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| Look at that perfection! HA! |
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| An almost perfect lefse circle! |
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| Tre's lefse circle! |
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| Yes, I make noises when I'm unrolling lefse onto the griddle. |
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| Connie showing us how this is actually done. :) |
04 November 2012
Lefse time!!
I had been lamenting a couple weeks ago that I was getting the itch to make some lefse. I don't eat the stuff, but I do enjoy making it. So Tre talked with her mom, Connie, and we made a date. I headed up after work to Tre's new place and we got busy.
We had so much fun we're looking for another day to make some more. We'll just have to find a time that works. Thanks for the fun, ladies! :)
20 October 2012
Expo time!
Each year, Mom and I have a date. We go to the Expo for Her in town and make a day of it. We get there early, of course, so we can get the free goodie bag. You have to get there early because they only give out 100. So we make camp.
One year, I called Bridget and asked her to bring us lunch because we couldn't leave the line once we got there. The next year we camped out with cribbage, books and snacks and then ran stuff out to the car just before they opened the doors.
This year, we calmed down a bit and just brought a few snacks. I skipped the purse and just carried my water and such in a drawstring bag that I could carry on my back. We end up getting one of those reusable bags, so it's just easier not to carry a purse and have so much more to handle through the crowds. The reusable bag is bad enough.
Once we get inside, we immediately head to a chair area to go through our bag. This year we did stop for wine samples first. Note to self: If you find a sample you like, buy it right away. I went back today and the wine I liked was already sold out. *shakes head*
The goodie bag actually is worth the time we sit on a cold, tile floor for hours waiting to get in. One year I got a t-shirt. The last couple years we've gotten plants. There's always good samples in and sometimes just fun stuff. This year I got a headband - one of those stretchy ones - and this one actually stays on my head.
But the best part of it all is that Mom and I get to spend some time together. I love these days. It's a nice break from reality and mother/daughter time is always good.
This year, we calmed down a bit and just brought a few snacks. I skipped the purse and just carried my water and such in a drawstring bag that I could carry on my back. We end up getting one of those reusable bags, so it's just easier not to carry a purse and have so much more to handle through the crowds. The reusable bag is bad enough.
Once we get inside, we immediately head to a chair area to go through our bag. This year we did stop for wine samples first. Note to self: If you find a sample you like, buy it right away. I went back today and the wine I liked was already sold out. *shakes head*
The goodie bag actually is worth the time we sit on a cold, tile floor for hours waiting to get in. One year I got a t-shirt. The last couple years we've gotten plants. There's always good samples in and sometimes just fun stuff. This year I got a headband - one of those stretchy ones - and this one actually stays on my head.
But the best part of it all is that Mom and I get to spend some time together. I love these days. It's a nice break from reality and mother/daughter time is always good.
11 October 2012
08 October 2012
TCM
This weekend I did something that I haven't done in a very long time - actually, ever. I ran a marathon without anyone to schlepp for me. In fact, I had no one to even travel with or meet up for the weekend. I don't know that I'll ever do that again. I know some runners can do that, but it didn't work for me. While I don't need someone riding alongside of me throughout the race, having someone to run TO makes a big difference.
Anyway, the weekend started rough. Mike was shingling the shop, so he couldn't come along. I forgot my race packet which I discovered when I was just past the Minnesota border, so I had to turn back. That threw me off. My room was still good, and I had my normal hotel, but I wasn't feeling all that confident.
So I went and picked up my packet. I at least had a good race number - all of my favorites: 3, 7, 11. That should have been a good omen. But again, I was just feeling nervous.
I went downstairs to TGIFriday's for my standard pre-race meal. I ate at the bar because I didn't want to take up a table. The bartender was very nice and introduced himself, shook my hand and then brought me a cup of hot water so I could put my hands around it and warm up. He was very nice. I ate half my meal so I'd have something Sunday for after the race.
The meal was good and the hot water did help my hands. I went back upstairs and laid out my clothes. Of course I brought several options and would determine in the morning what I was going to wear. The weather was iffy. It was cool, which is normally nice to run in, but also possibly a little damp. And since I haven't been training I wasn't really ready for any of it.
The next morning I got up, more nervous than I have ever been for a race - even my first marathon. This one I just wasn't sure what to expect. I got my standards together, checked the weather, checked for extra essentials since I was on my own, and got ready to go. I took my obligatory picture, too.
I decided to go with the black t-shirt over top of my standard green top, just because it seemed a bit cool. I also had my headband for my ears. I figured if I had to lose either one, that would be okay. I ended up keeping both.
I rode the train and got to the Dome with plenty of time to get ready, and to be more nervous. TMI moment - I think I pooped more this morning than I ever have before a race. Actually I know that to be true.
I called Mike around 7:30, before I headed to the corral and I was a mess. I probably should have just turned around and went back home at that point, but my Scandinavian stubbornness won out. As I cried into the phone to Mike, he did his best to motivate me and tell me how awesome I am. If only I had believed it.
I stood in the corral and despite the sun, I was cold. I was tense and shivering for the 20 minutes prior to getting to start. I took off slow, not in a hurry at all - just wanting to keep steady. I did really well until mile 5 when I tripped and fell, doing an awesome drop and roll. I got back up and started running again while a race guy came up and asked if I was okay. I said, yes, though my hands, leg and pride were stinging. He encouraged me to keep going and I did...for 100 feet before I had to stop and walk. That fall did not do well for my left side. I'm thankful I didn't take anyone else out in the midst of it all.
That started the downhill slide. Once I start walking, I'm screwed, and I know it. I kept up my momentum, mostly using the sweep bus as my motivation to keep ahead of it - and I did well until mile 23. The van ahead of the bus came up and kept me company for awhile. I tried to encourage them to just stay with me so I could finish on time, but they said they couldn't. I tried to tell them they could, they were just choosing not to. But by this time I knew the inevitable. My right knee was screaming at me, my left thigh was throbbing from my fall my back was sore from all the time I spent tensing up while shivering, and my heart just wasn't into it anymore. I did my best to run a bit as I could until my knee screamed out in pain, then I'd walk. It was kind of a lost battle and I had no one to help me through, but me.
I did finish about 20 minutes over and didn't get a medal, but I did talk the guy on the bus back to the train into letting me take a picture of his so I could at least pretend I earned one.
The bad thing with that is that another guy heard and offered to give me his because he thought it was my first marathon. When I said it was my fifth, then he retracted, which I don't blame him. I didn't earn the medal - but I have a picture which will work for me.
Once I got back to my room I fell apart in tears. I took an ice bath for my knees, checked out my awesome bruise on my thigh, and then took a shower. I felt like a failure and the big thing is it's my own fault. I know I didn't train but I thought I could still get by. Stupid me.
I'm seriously reconsidering running this one next year. I think, for one thing, I need a break. I love my marathons, but maybe I need to just focus on half's for awhile. I need to get into better training patterns, especially running more and to do that I have to get over the whole "I live in the country and there's no where to run" mentality. While this is true and it was much easier to train in the city when I lived downtown, I still can train. I can drive into town and run the paths. I could park downtown and run my hills. I just need to make that a priority and make the time to do it. Until I get my mind set to do just that, I have to realize that my results aren't going to be great.
Anyway, the weekend started rough. Mike was shingling the shop, so he couldn't come along. I forgot my race packet which I discovered when I was just past the Minnesota border, so I had to turn back. That threw me off. My room was still good, and I had my normal hotel, but I wasn't feeling all that confident.
So I went and picked up my packet. I at least had a good race number - all of my favorites: 3, 7, 11. That should have been a good omen. But again, I was just feeling nervous.
I went downstairs to TGIFriday's for my standard pre-race meal. I ate at the bar because I didn't want to take up a table. The bartender was very nice and introduced himself, shook my hand and then brought me a cup of hot water so I could put my hands around it and warm up. He was very nice. I ate half my meal so I'd have something Sunday for after the race.The meal was good and the hot water did help my hands. I went back upstairs and laid out my clothes. Of course I brought several options and would determine in the morning what I was going to wear. The weather was iffy. It was cool, which is normally nice to run in, but also possibly a little damp. And since I haven't been training I wasn't really ready for any of it.
The next morning I got up, more nervous than I have ever been for a race - even my first marathon. This one I just wasn't sure what to expect. I got my standards together, checked the weather, checked for extra essentials since I was on my own, and got ready to go. I took my obligatory picture, too.
I decided to go with the black t-shirt over top of my standard green top, just because it seemed a bit cool. I also had my headband for my ears. I figured if I had to lose either one, that would be okay. I ended up keeping both.
I rode the train and got to the Dome with plenty of time to get ready, and to be more nervous. TMI moment - I think I pooped more this morning than I ever have before a race. Actually I know that to be true.
I called Mike around 7:30, before I headed to the corral and I was a mess. I probably should have just turned around and went back home at that point, but my Scandinavian stubbornness won out. As I cried into the phone to Mike, he did his best to motivate me and tell me how awesome I am. If only I had believed it.
I stood in the corral and despite the sun, I was cold. I was tense and shivering for the 20 minutes prior to getting to start. I took off slow, not in a hurry at all - just wanting to keep steady. I did really well until mile 5 when I tripped and fell, doing an awesome drop and roll. I got back up and started running again while a race guy came up and asked if I was okay. I said, yes, though my hands, leg and pride were stinging. He encouraged me to keep going and I did...for 100 feet before I had to stop and walk. That fall did not do well for my left side. I'm thankful I didn't take anyone else out in the midst of it all.
That started the downhill slide. Once I start walking, I'm screwed, and I know it. I kept up my momentum, mostly using the sweep bus as my motivation to keep ahead of it - and I did well until mile 23. The van ahead of the bus came up and kept me company for awhile. I tried to encourage them to just stay with me so I could finish on time, but they said they couldn't. I tried to tell them they could, they were just choosing not to. But by this time I knew the inevitable. My right knee was screaming at me, my left thigh was throbbing from my fall my back was sore from all the time I spent tensing up while shivering, and my heart just wasn't into it anymore. I did my best to run a bit as I could until my knee screamed out in pain, then I'd walk. It was kind of a lost battle and I had no one to help me through, but me.
I did finish about 20 minutes over and didn't get a medal, but I did talk the guy on the bus back to the train into letting me take a picture of his so I could at least pretend I earned one.The bad thing with that is that another guy heard and offered to give me his because he thought it was my first marathon. When I said it was my fifth, then he retracted, which I don't blame him. I didn't earn the medal - but I have a picture which will work for me.
Once I got back to my room I fell apart in tears. I took an ice bath for my knees, checked out my awesome bruise on my thigh, and then took a shower. I felt like a failure and the big thing is it's my own fault. I know I didn't train but I thought I could still get by. Stupid me.
I'm seriously reconsidering running this one next year. I think, for one thing, I need a break. I love my marathons, but maybe I need to just focus on half's for awhile. I need to get into better training patterns, especially running more and to do that I have to get over the whole "I live in the country and there's no where to run" mentality. While this is true and it was much easier to train in the city when I lived downtown, I still can train. I can drive into town and run the paths. I could park downtown and run my hills. I just need to make that a priority and make the time to do it. Until I get my mind set to do just that, I have to realize that my results aren't going to be great.
30 September 2012
Tulsa, baby
I was selected, luckily, to go on a work trip for a symposium on issues relating to our enlisted folks. It was really exciting and I was curious what issue I was going to get assigned. Five of us flew down to Tulsa - Chief U, Chief W, Ross, Brittnie and me. Our hotel room was awesome. Basically it was going to be this big symposium with a dinner that night with a presentation of the Order of the Sword.
The Order of the Sword is huge in the enlisted world. We present it to one officer who has really championed for the enlisted man/woman and our recipient this year was one of the best. And, for fun, I got to wear my mess dress, which I don't get to very often. :)
I know this one is blurry, but Brittnie was nervous taking the picture. That's LtGen Harry "Bud" Wyatt. He's AWESOME. :) I'm so excited to meet him...and the man is TALL.
On our last night, we headed out for some fun on the town. We ended up at a bar drinking crap beer (it was cheap) and watching the Wisconsin/Nebraska game. We had a good time and a lot of laughs.
The Order of the Sword is huge in the enlisted world. We present it to one officer who has really championed for the enlisted man/woman and our recipient this year was one of the best. And, for fun, I got to wear my mess dress, which I don't get to very often. :)
Our group - Chief U, me, Ross, Brittnie, and Chief W.
On our last night, we headed out for some fun on the town. We ended up at a bar drinking crap beer (it was cheap) and watching the Wisconsin/Nebraska game. We had a good time and a lot of laughs.
24 September 2012
Purging weekend
I spent the weekend at work. I love going to work when I'm a) motivated, and b) all alone so I can crank up my stereo. My tunes were rockin' while I cleaned out 1275 emails from my inbox and various folders, emptied out my recycle bin and cleaned up a bunch of little projects. This was an awesome weekend! I wish I had more of these.
09 September 2012
SF Half Marathon
As is my custom, I run the SF Half each year. I really hadn't been training for this one, so I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Part of me told myself that if I could make it through the half without injury I should still be fine for TCM in 3 weeks. Mike doesn't think I'll be running TCM. He doesn't realize my stubbornness.
I posted this picture of me on Facebook with the comment that I don't know why I stress myself out with what I'm going to wear each race when I always end up wearing the same thing anyway.
Here I am, once again, with my green Skirt Sports shirt, black tights, Gracie's Gear sports bra and Garmin. It's the same every time. My running scrapbook is all lime green. It's almost funny, if it wasn't so sad.
I met up with Sara and Tom - Tom was running, Sara was not. That was okay though. She was the smart one of the two of us. I also ran into Lance, Reggie and Chelsea from FXB, and got to see Kent - a friend from college.
Overall the race was okay. I walked more than I should, but that's typical of me when I don't train. At one point I got in my head doing math and I almost missed my turn. I kept forgetting that they changed the route a couple years ago because of construction and haven't changed it back. So I missed the turn, but eventually caught up.
My time wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It was better than last years, or 2010's (I can't remember which when I ran against Dawn). So by that count I'm going to run TCM even if it kills me.
Here I am, once again, with my green Skirt Sports shirt, black tights, Gracie's Gear sports bra and Garmin. It's the same every time. My running scrapbook is all lime green. It's almost funny, if it wasn't so sad.
I met up with Sara and Tom - Tom was running, Sara was not. That was okay though. She was the smart one of the two of us. I also ran into Lance, Reggie and Chelsea from FXB, and got to see Kent - a friend from college.
Overall the race was okay. I walked more than I should, but that's typical of me when I don't train. At one point I got in my head doing math and I almost missed my turn. I kept forgetting that they changed the route a couple years ago because of construction and haven't changed it back. So I missed the turn, but eventually caught up.
My time wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It was better than last years, or 2010's (I can't remember which when I ran against Dawn). So by that count I'm going to run TCM even if it kills me.
25 August 2012
A wedding weekend
So this weekend I headed up to the Cities to see JB and Dave get married. I was excited to get back to the Cities for some fun. Mike was going to come along but he's busy working on the shop and needs all the time he can get.I did get to get a massage from Keith, which was much needed. And I went to Target, which is typical of a Cities trip, and I hit Chipotle, which wasn't as good as I remembered.
So I went alone to the wedding, which was okay. It was beautiful and they are both very happy. I got to see Erin again and her guy Mark, and Laura K. I did feel a bit out of place though. But I guess that's to be expected.
And stupidly, I didn't take any pictures! Oh wait, I have one of me...
18 August 2012
Work trip fun
Every now and then, my boss lets me travel for work. This doesn't happen often, so I'm always excited when I do get to go...even if it's to Arkansas.
This year, I got to go to training on SharePoint. So excited I was...not. The training was okay. A lot of it was talk, talk, talk by the instructor and then follow the directions on the example/training sheets and call it good. For some reason, a lot of the class had trouble with this. Apparently reading wasn't their forte. I got worried a few times because I was done way ahead of everyone else, but eventually I got over it and enjoyed the break. Of course I used those breaks to go back to my room and work.
I relaxed the first couple nights but then I decided to get out of the room and hit the town. So I hung out with a Chief and LT.
The first night we went to a baseball game. The Chief got cheap tickets from someone, so we were able to get nice seats for low cost.
It was an awesome night for baseball and the boys even bought me a Guinness. I couldn't argue with that. And I got myself some cotton candy. :)
The next night we had our class outing and went to a really great restaurant - awesome food, great drinks, and good music.
Friday was our last day and we got out of class early. The three of us, and one other gal, went out to lunch. Southern barbecue and I wasn't as impressed with it as I was with Texan. E told me later that Arkansas uses a mustard base, which wasn't all that great.
For our afternoon fun, the girl went back to pack, and Chief, LT and I went to the Clinton Library. That was awesome. We got our picture taken in front of the "Oval Office" by a security guard. We had to laugh because he commented on LTs shoes. :)
The library also had a display for the St. Louis Cardinals. I had to send several posts to K, since I know she grew up cheering for them. Gotta love Stan.
After this, we walked over a very long bridge and around a corner and down another block or two (the lady at the Library information desk said it was much closer) to see the USS Razorback. That was very cool. I know I had been on a sub tour one other time, but this was a smaller group and since I'm married to a Navy boy it was much more interesting.
A big prop and anchor. I kind of wish I could bring this back home, but I don't think it'll fit in my carryon.
I had to take this picture. The cup with the shaving brush is just like one that Dad had. I kind of wonder if Mom still has it.
Friday night, we went out to a place like Carnaval (up here) where you can eat all the meat you want. They served their sides family style, which was okay, but I really wasn't impressed with the food. After, we headed to a hole-in-the-wall club where our teacher was playing in a band. That place wasn't bad (considering it was a true hole-in-the-wall) but I had forgotten what it was like to go to a bar or club where they allow smoking. We walked in and it was like walking into a wall of smoke. Uffda. It was fun though.
The next morning I headed home. All in all, a good trip and I met some great peeps. Not sure I learned a lot though. :) Oh well.
But the bigger kicker was as I was driving home from Mpls (where I flew out of since it was cheaper and because our airport ramps were under construction over the weekend), I ran into two of my friends from college...at a rest stop! How random is that?!? It was so fun to run into Al and Rachel. We caught up briefly but they were on their way to SoDak for a week long vacation. Of all the gin joints in all the world...
This year, I got to go to training on SharePoint. So excited I was...not. The training was okay. A lot of it was talk, talk, talk by the instructor and then follow the directions on the example/training sheets and call it good. For some reason, a lot of the class had trouble with this. Apparently reading wasn't their forte. I got worried a few times because I was done way ahead of everyone else, but eventually I got over it and enjoyed the break. Of course I used those breaks to go back to my room and work.
I relaxed the first couple nights but then I decided to get out of the room and hit the town. So I hung out with a Chief and LT.
The first night we went to a baseball game. The Chief got cheap tickets from someone, so we were able to get nice seats for low cost.
The next night we had our class outing and went to a really great restaurant - awesome food, great drinks, and good music.
Friday was our last day and we got out of class early. The three of us, and one other gal, went out to lunch. Southern barbecue and I wasn't as impressed with it as I was with Texan. E told me later that Arkansas uses a mustard base, which wasn't all that great.
For our afternoon fun, the girl went back to pack, and Chief, LT and I went to the Clinton Library. That was awesome. We got our picture taken in front of the "Oval Office" by a security guard. We had to laugh because he commented on LTs shoes. :)
After this, we walked over a very long bridge and around a corner and down another block or two (the lady at the Library information desk said it was much closer) to see the USS Razorback. That was very cool. I know I had been on a sub tour one other time, but this was a smaller group and since I'm married to a Navy boy it was much more interesting.
Friday night, we went out to a place like Carnaval (up here) where you can eat all the meat you want. They served their sides family style, which was okay, but I really wasn't impressed with the food. After, we headed to a hole-in-the-wall club where our teacher was playing in a band. That place wasn't bad (considering it was a true hole-in-the-wall) but I had forgotten what it was like to go to a bar or club where they allow smoking. We walked in and it was like walking into a wall of smoke. Uffda. It was fun though.
The next morning I headed home. All in all, a good trip and I met some great peeps. Not sure I learned a lot though. :) Oh well.
But the bigger kicker was as I was driving home from Mpls (where I flew out of since it was cheaper and because our airport ramps were under construction over the weekend), I ran into two of my friends from college...at a rest stop! How random is that?!? It was so fun to run into Al and Rachel. We caught up briefly but they were on their way to SoDak for a week long vacation. Of all the gin joints in all the world...
11 August 2012
New Races
Over the past few years, I've had pretty much the same runs, over and over again. This year I finally got to do a new one. First was the Firecracker run, which I haven't posted about here yet.
I won entry into the Lennox Firecracker 5K via the Runner's Block fun0run. I hadn't been running a lot, but since I also signed up for 5K in a week after this, I thought maybe it'd be good to get a practice run in.
So Wednesday morning, July 4, I got up and traveled to Lennox to get signed up. I was a little nervous - for one, I've never been to Lennox and two, I had no idea where I was going. Plus, I only knew of one person who was for-sure going to be there, and I wasn't sure how I'd meet up with her (that ended up not being a problem).
Anyway, I got there early, which was good because there are a lot of people who don't pre-register so the line got long in a hurry. It was a decent run - not super well marked at the start, but people seemed to know where they were going. There wasn't official time, but I don't think I did too bad. It was a beautiful morning for a run, for sure.
Well, then today FXB decided to host a Farrells to Farrell's run. It ended up being about a 10K, which was awesome. People could either bike, blade, walk, or run it. I opted to run it and I'm happy to announce I ran almost all of it without stopping. I had one 1/4 block where I had to so I could avoid traffic, but for the most part I kept a steady (albeit slow) pace.
I decided to try my compression socks today since I've been having problems with my knees. And of course, I had to wear my standard race shirt - my lime green runner's dream shirt from Skirt Sports (who refuse to make more). And then I tried out my new shorts that are a little bright. Normally I wear black, but since this was a new run, I thought it good to try something new.
The route was good, I will say. It was a good training run for TCM. The first mile was fairly flat (a couple hills, but nothing bad), but then right at mile 2 (like TCM) there's a steep hill over a bridge. That was perfect. And I ran up and over it without stopping. YAY! I have not been training like I should for TCM so this was a very important run.
It was kind of rainy and dreary, but it was fun to be out with so many folks who understand fitness, even if they don't all understand running. :) And Farrell's was great in having water stops set up at appropriate places. The only bad thing was we had to fight traffic a few times, so that threw times off, but I tried not to focus on that.
Coming in at the end. I look fat. I have a lot of work to do. But it was fun to have so many people there that I work out with to cheer me on as I came in. And I wasn't the last one, which was also good. :) Our "prize" was a keychain with a little Farrell's boxing glove. :) Very nice.
Another fun aspect of this one is that I got to reconnect with my friend Sarah whom I used to run with . She and I became friends because we were stalking the same blog writer (how funny is that). She only lived a couple blocks away so she went and got her car and took me back to Southside. A bunch of my 5AMers biked the route so they just headed to the nearest bar for a drink to celebrate instead. :) Being the big drinker I am, it took all I had to bow out of that one. haha
The fun thing about both of these was the thrill of a new race and a new route. It's nerve-wracking but kind of exciting at the same time. TCM, St. Patty's, Avera's...those are all routine for me and I know the rhythm which make them easy to participate in, but trying something new was a lot of fun.
I won entry into the Lennox Firecracker 5K via the Runner's Block fun0run. I hadn't been running a lot, but since I also signed up for 5K in a week after this, I thought maybe it'd be good to get a practice run in.
So Wednesday morning, July 4, I got up and traveled to Lennox to get signed up. I was a little nervous - for one, I've never been to Lennox and two, I had no idea where I was going. Plus, I only knew of one person who was for-sure going to be there, and I wasn't sure how I'd meet up with her (that ended up not being a problem).
Anyway, I got there early, which was good because there are a lot of people who don't pre-register so the line got long in a hurry. It was a decent run - not super well marked at the start, but people seemed to know where they were going. There wasn't official time, but I don't think I did too bad. It was a beautiful morning for a run, for sure.
Well, then today FXB decided to host a Farrells to Farrell's run. It ended up being about a 10K, which was awesome. People could either bike, blade, walk, or run it. I opted to run it and I'm happy to announce I ran almost all of it without stopping. I had one 1/4 block where I had to so I could avoid traffic, but for the most part I kept a steady (albeit slow) pace.
The route was good, I will say. It was a good training run for TCM. The first mile was fairly flat (a couple hills, but nothing bad), but then right at mile 2 (like TCM) there's a steep hill over a bridge. That was perfect. And I ran up and over it without stopping. YAY! I have not been training like I should for TCM so this was a very important run.
It was kind of rainy and dreary, but it was fun to be out with so many folks who understand fitness, even if they don't all understand running. :) And Farrell's was great in having water stops set up at appropriate places. The only bad thing was we had to fight traffic a few times, so that threw times off, but I tried not to focus on that.
Another fun aspect of this one is that I got to reconnect with my friend Sarah whom I used to run with . She and I became friends because we were stalking the same blog writer (how funny is that). She only lived a couple blocks away so she went and got her car and took me back to Southside. A bunch of my 5AMers biked the route so they just headed to the nearest bar for a drink to celebrate instead. :) Being the big drinker I am, it took all I had to bow out of that one. haha
The fun thing about both of these was the thrill of a new race and a new route. It's nerve-wracking but kind of exciting at the same time. TCM, St. Patty's, Avera's...those are all routine for me and I know the rhythm which make them easy to participate in, but trying something new was a lot of fun.
22 April 2012
Party and a Concert
Today we headed south to celebrate my niece Emily's birthday. She's 12 now... it's crazy how quickly she had grown. Nothing exciting at the party, just some fun time with family.
Tonight though, I met up with Erin from Sem and took KC along to see Sara Bareilles in concert at the Pavilion. I've listened to her but never really diligently, so I only knew a few of her songs. She is pretty impressive though. The concert was fun - it was nice to see Erin again and it was great to hang out with Casey for the evening, even impromptu as it was.
Tonight though, I met up with Erin from Sem and took KC along to see Sara Bareilles in concert at the Pavilion. I've listened to her but never really diligently, so I only knew a few of her songs. She is pretty impressive though. The concert was fun - it was nice to see Erin again and it was great to hang out with Casey for the evening, even impromptu as it was.
05 April 2012
Missing firsts
Today my adorable Goddaughter, Nika, is receiving communion for the first time. She's almost 4, so I know for some folks this may seem way too soon, but I trust her parents and I believe in my little girl that she knows what's what, probably better than most adults.
I really wanted to go down for her communion, but alas, work/life/etc all kept it from happening. I feel awful for missing it. I love you, Nika!
I really wanted to go down for her communion, but alas, work/life/etc all kept it from happening. I feel awful for missing it. I love you, Nika!
03 April 2012
A perfect day
Today I took a day for me. I went to class, which was a great upper body day, then went home and showered and relaxed. I met up with SBK and Bridget for lunch at Chevy's where I got a sombrero with my dessert.After that, wearing my new favorite shirt, I headed to the movies and saw "The Hunger Games" all by myself - and maybe 3 or 4 other people. It was funny when someone looked at my shirt and it took them a second to realize what it was about. At first they thought it was an AA shirt (because of the 'sponsors' and the '12'), until they saw the parachute. :)
This turned out to be one of the best days ever. I really need to take more days off midweek. :)
31 March 2012
A great week
It's been a crazy week and a half, but pretty great for the most part.
Last weekend we had our state volunteer/family conference. My friend/co-worker, Nikki, and I put on a Leadership Presentation for all our high ranking folks. Uffda...we threw it together at 5pm last Friday and somehow it still went really well. We were complimented more than once that we work well together. It is true. I love doing presentations and teaching with her. We're able to bounce off each other and keep things rolling. She's a great friend.
Sunday after the conference I met up with Kev and his kids for our annual tradition of painting eggs. Not hard boiled eggs, mind you, ceramic ones. It was a lot of fun. I love to paint, and having a tradition with Kev's kids is great. We painted 3 each this year. Let's hope I don't drop and break them like I did last year. :)
The week after that was insane. Boss1 was back and so there was a ton of catch-up to do and prep for his next trip. Plus it's the end of the month so we had a bunch of projects to clean up before April shows up. Busy busy busy.
Thursday I had a Girls Night with KC, Charissa and Chris - how confusing! KC set up a night at a local boutique that sells Bare Ecentuals/Bare Minerals products. Yes, I went out for a make-over. Holy crap. It was fun though. The gal who 'did me up' was named Kate and she was a riot. I kept questioning the look and she started teasing me, "You need to step out of the box." "Give it a chance, you're not even trying." She said it in a joking way which helped, but later when I started asking real questions she was great in helping me understand the steps. Bridget had warned me that BE/BM products have a LOT of steps, which is true, but hey, if it works and it's not too nauseating for the non-girl in me, it might be good for me to try.
Plus, I like their products. They don't feel heavy - though some of their creams did feel sticky at first, but when I tried them today and let them dry a bit before applying the next step it wasn't so bad. And their sunscreen for your face is AWESOME. I got a mini sample one year from somewhere and I loved it. Lightweight and didn't smell bad. Plus when I sweat it didn't get in my eyes.
When I got home I walked in to the Man Cave to see M. It took him doing the classic double-take and a surprised look, "You have makeup on! Who are you?" He was pleasantly surprised. He liked how the foundation and powder smoothed out my skin and made me look younger, but he didn't like all the eye shadow. I explained they did a "wedding" look so I'd need to work with something for an everyday look instead.
Today, after kickboxing, resistance bands, and a run, I showered up and tried the makeup out. I had some eyeshadow - funny enough, similar colors she used Thursday - and I attempted this girly process. It wasn't too bad. I didn't go too dark on the eyeshadow, and M didn't really notice. Maybe I did it right. :) Or maybe not. We'll see... more practice on that. Someday I'll be a girl. :)
Today was great...I mentioned I had kind of an intense workout morning. It was great. It was upper body day and we were short on time so Julie led us through super-sets on all the exercises with a little cardio to loosen up in between. 40 minutes of that and then we went into an intense 30 minute kickboxing workout. I've been partnering up with Cory lately and he pushes me like no other. It's awesome. We were sweating a ton, which is always fun.
Then after a 90 minute break, I met up with Sara, my running buddy, and we went for a 3.6 mile run. Tons of fun. We ran pretty hard the first mile, and Sara was doing most of the talking - and it was uphill, so by the time we got up to the left turn we were ready for a walk. We walked and talked two sections (not quite 2 miles total) and caught up and talked through wedding ideas. Sara just got married in November so she has a bunch of contacts for me. Yay! We ran in the last mile and ended up coming in at the end of FXB's mile test (initial testing was this morning) so the coaches and instructors who were there cheered us on too. :)
I love running with Sara - we're evenly matched with skill and pace and we can still talk and catch up. She's become a great friend over the last couple years.
This afternoon, M and I went into town to have lunch (I needed it since I hadn't eaten all morning) and we were going to do some shopping. We got his shoes for work ordered and me some more running socks (score!). Then we went for frozen yogurt (I had a coupon) and then as we were driving home I saw the antique store that's in our town was open, so we went in and checked it out. We spent over an hour in there, didn't see everything but did find a couple things that were purchased at M's garage sale a couple years ago - for way more than we got for them. Too funny. I did find a couple of the books I collect - Trixie Belden - but I didn't buy them today. I doubt they're a hot commodity, so I'll catch them the next time around.
I came home and napped while M studied. Now he's mowing so I thought I'd write a little. But now I'm done, so I'm going to go. :)
Last weekend we had our state volunteer/family conference. My friend/co-worker, Nikki, and I put on a Leadership Presentation for all our high ranking folks. Uffda...we threw it together at 5pm last Friday and somehow it still went really well. We were complimented more than once that we work well together. It is true. I love doing presentations and teaching with her. We're able to bounce off each other and keep things rolling. She's a great friend.
Sunday after the conference I met up with Kev and his kids for our annual tradition of painting eggs. Not hard boiled eggs, mind you, ceramic ones. It was a lot of fun. I love to paint, and having a tradition with Kev's kids is great. We painted 3 each this year. Let's hope I don't drop and break them like I did last year. :)
The week after that was insane. Boss1 was back and so there was a ton of catch-up to do and prep for his next trip. Plus it's the end of the month so we had a bunch of projects to clean up before April shows up. Busy busy busy.
Thursday I had a Girls Night with KC, Charissa and Chris - how confusing! KC set up a night at a local boutique that sells Bare Ecentuals/Bare Minerals products. Yes, I went out for a make-over. Holy crap. It was fun though. The gal who 'did me up' was named Kate and she was a riot. I kept questioning the look and she started teasing me, "You need to step out of the box." "Give it a chance, you're not even trying." She said it in a joking way which helped, but later when I started asking real questions she was great in helping me understand the steps. Bridget had warned me that BE/BM products have a LOT of steps, which is true, but hey, if it works and it's not too nauseating for the non-girl in me, it might be good for me to try.
Plus, I like their products. They don't feel heavy - though some of their creams did feel sticky at first, but when I tried them today and let them dry a bit before applying the next step it wasn't so bad. And their sunscreen for your face is AWESOME. I got a mini sample one year from somewhere and I loved it. Lightweight and didn't smell bad. Plus when I sweat it didn't get in my eyes.
When I got home I walked in to the Man Cave to see M. It took him doing the classic double-take and a surprised look, "You have makeup on! Who are you?" He was pleasantly surprised. He liked how the foundation and powder smoothed out my skin and made me look younger, but he didn't like all the eye shadow. I explained they did a "wedding" look so I'd need to work with something for an everyday look instead.
Today, after kickboxing, resistance bands, and a run, I showered up and tried the makeup out. I had some eyeshadow - funny enough, similar colors she used Thursday - and I attempted this girly process. It wasn't too bad. I didn't go too dark on the eyeshadow, and M didn't really notice. Maybe I did it right. :) Or maybe not. We'll see... more practice on that. Someday I'll be a girl. :)
Today was great...I mentioned I had kind of an intense workout morning. It was great. It was upper body day and we were short on time so Julie led us through super-sets on all the exercises with a little cardio to loosen up in between. 40 minutes of that and then we went into an intense 30 minute kickboxing workout. I've been partnering up with Cory lately and he pushes me like no other. It's awesome. We were sweating a ton, which is always fun.
Then after a 90 minute break, I met up with Sara, my running buddy, and we went for a 3.6 mile run. Tons of fun. We ran pretty hard the first mile, and Sara was doing most of the talking - and it was uphill, so by the time we got up to the left turn we were ready for a walk. We walked and talked two sections (not quite 2 miles total) and caught up and talked through wedding ideas. Sara just got married in November so she has a bunch of contacts for me. Yay! We ran in the last mile and ended up coming in at the end of FXB's mile test (initial testing was this morning) so the coaches and instructors who were there cheered us on too. :)
I love running with Sara - we're evenly matched with skill and pace and we can still talk and catch up. She's become a great friend over the last couple years.
This afternoon, M and I went into town to have lunch (I needed it since I hadn't eaten all morning) and we were going to do some shopping. We got his shoes for work ordered and me some more running socks (score!). Then we went for frozen yogurt (I had a coupon) and then as we were driving home I saw the antique store that's in our town was open, so we went in and checked it out. We spent over an hour in there, didn't see everything but did find a couple things that were purchased at M's garage sale a couple years ago - for way more than we got for them. Too funny. I did find a couple of the books I collect - Trixie Belden - but I didn't buy them today. I doubt they're a hot commodity, so I'll catch them the next time around.
I came home and napped while M studied. Now he's mowing so I thought I'd write a little. But now I'm done, so I'm going to go. :)
21 March 2012
Back at it
Yay! I've been running again! It's been so long!
After Saturday's misery with the Irishman, I decided it's time I get off my butt and get back out there. So yesterday after a lower-body day, I went for a 2.5ish mile run. It felt awesome. So this morning B and I walked 3 miles. And then after work I ran 3 miles of hills.
*sigh* I'm back on the right track. The best part? Running tonight and losing myself in my thoughts to the point i forgot I was running. LOVE that feeling.
After Saturday's misery with the Irishman, I decided it's time I get off my butt and get back out there. So yesterday after a lower-body day, I went for a 2.5ish mile run. It felt awesome. So this morning B and I walked 3 miles. And then after work I ran 3 miles of hills.
*sigh* I'm back on the right track. The best part? Running tonight and losing myself in my thoughts to the point i forgot I was running. LOVE that feeling.
17 March 2012
Busy week and great saturday
Really? Has it been since Monday since I've written? It's not surprising, I guess. I've had a busy week - very productive but limited time on email and the Internet.
And I've been okay with that. I've been reading. It's been awesome! M returned to studying for his upgrade test so nights have been quiet - no television - all reading. YAY! At work I've been actually getting projects accomplished. Boss1 was back this week, which is great because his presence "rights" the world, if that makes sense.
So I read "An Abundance of Katherines" and then started on the Hunger Games series. Kari had suggested I read it and loaned me her Nook so I could read them right away. I'm loving those, except I finished book 1 and now i need to download book 2 but I don't really want to plug in our account code, so I need to go into town to find free wi-fi. Maybe tomorrow since it seems M has settled in for the night.
Anyway - today I ran the Irishman, my St. Patrick's Day tradition. This entails a 5mile run at 9am, 5K at 11:30 and a 1mile run at 2pm, just before the start of the parade. I haven't been running a lot lately (read: at all), so I was a little worried about this one. Plus I've been freaking out about my knees and I think my fear of my last marathon has kept me from running. I don't want a repeat of that day...it sucked and it hurt.
Today was good though, other than my breathing issue. Despite kickboxing 4 days a week, my breathing isn't that great, which means that cardio isn't good enough. More to work on. And it was humid today, so that didn't help either.
I'm happy with the runs. And I got my Guinness at 10am (between the first two races). Last year they gave away Guinness glasses with the beer, but this year, nada. Oh well...it was still tasty.
Now I'm just relaxing and trying to decide what to do for the night. Do we go into town or stay at home? Decisions, decisions.
And I've been okay with that. I've been reading. It's been awesome! M returned to studying for his upgrade test so nights have been quiet - no television - all reading. YAY! At work I've been actually getting projects accomplished. Boss1 was back this week, which is great because his presence "rights" the world, if that makes sense.
So I read "An Abundance of Katherines" and then started on the Hunger Games series. Kari had suggested I read it and loaned me her Nook so I could read them right away. I'm loving those, except I finished book 1 and now i need to download book 2 but I don't really want to plug in our account code, so I need to go into town to find free wi-fi. Maybe tomorrow since it seems M has settled in for the night.
Anyway - today I ran the Irishman, my St. Patrick's Day tradition. This entails a 5mile run at 9am, 5K at 11:30 and a 1mile run at 2pm, just before the start of the parade. I haven't been running a lot lately (read: at all), so I was a little worried about this one. Plus I've been freaking out about my knees and I think my fear of my last marathon has kept me from running. I don't want a repeat of that day...it sucked and it hurt.
Today was good though, other than my breathing issue. Despite kickboxing 4 days a week, my breathing isn't that great, which means that cardio isn't good enough. More to work on. And it was humid today, so that didn't help either.
I'm happy with the runs. And I got my Guinness at 10am (between the first two races). Last year they gave away Guinness glasses with the beer, but this year, nada. Oh well...it was still tasty.
Now I'm just relaxing and trying to decide what to do for the night. Do we go into town or stay at home? Decisions, decisions.
13 March 2012
Manic Monday
Mondays have become my favorite day of the week. I know, I'm weird. But I have Mondays off so Mondays are great in my world. Yesterday was no different.
I got up at my usual time of 4:20 a.m. Now you'd think that since Daylight Saving Time was this weekend that this would have been tough. But for whatever reason, I have flowed right into the normal time. I woke up at 4:08 and was ready to go. Kickboxing was awesome and then I came home to attack the day. And I did so with a vengence.
I took a nap.
A 90 minute nap, at that. :) It was great!!! I love my Monday nap time. I curl up on the couch and snooze for awhile, enjoying the solitude of a quiet house all to myself. *sigh* I love that time.
The rest of the day I spent cleaning the house. I'm not a huge fan of cleaning the house, but it needed it. I spent an hour in our bathroom alone. The shower took half of that time. Uffda. The good thing is that I finally bought kneepads so washing the floor wasn't so bad this time. But the house was dirty. Dirty, dirty, dirty. I'm glad I cleaned. I even went through piles of papers and got rid of a bunch of stuff I don't need anymore.
When M got home I made dinner - baked parmesan chicken and balsamic green beans with cranberries. M loved the chicken. He liked the green beans. I was just happy a new recipe for both turned out so well. Then I cleaned up while he studied. Then I got to read the rest of the night. It was nice to not have the television on for once. I'm going to relish this time while he's in training. I miss my nights of just curling up on the couch and reading.
I got up at my usual time of 4:20 a.m. Now you'd think that since Daylight Saving Time was this weekend that this would have been tough. But for whatever reason, I have flowed right into the normal time. I woke up at 4:08 and was ready to go. Kickboxing was awesome and then I came home to attack the day. And I did so with a vengence.
I took a nap.
A 90 minute nap, at that. :) It was great!!! I love my Monday nap time. I curl up on the couch and snooze for awhile, enjoying the solitude of a quiet house all to myself. *sigh* I love that time.
The rest of the day I spent cleaning the house. I'm not a huge fan of cleaning the house, but it needed it. I spent an hour in our bathroom alone. The shower took half of that time. Uffda. The good thing is that I finally bought kneepads so washing the floor wasn't so bad this time. But the house was dirty. Dirty, dirty, dirty. I'm glad I cleaned. I even went through piles of papers and got rid of a bunch of stuff I don't need anymore.
When M got home I made dinner - baked parmesan chicken and balsamic green beans with cranberries. M loved the chicken. He liked the green beans. I was just happy a new recipe for both turned out so well. Then I cleaned up while he studied. Then I got to read the rest of the night. It was nice to not have the television on for once. I'm going to relish this time while he's in training. I miss my nights of just curling up on the couch and reading.
11 March 2012
Weekend recap
Friday was a long day. It was funeral day in my world. My former personal trainer, JG, lost his mom last week and her funeral was Friday am. I wasn't sure if I should go or not, but I'm glad I did. I ended up meeting up with another friend from grad school, Tim W. He and JG are co-workers now. It was great to meet up with them both, though I didn't talk to JG. He wasn't looking too well and I wanted to let him have his peace.
Friday night, MPJ's wife and I headed to another memorial service for our co-worker's mom. She had died suddenly on Tuesday and I felt I needed to go. It was a nice memorial and our co-worker, Nikki, was overwhelmed that we drove so far to be there for her. She was really close to her mom, and I'm really glad we went.
The only bad thing was that we didn't get home til 11 and I still got up at 5:20 for class. I debated on going, but Kari and I had agreed Friday morning to meet for class Saturday AM. I'm glad I went. Jamie taught and we had a great class - though we were the only two fired up, it seemed. No one on the East side ever yells or cheers their partner on during class. It's so weird. So we were pretty loud and obnoxious but we had fun.
M and I had our first pre-martial counseling after class. We spent an hour talking with E about our issues, which was good. We have some things to work on, but it was helpful to realize that we weren't as screwed up as I thought. :)
After that, M let me take a nap while he cleaned out behind the dryer and vacuumed out the vent. Then we went into town and ran some errands, had lunch, and made plans for the evening. M worked on our centerpieces for the wedding some more while I went through papers. Exciting Saturday night, if you ask me.
Today, we headed in to town and had breakfast while reading through the scripture options for the wedding. I did my best to keep my mouth shut so M could make the decision, but he got to the point where he had me narrow it down and read them out loud and then we picked from there. He hasn't studied the Bible like I have and he said he struggles sometimes to understand them. So I did my best to read them and we picked from there. One fits us really well. Really really well. :)
We stopped in to visit his mom for awhile. Then headed home to wash cars and get some work done. M spent the afternoon welding and cleaning cars while I attempted cream cheese mints for the first time. M had picked out a bunch of flavors but I only made two today. What a mess. I need to figure out the trick with these. I wanted to practice so I can get them figured out before the week of the wedding. No sense in adding additional stress that week. It'll be bad enough that we'll need to make them then, but at least I'll have a better idea of how to make them quickly and efficiently.
Now, I'm exhausted. Daylight Saving Time sucks in the spring, but I guess it's just something to live with. It doesn't change much for me, other than more light at the end of day, which would be good. I already go to work in the dark, so that doesn't change, but maybe now I can get some runs in after work.
For now, I'm going to finish this up, play a game and then go to bed. Tomorrow is Monday - I'm hoping to get back in my routine tomorrow, including making my hard boiled eggs, cooking up some chicken and cleaning. It'll be nice to get back to normal.
Friday night, MPJ's wife and I headed to another memorial service for our co-worker's mom. She had died suddenly on Tuesday and I felt I needed to go. It was a nice memorial and our co-worker, Nikki, was overwhelmed that we drove so far to be there for her. She was really close to her mom, and I'm really glad we went.
The only bad thing was that we didn't get home til 11 and I still got up at 5:20 for class. I debated on going, but Kari and I had agreed Friday morning to meet for class Saturday AM. I'm glad I went. Jamie taught and we had a great class - though we were the only two fired up, it seemed. No one on the East side ever yells or cheers their partner on during class. It's so weird. So we were pretty loud and obnoxious but we had fun.
M and I had our first pre-martial counseling after class. We spent an hour talking with E about our issues, which was good. We have some things to work on, but it was helpful to realize that we weren't as screwed up as I thought. :)
After that, M let me take a nap while he cleaned out behind the dryer and vacuumed out the vent. Then we went into town and ran some errands, had lunch, and made plans for the evening. M worked on our centerpieces for the wedding some more while I went through papers. Exciting Saturday night, if you ask me.
Today, we headed in to town and had breakfast while reading through the scripture options for the wedding. I did my best to keep my mouth shut so M could make the decision, but he got to the point where he had me narrow it down and read them out loud and then we picked from there. He hasn't studied the Bible like I have and he said he struggles sometimes to understand them. So I did my best to read them and we picked from there. One fits us really well. Really really well. :)
We stopped in to visit his mom for awhile. Then headed home to wash cars and get some work done. M spent the afternoon welding and cleaning cars while I attempted cream cheese mints for the first time. M had picked out a bunch of flavors but I only made two today. What a mess. I need to figure out the trick with these. I wanted to practice so I can get them figured out before the week of the wedding. No sense in adding additional stress that week. It'll be bad enough that we'll need to make them then, but at least I'll have a better idea of how to make them quickly and efficiently.
Now, I'm exhausted. Daylight Saving Time sucks in the spring, but I guess it's just something to live with. It doesn't change much for me, other than more light at the end of day, which would be good. I already go to work in the dark, so that doesn't change, but maybe now I can get some runs in after work.
For now, I'm going to finish this up, play a game and then go to bed. Tomorrow is Monday - I'm hoping to get back in my routine tomorrow, including making my hard boiled eggs, cooking up some chicken and cleaning. It'll be nice to get back to normal.
09 March 2012
My boss makes me glad
Boss1 sent me an email this afternoon - "Can you confirm I'm registered?" It's regarding a conference he has coming up. I wrote back, "Yes. But not for golf." Which was per his request a few weeks back - it's a legal thing. Anyway, he writes back, "Your no fun. Have a great weekend!"
Forgiving his grammatical error, this makes me glad. I've been concerned about our working relationship. When Boss2 was MPJ, Boss1 and I didn't talk a lot, but not that Boss2 is now SCW Boss1 is talking to me more. YAY! It's a very good thing.
Forgiving his grammatical error, this makes me glad. I've been concerned about our working relationship. When Boss2 was MPJ, Boss1 and I didn't talk a lot, but not that Boss2 is now SCW Boss1 is talking to me more. YAY! It's a very good thing.
QiZen
Last night as I was trying to fall asleep, M said to me, "You just need to find your chi-zen and clear your mind." I started laughing because I heard "cheesin'" - so relaxation wasn't quick to come.
I do like that merge of words though - QiZen (or maybe I should spell it ChiZen). Qi can be translated as breath, air or gas (which we know M has a lot of the latter). And Zen is absorbtion or meditative state.
I do like that merge of words though - QiZen (or maybe I should spell it ChiZen). Qi can be translated as breath, air or gas (which we know M has a lot of the latter). And Zen is absorbtion or meditative state.
So I could have:
breath absorbtion
breath meditation
air absorbtion
gas absorbtion (which is deathly with M sometimes).
I like that - breath absorbtion or breath meditation. We all need to breathe. This reminds me of Drew Barrymore in Ever After at the ball scene. She runs in to see Henry and as she stops at the top of the stairs she says, "Breathe. Just breathe."
I think I forget that sometimes. Not just to breathe but the importance of taking the break - stepping back and taking it all in. Last week was a long work week, full of high intensity, stressful decision making adventures, and dealing with folks who only work weekends - catching them up on what needs to be done. On top of that we're dealing with some stressful issues at work - deaths, folks who need mental help (not just me), people retiring so job shifting will soon occur, etc.
So M saying I need to find my QiZen is right on target. I need to find time to breathe. I need to find time for honest-to-goodness breath absorbtion.
Wow - it's been a couple days
It's been a crazy week, I will say. A couple surprise death's in the lives of my friends - as in my friends' moms died, so today is Funeral Day. I have a funeral at 1030 and a Memorial service tonight. It wouldn't be bad but the morning is an hour and 18 minutes away and the service tonight is almost 2 hours away. But waddaya do?
Last night I went with Bridget and got my nails shellac'd. She thinks it will help me to stop biting my nails and for them to grow before the wedding. I'm not convinced yet, but I agreed to try it. It can't hurt and it'd be good for me to do something for those.
I realized this morning though, when I couldn't find my ID badge for the 3rd time in 2 weeks in my purse on my way to work (i had left it at work at my desk) that I need to get back into my routine. My eating has sucked, my days and nights are off, and things are falling to the wayside. It bugs me because I'm not normally like this. I need to get back to the real me. I need my CDO to fall into place, my detail orientedness to come forth, and my routine to return. I feel off.
Last night I went with Bridget and got my nails shellac'd. She thinks it will help me to stop biting my nails and for them to grow before the wedding. I'm not convinced yet, but I agreed to try it. It can't hurt and it'd be good for me to do something for those.
I realized this morning though, when I couldn't find my ID badge for the 3rd time in 2 weeks in my purse on my way to work (i had left it at work at my desk) that I need to get back into my routine. My eating has sucked, my days and nights are off, and things are falling to the wayside. It bugs me because I'm not normally like this. I need to get back to the real me. I need my CDO to fall into place, my detail orientedness to come forth, and my routine to return. I feel off.
06 March 2012
Busy Monday
Yesterday was a busy day, but let me finish up Sunday first.
Sunday, after work, Kari and I (and her friend Shelly) went to the musical, In the Heights. I hadn't heard anything about this but when Kari had asked a couple months ago, I jumped at it. Maybe I wanted to prove that, despite the fact that I didn't try out for Sweeney Todd, I'm not boring and uncreative. Anyway, Kari signed us up for the pre-show buffet which was awesome. And the show was great too. It was a nice night of my kind of normalcy.
I got back late Sunday night, but still got up early Monday for kickboxing. After I got home and cleaned up, M&I headed south to file taxes. M likes to take care of that at the local/nearby/closest base so he doesn't have to pay for it. M was sweet and agreed to drive so I could nap. Not that I did nap. I have always struggled with sleeping in a car. I did get to read for about 3 hours while M got his taxes and his mom's taxes completed. I'm starting to ramble, so let's just say we were there about 4 hours longer than we thought we would and thereby got home really late.
Today was beautiful weather. I ditched work early and went for a short run (my first in a looooonng time) then ran some errands. I'm just waiting for laundry to finish so I can go to bed. I'm exhausted. And I'm rambling.
Sunday, after work, Kari and I (and her friend Shelly) went to the musical, In the Heights. I hadn't heard anything about this but when Kari had asked a couple months ago, I jumped at it. Maybe I wanted to prove that, despite the fact that I didn't try out for Sweeney Todd, I'm not boring and uncreative. Anyway, Kari signed us up for the pre-show buffet which was awesome. And the show was great too. It was a nice night of my kind of normalcy.
I got back late Sunday night, but still got up early Monday for kickboxing. After I got home and cleaned up, M&I headed south to file taxes. M likes to take care of that at the local/nearby/closest base so he doesn't have to pay for it. M was sweet and agreed to drive so I could nap. Not that I did nap. I have always struggled with sleeping in a car. I did get to read for about 3 hours while M got his taxes and his mom's taxes completed. I'm starting to ramble, so let's just say we were there about 4 hours longer than we thought we would and thereby got home really late.
Today was beautiful weather. I ditched work early and went for a short run (my first in a looooonng time) then ran some errands. I'm just waiting for laundry to finish so I can go to bed. I'm exhausted. And I'm rambling.
04 March 2012
Busy weekend and one more day to go
I know I haven't written in a while. I did write on Friday but it didn't post, I noticed, so I just pushed that back now. Friday was a crazy day. Do you ever have those days where you just need to cry for about 20 minutes and then all will be okay? That was my Friday. It hit about noon, but SBK and I went out to work on the script for a ceremony we had yesterday and after a mini-nap in the car (so she could let her dog out) I felt better. Yesterday was a whirlwind...we got news one of the gals in our building is retiring. It wouldn't be a big deal but B works with her and is still learning. AND the ripple effect that will occur in this building will be incredible. It's kind of funny because no one wants her job, but they all want her position. After B was told that the gal was retiring, she said to me, "Now you can move across the street to SBKs job so I can have yours."
Guilt guilt guilt - I don't know that I feel comfortable with anyone but B taking my spot, not that it's my choice, but I don't know that I want SBKs job. Apps are due Tuesday. I'm running out of time.
Guilt guilt guilt - I don't know that I feel comfortable with anyone but B taking my spot, not that it's my choice, but I don't know that I want SBKs job. Apps are due Tuesday. I'm running out of time.
Interesting find
I'm cleaning up my notebooks this afternoon, trying tof make sure I have all my taskers completed for today, and I found a note I wrote a few months back. Well, I think it was a few months back, there's no date listed.
I do this a lot - write random things to myself or others and then never do anything with them. I find them later and try to figure out what I was thinking or doing at the time. This one is interesting. I know the week, at least I think I do - it's one of two, but my fear that is evident is crazy. I don't know why I worried so, the days in question went off fine. I was nervous the entire time, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I'm still learning the position that this is discussing, but it's fine. It's just funny how I work myself up over things sometimes.
Anyway, this is the note:
It's days like today, or weeks like this one, where I question my existence & job choice. I'm so much of a CO [not sure what I meant with that] & yet my job is not of that sort.
I feel stupid this week - I know shit about my job for this weekend & I wonder why * was selected for this tasking - other than there was a hole & I was avalable. I'm expendable. But this weekend I'm in a key role - I think - but I know nothing of what I'm to be doing. I am literally scared for this weekend.
I do this a lot - write random things to myself or others and then never do anything with them. I find them later and try to figure out what I was thinking or doing at the time. This one is interesting. I know the week, at least I think I do - it's one of two, but my fear that is evident is crazy. I don't know why I worried so, the days in question went off fine. I was nervous the entire time, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I'm still learning the position that this is discussing, but it's fine. It's just funny how I work myself up over things sometimes.
Anyway, this is the note:
It's days like today, or weeks like this one, where I question my existence & job choice. I'm so much of a CO [not sure what I meant with that] & yet my job is not of that sort.
I feel stupid this week - I know shit about my job for this weekend & I wonder why * was selected for this tasking - other than there was a hole & I was avalable. I'm expendable. But this weekend I'm in a key role - I think - but I know nothing of what I'm to be doing. I am literally scared for this weekend.
01 March 2012
Yourself
"Everyone always says to be yourself...like "yourself" is this definite thing...like a toaster, or something."
-Angela, My So-Called Life
Last summer, I was at a conference of workshops. That is, I was at a conference that showcased workshops that we could bring to our workplace if we so desired to book them (or copy them). One of them was from the ScreamFree Institute. They have a daily parenting tip you can sign up for and, despite the fact I don't have kids, I signed up anyway.
Above is today's quote. And here is Hal's take:
My "self" is an abstract compilation of my feelings, principles, and experiences. It changes on a regular basis as those things shift and change. We are never "done" as people and this is important to remember for several reasons. If we convince ourselves that we are set in stone, then we are shortchanging ourselves tremendously. We are complicated beings, capable of growth and change. So are our kids. Avoid, at all costs, backing your child into a corner by labeling them in one form or another. Labels only limit; they never help. You are not creating a stone statue that will be "finished" when it turns 18. That's good news. It should enable you to relax a bit and enjoy the ride.
-Hal Runkel, LMFT, Author of ScreamFree Parenting and ScreamFree Marriage
This reminded me a lot of my quote at the top of my blog. I am never one thing, I am many and as many I constantly change. I'm like a shape shifter, but in a good way.
But I understand Angela's statement - she seems perplexed here that you're supposed to be this definitive thing. But people aren't, yet are often expected to be. I'm expected to be one way, and most of the time I'm not. Part of that is because I buck the system and when someone tells me I have to be this, or I can't be that, I do the opposite (I'm such a child in this way). I'm really glad Hal's Take says as such, "Labels only limit; they never help."
That reminds me of my prof in college who would always tell me, "Moe, you can do anything you want, you just have to decide what you want." My boss said something similar a month ago, "What does Moe want?" Of course both of these comments made me start singing from Damn Yankees, "Whatever Lola wants....Lola gets..." Too bad that's not always the case.
Today is due day (or maybe tomorrow). I have to talk to the boss about SBK's job that's open. I need to come up with a plan because the deadline is rapidly approaching and with the work weekend ahead of me, my time is extremely limited. Though I often do my best work under pressure. :)
-Angela, My So-Called Life
Last summer, I was at a conference of workshops. That is, I was at a conference that showcased workshops that we could bring to our workplace if we so desired to book them (or copy them). One of them was from the ScreamFree Institute. They have a daily parenting tip you can sign up for and, despite the fact I don't have kids, I signed up anyway.
Above is today's quote. And here is Hal's take:
My "self" is an abstract compilation of my feelings, principles, and experiences. It changes on a regular basis as those things shift and change. We are never "done" as people and this is important to remember for several reasons. If we convince ourselves that we are set in stone, then we are shortchanging ourselves tremendously. We are complicated beings, capable of growth and change. So are our kids. Avoid, at all costs, backing your child into a corner by labeling them in one form or another. Labels only limit; they never help. You are not creating a stone statue that will be "finished" when it turns 18. That's good news. It should enable you to relax a bit and enjoy the ride.
-Hal Runkel, LMFT, Author of ScreamFree Parenting and ScreamFree Marriage
This reminded me a lot of my quote at the top of my blog. I am never one thing, I am many and as many I constantly change. I'm like a shape shifter, but in a good way.
But I understand Angela's statement - she seems perplexed here that you're supposed to be this definitive thing. But people aren't, yet are often expected to be. I'm expected to be one way, and most of the time I'm not. Part of that is because I buck the system and when someone tells me I have to be this, or I can't be that, I do the opposite (I'm such a child in this way). I'm really glad Hal's Take says as such, "Labels only limit; they never help."
That reminds me of my prof in college who would always tell me, "Moe, you can do anything you want, you just have to decide what you want." My boss said something similar a month ago, "What does Moe want?" Of course both of these comments made me start singing from Damn Yankees, "Whatever Lola wants....Lola gets..." Too bad that's not always the case.
Today is due day (or maybe tomorrow). I have to talk to the boss about SBK's job that's open. I need to come up with a plan because the deadline is rapidly approaching and with the work weekend ahead of me, my time is extremely limited. Though I often do my best work under pressure. :)
29 February 2012
Leapin' Lizards!
It's Leap Day of the Leap Year. The one fun day when it's actually February 29th and not just a glimmer in the distance.
Today was normal for me, though. Meeting day, since it was Wednesday; lots of work on papers and award pacakges; an employee meeting in the afternoon; and then a couple extra hours of comp time to finish it off.
I love my job. Have I said that lately? I have a great boss, a great office, and a great job. I'm a happy camper.
But there's this other job open. Applications are due by Tuesday. I don't really want the job, but it's expected by several that I should apply. I'm not quite sure how to deal with this, and I haven't had a chance to talk with my boss about it yet. So I'm in limbo, with little time to decide.
It's not that the job is bad, it's very similar to mine but on a slightly higher scale. I just don't know that I really want it. I still have things I want to do in my current job (which I probably need to get on soon). KC is planning to apply, but I'm not sure she'll get it. AP is also applying. He has a good shot. There are others applying, too. I know the competition would be tough but that doesn't worry me. I suppose I could apply, for the experience, but then if I got it I'm not sure I want it and I've always felt if you don't really want the job you shouldn't apply.
I don't know. I need to talk to the boss. That's step one. Well, that's step two - I need to finish the pressing project due tomorrow first. Then he and I can both breathe a sigh of relief and then talk.
Today was normal for me, though. Meeting day, since it was Wednesday; lots of work on papers and award pacakges; an employee meeting in the afternoon; and then a couple extra hours of comp time to finish it off.
I love my job. Have I said that lately? I have a great boss, a great office, and a great job. I'm a happy camper.
But there's this other job open. Applications are due by Tuesday. I don't really want the job, but it's expected by several that I should apply. I'm not quite sure how to deal with this, and I haven't had a chance to talk with my boss about it yet. So I'm in limbo, with little time to decide.
It's not that the job is bad, it's very similar to mine but on a slightly higher scale. I just don't know that I really want it. I still have things I want to do in my current job (which I probably need to get on soon). KC is planning to apply, but I'm not sure she'll get it. AP is also applying. He has a good shot. There are others applying, too. I know the competition would be tough but that doesn't worry me. I suppose I could apply, for the experience, but then if I got it I'm not sure I want it and I've always felt if you don't really want the job you shouldn't apply.
I don't know. I need to talk to the boss. That's step one. Well, that's step two - I need to finish the pressing project due tomorrow first. Then he and I can both breathe a sigh of relief and then talk.
28 February 2012
Fixed!
Thank goodness I have friends in high places - or at least in places where they know how to fix things. KG helped me out a ton, fixing my computer in short time. He's awesome.
My brain is fried, so thanks, but tonight, I'm going to sleep.
My brain is fried, so thanks, but tonight, I'm going to sleep.
27 February 2012
Sick 'Puter and a dress
Okay, so I know this is my Lenten discipline - to journal daily. I missed yesterday, yes, but in some ways I am okay. Technically, Sunday's don't count as the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, but I should have written anyway. The only bad thing is that my computer is sick.
Yesterday I was looking up Guinness cupcake recipes and suddenly it kicked me off the Internet and some stupid security scan started (not my normal scanner). I called my favorite comm guy this morning and he graciously invited me to drop off my computer to him at his house and he'd fix it while he was home today. Ah, it pays to have great friends but I owe him BIG!
So today I spent in town, went to work for a bit and then ran some errands and made a plan to knock another box off the wedding planning list: the dress. I'm running out of time and I'm so indecisive. Over the weekend, M&I set up our cake and he was so elated that I finally settled on something that while we were out looking at other things I started thinking about which dress I should get. In a moment, of weakness I called one of the upscale dress stores to try on dresses. I got there and the cheapest one was $750 and that was discounted. OMG! I, for fun, also tried on one that was $1250.
Anyway, I met up with my dear friend, Bridget, and she helped me decided on a dress. It was one that I had liked but SBK didn't. She liked it though and so we went with it and ordered it. Britt, my gal helping me out at the dress place (the inexpensive dress place), initially scared me when she said it'd take 6 months to get the dress in. Uh, I have 130 days until the wedding. Britt went in the back and talked with her boss. They remeasured me so I could drop a size down in ordering (which is where I was leaning anyway - I have a feeling I'll be taking it in no matter what) and we ordered. They said I should have it NLT May. Whew.
Then Bridget and I went to some places to look for bouquet and centerpiece ideas. I may be leaning away from my original idea of daisies. Thank goodness I didn't have a longer engagement, this would have been awful. At least now I have less time to make decisions so I have to do it quick. :) This is a good thing for me. Decisions aren't the best in my world - I want to make everyone happy, forgetting that for this I only have to make me and M happy. Now, I just have to remember that. :)
Yesterday I was looking up Guinness cupcake recipes and suddenly it kicked me off the Internet and some stupid security scan started (not my normal scanner). I called my favorite comm guy this morning and he graciously invited me to drop off my computer to him at his house and he'd fix it while he was home today. Ah, it pays to have great friends but I owe him BIG!
So today I spent in town, went to work for a bit and then ran some errands and made a plan to knock another box off the wedding planning list: the dress. I'm running out of time and I'm so indecisive. Over the weekend, M&I set up our cake and he was so elated that I finally settled on something that while we were out looking at other things I started thinking about which dress I should get. In a moment, of weakness I called one of the upscale dress stores to try on dresses. I got there and the cheapest one was $750 and that was discounted. OMG! I, for fun, also tried on one that was $1250.
Anyway, I met up with my dear friend, Bridget, and she helped me decided on a dress. It was one that I had liked but SBK didn't. She liked it though and so we went with it and ordered it. Britt, my gal helping me out at the dress place (the inexpensive dress place), initially scared me when she said it'd take 6 months to get the dress in. Uh, I have 130 days until the wedding. Britt went in the back and talked with her boss. They remeasured me so I could drop a size down in ordering (which is where I was leaning anyway - I have a feeling I'll be taking it in no matter what) and we ordered. They said I should have it NLT May. Whew.
Then Bridget and I went to some places to look for bouquet and centerpiece ideas. I may be leaning away from my original idea of daisies. Thank goodness I didn't have a longer engagement, this would have been awful. At least now I have less time to make decisions so I have to do it quick. :) This is a good thing for me. Decisions aren't the best in my world - I want to make everyone happy, forgetting that for this I only have to make me and M happy. Now, I just have to remember that. :)
25 February 2012
Awesome Date Day
M&I had a great day today. I started with FIT class - kickboxing and lower body resistance bands. It was great - 75 minutes of intense work and sweating.
Then we went to Zach's basketball tourney and watched one of his games. He plays really well. I'm glad we got to see him. Zach is a great kid - I can only hope if M&I have kids that ours are like him.
Then we headed into the big town and did some wedding shopping. We booked our cake, looked at centerpiece ideas, walked through Home Depot and Menards and then hit a movie.
Our movie of choice today was Act of Valor. M wanted to see this since he was part of the Navy back in the day. It really opened my eyes to what he used to do. It was crazy, intense and incredible. I cried, I'll admit it. It was great. We also had dinner, which was great but the place was so crowded we could barely get out when we left, the entryway was SO crowded.
Anyway - it was an awesome day. Now, I need a nap.
Then we went to Zach's basketball tourney and watched one of his games. He plays really well. I'm glad we got to see him. Zach is a great kid - I can only hope if M&I have kids that ours are like him.
Then we headed into the big town and did some wedding shopping. We booked our cake, looked at centerpiece ideas, walked through Home Depot and Menards and then hit a movie.
Our movie of choice today was Act of Valor. M wanted to see this since he was part of the Navy back in the day. It really opened my eyes to what he used to do. It was crazy, intense and incredible. I cried, I'll admit it. It was great. We also had dinner, which was great but the place was so crowded we could barely get out when we left, the entryway was SO crowded.
Anyway - it was an awesome day. Now, I need a nap.
24 February 2012
Slow 'net
Our Internet is acting weird tonight so this will be short.
Can I just say that, while I'm really excited for our wedding, I'm really tired of people asking me how wedding plans are going? UGH!
For the record, everything is going well. I need to find a dress...that's my main goal at this time. After that, all will be smooth sailing, right? :)
Can I just say that, while I'm really excited for our wedding, I'm really tired of people asking me how wedding plans are going? UGH!
For the record, everything is going well. I need to find a dress...that's my main goal at this time. After that, all will be smooth sailing, right? :)
23 February 2012
Catch up
I got to thinking tonight, while I was doing dishes, that I haven't really caught my ever faithful readers (not that there probably are any anymore) of what transpired between November 16 and a few days ago. Well, let's see...
I got engaged. :)
M&I got engaged November 12. We had some chili and then sat on the couch and decided to get married. :) It was a bit more complicated than that, but I already blogged that on our blog (which is currently just for select folks - sorry). It was really sweet.
The next day, we went to YOB's for Thanksgiving/Ava's B-day. We decided, since the ring didn't fit and we needed to get it sized, to hold off on telling anyone. Plus M hadn't asked my Mom for permission, so he needed to do that.
The next weekend, on Sunday, Mom and I got together for our yearly tradition of making flatbread and krumkake. I love that we get to do this together. It's like "our thing" since the rest of my siblings don't make flatbread. Lisa makes Krumkake, but not flatbread. It's a great tradition.
Anyway, we talked wedding things during that time, after I told her M had proposed. We had a big hug, a few tears (happy ones) and a nice afternoon together. It was then she agreed to share her anniversary with us. I had asked M if he was okay if we got married on the same day my parents did, in the same church. This year would have been Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary, and I felt it'd be a fitting tribute since Dad is not able to be with us. I wanted to clear it with Mom first though. She agreed, and said that the date is even 50 years to the weekday - she got married on a Friday as we will.
Thanksgiving went without a hitch - I made turkey and all the fixin's again. We had a nice afternoon. The next day I ran in the Jingle Bell Run with the Runner's Block gang. We had a group thing going with reindeer and Santa. It was really neat. I really should be posting pictures of all this. I'll have to do that and then link to this post once I do. :)
December was good. A job came open at work. Boss2 was moving to HQ and so a new Boss2 was announced and his replacement was announced which opened her job. I talked it over with Deaner and after reading the job announcement closely, I realized I couldn't truly apply. It was an officer position and I don't have those qualifications. So I helped SBK apply instead.
Christmas was good. M&I bought an elliptical during a Black Friday sale so we had that. M got me fingerless boxing gloves which are great for FXB. We had the Moe Christmas at Mom's. It was fun having all the kids around. Lisa got M&I a Whirley Pop popcorn maker. We have yet to use it, but I am excited for the time when I get to. We've become addicted to air popped popcorn, so the oily stuff isn't as appealing right now. Maybe after the wedding.
New Year's was great - we went to bed at 10. :) Typical.
In January, SBK was hired into the new job. We had a ceremony for the new Boss2 leaving his old position and the new lady coming. That was bad. I'm not sure I want to relive it right now. So I won't. But because SBK was hired, that means her job is open now, which leaves me in a pickle. It's an officer position, but I'm not sure I want it. But it's a great step up. It's complicated.
I continue to do FXB - went to instructor class at the end of January in hopes of learning some new stuff and picking up a few classes to teach. Right now I don't have time, with all the wedding planning. I still need to find a dress for that venture and time is a-tickin'. We have a lot of the rest of it planned - the photographer, location for reception, caterer, meal, DJ. Just need a dress, flowers and cake. Oh and invitations.
So there...you're caught up. See - you didn't miss much. :)
I got engaged. :)
M&I got engaged November 12. We had some chili and then sat on the couch and decided to get married. :) It was a bit more complicated than that, but I already blogged that on our blog (which is currently just for select folks - sorry). It was really sweet.
The next day, we went to YOB's for Thanksgiving/Ava's B-day. We decided, since the ring didn't fit and we needed to get it sized, to hold off on telling anyone. Plus M hadn't asked my Mom for permission, so he needed to do that.
The next weekend, on Sunday, Mom and I got together for our yearly tradition of making flatbread and krumkake. I love that we get to do this together. It's like "our thing" since the rest of my siblings don't make flatbread. Lisa makes Krumkake, but not flatbread. It's a great tradition.
Anyway, we talked wedding things during that time, after I told her M had proposed. We had a big hug, a few tears (happy ones) and a nice afternoon together. It was then she agreed to share her anniversary with us. I had asked M if he was okay if we got married on the same day my parents did, in the same church. This year would have been Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary, and I felt it'd be a fitting tribute since Dad is not able to be with us. I wanted to clear it with Mom first though. She agreed, and said that the date is even 50 years to the weekday - she got married on a Friday as we will.
Thanksgiving went without a hitch - I made turkey and all the fixin's again. We had a nice afternoon. The next day I ran in the Jingle Bell Run with the Runner's Block gang. We had a group thing going with reindeer and Santa. It was really neat. I really should be posting pictures of all this. I'll have to do that and then link to this post once I do. :)
December was good. A job came open at work. Boss2 was moving to HQ and so a new Boss2 was announced and his replacement was announced which opened her job. I talked it over with Deaner and after reading the job announcement closely, I realized I couldn't truly apply. It was an officer position and I don't have those qualifications. So I helped SBK apply instead.
Christmas was good. M&I bought an elliptical during a Black Friday sale so we had that. M got me fingerless boxing gloves which are great for FXB. We had the Moe Christmas at Mom's. It was fun having all the kids around. Lisa got M&I a Whirley Pop popcorn maker. We have yet to use it, but I am excited for the time when I get to. We've become addicted to air popped popcorn, so the oily stuff isn't as appealing right now. Maybe after the wedding.
New Year's was great - we went to bed at 10. :) Typical.
In January, SBK was hired into the new job. We had a ceremony for the new Boss2 leaving his old position and the new lady coming. That was bad. I'm not sure I want to relive it right now. So I won't. But because SBK was hired, that means her job is open now, which leaves me in a pickle. It's an officer position, but I'm not sure I want it. But it's a great step up. It's complicated.
I continue to do FXB - went to instructor class at the end of January in hopes of learning some new stuff and picking up a few classes to teach. Right now I don't have time, with all the wedding planning. I still need to find a dress for that venture and time is a-tickin'. We have a lot of the rest of it planned - the photographer, location for reception, caterer, meal, DJ. Just need a dress, flowers and cake. Oh and invitations.
So there...you're caught up. See - you didn't miss much. :)
22 February 2012
The Art of Fielding
Like I said in my previous post, I spent Monday doing laundry and reading a book. My friend, Kari, had recommended The Art of Fielding (and I read about it on NPR where I find all my fun books).
It was truly a great book. It's been awhile since I've written a review, so please bear with me.
The book is about several characters and how they intertwine. Skrim, Schwartz, Pella, Affenlight, and Owen are the key ones. Part of the appeal is that Skrim is from "Lankton, SD" which makes me laugh. I get that it's fiction, but to change the town that minutely seems silly. I'm surprised the author even used "SDSU" later in the story when talking about one of the state colleges.
Anyway - the story is about baseball, relationships, growing up, decisions, and taking a leap of faith in all of these. I felt a lot of me in several of the characters. The struggle they felt when trying to find themselves is evident in my daily life. It was beautiful. I laughed; I cried. An excellent read. I can't wait to read it again.
It was truly a great book. It's been awhile since I've written a review, so please bear with me.
The book is about several characters and how they intertwine. Skrim, Schwartz, Pella, Affenlight, and Owen are the key ones. Part of the appeal is that Skrim is from "Lankton, SD" which makes me laugh. I get that it's fiction, but to change the town that minutely seems silly. I'm surprised the author even used "SDSU" later in the story when talking about one of the state colleges.
Anyway - the story is about baseball, relationships, growing up, decisions, and taking a leap of faith in all of these. I felt a lot of me in several of the characters. The struggle they felt when trying to find themselves is evident in my daily life. It was beautiful. I laughed; I cried. An excellent read. I can't wait to read it again.
That awful "SH" word
No, I'm not talking about the 4-letter sh word, I'm talking about the longer one:
should
And even more so, "should have". As in, "I should have ... "
Last night, i.e. this morning, I woke up hearing the two words repeatedly in my head, "should have should have should have should have". They blended together so well they became that dreaded English faux pas, "shudof shudof shudof".
Yesterday, was my 4th day off in a row. Because of how our job lines up we had the day off and so I was able to relax. Saturday I had a girls party, Sunday M&I ran some errands and had supper with my mom (saving her from the hospital for awhile - her SO has been in since Friday), and Monday we hunkered down during bad weather, doing laundry and reading (I read an awesome book, but more about that later). So Tuesday should have been my day to run my errands and get some taskers accomplished. Should have.
Instead, I got home from resistance class and took a 90 minute nap. I took a shower and then got on the Internet - not good. I intended to go into town and run my errands, especially trying on dresses for the wedding, but around the time the stores started opening, I decided, "eh..." I was not in the mood. Mid-afternoon I made some cookies and watched Psych. M came home and I made dinner and we watched NCIS. It was a good day.
Until I woke up with my list in my head and my brain screaming, "SHOULD HAVE". Not pleasant. Someday I'll learn that it's okay to relax, but part of me still has that great guilt that I didn't take advantage of the day and get things accomplished as I could have (re: should have).
It's a struggle. I struggle with a lot of guilt anyway (Yay, for Lutheran upbringing!) so this didn't help. I have some work to do. Good thing it's Lent.
should
And even more so, "should have". As in, "I should have ... "
Last night, i.e. this morning, I woke up hearing the two words repeatedly in my head, "should have should have should have should have". They blended together so well they became that dreaded English faux pas, "shudof shudof shudof".
Yesterday, was my 4th day off in a row. Because of how our job lines up we had the day off and so I was able to relax. Saturday I had a girls party, Sunday M&I ran some errands and had supper with my mom (saving her from the hospital for awhile - her SO has been in since Friday), and Monday we hunkered down during bad weather, doing laundry and reading (I read an awesome book, but more about that later). So Tuesday should have been my day to run my errands and get some taskers accomplished. Should have.
Instead, I got home from resistance class and took a 90 minute nap. I took a shower and then got on the Internet - not good. I intended to go into town and run my errands, especially trying on dresses for the wedding, but around the time the stores started opening, I decided, "eh..." I was not in the mood. Mid-afternoon I made some cookies and watched Psych. M came home and I made dinner and we watched NCIS. It was a good day.
Until I woke up with my list in my head and my brain screaming, "SHOULD HAVE". Not pleasant. Someday I'll learn that it's okay to relax, but part of me still has that great guilt that I didn't take advantage of the day and get things accomplished as I could have (re: should have).
It's a struggle. I struggle with a lot of guilt anyway (Yay, for Lutheran upbringing!) so this didn't help. I have some work to do. Good thing it's Lent.
21 February 2012
Anniversary
In 2005, J-man came up to my desk and said I should start a blog. Facebook wasn't in place at that time, and blogs were THE THING. Several of my friends had blogs at that time and it was a great way for us to set up something that would continue for years to come. We started the blogs to keep in touch. We started them to share information, support, prayers, and our lives.
Over the years, a few of us have slipped through the cracks. Others have gone "off-grid" no longer sharing their blog with everyone, but keeping it close to their chest and families as it were. Others, like me, have created multiple blogs and now, especially me, have fallen to the wayside, not writing as much as I want.
Today is Shrove Tuesdays. I don't like pancakes, I like popcorn. I had some earlier today while I thought about what I can do for my Lenten discipline this year. There are many things I need to work on, many things I could give up to better my life, many more I should add.
I'm going to be writing. I need to write. I have several blogs, so if I don't show up here, I may be at one of the others. I still owe a meme to jillwillrun from the other day (I'm working on it!). But I will be writing.
So, a tip of my hat to J-man, who still blogs. And to E & K who blog as well. And to Kat who doesn't anymore, to jill and bethany who do and all who make me glad. I'll be back.
Over the years, a few of us have slipped through the cracks. Others have gone "off-grid" no longer sharing their blog with everyone, but keeping it close to their chest and families as it were. Others, like me, have created multiple blogs and now, especially me, have fallen to the wayside, not writing as much as I want.
Today is Shrove Tuesdays. I don't like pancakes, I like popcorn. I had some earlier today while I thought about what I can do for my Lenten discipline this year. There are many things I need to work on, many things I could give up to better my life, many more I should add.
I'm going to be writing. I need to write. I have several blogs, so if I don't show up here, I may be at one of the others. I still owe a meme to jillwillrun from the other day (I'm working on it!). But I will be writing.
So, a tip of my hat to J-man, who still blogs. And to E & K who blog as well. And to Kat who doesn't anymore, to jill and bethany who do and all who make me glad. I'll be back.
12 February 2012
Meme and an excuse
I haven't posted in a while. It hasn't been because I don't have anything to say, but I just haven't written. I'm hoping that with this meme I'm going to do from Bethany that it might trigger my brain into wanting to write more again. Crossing fingers!
On to the meme.
A. Age: 36 for a wee bit more, though I celebrate turning a year old each new year's eve, so in my head I'm 37.
B. Bed size: We sleep on a queen which is nice, but I miss my Original Mattress Factory full-size bed which was glorious.
C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning, in general, but especially toilets, showers and smelly, moldy dishes.
D. Dogs: I like them, but we don't have one. I'm not a fan of slobber and wet dog smell, so I'm more inclined to visit people who have them for a short while than own one myself.
E. Essential start to your day: My workout. Sundays I don't work out (rest day) which is probably why I feel like a tub of goo on those days.
F. Favorite color: Blue, green - but not blue-green. Aqua is icky.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver.
H. Height: 5’5″
I. Instruments you play: Piano, clarinet, though I can technically play them all since I took all the methods classes. I also sing (mezzo-soprano).
J. Job title: Administrative Assistant to the WC. I run the place.
K. Kids: Does M count? hahaha...no kids yet.
L. Live: Hicksville, SD
M. Mother’s name: Mom
N. Nicknames: Moe, The Little General
O. Overnight hospital stays: I haven't had the pleasure (knock on wood) though I expect it when I have kids.
P. Pet peeves: Too many to name. :) hahaha... A big one that comes to mind happens a lot at work. Despite the fact I have several options for in-boxes for people to use, many just lay papers on my desk without notes on why or what the purpose is, but then expect me to follow through with whatever it is they needed and return it to them in a proper time. Example: Someone laid a letter on my desk for my boss to sign, but didn't have any information on who they were to return it to them, nor a reason on why the letter needed to be signed or by when. These I get the boss to sign and then set it aside. They call me a week later wondering why they didn't get their letter back...I do my best not to get annoyed. :)
Q. Quote from a movie: "...but what you're doing is complete lunacy...General, Sir."
R. Right- or left-handed: Right. But I have always wished I were left-handed.
S. Siblings: Three: one sister, 12 years older; brother (OOB), 10 years older; brother (YOB), 5 years older; one BIL and one SIL
T. Taste you do not like: Mushrooms - too slimy or something.
U. Underwear: Usually
V. Vegetable(s) you hate: See T (is that a mushroom), cauliflower, raw onions
W. What makes you run late: I pretty much always underestimate how long it will take me to do everything. I know this and try to compensate by adding 10-30 minutes to my estimates, but it doesn’t always work. (I stole this from Bethany, but it's pretty much my issue, too.)
X. X-Rays you’ve had: My teeth during regular checkups, and once my foot because my tendons were squeaking over my bones (literally) and they wanted to see what was going on.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Chocolate chip cookies (or any cookie, really); Apple Pie; an Italian Chicken things; banana bread; lots of others...
Z. Zoo animal: I love the penguins, lions, bison, and hippopotamus's. :)
On to the meme.
A. Age: 36 for a wee bit more, though I celebrate turning a year old each new year's eve, so in my head I'm 37.
B. Bed size: We sleep on a queen which is nice, but I miss my Original Mattress Factory full-size bed which was glorious.
C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning, in general, but especially toilets, showers and smelly, moldy dishes.
D. Dogs: I like them, but we don't have one. I'm not a fan of slobber and wet dog smell, so I'm more inclined to visit people who have them for a short while than own one myself.
E. Essential start to your day: My workout. Sundays I don't work out (rest day) which is probably why I feel like a tub of goo on those days.
F. Favorite color: Blue, green - but not blue-green. Aqua is icky.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver.
H. Height: 5’5″
I. Instruments you play: Piano, clarinet, though I can technically play them all since I took all the methods classes. I also sing (mezzo-soprano).
J. Job title: Administrative Assistant to the WC. I run the place.
K. Kids: Does M count? hahaha...no kids yet.
L. Live: Hicksville, SD
M. Mother’s name: Mom
N. Nicknames: Moe, The Little General
O. Overnight hospital stays: I haven't had the pleasure (knock on wood) though I expect it when I have kids.
P. Pet peeves: Too many to name. :) hahaha... A big one that comes to mind happens a lot at work. Despite the fact I have several options for in-boxes for people to use, many just lay papers on my desk without notes on why or what the purpose is, but then expect me to follow through with whatever it is they needed and return it to them in a proper time. Example: Someone laid a letter on my desk for my boss to sign, but didn't have any information on who they were to return it to them, nor a reason on why the letter needed to be signed or by when. These I get the boss to sign and then set it aside. They call me a week later wondering why they didn't get their letter back...I do my best not to get annoyed. :)
Q. Quote from a movie: "...but what you're doing is complete lunacy...General, Sir."
R. Right- or left-handed: Right. But I have always wished I were left-handed.
S. Siblings: Three: one sister, 12 years older; brother (OOB), 10 years older; brother (YOB), 5 years older; one BIL and one SIL
T. Taste you do not like: Mushrooms - too slimy or something.
U. Underwear: Usually
V. Vegetable(s) you hate: See T (is that a mushroom), cauliflower, raw onions
W. What makes you run late: I pretty much always underestimate how long it will take me to do everything. I know this and try to compensate by adding 10-30 minutes to my estimates, but it doesn’t always work. (I stole this from Bethany, but it's pretty much my issue, too.)
X. X-Rays you’ve had: My teeth during regular checkups, and once my foot because my tendons were squeaking over my bones (literally) and they wanted to see what was going on.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Chocolate chip cookies (or any cookie, really); Apple Pie; an Italian Chicken things; banana bread; lots of others...
Z. Zoo animal: I love the penguins, lions, bison, and hippopotamus's. :)
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