Treats!

A Soapy Tale

Today I squeezed in a 3 mile run while Lisa was in gym class.  I got to watch a portion of "The Young and the Restless" and all of "The Bold and the Beautiful".... which really makes my day.  When I was in high school I started watching them while I was at the tanning salon my sister's and I worked at.  I have been watching the same 2 soaps every since.  My viewing in college was a little sporadic but I watched it when I could.  After high school, while in the work force, I kept up mainly online.  And then, when I had Lisa and started staying home full-time, I watched everyday.  Even when I babysat 6+ children a day I managed to get my soaps in.  I love the shows.  I love the characters.  I love the story lines.  I love the actors.  I love the acting.... (and I don't care what people say.)  I love the Newmans, the Abbotts, and the Forresters!  When I was watching everyday I would dream about the characters as if they were my friends and family.  I would wake up in the morning and tell Jack- "I dreamed Nick was in a bad helicopter accident and he lost his memory.  But then when he got it back he left Phyllis and went back to Sharon.  Because he realized that she is the love of his life.  I really hope that happens b/c they belong together."  (Bad.  I know.)  In the past year I have really broke the soap habit.  I've only watched here and there.  Sometimes a big story line is on and I will watch for a week.  But mostly I don't watch.  Today was a nice treat getting to watch.  I was tired from running 6.5 miles on Monday and a fast 4 miles yesterday.  So it made my run really enjoyable. And they move so slowly that I am almost caught up on the last 6 months since I watched!  (Pictured- Victor and Nikki- on and off for like 25 years or something!)

Never too busy!

Okay- I know I've been missing lately.  Things are hectic around here.  Everyday I have banking, copying, and faxing to do for the purchase of our new home.  Also, the baby is still sick!  We visited the doctor again today and he said it looks like he had not been on an antibiotic at all!  Which is nuts b/c he had a full course of one last week.  He still has a sinus infection and bronchitis.  So he is on another antibiotic now.  Poor thing.  He is really miserable.  The doctor also thinks he may have a mild form of asthma.  I just hope it is not asthma like Lisa has.  Despite everything going on I did manage to run 20 miles last week so I am happy w/ that.  Tonight I ran 6.5 miles on the treadmill at the YMCA.  I am increasing my long run by a 1/2 mile each week.  So next week long run = 7 miles, etc.  It stinks running it on the treadmill but it gets dark too soon, so I have to if I don't get to run outside during the day.  I am determined to keep my mileage up even when I am so busy.  To the right you will see my new motto!  Peace out!

These shoes were made for me

Here is a pic of my new running shoes.  They are basically the same as my old ones.  Just an updated model w/ different colors.  I think I will always wear these shoes now.  The Mizuno Wave Rider 11.  Whatever that means!  My Mom, the children, and I made a trip to  Cincinnati yesterday to visit our favorite running store.  Bob Roncker's Running Spot is the place to go if you want to be SURE you are in the right shoes.  They have all sorts of cool running stuff AND my salesman had a Nike tattoo.  I am breaking in my new shoes right away.  I did 4 miles in them yesterday and a slow 6 miles tonight.  While we were there we visited the New Balance store upstairs from the running store. It is a neat place.  New Balance stuff is so cool and trendy.  I saw this shirt there I totally loved.  (Sorry- I can't get the pic to post in my blog for some reason.)  Isn't is so cute?  I wanted to get it but they didn't have my size.  Oh well.  I need to get to bed now.  Peace!

Tuning In

My Dad and I were sad to hear that our Boston Red Sox will not be going to the World Series.  I don't follow baseball regularly but like to tune in at the end of the season- especially if the Red Sox are involved.  However, "tuning-in" has a different meaning while trying to watch baseball this year.  You see- my parents don't get the channel that the games were on.  So I've been keeping my computer on the Boston Red Sox homepage during the games.  It gives semi-live updates.  I keep checking for them and then I yell the happenings and the score into the next room where my Father is.  But last night one of the innings got really interesting and we were staring at the computer screen waiting for it to update.  It was just taking too long!  So what did we do?  We ran to Dad's car where he has XM radio and finished out the inning in there!  I am totally bummed that Boston isn't going on-- but this was very funny!

Goals and Sick Children- A Tough Combo

I am so happy to have met my fitness goals this week.

1. Lift weights twice- check

2. Do ab work 5 days- check

3. Run 20.5 miles- check

I am feeling super-good about my workouts.  I need to lift weights a little more but I am getting back into it slowly.  My weight is back to where it was before our vacation.... and it only took a month!  Geesh!  

In other news- I knew it was only a matter of time, after Jack left, before the children got sick.  It is now upon us!  Both kids have bronchitis and sinus infections.  And one of Baby Jack's tubes is plugged up, giving him an ear infection.  I was a little concerned that Lisa might have been developing pneumonia again but I think it was nipped in the bud by all the antibiotics, steroids,  and breathing medicines.  (See picture.)  We are living at my parent's right now so my Mom and Dad were a big help.  (Among other things, they watch the kids so I can run.... probably the only reason I could reach my goals this week.)  We kept the kids home all weekend w/ lots of naps, fluids, and breathing treatments.  Maybe the move south will help w/ all this madness...?  Who knows?  Here is to hoping!  Peace!

Race Photos

My race photos are in and.... well, they are not that flattering but I love seeing myself cross the finish line in under 24 minutes.  I kept telling myself - "Smile when you finish.  They have a professional photographer."  It just didn't happen.  Don't laugh... too hard.  Peace!

Look-a-like?

Here are a couple pictures Mom took of me while I was blogging the other day.  She thinks I look like my sister Grace.  I tend to agree w/ her.  (I am especially hoping I look like I am 21.)  What do you think?  Do I look like Gracie?  (Please excuse the greasy look.  I'd just come back from a run.)

Race Report

I had a great race yesterday.  I am so happy w/ my time.  I finished in 23:49.... that is down almost a minute from my best race this season.  (Click here for the results.)  My race went really well.  I started in the 3rd row and didn't let a single woman pass me.  There was a pack of women ahead of me that I saw at the turn-around.  I was the next girl.  I just couldn't catch up to them.  (Story of my life!)  Anyway, by looking at the results it appears they did not all stay together.  I started out a lot faster than I usually do and I think that helped.  My splits are as follows: 1st mile- 7:38, 2nd mile- 8:05, last 1.1- 8:06.  It felt really cool to run into the stadium. Running around the track was fun but I was pretty much exhausted by then.  I crossed the line 7th female overall and took 1st place in my age group.  Both of which I am totally happy about. (Secondary to my time.) The only bummer was that my Dad got called into work and couldn't run w/ me.  By looking at the results he would have placed in his age group too.  Overall the day was fun.  The children were well-behaved at the race and my Mom saved the day by watching them for me.  The after party was cool w/ free massages, pizza, and a band.  Below are some pics.  Peace out!

Welcome Stadium

The Finish Line

Me- Entering Stadium

My Post-Race Massage

Receiving my Medal

2BR Townhouse- SOMEONE TAKE IT PLZ!

We are completely moved out of our townhouse.  It looks so nice- all cleaned and empty.  I am so thankful that we lived here.  It was so inexpensive that we paid off a lot of debt.  It was so small it was easy to clean.  It is newer and in town.  Our home before was neither!  This home really served a purpose for us.  However, we have not rented it yet.  We have an ad in two newspapers and on craigslist.  No takers.  Please keep the situation in your prayers.

In other news-  Dad and I are running a 5k tomorrow.  It is linked to a 1/2 marathon and there should be a lot of runners there.  We can pick up our race packets tonight-- which usually means it is a bigger race.  I am so excited for this run.  I've run well the past few weeks.  This week I've got in 17 miles so far.  After the race I will have just over 20 miles for the week.  Wish us luck.  I will let you know how we do.  Peace.

Loving Lifting

Getting back to lifting weights has been surprisingly easy.... Weird, I know.  I just keep thinking how much more efficient my body will work if I am strong.  I know I will run faster w/ more muscle than fat.  I also have a little motivation to be in tip-top shape.  I can't blog about it yet but lets just say I have a big, important event coming up.  Some of you I have told about this event.  It is a super-big deal and I have to look great for it.  I know I am being secretive... I will blog about it in due time.  Here is to staying in shape!

Our Status These Days

I know.  I know.  It has been a while.  Things have been a little hectic here.  What w/ Mono, Jack going back to work, us buying a house, and the children and I moving to my parent's for a month- it has been busy!  First and foremost- We are moving to North Carolina!!!  Crazy, I know.  I have been dying to move a way from Ohio for about a decade.  When my hubby said he wanted to go too I HAD to take him up on it.  It just so happens we purchased the house right next to my sister and her husband!  It will be so great for our children to grow up together... which is what we always wanted.  

Secondly, we could not get out of our lease here.  This totally sucks.  BUT- we are not letting it get in the way of buy this beautiful home.  We have moved completely out and will continue to pay rent until we can lease it to someone else.  (Did I mention this sucks?  It has been the ONLY snag in the whole process so far though.)  

Third, we have moved in w/ my parent's until we close on the new house, which will be in about a month.  I am LOVING living w/ my folks again.  It is like a constant party.  Mom and I go to the mall, eat Healthy Choice meals, share clothes, read blogs, etc.  When Dad gets home it is even more fun.  We watch "Dancing With the Stars", eat popcorn, and talk about running and the economy.  Mom and Dad help out w/ the kids too which is so nice. 

And lastly, my dear husband has returned to work.  Jack has been home for a little over 12 weeks and it has been a lot of fun.  We have spent almost everyday together during this time.  I never realize how much I will miss him until he is gone.  The children miss him too but being at Memere and Pepere's house is a good distraction.

As for working  out?  I am running a lot lately.  Last night I got in 5 miles.  I did the first mile in 10 minutes.  I did the next 3 miles in 8:15 each.  I did the last mile in 10 minutes.  Today I did a slow 3.  I lifted weights today for the first time in a long time.  It felt good.  That is about all that is going on here.  I promise to keep up better.  Below I have put some pics of our new house.  We are so excited!  Peace.

Exhaustion....

is what I am feeling today.  But that would be b/c I have MONO!  Yup- it has found me yet again. I've been fighting off a something for about 6 days now.  My throat has been killing me. Yesterday I went to my doctor and he said that I have a sinus infection and mono.  He didn't even test me... he could just tell by my throat, my symptoms, and my history.  My lymph nodes are enormous! So I am trying to lay low but that is about impossible around here!  I am just so tired.  YAWN! Good night all.