His birthday was Saturday and considering he was in Las Vegas for 4 nights, I think he had a pretty good birthday. And he actually came home ahead which I think is a first. He actually wasn't there to celebrate his birthday but a good friend's 40th birthday. But it helped that it was his birthday as well.
So I was on my own with the kids which really wasn't too bad considering they had about 12,482 activities on Saturday alone (that is only a slight exaggeration). I got in trouble with the school for having Ashley ride the bus home with a friend on Thursday, but other than that, there were no snafus.
And in turn, I am leaving this weekend to spend with some friends, and leaving Ray with the girls and on Friday afternoon alone they have to be in 3 different places at the same time. Bwahahaha!! Good luck Ray.
I leave on Thursday for Boston to meet up with my friend who moved back to Texas over the summer. The same one I am running the Austin Marathon with in February. We get to run together in Boston which should be fun, but cold. Considering it is supposed to be 83 here tomorrow and the highs in Boston this week are 50s, I am not looking forward to running in the cold, but I will deal.
And in more so-so news, I will most likely be furloughed at work in November. Merry Christmas to me.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
In the spirit of Halloween....
I love ghost stories and ghost shows and ghost tours and anything related to the paranormal. I DVR Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures.
I saw the first Paranormal Activity movie and it was freaking scary. Thankfully I saw it in the comfort of my own home so I could cover my eyes and scream when I wanted to.
But I have a huge issue with the Paranormal Activity 2. Have you seen the previews? It involves a toddler, maybe 1 - 2 years old. It just crossed over the line with me. I will not be able to watch a movie where a toddler is messed with by a ghost or demon. Just can't do it. If you go see the movie, just let me know how it is.
I saw the first Paranormal Activity movie and it was freaking scary. Thankfully I saw it in the comfort of my own home so I could cover my eyes and scream when I wanted to.
But I have a huge issue with the Paranormal Activity 2. Have you seen the previews? It involves a toddler, maybe 1 - 2 years old. It just crossed over the line with me. I will not be able to watch a movie where a toddler is messed with by a ghost or demon. Just can't do it. If you go see the movie, just let me know how it is.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
One year older...
I realized today that as of my birthday this past Tuesday, I am now in another age bracket in most races. Which of course doesn't really mean anything because I will never, ever place in my age group at any race, but just makes me feel that much older. And yes, I realize I am whining and I am not really old at 35, but some days I feel old. And the gray hairs on my head don't help.
I am on target to run over 100 miles this month, and I hit 500 miles for the year a while back. I still can't shake these last 5 pounds I want to lose though and I am thinking I need to add some cross training. I did the P90X Ab Ripper video the other day and I was so sore the next day it hurt to breath. I might try it again tonight.
I ran at lunch downtown again today and I didn't trip in front of the Krispy Kreme this time. I was amazed at how hilly downtown Raleigh really is.
Ashley has a performance at school tonight for the second graders. They are singing patriotic songs which I find odd. Why not Halloween songs? Before that, I have her parent-teacher conference which is always enlightening. She does well in school, but the teachers always have some funny story about her.
I am on target to run over 100 miles this month, and I hit 500 miles for the year a while back. I still can't shake these last 5 pounds I want to lose though and I am thinking I need to add some cross training. I did the P90X Ab Ripper video the other day and I was so sore the next day it hurt to breath. I might try it again tonight.
I ran at lunch downtown again today and I didn't trip in front of the Krispy Kreme this time. I was amazed at how hilly downtown Raleigh really is.
Ashley has a performance at school tonight for the second graders. They are singing patriotic songs which I find odd. Why not Halloween songs? Before that, I have her parent-teacher conference which is always enlightening. She does well in school, but the teachers always have some funny story about her.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Continuing the crazy month
My birthday is tomorrow. Oh, and it's my twin brother's birthday too. Funny how that works. While there are no big plans (Ashley has cheerleading and Audrey has dance), I am hopeful I will have a good day. I have to teach a training class at work, but since the class as of right now has only 2 people attending, I think it will be a piece of cake.
And no, Ray and I don't get each other any presents. His birthday is Saturday and since we both have out of town trips for other reasons than our birthdays, those trips have become our birthday "presents". I did however make some random money recently (thank you ebay!!) and bought my first ever running skirt. I haven't received it in the mail yet, so I am still keeping my fingers crossed it fits.
I also want for my birthday for Ashley to stop acting like a teenager. Seriously, she's seven and I swear she added a few gray hairs on me yesterday.
The even scarier thing? She's just like me.
We have new chore charts at home as we haven't been good lately at keeping up with the kids doing their chores (but it still doesn't stop Ashley from asking for her allowance). I added two important things to the chore charts - Be Nice to Your Sister and Give Your Sister a Hug. And yes, they have to do that everyday.
I am less than a month from my half marathon, and had 10 miles on the schedule this last Saturday. I will say this about my training this time - it is lonely to run by yourself. I did both training cycles last time with a friend and running with someone makes the time go by so much faster. I had to get the "just walk" words out of my head pretty much the entire run on Saturday. But I did it, and even finished a few minutes faster than the previous week's 10 miler. Every once in a while I look at my schedule for the full marathon (I am pretty much doing a 12 week program for the half, then a 16 week program for the full which overlaps the half schedule by 2 weeks) and get really scared. I have only ever run 13.1 miles, and the week after my half I have 14 miles on the schedule. Pretty freaking scary.
And no, Ray and I don't get each other any presents. His birthday is Saturday and since we both have out of town trips for other reasons than our birthdays, those trips have become our birthday "presents". I did however make some random money recently (thank you ebay!!) and bought my first ever running skirt. I haven't received it in the mail yet, so I am still keeping my fingers crossed it fits.
I also want for my birthday for Ashley to stop acting like a teenager. Seriously, she's seven and I swear she added a few gray hairs on me yesterday.
The even scarier thing? She's just like me.
We have new chore charts at home as we haven't been good lately at keeping up with the kids doing their chores (but it still doesn't stop Ashley from asking for her allowance). I added two important things to the chore charts - Be Nice to Your Sister and Give Your Sister a Hug. And yes, they have to do that everyday.
I am less than a month from my half marathon, and had 10 miles on the schedule this last Saturday. I will say this about my training this time - it is lonely to run by yourself. I did both training cycles last time with a friend and running with someone makes the time go by so much faster. I had to get the "just walk" words out of my head pretty much the entire run on Saturday. But I did it, and even finished a few minutes faster than the previous week's 10 miler. Every once in a while I look at my schedule for the full marathon (I am pretty much doing a 12 week program for the half, then a 16 week program for the full which overlaps the half schedule by 2 weeks) and get really scared. I have only ever run 13.1 miles, and the week after my half I have 14 miles on the schedule. Pretty freaking scary.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A really late random Disney post...
We had an amazing time in Disney. The decision at the last minute to add on two additional nights was great. I liked having another full two days at the parks plus we got to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival.
I have had a few friends comment on how we go every year (ie affordability and is there really anything new) and why. Here's my answer:
Affording a Disney trip each year for us - We own Disney timeshare, something Ray and I purchased back in 2001 (prior to even being pregnant with Ashley). It was an unbelievably wise investment for us considering how much we enjoy Disney. That also gives us a mini-condo for the week which means we cook many meals in our room. We only ate dinner out three times in 8 nights, once was just eating at the Food and Wine festival, once at the ESPN club watching the VT/NC State game, and once at Le Cellier in Epcot. All other dinners were in our room. We had two character breakfasts, and one those days Ray and I were so full from breakfast we didn't eat lunch. And we also packed lunch 3 days to the parks and when we did buy meals in the parks for lunch, we shared meals. And I love how with the kids meals in Disney they serve carrots and grapes, they made great snacks for later in the day.
We also give the kids a set limit to spend for the vacation on souvenirs. They both had $50 to spend which Audrey blew through by the second day. Ashley was a little more conservative with her spending.
In the end, we were very happy with our room charge bill at the end (we charge everything back to the room). It helped too that as annual passholders we got discounts in many places.
New things to do - We always, always try something new each trip. There was not a new ride this time in a park (although there is normally a new parade or show), but we did get to see construction for the new section in Magic Kingdom. There is so much in Disney World that there are still things we haven't done to save for later trips. We also always try and eat somewhere we haven't before. This year it was Le Cellier in Canada in Epcot. Audrey got to try a few rides that she was finally tall enough for (Tower of Terror being one which she says she will not go on again until she is a mommy...). Ray and Ashley saw Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios one night. We stayed late for the Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom too. Ashley pin traded for the first time and she got into Vinylmation trading too.
Things that were interesting - I saw many men with man-purses. It was actually quite funny. I told Ray I was going to buy him one for his birthday.
Disappointing things - And this had nothing really to do with Disney, but rather with people. We witnessed some really ugly behavior from some adults while waiting for the parade in Magic Kingdom. I think we all need to learn to be a little more patient. I also had a woman completely cut in front of me in line at a store. I normally don't do this, but as I walked past her after that, I said "karma is a bitch". Yes, I am that person. She pissed me off. The state of Americans and their weight was bothersome too. I saw way too many overweight kids and adults in wheelchairs. Pretty sad actually. There were times that the people waiting for wheelchair access was actually longer than the standby line for a ride.
What we really loved on this trip - We stay at Disney's Beach Club, and the pool at the resort has a sand bottom (not real sand, but Disney sand, sand that doesn't stick to you!). Plus it has a slide, a whirl pool thing, and hot tubs. Oh, and a bar which made the most amazing Tangerine Dream drinks that I have ever had. I may have had one or twenty of those. A couple of days we finished early afternoon at the parks and enjoyed the afternoon/early evening at the pool. It was relaxing and the kids loved it.
I still have not downloaded the 1200+ pictures I have taked, so none of those can be shared yet. And I am not sure when that will happen - I have travel for work this week and the big birthday week for Ray and I starts next week (we are both traveling on separate weekends in October). Oh, and throw in fitting in running when I can (like last night 7 mile speedwork on the treadmill at 8:30pm at the gym). I had never run more than 6 on a treadmill prior to last night, that was not fun last night.
I have had a few friends comment on how we go every year (ie affordability and is there really anything new) and why. Here's my answer:
Affording a Disney trip each year for us - We own Disney timeshare, something Ray and I purchased back in 2001 (prior to even being pregnant with Ashley). It was an unbelievably wise investment for us considering how much we enjoy Disney. That also gives us a mini-condo for the week which means we cook many meals in our room. We only ate dinner out three times in 8 nights, once was just eating at the Food and Wine festival, once at the ESPN club watching the VT/NC State game, and once at Le Cellier in Epcot. All other dinners were in our room. We had two character breakfasts, and one those days Ray and I were so full from breakfast we didn't eat lunch. And we also packed lunch 3 days to the parks and when we did buy meals in the parks for lunch, we shared meals. And I love how with the kids meals in Disney they serve carrots and grapes, they made great snacks for later in the day.
We also give the kids a set limit to spend for the vacation on souvenirs. They both had $50 to spend which Audrey blew through by the second day. Ashley was a little more conservative with her spending.
In the end, we were very happy with our room charge bill at the end (we charge everything back to the room). It helped too that as annual passholders we got discounts in many places.
New things to do - We always, always try something new each trip. There was not a new ride this time in a park (although there is normally a new parade or show), but we did get to see construction for the new section in Magic Kingdom. There is so much in Disney World that there are still things we haven't done to save for later trips. We also always try and eat somewhere we haven't before. This year it was Le Cellier in Canada in Epcot. Audrey got to try a few rides that she was finally tall enough for (Tower of Terror being one which she says she will not go on again until she is a mommy...). Ray and Ashley saw Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios one night. We stayed late for the Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom too. Ashley pin traded for the first time and she got into Vinylmation trading too.
Things that were interesting - I saw many men with man-purses. It was actually quite funny. I told Ray I was going to buy him one for his birthday.
Disappointing things - And this had nothing really to do with Disney, but rather with people. We witnessed some really ugly behavior from some adults while waiting for the parade in Magic Kingdom. I think we all need to learn to be a little more patient. I also had a woman completely cut in front of me in line at a store. I normally don't do this, but as I walked past her after that, I said "karma is a bitch". Yes, I am that person. She pissed me off. The state of Americans and their weight was bothersome too. I saw way too many overweight kids and adults in wheelchairs. Pretty sad actually. There were times that the people waiting for wheelchair access was actually longer than the standby line for a ride.
What we really loved on this trip - We stay at Disney's Beach Club, and the pool at the resort has a sand bottom (not real sand, but Disney sand, sand that doesn't stick to you!). Plus it has a slide, a whirl pool thing, and hot tubs. Oh, and a bar which made the most amazing Tangerine Dream drinks that I have ever had. I may have had one or twenty of those. A couple of days we finished early afternoon at the parks and enjoyed the afternoon/early evening at the pool. It was relaxing and the kids loved it.
I still have not downloaded the 1200+ pictures I have taked, so none of those can be shared yet. And I am not sure when that will happen - I have travel for work this week and the big birthday week for Ray and I starts next week (we are both traveling on separate weekends in October). Oh, and throw in fitting in running when I can (like last night 7 mile speedwork on the treadmill at 8:30pm at the gym). I had never run more than 6 on a treadmill prior to last night, that was not fun last night.
Breast Cancer Awareness month
My Mom had her surgery yesterday and is doing fine. And since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, you need to checkout the Hanes site. Hanes recently launched an online Design and Buy program that allows visitors to design their own T-shirts adorned with messages of hope, love and support. Additionally, Hanes will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from all custom T-shirts through the Design and Buy program to Komen for the Cure. Ashley and I had fun designing a t-shirt last night on the computer, and it was a great segway into what breast cancer was.
Additionally, for the second year, Hanes will offer its “Pink Collection” of panties, bras, socks, and tees designed to create awareness for the cause. As part of the collection, Hanes spokesperson and film star Melina Kanakaredes has designed three T-shirts meant to inspire and encourage others to join her in the fight against breast cancer.
I have this t-shirt, and per Hanes standards, it is comfortable and a perfect fit. They not only sell these online, but I have seen them in my local Walmart store.
Additionally, for the second year, Hanes will offer its “Pink Collection” of panties, bras, socks, and tees designed to create awareness for the cause. As part of the collection, Hanes spokesperson and film star Melina Kanakaredes has designed three T-shirts meant to inspire and encourage others to join her in the fight against breast cancer.
I have this t-shirt, and per Hanes standards, it is comfortable and a perfect fit. They not only sell these online, but I have seen them in my local Walmart store.Friday, October 08, 2010
Fall Down
When I was in high school, I vividly remember a nasty fall I took on my bike one day. I went head first over my handle bars after hitting a rock. Somehow I got right back up and was fine.
I really can't remember the last time I fell after that. Of course you see where this is going.
I have been doing runs at lunch at work on Fridays, mostly at a local trail that is about 10 minutes from my office. But today I forgot my Garmin and I had a ton of stuff to do at work, so I just decided I would map out my 3 miler on the streets of downtown Raleigh and have at it. I work about 2 blocks from a Krispy Creme donut shop (where the Krispy Creme Challenge is run from). I was right in front of it when I hit a lip in the sidewalk and sprawled out. Seriously, one second I was running, the next I was on the ground.
I immediately sat up, and a car actually stopped and asked if I was okay. I was fine, just scraped both hands and my right knee and leg. I was really just more embarrassed than anything. I kept running and washed up when I got back to my office.
I still need to type up my list of things I learned while in Disney (despite this being my 16th trip there, I still learn stuff every time we go) and I still need to unpack at home. Yes, we have been home for a week, don't judge. I did manage to get the Halloween decorations up last night upon the kids urging. And we finally have milk.
I have 10 miles on deck for tomorrow, maybe I should ice my leg when I get home?
I really can't remember the last time I fell after that. Of course you see where this is going.
I have been doing runs at lunch at work on Fridays, mostly at a local trail that is about 10 minutes from my office. But today I forgot my Garmin and I had a ton of stuff to do at work, so I just decided I would map out my 3 miler on the streets of downtown Raleigh and have at it. I work about 2 blocks from a Krispy Creme donut shop (where the Krispy Creme Challenge is run from). I was right in front of it when I hit a lip in the sidewalk and sprawled out. Seriously, one second I was running, the next I was on the ground.
I immediately sat up, and a car actually stopped and asked if I was okay. I was fine, just scraped both hands and my right knee and leg. I was really just more embarrassed than anything. I kept running and washed up when I got back to my office.
I still need to type up my list of things I learned while in Disney (despite this being my 16th trip there, I still learn stuff every time we go) and I still need to unpack at home. Yes, we have been home for a week, don't judge. I did manage to get the Halloween decorations up last night upon the kids urging. And we finally have milk.
I have 10 miles on deck for tomorrow, maybe I should ice my leg when I get home?
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
I don't even know where to start...
We got back on Sunday and we still have no milk in our fridge (and Ray did a quick grocery story run last night, but somehow beer made it home but neither milk nor diet cokes did...). Bags are not unpacked. And stuff keeps getting added to the schedule every freaking day. This weekend is booked, just saying.
**********************
If you notice on the side bar, down below the Hokies banner is a My Blog Cares/Blogs Against Breast Cancer 2010. When you publish the “My Blog Cares” badge on your blog or website, Diets in Review will make a $5 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Why is this important? Breast Cancer hits 1 in 8 women. And where I used to know someones mom or someones friend who had breast cancer, I now really know someone. My Mom was diagnosed last week with breast cancer, and not to worry, they caught it extremely early.
Get screened early and often. I am only turning 35 this month, but will have my second mammogram this month. Get your annual check up and see what your doctor says.
********************
I ran last night at the gym, 6 sucktacular miles on the dreadmill. The only thing that made them go by quickly was my friend Wendy on the dreadmill next to me talking. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it. 3 miles tonight in between dance/dinner/cheer/book club, and hopefully I will be back on track.
**********************
If you notice on the side bar, down below the Hokies banner is a My Blog Cares/Blogs Against Breast Cancer 2010. When you publish the “My Blog Cares” badge on your blog or website, Diets in Review will make a $5 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Why is this important? Breast Cancer hits 1 in 8 women. And where I used to know someones mom or someones friend who had breast cancer, I now really know someone. My Mom was diagnosed last week with breast cancer, and not to worry, they caught it extremely early.
Get screened early and often. I am only turning 35 this month, but will have my second mammogram this month. Get your annual check up and see what your doctor says.
********************
I ran last night at the gym, 6 sucktacular miles on the dreadmill. The only thing that made them go by quickly was my friend Wendy on the dreadmill next to me talking. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it. 3 miles tonight in between dance/dinner/cheer/book club, and hopefully I will be back on track.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Disney
I have tried to type this sentence multiple times to try and capture just how great a vacation we had. I will have to download some pictures over the next week and share some stories about the week, but it was great. Fun was had by all. We had great weather, we enjoyed the parks and the pool at our resort multiple times, rode rides, and ate great food at the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.
I only ran once though, my only regret from this vacation. I plan on getting back on track this week as my half marathon is a little over a month away.
For now, it is back to school for Ashley after being tracked out for 3 weeks. This morning was only slightly rough after getting home at 8pm last night. And of course with stuff every.night.this.week, we jump right back into the chaos.
I wish I was back at the pool drinking my Tangerine Dream drink....
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