -- but I felt like my exertion was really getting challenged with this run, and I began feeling exhausted; this was too much work! I was ascending one hill and, feeling crabby about the climb, considered walking (or...maybe just turning around). Then, a saying that I'd overheard at a race a few years ago came echoing back: "For every uphill, there's a downhill."
Yes!
It was hard work going up, but then there was the flooding relief of conquest followed by the ease of running downhill. Granted, there were more hills in the run, but it wasn't as though the entire run was straight up the side of a mountain without any hope of reaching the top. I needed to re-adjust my outlook, and the above saying did just that. It's not all that unique, and I'm sure runners have heard it before, but like many simple mantras, it felt profound.
Plus, the obvious metaphor was something I needed to be reminded of.
I finished the run feeling exhilarated both because of the literal and figurative change of pace, and I felt pleased at my own personal revelation. Running is full of these small, teachable moments, and it's just one more reason to keep lacing up every day. Plus, if I stacked up all these running related epiphanies, I'd have my own little hill of inspiration and burgeoning discoveries about life, growth, and character.
Enough, perhaps, to form a legit mountain of metaphors.
The rolling kind. But, still: HILLS.
In South Florida, the only hills we have are in the form of bridges or re-purposed landfills. Therefore, I rarely, if ever, run hills.
Much to my running disadvantage. I know all the benefits of hill repeats to boost strength, speed, and endurance, but to do hills, I have to drive somewhere inconvenient, and one of the reasons I love running, is that I can walk out my door and go; if I have to commute somewhere to run, I better get a medal at the end of it.
So, over the weekend, my runs took place on some scenic roads that featured these foreign landscapes.
Saturday morning, I was chugging along, admiring the lovely houses and the rural neighborhood, but couldn't ignore the hard work of huffing and puffing up these hills. At one point, I was putting forth what felt like my hardest effort, yet I felt like I was stuck on a treadmill going no where. I glanced down at my Garmin and was dismayed to see that on the uphill, I was slowing to an 11+ min/mile.
The reward, however, was reaching the hill's crest and then enjoying the easy descent.
But, there wasn't much by way of flatness, so as soon as I reached the road's valley, it was a journey back up. Lordy. It was a short run -- a little more than 3 miles -- but I felt like my exertion was really getting challenged with this run, and I began feeling exhausted; this was too much work! I was ascending one hill and, feeling crabby about the climb, considered walking (or...maybe just turning around). Then, a saying that I'd overheard at a race a few years ago came echoing back: "For every uphill, there's a downhill."
Yes!
It was hard work going up, but then there was the flooding relief of conquest followed by the ease of running downhill. Granted, there were more hills in the run, but it wasn't as though the entire run was straight up the side of a mountain without any hope of reaching the top. I needed to re-adjust my outlook, and the above saying did just that. It's not all that unique, and I'm sure runners have heard it before, but like many simple mantras, it felt profound.
Plus, the obvious metaphor was something I needed to be reminded of.
I finished the run feeling exhilarated both because of the literal and figurative change of pace, and I felt pleased at my own personal revelation. Running is full of these small, teachable moments, and it's just one more reason to keep lacing up every day. Plus, if I stacked up all these running related epiphanies, I'd have my own little hill of inspiration and burgeoning discoveries about life, growth, and character.
Enough, perhaps, to form a legit mountain of metaphors.
Monday, June 24, 2013
"Mommy Running?"
Yesterday, I was gone for a few hours in the afternoon to attend a friend's baby shower. When I returned, Norah asked: "Did you have a good run, Mommy?"
I'd been gone about 5 hours.
But this is what they think I do when I'm not around. And, it's pretty much true. Occasionally, I slip away for other purposes, but during the summer, since I'm not working, pretty much the only time I'm away from them is when I'm running, and like Forrest Gump: "I [am] always running!"
For kids, time is an intangible concept, despite the fact that they're always trying to strike a two minute bargain with me -- "Time for your nap, Caleb." "Me play two more minutes, Mommy!" -- so for them, 5 hours of my absence didn't register as an unusually long time for me to be out running.
At this point, the kids' association with me and running has solidified. We were discussing our tentative 4th of July plans for next week, and Norah interjected by asking me: "Are you gonna run your running race?" (In the past, I've infrequently run a local 5K on the 4th. But this year, I'm thinking of skipping it -- too much driving back and forth -- but...maybe.)
I think it's pretty cool that they think of me as a runner, since I do too, and like any Running Mom, I hope the influence one day rubs off on them so we can run together. Until then, it's also pretty sweet to enjoy the time I spend running alone, and when I get back, I'm greeted with: "Mommy running?" from Caleb.
"Yup, I was running!"
I'd been gone about 5 hours.
But this is what they think I do when I'm not around. And, it's pretty much true. Occasionally, I slip away for other purposes, but during the summer, since I'm not working, pretty much the only time I'm away from them is when I'm running, and like Forrest Gump: "I [am] always running!"
For kids, time is an intangible concept, despite the fact that they're always trying to strike a two minute bargain with me -- "Time for your nap, Caleb." "Me play two more minutes, Mommy!" -- so for them, 5 hours of my absence didn't register as an unusually long time for me to be out running.
At this point, the kids' association with me and running has solidified. We were discussing our tentative 4th of July plans for next week, and Norah interjected by asking me: "Are you gonna run your running race?" (In the past, I've infrequently run a local 5K on the 4th. But this year, I'm thinking of skipping it -- too much driving back and forth -- but...maybe.)
I think it's pretty cool that they think of me as a runner, since I do too, and like any Running Mom, I hope the influence one day rubs off on them so we can run together. Until then, it's also pretty sweet to enjoy the time I spend running alone, and when I get back, I'm greeted with: "Mommy running?" from Caleb.
"Yup, I was running!"
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Summer Blogging
...has been pretty lax as of late.
I have excuses, but they're boring and basically boil down to: I've been busy and haven't felt like it.
But here's what you need to know:
Kids and I have hit our summer stride, and we're having a great time doing all kinds of parks (regular and water), museums, and swimming basically everyday. I was just thinking the other day how nicely "mushy" my brain has become in the last few weeks as I haven't had to think about anything work-related in 6 weeks. It's quite lovely to reach this sublime state, and even though summer SAHMing is its own kind of work, it's been nice to have a break in our school year routines.
We are tanned, pickled in chlorine, and loving it!
On the running front, I have continued to streak, and am on day #...something. See, I told you I had a lovely mushy brain. Guess I have to go check the stats...
...okay, checked them: Day #169.
Last week's mileage was weak, and I took not 1, but 2, minimal mile days, but it was a necessity. This week, the running has started off strong, super hot (90s everyday here lately), but strong. It's a sweat-fest, but that's summer for ya.
I have excuses, but they're boring and basically boil down to: I've been busy and haven't felt like it.
But here's what you need to know:
Kids and I have hit our summer stride, and we're having a great time doing all kinds of parks (regular and water), museums, and swimming basically everyday. I was just thinking the other day how nicely "mushy" my brain has become in the last few weeks as I haven't had to think about anything work-related in 6 weeks. It's quite lovely to reach this sublime state, and even though summer SAHMing is its own kind of work, it's been nice to have a break in our school year routines.
We are tanned, pickled in chlorine, and loving it!
On the running front, I have continued to streak, and am on day #...something. See, I told you I had a lovely mushy brain. Guess I have to go check the stats...
...okay, checked them: Day #169.
Last week's mileage was weak, and I took not 1, but 2, minimal mile days, but it was a necessity. This week, the running has started off strong, super hot (90s everyday here lately), but strong. It's a sweat-fest, but that's summer for ya.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
The Runs I've Had
It seems as though the runs, and their timing, have been a bit outta whack this week.
Monday:
After work, Jerry attended a mandatory meeting for Norah's school for the upcoming school year, and someone, somewhere along the line, got the time wrong, and it was at 6 pm instead of 5 pm. So, instead, of him getting home at 4:30, as he usually does, it was 7 before he got home. When he walked in, I was already in my running clothes; I basically high-fived him on my way out the door and his way in, so I could quick squeeze in 3 miles before Caleb's bedtime.
Tuesday:
Ahhh...all the time in the world for a nice 6 miler. The run went well. Except for the fact that a bee stung me on the palm of my hand at 4.5 miles.
It had landed on my shirt, and not looking -- I just felt something sticking to my shirt -- I swatted at it, and by doing so, cupped it in my palm. Sting city.
I haven't been stung by a bee in probably 15 years, and I forgot: It fuckin' hurts! I had to stop for a moment to pull the stinger out, and my palm throbbed for the rest of the run, but run, I did.
Admittedly, I felt kinda badass taking a stinger in the palm and continuing running.
BTW, 2 days later, I still have a red welt in my palm: That bee venom, it's a bitch.
Wednesday:
Again, ahhh...got some time, enough time that I figured I'd go ahead and run 7 miles. But, as I was running, I was off in la-la land and didn't turn down the road I intended, so...the run ended up being 6.25.
I don't know about you, but once I find myself back home, and short on mileage, I don't usually have the willpower to putter around more. I just call it "done."
Today (Thursday):
Lots of cleaning and errands and "to do"s on the list today, and the day and evening just got stretched out with chores and life's everyday things that need to get accomplished, so I again found myself with a day like Monday and only had the time for a 3 miler.
Tomorrow (Friday):
While I don't have a crystal ball, I do have a calendar, so I know our evening tomorrow has swim lessons at a weird time: 5 pm, which will put swimming during our typical dinner hour (yes, if you live in FL, it's basically mandatory to eat before 6 pm -- early bird special!). But, after a brief discussion with the Jer-Bear, in which I explored the various run options that would help me circumvent either A.) Getting up early, or B.) Pushing two kids in a beast of a dbl stroller, he suggested I just run TO swim lessons (usually, I've been running HOME from lessons since they've been scheduled later in the evening in previous weeks).
Sounds like a plan: Run to lessons, watch everyone splash around, and then we can all go have Fun-Day-Friday dinner out.
And, I'll be sweaty.
Monday:
After work, Jerry attended a mandatory meeting for Norah's school for the upcoming school year, and someone, somewhere along the line, got the time wrong, and it was at 6 pm instead of 5 pm. So, instead, of him getting home at 4:30, as he usually does, it was 7 before he got home. When he walked in, I was already in my running clothes; I basically high-fived him on my way out the door and his way in, so I could quick squeeze in 3 miles before Caleb's bedtime.
Tuesday:
Ahhh...all the time in the world for a nice 6 miler. The run went well. Except for the fact that a bee stung me on the palm of my hand at 4.5 miles.
It had landed on my shirt, and not looking -- I just felt something sticking to my shirt -- I swatted at it, and by doing so, cupped it in my palm. Sting city.
I haven't been stung by a bee in probably 15 years, and I forgot: It fuckin' hurts! I had to stop for a moment to pull the stinger out, and my palm throbbed for the rest of the run, but run, I did.
Admittedly, I felt kinda badass taking a stinger in the palm and continuing running.
BTW, 2 days later, I still have a red welt in my palm: That bee venom, it's a bitch.
Wednesday:
Again, ahhh...got some time, enough time that I figured I'd go ahead and run 7 miles. But, as I was running, I was off in la-la land and didn't turn down the road I intended, so...the run ended up being 6.25.
I don't know about you, but once I find myself back home, and short on mileage, I don't usually have the willpower to putter around more. I just call it "done."
Today (Thursday):
Lots of cleaning and errands and "to do"s on the list today, and the day and evening just got stretched out with chores and life's everyday things that need to get accomplished, so I again found myself with a day like Monday and only had the time for a 3 miler.
Tomorrow (Friday):
While I don't have a crystal ball, I do have a calendar, so I know our evening tomorrow has swim lessons at a weird time: 5 pm, which will put swimming during our typical dinner hour (yes, if you live in FL, it's basically mandatory to eat before 6 pm -- early bird special!). But, after a brief discussion with the Jer-Bear, in which I explored the various run options that would help me circumvent either A.) Getting up early, or B.) Pushing two kids in a beast of a dbl stroller, he suggested I just run TO swim lessons (usually, I've been running HOME from lessons since they've been scheduled later in the evening in previous weeks).
Sounds like a plan: Run to lessons, watch everyone splash around, and then we can all go have Fun-Day-Friday dinner out.
And, I'll be sweaty.
Monday, June 03, 2013
Caleb's 2nd Birthday and Day #150
Friday was a big day: It was Caleb's 2nd birthday, and it was day #150 in my running streak.
For the big dude's b-day, we met some friends at the park for playing, a picnic, and cupcakes:
That afternoon, he opened gifts and we had a special dinner (mac and chz: his request), and more cupcakes. On Saturday, then, was his big party at Chuck E. Cheese. In short, he had a blast.
This morning, he had his 2 year old check up, and as always, he was healthy as a little bean sprout. As for growth, he weighed in at 28 lbs, 2 oz (52%) and was 37* inches tall (97%). It's funny how kids, even as babies, seem to have a growth trend that is just THEM. Caleb has always had stats like this: Tall and slim. I have no idea where he gets either, but it must be nice!
So far, being 2 has been pretty awesome for him.
As for me, with the close of May (logged 123 miles), I rounded out another milestone in my streak: Day #150. Here I am post run:
For the big dude's b-day, we met some friends at the park for playing, a picnic, and cupcakes:
That afternoon, he opened gifts and we had a special dinner (mac and chz: his request), and more cupcakes. On Saturday, then, was his big party at Chuck E. Cheese. In short, he had a blast.
This morning, he had his 2 year old check up, and as always, he was healthy as a little bean sprout. As for growth, he weighed in at 28 lbs, 2 oz (52%) and was 37* inches tall (97%). It's funny how kids, even as babies, seem to have a growth trend that is just THEM. Caleb has always had stats like this: Tall and slim. I have no idea where he gets either, but it must be nice!
So far, being 2 has been pretty awesome for him.
As for me, with the close of May (logged 123 miles), I rounded out another milestone in my streak: Day #150. Here I am post run:
The running has been very slow lately, which has been kinda frustrating. The slowness is maybe in part due to the rise in heat and, especially, humidity, or maybe too has something to do with not taking a day off in 5 months. Or, it's just part of the running cycle (sometimes, I'm a bit faster; sometimes, I'm slower -- there's no explanation beyond that it seems).
Anyhoo, by now, I'm on day #153 and chugging forward!
*Jerry said the nurse definitely mis-measured, by his estimate of at least 1/2 an inch. So, Caleb is probably really somewhere in the range of 36-36 1/2 inches, which would put him in a lower percentile, but whatever, I really don't keep track of that stuff very closely. Let's just say he's somewhere around 3 feet tall. Bigger than a Smurf, fo sho.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Running...Out of Indoor Activities
Norah and Caleb are active kids, and to them, any day is best spent in motion. Keeping two active kids busy and entertained through the summer is a tough task. A tough task made even harder with rainy days. Of which we've had a lot lately. So...
...On Tuesday, we went to Monkey Joe's, an indoor play place with bounce houses and all kinds of madness where kids can run and bounce and be, well, monkies:
On Wednesday, I had planned to take them to a different indoor play place, only to discover once we got there, that it was closed. As in, gone. Poof! So, we switched gears and went to the mall's indoor play area, where there's not a fast enough shutter speed to capture Caleb running around:
They played there and rode the mall's train, as well as made the requisite pit stop at the Disney Store (a place that is both a blessing and a curse: they love to go there and check out all the merchandise, but then trying to leave without buying anything usually means dealing with someone's meltdown). Also on Wednesday, we had swimming lessons, and both did well, but Caleb especially did great:
His back floating, with ears submerged, was worlds better. So, he gets to advance next week.
Today, then (rainy. AGAIN.), we went to the Young at Art Museum. I went there once, in their old location, when Norah was about 18 months, and I hadn't ever been back, but I took the kids today, and must say: The place kicks ass! The kids played for 3 hours and would've stayed longer, but I was already pushing the limits of Caleb's naptime.
There's a million things to do there, all of them interactive, and below is just a smidge: They were building this giant fort/castle/maze out of these big foam blocks. The place is filled with that kind of stuff.
Below, here they are outside; Norah is the wee one on the "L" and Caleb the dot by the "U."
...On Tuesday, we went to Monkey Joe's, an indoor play place with bounce houses and all kinds of madness where kids can run and bounce and be, well, monkies:
On Wednesday, I had planned to take them to a different indoor play place, only to discover once we got there, that it was closed. As in, gone. Poof! So, we switched gears and went to the mall's indoor play area, where there's not a fast enough shutter speed to capture Caleb running around:
They played there and rode the mall's train, as well as made the requisite pit stop at the Disney Store (a place that is both a blessing and a curse: they love to go there and check out all the merchandise, but then trying to leave without buying anything usually means dealing with someone's meltdown). Also on Wednesday, we had swimming lessons, and both did well, but Caleb especially did great:
His back floating, with ears submerged, was worlds better. So, he gets to advance next week.
Today, then (rainy. AGAIN.), we went to the Young at Art Museum. I went there once, in their old location, when Norah was about 18 months, and I hadn't ever been back, but I took the kids today, and must say: The place kicks ass! The kids played for 3 hours and would've stayed longer, but I was already pushing the limits of Caleb's naptime.
There's a million things to do there, all of them interactive, and below is just a smidge: They were building this giant fort/castle/maze out of these big foam blocks. The place is filled with that kind of stuff.
Below, here they are outside; Norah is the wee one on the "L" and Caleb the dot by the "U."
Clearly, they needed to blow off a lot of energy. While I was getting us checked in and filling out a membership form, my 2 were running around the lobby like wild animals. Literally.
Caleb was, honest to God, crawling on the floor pretending to be a tiger, making chomping sounds and yelling, "Me tiger! Bite!" And Norah was running after him screaming, "Ahhh! RUN! The tiger's gonna get you!"
I filled every other mom in that lobby with smug happiness.
If anyone ever wonders why I run: THIS. IS. WHY.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Memorial Weekend Wrap Up
The 3 day weekend was a busy one, and here's the breakdown of all the awesome time:
Saturday was actually a pretty run-of-the-mill Saturday: Mostly chores and errands, and for me, running. But, Saturday night, we had a sitter, so Jerry and I went out to dinner and to Star Trek. We'd been waiting to see the movie, and thankfully, it lived up to our expectations. For anyone familiar with Star Trek, I'd describe it as "Wrath of Khan: Remixed"; for anyone unfamiliar with Trek, then I'd just say, "It's awesome: go see it."
Sunday, Norah and I went to a birthday party in the afternoon, and Jerry and Caleb stayed home since Caleb needs to nap then. Norah had fun at the party and swam or slid on the water slide for about 2 hours. She was spent that night.
On Monday, we met some friends at a nearby water park, and the kids had fun swimming. Unfortunately, it wasn't a hot enough day to really enjoy the side with all the spray stuff and water slides (that pool is freezing!), but Norah and Caleb didn't mind. They love the zero-entry pool because it's so shallow that they can swim all over but have the comfort of being able to stand up in the majority of the pool.
During Caleb's nap, Norah and Jerry went to the cheap theater to see "The Croods" and I had a glooooorrrrrious nap! (They reported that the movie was "okay." Norah was mostly stoked about the snacks and the soda she got during the movie.) After nap, we played some baseball in the back and Caleb did some "fishing."
Saturday was actually a pretty run-of-the-mill Saturday: Mostly chores and errands, and for me, running. But, Saturday night, we had a sitter, so Jerry and I went out to dinner and to Star Trek. We'd been waiting to see the movie, and thankfully, it lived up to our expectations. For anyone familiar with Star Trek, I'd describe it as "Wrath of Khan: Remixed"; for anyone unfamiliar with Trek, then I'd just say, "It's awesome: go see it."
Sunday, Norah and I went to a birthday party in the afternoon, and Jerry and Caleb stayed home since Caleb needs to nap then. Norah had fun at the party and swam or slid on the water slide for about 2 hours. She was spent that night.
On Monday, we met some friends at a nearby water park, and the kids had fun swimming. Unfortunately, it wasn't a hot enough day to really enjoy the side with all the spray stuff and water slides (that pool is freezing!), but Norah and Caleb didn't mind. They love the zero-entry pool because it's so shallow that they can swim all over but have the comfort of being able to stand up in the majority of the pool.
During Caleb's nap, Norah and Jerry went to the cheap theater to see "The Croods" and I had a glooooorrrrrious nap! (They reported that the movie was "okay." Norah was mostly stoked about the snacks and the soda she got during the movie.) After nap, we played some baseball in the back and Caleb did some "fishing."
We grilled, drank some beer, and then had a family movie night.
Then, that was that. Now, I guess, it's officially summer!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
That Time of Year
After 8 years of running in South Florida, I have become accustomed, mostly, to summer's heat and humidity. What I really despise about running in this season is the bugs, specifically these tiny black gnats that swarm in clouds and are impossible to avoid.
All I can do is put my head down, close my mouth and nostrils, and cross my fingers they won't fly in my eyes. They do, of course. Even with sunglasses on, they swoop in and peg me in the eyeballs, and even with the above mentioned combat measures, I still end up swallowing a bunch and having several shoot up my nose.
But the worst is how they stick to the rivers of sweat, so that when I wipe my face as I run, I always have little bug bodies on my finger tips.
I know. I should write FL travel brochures, shouldn't I?
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Swim Lessons
Last year, we'd had Norah take swim lessons via the city, and they were okay, but not great. Norah didn't like going, and often cried beforehand about having to go, and at the end of the 10 week session, we didn't feel her swim skill had advanced much. So, we didn't continue the lessons, and since it was then late fall, there wouldn't be much swimming over the course of the winter anyway.
This summer, then, I was on the fence about having both kids do lessons again: Were they really worth the money? Could I teach them what they needed to know? So, we began our summer of swimming with arm floaters and that was fine, but I knew they needed more in order to be competent swimmers -- sooner rather than later. I knew the city lessons weren't great, so I searched for private swim schools and found the US Swim Academy, a place we'd briefly checked out before since it was close to a movie theater Jerry and I often go to for our date nights.
I toured it, and I knew right away it would be WORLDS better than the lessons we'd done last summer, so I signed them up. Their first lessons were yesterday, and I can't say enough good things about the place and their methods. It's indoors, heated pool, and they have a plethora of inventive toys and equipment, and the teaching philosophy is all about making every skill a game or task. Plus, the classes are super small: 3 kids to 1 teacher.
Pic's not great, but here's Norah going down one of these floaty slides into the water in her class:
Unlike the lessons Norah did last year, she was beaming through her entire lesson yesterday, and when she got done, she was excited about returning for next week's class.
That is worth every penny of the extra cost.
Not only does the place make the lessons not feel like lessons, but immediately, there's a noticeable improvement in both kids' swimming. Today, at home in our community pool, Norah abandoned the arm floaters and was swimming back and forth from the stairs to me, and she kept wanting me to go farther and farther away (I'm terrible at judging distance, but I'd say she was going about 10-12 feet at a stretch).
Caleb too wanted to follow Norah's example and swim out to me without his floaters, but he could only go about 2 feet or so, and he was still flailing like I was stabbing him with hot pokers when I tried to get him to practice his back floating; still, he too had improved and he had also liked his class (the only problem, by his estimation, with his class was that Norah wasn't in it with him).
Caleb's teacher said he needed one more week in the class he started in, and then he could probably advance; Norah immediately advanced, and for her advancement, she earned a medal.
She was SO proud of her medal, and when she got home, she knew, right away, where to put it:
Thursday, May 16, 2013
It's Been a Spell
So, I've been AWOL for a bit.
No one thing, just an accumulation of things. End of the semester, a trip to Disney, and now summer SAHMing have all kept me away from blogging the past few weeks. Maybe I'll be a more regular blogger this summer; we'll see.
We're still settling into a summer routine, and we have some activities planned, but most don't begin until the end of this week and beginning of next: Kids are gonna do gymnastics and swimming lessons, and I have been scouting the library story time classes, as well as the community ed classes for tots (maybe a crafty art class or something, we'll see). In the meantime, what we mostly plan to do this summer is go to parks and swim in the pool. We've already gotten plenty of pool time in:
On the running front, I continue to streak, and as of yesterday's run, I'm at Day #135. In those days, I've run 478 miles. Nothing epic, but I'm kinda working up to epic this summer. Summer heat isn't really conducive to epic mileage, but my time is. So I'm probably gonna sweat myself silly in the next few months, but I'd do that anyway.
Lastly, I got myself a new pair of shoes.
For those who are friends with me on Facebook, you already know that these shoes were 3 weeks from order to arrival, and their journey from an Amazon warehouse to my front door was fraught with mishaps; for those who aren't on FB with me, know that it was a GIANT pain to get these -- apparently, some packages just go to Opa Locka, FL and stay there.
Anyhoo...these are Saucony's Virratas, which are touted as a hybrid between minimalist and stability shoe. As you know, I've toyed with various minimalist shoes, but haven't ever found a satisfying pair. I don't know if these will be either. I've given them 2 runs so far, and I don't yet have a feel for them. Like any new pair of shoes, they take a bit of adjusting, but because they are also a "bit minimalist," they take quite a bit of adjusting (considering I ran the previous 471 miles of the year in my trusty Brooks Adrenalines, which are just getting to feel really broken in and perfect).
Once I've given these Virrata's some significant mileage, I'll let you know my thoughts; for now, we're just getting to know each other.
Lastly, this summer, I've decided to give both push ups and sit ups a "go." I downloaded these apps on my phone that take me through 3 days a week plans to get me to do a bazillion of each. I'm modifying both: With the sit ups, I'm just doing crunches; and with the push ups, I'm doing them "girly style." But, dang those push ups slay me. Yesterday, I did 5 sets of varying reps for a total of 57! My arms were like useless slabs of meat afterward.
And, I'm on week 2.
On this path, I should be The Hulk by August.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Run for Boston
Monday evening, the local Ft Lauderdale running community gathered for a run to demonstrate support for Boston and to raise money for the victims and their families.
It was a rainy night, and I questioned whether or not they would hold the event; and if so, if I wanted to run. That sounds wussy, I know, "I don't wanna get wet even though the run supports a noble cause, wah, wah, wah," which is exactly why I still went despite the downpour. I know that runners at Boston did all kinds of courageous and noble acts for those who were injured and killed; the least I could do was show up and run in the rain.
Once gathered, a few "leaders" said some words, we shared in a moment of silence, we sang the National Anthem (particularly tugged at the ole heart strings this time), we posed for a giant group pic, and then we ran. Around a track.
Since it was literally pouring, some runners just ran a "symbolic" lap or two, maybe a mile, but others, like myself, ran 3+ miles. For selfish reasons more than anything, I wanted to get at least 3 miles done, and after I was soaked within the first lap, I figured, "Eh, may as well do what I can out here."
The event sold out of the t-shirts they'd ordered, and they managed to have a really significant turn out, especially considering the weather, so they were able to raise a nice little sum for The One Fund. I got there too late for a tee but still donated some moola, so I got to benefit from the warm fuzzies even without the tee.
All around, it was a feel-good run-sperience.
Plus, Monday was my birthday -- yes, the Earth graciously shared the day with ME. So, in honor of the day, my 35th birthday, I made sure my mileage was an even 3.5.
It was a rainy night, and I questioned whether or not they would hold the event; and if so, if I wanted to run. That sounds wussy, I know, "I don't wanna get wet even though the run supports a noble cause, wah, wah, wah," which is exactly why I still went despite the downpour. I know that runners at Boston did all kinds of courageous and noble acts for those who were injured and killed; the least I could do was show up and run in the rain.
Once gathered, a few "leaders" said some words, we shared in a moment of silence, we sang the National Anthem (particularly tugged at the ole heart strings this time), we posed for a giant group pic, and then we ran. Around a track.
Since it was literally pouring, some runners just ran a "symbolic" lap or two, maybe a mile, but others, like myself, ran 3+ miles. For selfish reasons more than anything, I wanted to get at least 3 miles done, and after I was soaked within the first lap, I figured, "Eh, may as well do what I can out here."
The event sold out of the t-shirts they'd ordered, and they managed to have a really significant turn out, especially considering the weather, so they were able to raise a nice little sum for The One Fund. I got there too late for a tee but still donated some moola, so I got to benefit from the warm fuzzies even without the tee.
All around, it was a feel-good run-sperience.
Plus, Monday was my birthday -- yes, the Earth graciously shared the day with ME. So, in honor of the day, my 35th birthday, I made sure my mileage was an even 3.5.
Maybe one of these years, I'll actually run the number of miles for the number of years old I am, but every year that I put that off, the harder I make the goal. Hmmmm, this is one of those "better sooner than later" goals, isn't it?
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Moving Along
With such a major event on Monday, it's felt a little odd resuming the normal routine, but that's the business of living: We have to get to it.
So.
The running here this week has been a lesson in adaptation. Mother Nature decided, "Meh? Why not just go ahead and make it summer!" I know that many people in the rest of North America are shaking angry fists at the heavens cursing Mother Nature's refusal to move forward out of winter, but here, she decided to just skip ahead to July.
It's April, dammit. We're supposed to get a wee bit more of the temperate weather, aren't we? Nope, guess not.
So.
The running here this week has been a lesson in adaptation. Mother Nature decided, "Meh? Why not just go ahead and make it summer!" I know that many people in the rest of North America are shaking angry fists at the heavens cursing Mother Nature's refusal to move forward out of winter, but here, she decided to just skip ahead to July.
It's April, dammit. We're supposed to get a wee bit more of the temperate weather, aren't we? Nope, guess not.
Thus, there's really only one word to describe the running this week: Sweaty.
You'd think I'd be used to such bodily effusion, but honestly, after months of lovely weather, it's a bit of an adjustment to suddenly be out there thinking, "Sweet Jesus, I'm melting!"
Oh well, best get used to it: It's not gonna get any cooler here in the next six months!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
On Boston
Last night, after dinner, after the kids had been bathed, the dog fed, the kitchen cleaned, and everyone settled in for the evening, I changed into my running clothes as I do every evening at this time. And, I sat on the kids' step stool in the bathroom to lace up my shoes, and for some reason, that act of lacing up my shoes brought me to tears.
So, I sat on the step stool and cried. Just for a moment. Long enough to use up the tears that swept over me, but not so long as to dwell with them.
Then, I finished lacing up my shoes and I went out and ran.
It was nothing special: A 3 mile route that I run nearly everyday. I didn't run fast. I didn't have any earth-shattering epiphany. I didn't completely resolve any feelings of grief, fear, despair, frustration, or sadness. I didn't have any newfound faith in humanity or any restoration of the power of good or heroism.
When I got back, the world was still the same place it had been when I'd set out. It was no different and neither was I. But.
I felt better.
And so we run.
Maybe away. Maybe toward.
As Tim O'Brien says at the end of his story, "The Things They Carried," "[Our] loads will be heavier" but, we find the strength to "carry on."
Run on, friends, run on.
So, I sat on the step stool and cried. Just for a moment. Long enough to use up the tears that swept over me, but not so long as to dwell with them.
Then, I finished lacing up my shoes and I went out and ran.
It was nothing special: A 3 mile route that I run nearly everyday. I didn't run fast. I didn't have any earth-shattering epiphany. I didn't completely resolve any feelings of grief, fear, despair, frustration, or sadness. I didn't have any newfound faith in humanity or any restoration of the power of good or heroism.
When I got back, the world was still the same place it had been when I'd set out. It was no different and neither was I. But.
I felt better.
And so we run.
Maybe away. Maybe toward.
As Tim O'Brien says at the end of his story, "The Things They Carried," "[Our] loads will be heavier" but, we find the strength to "carry on."
Run on, friends, run on.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Day #101
Today's 3 miler was my 101st consecutive run this year.
Boom!
100 day streaking barrier? Broken.
It's been kind of a crazy week, too. Wrapping up some busy committee work, as well as the end of the term, at work, we had a surprise visit from my SIL and MIL, and then Norah barfed all over school today. Uff.
But, when is life not crazy?
I just know that I'd BE crazy if I had to handle this madness without running.
Boom!
100 day streaking barrier? Broken.
It's been kind of a crazy week, too. Wrapping up some busy committee work, as well as the end of the term, at work, we had a surprise visit from my SIL and MIL, and then Norah barfed all over school today. Uff.
But, when is life not crazy?
I just know that I'd BE crazy if I had to handle this madness without running.
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