The Holidays

TO MANY GIFTS?
We had a big dinner and early Christmas with some of my family at my house. Then we travelled an hour to visit another part of family and do Christmas with them. Then Christmas day we had tons of gifts from Santa at our own house. Later we trekked to my husband's parents house for yet another Christmas. How does one have time to open all these gifts? My kids get more gifts than they need. It seems they play with them for a month and then nothing. It seems a waste. I always say "In the Old days" - referring to my childhood, when NONE of my Aunts, Uncles, or cousins gave us gifts. We had one Grandma/Grandpa that bought us something small but that is it. I do think families now are buying for more extended family and it isn't necessary. I hate to tell my kids they don't need the gifts. Am I being a Ba-Humbug? My house is filling up with things we hate to get rid of because there is nothing wrong with them except lack of use. How do you justify getting rid of things you don't use or play with? It is the pack-rat in me I guess, if we don't get them to begin with then I don't have to store them or decide to get rid of them later.


A QUICK YEAR:
The year is almost over. I sit and ponder where the time went. We had hockey, hockey, hockey, school, homework, a vacation, more hockey and it seems the year is gone. I have a few more aches and pains, a few more grey hairs, and a few more wrinkles. My kids have grown more inches than I can count. I ran two 1/2 marathons and really want to make that into a tradition or even beat it (maybe!). I hate New Years Resolutions and I hate setting goals but I do hope next year will be as good or better than 2008. I guess that is all one can hope for.
I wish everyone a Happy New Years.

Tagged - 8 things...

M's Mom did her 8 things - I tried to do 8 - I must be a boring person

8 TV Shows
1. Movies "Chick Flicks" mostly
2. Sienfield Reruns
3. Mash Reruns
4. True Blood
5. ?
6. ?
7. ?
8. ?

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Took A to hockey (took 1/2 the day)
2. Made fudge
3. Went and got Christmas tree
4. Laundry
5. Made dinner
6. Went to bed before the kids
7. ?
8. ?

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Watching my boys do so well in hockey
2. Christmas vacation
3. Visiting our friends for New Years
4. Vacation in general
5. The kids to grow up
6. A movie and popcorn
7. Visiting with friends
8. Shopping with my daughter

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Wendy's
2. Arby's
3. Moe's
4. Taco Bell
5. Pizzeria Uno
6. 7th North Buffet
7. ?
8. ?

Wishlist
1. Wish I didn't have to work sometimes
2. Wish I lived South so our winters weren't so long
3. Wish I could have more vacation time to visit places and people
4. Wish I could visit Europe
5. Wish my kids would pick up after themselves just once without reminders
6. Wish I could visit NY City - just once
7. Wish we could take kids to DC for a week.
8. Wish we could spend a week at the beach with our best friends.

Things to Do not Enough time to do them all.

After four short days off I dread going back to work. Why is it Sunday evenings seem so depressing as you think over the weekend you didn't get as much done as you hoped? This time of course with four days off. I have been sick all four but have no choice to go to work tomorrow so it even makes it harder.

We traveled three hours to visit my parents for Thanksgiving and returned a day later. Then the next day we traveled 1 1/2 hrs to a hockey game. My younger son (5) asked me how many different states we were in this weekend. I had to tell him we never left our wonderful state of NY. Snow was always in our travels but we have snows on our car and made the all our travels with no incidents.

I managed to hang the Christmas lights on the outside of the house this weekend, one morning when I still had a little energy. They look great all turned on. I really am not ready for Christmas but I know I have get prepared, it will be here before I know it.

I will be off work for two weeks during Christmas and if I'm not sick maybe I can finish a few things on my list but must make time for the kids. I already promised my oldest son to go sledding somewhere.

Thankful to be Working

The weather was nice as I walked out of work and ran into a fellow employee that was packed and ready to leave as he transfers to another branch. They let a few people go today and I was glad to hear I was not among the list. It is becoming common news these days as the times are tough. I am so glad to be able to still get up and go to work. It does put a bit of pressure everyday, afraid that a manager will be nocking at your door next. It has definitely curved our spending at home in anticipation that it might happen. The kids don't quite understand when we say we don't want to spend the money. I am afraid Christmas will be a little less than we've done in the past as well. It is amazing how it affects your life. We don't eat out as much. I am spending less on groceries and cloths. It will be tough when our truck lease will be up - we need something to tow with so what do we do. It really does affect your life even if you are not let go if the chance is always over your head. I am very thankful to have my job and really hope the company can hang in but we are playing the side of caution and hoping the for the best. Can we live on one income now that we've gotten used to more? So many people do it every day but once you're used to something and it is taken away makes it harder to get used to not having it.

To cautious with the kids?

K helped last weekend and we raked our entire yard and had tons (maybe more) leaves out by the edge of the road for the town to come and vacuum up. I came home from work the next day and was laughing while my two boys were jumping in the leaves. I did have to yell at them because someone could run them over if they didn't know they were there. They were having so much fun, I hated to tell them - stop having fun. I guess it is like the time I had to tell them to STOP jumping off the top bunk into bunches of pillows. I hadn't even heard them downstairs so they had plenty of padding but it only takes once that one misses the pillow and ends up with a broken leg or arm. It is not fun hearing "But Mom". I totally agree but I don't want to spend 3 - 4 hrs in the emergency room or worse.

As careful as one is accidents always happen. I really hate it when someone tells me I shouldn't do something because I have to prove them wrong. Tonight K told me I shouldn't use the small knife on the potatoes but stubborn me I continued and should of known. I sliced my thumb but pretty good. I probably should have stitches but I don't want to wait the hours in the emergency room. Now if it was one of the kids I would probably think about it.

How People Shape us

My running buddy D was saying how one person at a race talked her right into her next marathon only a month after her last. She qualified for Boston at it and that person doesn't even know she did that for D. We went camping over the summer and our camping neighbors were from Canada and could not speak much English but made immediate friends with my youngest son A. The gentleman went to the pool with us one day had the kids all laughing and playing. He gave A a wood necklace and he still has it and he remembers his friends from Canada. Today before running the Bagel Race I really remembered running it with my so very good friend M last year even with her terrible cold. My older boy S hurt his brother and left a great note before bedtime with a dollar, it said "Dear A, I am vary Sory,heere, Love S." I was so touched more than my little son A, so I had to keep the note and wrote a little note to go with it explaining the reason. Someday it may make a difference in their lives.

It just amazes me how the little things people do can change your life and who you are. Sometimes they don't even know they've done it. Of course, you always hope the little things are for the better but of course not always. Just remember, even going to the grocery store could change someone's life so always smile and be positive.

Eastwood Race - Great

2 Cars, Five People, a beautiful day, one 5 mile race. We did it. Two came in fairly quickly - under 50 minutes, two came in 56, and one brought in the tail end. We all had fun and two had never run that far. We couldn't of asked for a better day and better friendship. I guess that is what memories are made of. It reminds me of why I run. I noticed part of a tree hanging from an electrical line and stopped to point it out to my niece who was running with me. The tree was freshly cut but it looks like they didn't dare cut the wire to get this last part! I bet there were many runners that missed it. It has been a while since I've run with someone and I really do miss it. It will probably be a long winter and I hope the memory of this day will hold me through and give me motivation to run all the winter long even with my yak tracks. There is snow in the forecast for THIS week.

Beautiful Fall

I ran for the first time since my 1/2 marathon. My knee hurt but today it seems to be ok. I am just surprised how sore I am. I only ran 3 miles and I ran it SOOOO slow - wow. It sure felt good. I was just in awe seeing all the changes in my neighborhood. The leave are at peak and it seems many people are excited about Halloween. The smell of fall, fresh apples, apple pies, falling leaves, chilly evenings, are just part of our culture and something one has to experience to believe. The few years I lived in the South it seemed they didn't have the dramatic change of seasons like we have.

My brother lives in Tennessee and his wife said she couldn't live somewhere where we have more winter than summer. I guess I hadn't thought about that. I would enjoy a little longer summer but I don't have enough pull with the big guy to get that. I guess I will have to make the best of what we have.

A quiet Friday

I sit at 9:00pm thinking I might run tomorrow morning for a short 3 mile run. I haven't run for two weeks because my knee has decided to give me some problems. Of course flow had to decide to visit just in time for me to start running. My timing is terrible. Motrin is my friend, how can it be bad for me to over use it.

I have started a new cleaning schedule for our house now to save the big bucks we were putting out for babysitter and housekeeping by my cousin. I do feel sorry for her loss of income but am happy about our savings. It has also added more work to my hectic schedule every week. I spend one day cleaning the upstairs and another the down. So tell me why I chose Friday's to be a cleaning day - talk about crazy!

My son is sleeping over at a friends house up the road tonight. It is the first time at this boys house over night. He has played there all summer but I just met the Mom by bringing up his cloths. I am definitely getting more lax by not knowing my kids parents intimately before allowing them to spend 12 -> 24 hrs with them.

My daughter is sleeping next door so that leaves me with only one child at home. Why does the house seem so quiet with only one child home? What a difference.

Glutton for Punishment

So as the fall is moving in way to fast I find I am now in a hurry to finish all the dang things I haven't had time or energy to do all summer. With a week off of running since my 1/2 marathon I have had so much free time it has been great. Then for some reason my knee decided I needed more time off. So instead of killing myself by running oodles of miles I have to go and stain my entire deck using two whole gallons of the stuff. I canned 16 jars of applesauce and made two pie fillings. I guess I am a glutton for punishment. So if I stay running free what other projects should I accomplish?

Another 1/2 Marathon

The drive there was great. Austin assited us again (my Tom-Tom) so we felt confident of where the hotel was. We found it only by pure luck. Why do they put the hotel name on the opposite side of the building and not on the road side? How can two people not stop talking for one and a half hours and not get bored with each other? I wanted to laugh at check-in when the lady kept calling D by a nick-name she never uses and kept repeating it. I wanted to laugh. We walked very fast to the Expo in the pooring ran. We were shooting for a wet t-shirt contest, I think I would of won. We did get an amazing reflector vest from New Balance free so I guess the walk in the rain was worth it. We had a leasurely drive to our pasta dinner and that was good because the lack of food did make us a little disturbed. We manage to get a cookie before they disappeared. I guess they figured we didn't need food or cheese for our pasta. Then, to make me feel better I endevoured to challenge D in a few games of Boggle. It doesn't really matter my total for three games matched her total for one game. I guess I shouldn't play with a teacher.

Morning of race we woke up after a great night of sleep. I do have to say, it is the first time I've ever had cup of noodles for breakfast (thank you D). We new we were doomed when we walked outside at 6:00am and walked into a wall of heat and humidity. That is not normal for anywhere in NY in September and no one certainly wants to have that so early on a day of a marathon.

We couldn't use any of the wonderful square potties since the line was about a line long - of course we weren't alone. They had tons of food and drinks before/during and after the race. They had tons of volunteers. They had music, chear leaders, and great spectators throughout the whole course. The route was scenic and not too hilly. Other than the heat and the distance (I must be crazy doing 13 miles) I would love to do this race again. Maybe next time I will come close to hitting my time. Until next time! Everyone in Rochester was very friendly and I enjoyed walking/running with Jan and must thank Karen who I met in the medical tent and was probably sorry later for offering to give us a ride back to our hotel. She was great and waited with me for D to come in. It only took her about an hour longer than she hoped so I felt bad for having Karen wait for us. Oh, I only needed the medical tent for one of my three blisters. Hopefully in a few days we will be ready to start running again. Til next time. Goodnight.

School Days

The kids are all back at school. K is already thinking of all the things he can buy with the money we are saving not needing a babysitter any more. Now I have to be home in time for the bus. Today made the boys bike with me while I went running. My youngest boy - A, doesn't do very well riding his bike up hills but it sure beats paying a babysitter, poor S had to wait for me at every intersection, maybe next time I will make him run instead of biking it!

K found lots of old pictures tonight of my babies when they were young. I forgot how they all had chubby cheeks. I also didn't realize I also had chubby cheeks I don't have anymore (baby fat?).

Why do I sound like a broken record, brush your teeth, do your homework, put your dishes in the dishwasher. Do kids ever learn to pick up after themselves? Why do I try to do 8:30 lights out? They always have excuses - I was never that way!

Count down to my marathon and I am looking forward to being away from the kids. I even checked the weather forecast today - Today Tuesday, race Sunday, humm, the forecasters can't plan one day out what am I thinking! Must be just hopeful thinking.

We are starting to think fall and winter. We took the kids ice skating on Sunday with my brother and his crew. I think there were ten of us on the ice between us and I don't there there were a total of 20 people out there so they let us do whatever pretty much. My brother is a great skater. He never did hockey or anything but we did grow up on ice between the backyard some years and the town outdoor ice rink. Him and my oldest son played tag and chased each other around the rink. They tagged me or my niece once in a while and we of course would pretend we weren't it and would tag them back. It was a great day for everyone. V who has never been much of a skater seemed to even enjoy it once I had her switch to hockey skates. It was a great day but made me think summer is almost gone. It will be touch to visit either my parents or my friends the Yonkers once hockey starts in October. Both my boys will be doing games this year so I am afraid K and I will be going separate ways with big bags of hockey gear.

My oldest son is in 4th grade and wants to take up the trumpet so we have to go to a parent meeting. I can't get him to read for 10 minutes so how will he do reading music? I guess we will give it shot since he does like music and loved the recorder last year.

Well they are messing around instead of brushing upstairs, why can't they just get ready for bed without someone standing over their shoulders?

Quick Vacation in PA and WV

It was such a great relaxing vacation. Who would guess with ten of us traveling from PA to WV together in two vehicles that I would say it was relaxing. Why does going pee mean it is time to eat again and lose at least one child?

I think M and I both had some tears when we got to PA and we hugged more than we ever have. We both were strong and held back major tears. I was afraid if I let loose it would not stop. It has only been a month and we do talk but it is definitely different now. I think we will always be like family and will always be connected for life.

It was a memorable moment when we went swimming at a river in WV. I was almost in tears (again) thinking how we were making memories. Everyone was talking and laughing all at the same time. It was so nice going swimming (one in underwear) and dragging my son in the water to wash up. It was great that his screams were not heard by ANYONE because there wasn't ANYONE within miles. There are probably more deer than people in WV. I was still a wimp and wouldn't jump in from the rock. It was great swimming.

We slept in a hay cabin that was so warm we left the unscreened windows and doors wide open. I was just amazed we didn't have a bug invasion. We did have a bat issue we did not tell my son or we knew we would never get him to sleep in there. He was already afraid of snakes that one of the other kids said were in the cabin. I didn't hear the dog walk in some time during the night - I guess I was sound asleep. At least it was only a dog and not a bear (not kidding!).

We all survived and I got to see a new side of my great friend M. I guess I knew she could sing but I enjoyed listening to her with her sister, Mom, and daughter. They are great. M's Mom is a great inspiration to her family.

We had a great time, great food, great visit, great time overall. I enjoyed meeting someone else that reads my blog. I figured no one would be this crazy. It was a great time and I would love to do it again some time.

So Mud Mountain didn't seem to be muddy at all. Will I have to come back in the spring to check out the mud. I even brought my white t-shirt for mud wrestling for K & B's enjoyment. Maybe next time.

Loop Around the Lake

Another race. My friend D talked me right into doing the Loop around the Lake (15K) when I could of done Willow Bay 5k. Just because the 15k fit better in my schedule I think it was still all D's fault. I wouldn't of signed up for another 1/2 marathon if it hadn't been for D and M.

I had an upset stomach after the race which seems to become my norm of late. It is probably because I am not eating like I should probably. I used to get upset stomach on even a 5k but I don't anymore. Maybe it is just my body not used to the distance yet. So, maybe the 15k will help me in the long run. I still want to blame D and M, let me think how!

I did like the Loop Around the Lake and was very lucky to end up running with someone and her Dog. I came in 2nd to last. It was the first time I've run in pouring down rain. I said I would be happy with an 11 minute mile. I came in 1hr 39 minutes. Is that actually under? Wow.

Little Subjects

After finishing the Harborfest 10k in a terrible 1hr 10 minutes with a bathroom break I was shocked to hear from D that we left to early from the awards. I came in third place in my age group. I wonder what they do with the awards people don't pick up?

Now I've signed my life away and signed up for another 1/2 marathon and only have six weeks to train and a 15k in between. I must be crazy.

Another subject: I have enjoyed a little free time and have cleaned a little bit of my house and trying to finish some projects we haven't had time to do all summer. We haven't camp since our vacation to Maine because it seems we have way to many things going on every weekend. I am sure the camper won't go to waste.

Yet another subject: I had to break up a fight in the pool yesterday between my girl child and my older boy child. It is not normal for them to fight (argue maybe) but I was wondering if it won't be the last. My niece just turned 13 and my girl child is not far behind - they say girls are harder to manage when they hit teen age. So far I have to say my kids do mind me pretty good (or they have me fooled).

Yet another: We are weekends are a bit lonely now with the Y family gone and left us! We are looking forward to visiting them in York, PA. I found out my husbands brother is coming to visit at the same time and we definitely won't cancel our visit with our friends, it is more important!

Busy Summer

The summer's been busy. How does one sum up so many things? Vacation is a great thing. Every family should get away from home, computer, and television at least a week out of a year. Trying to make 600 cookies in one week is not easy but something to put on a resume. I don't miss flying. How does one decide who gets the arm rest? Glad to get back to work and find out I wasn't let go like others in our company. Running a race is a great thing to do for one self. I definitely miss having the Y family here but we are surviving. We are looking forward to a long weekend with them in August.

Inspiring?

My friend M got both D and myself running and blogging. She is such an inspiration and will be for many more people in her life – it is just her carma. I may not be the best runner in the world, or even writer but have found I enjoy both from time to time. D is a much better runner and now I am finding out, a great writer. You really need to check out her blog.

We were talking about what inspires people and how some people feed off negativity, other only positive reinforcement works. M puts ideas into people and pushes just enough. When we are running and I tell her I want to walk at the stop sign then she says ok then we run harder to there. When I’ve emailed her with things she used to say I should blog it – I started blogging. When running with D, D would tell some great stories. M told her she needed to blog it. Now D is a blogging fiend. Now you would never know D had to be pushed – just a little. M doesn’t push hard and she is definitely not pushy like some bible people that just don’t shut up, she just puts an idea in your head and lets it sit there for a while until that idea just has to get out and work. It certainly isn’t a negative idea so it isn’t bad.

I am sure wherever M goes she will continue to inspire people in positive ways. It is great to be good at something, sometimes hard to recognize it (she will probably deny it). I know D and I will miss her but will continue to be inspired by her and maybe help inspire others.

Got Pepperoni

It is not easy to train for a marathon and I give anyone credit for doing it. My poor friend D has a fear of dogs and is training for a marathon. She has now found her great 5 mile loop has a dog that is not chained, or held back in an manor and likes to come after her. She gets very nervous and her heart starts pumping hard (like it isn't already but that's another story).

On occasions that M runs with her, M brings pepperoni sticks in hopes that she can than throw at the dog and he will chase and eat it and leave them alone. I don't think she's actually used it yet. I hope she never gets to that point.

Today D says she got chased by a dog - it is not easy to be a runner and have to deal with animals that allowed to rome like us humans. I do believe it is better now than it used to be years ago (when I was young - yes that was years ago). So any suggestions to prevent from major scarring on legs from animal teeth marks - other than the pepperoni?

Weekend stuff

Weekends are way to short. I was busy all weekend doing stuff, fixing meals, and shopping. I go to work on Monday and realize I still have so many other things I should of gotten done but didn’t. Then I can’t remember what I did all weekend, clearly not what I should have done.

So how does the weekend go so fast and the weekdays so slow? Maybe I should make a list for home to keep myself focused. I didn’t have: bike rides, play football, or making pancakes with my son, on my list but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would do those things again. I’ve heard you should take the time out and enjoy your kids for they grow up fast. I guess I did enjoy the weekend even if my house is a mess, my parents are visiting, and my yard work is still not done, and, and, and. It will still be there when I get around to it.

The 13.1 Marathon done!

We were so excited about going. It was a great drive up, and had a new toy to play with - a TOMTOM, which my husband was nice enough to let us use and had changed the voice to be Austin Powers - it was just so "Bloody" funny. We were so happy to find out the hotel that M & D stayed at last year decided to start their continential breakfast this year at 6:00 instead of their normal 7:00 just for us runners! It was starting out to be a great weekend. We tried for an early bedtime but there were neighboring folks that thought 9:00 and 10:00pm were still party in the hall time. We all seemed to get some sleep and were up wide awake and downstairs for our wonderful breakfast at 6:00am.

The gun went off without any warning and we were off, it seemed to quick somehow. I have to say the weather was great and I enjoyed the race and even better to have M run with me. We actually passed D twice (who was doing the full marathon AND trying to qualify for Boston).

After losing a little time with a bathroom break M and I still managed to make our time that we planned (2:30). D was so nice to make us bracelets for our time. They really helped since I can't think when I am running. But when we got to mile 8, M did say we only had 4 miles left and I was able to figure that wasn't quite right - would be nice, it is nice to see someone else has the same problem I do when running. I once gave someone wrong directions. I won't give directions again - even when I think I know them - when I'm running of course.

I didn't know what to say to D as she came over the finish line. I gave her a hug. I was just amazed how she could do the full 26.2 and still talk. I know sometimes you have good runs and others times you don't. I felt so bad this was not a good run for D. I tried to not talk about it for I saw tears were just behind the eyes ready to flood any second. We managed through the tough moments and found food which always helps.

After a late checkout and we were all showered and exausted, we piled back into M's car and headed home with Austin giving us a laugh. We stopped at the favorite Ponderosa they always stop and eat at after marathons but none of us had an appetite.

I would have to say I am thankful for D and M for helping me train for this race and feel it was all worth it. I will have this memory forever. I would definitely do it again. I did call P last time to tell her all about it. P definitely helped in getting me to train and stay with it. I am so lucky to have such good friends.

Allergy Season

I started with a stiff kneck before the Mountain Goat, then the next week I had a sore throat, then I started with a pounding head. I tried all sorts of cold and allergy medicine to combat it. Do you know how hard it is to run with a stuffy nose and no tissues. The idea of using a leaf crossed my mind but my luck would be a poisin ivy. I have mastered spitting on the side of the road but have you ever tried to blow snot out of your nose to the side of the road, trust me don't - it's not pretty!

I finally broke down and went to the doctors yesterday and yup a sinus infection. I went to the drug store to pick up three Rx's. 1) antibiotic, 2) yeast infection medicine because I always get one after #1, 3) refill on allergy medicine - I better take every day to prevent 1,2 again. Hopefully I will be good for Sundays Big Race (my 1/2 marathon).

M's house is beautiful

I come home from M's house and get upset with mine. They cleaned it up and redid almost everything to get ready to put the house not the market. They did an outstanding job on the house. I wish I didn't have a house, I would buy theirs.

I think I need to clean out and throw out all my stuff so my house can ALWAYS stay neat and clean. If you have nothing it sure makes it easier to keep your house picked up. The hard part is getting the kids get rid of their stuff. We are having a neighborhood garage sale, maybe I should get the kids to put their stuff out for that and that way they can earn a little $ from the junk they get rid of and can use to buy something like the webcan's (spelling) they have been begging me for (more stuff!).

Die-hard Runner?

I did finish the Mountain Goat (10 miles - 1 hr 58 minutes) and felt pretty good until about 5 minutes after the race and thought I was going to pass out. I spent the rest of the day between the couch and the bathroom. I even ran a fever of 104. Not sure if it was the race or a bug that I picked up. My husband asked me “So are you ready for the ½ marathon?). My husband was sick later that day (payback). I hope it was just a bug because the ½ marathon is just around the corner now and I don’t want to be that sick again. I do have to say I would not have done as well without M helping me. She kept me going.

D, M and I did a workout in the rain last night. We went to the schools track to attempt our 9x400 @ 5K pace; D had to do 800’s. We also brought along six kids, bike, gloves, and balls (yes we are crazy). It started out great and then started to drizzle then started poring about our 7th loop. Then we caught the kids playing in the long jump pit which of course is yucky from the rain. We made it home all wet but no complaints and I really think the kids had fun. At least it wasn’t real cold. This is what memories are made from.

I guess this means I am a die-hard runner now when I even drag my kids out in the rain?

Ease-dropping

When you work in a place with Cubicals you are bound to hear EVERYONE's conversations. Now with cell phones it seems that people are having conversations everywhere including the bathroom - yuk.

Today I heard someone on their phone talking as they walked by my cube and I heard. "I think we have an issue the dog food. It was making noise." I didn't hear any more and wanted to hear the rest of the conversation.

When you hear someone talking around you and it sounds like a subject you would like to join in on, do you? Is it considered disrespectful? I never know. When I hear my boss talking to someone I think it is something personal and I really don't want to hear it I get up and leave. It is hard when we don't have "real walls". There are times you hear things you aren't sure if the people realize you are just on the other side of the "wall". If you do hear things you were not the intended I guess you don't want to pass it along, it might get you in trouble.

Tagged - List

M's Mom tagged me but I didn't see on my blog but here's my answers.

Five things in each of the following categories:
10 years ago, I was:
1. Living in Brewerton, NY 2. Raising my daughter was wasn't even one yet. 3. Working at a
different company 4. Still on a bowling league 5. making Christmas ornaments
Today’s to do list:
1. Make dinner 2. Help kids with homework 3. Try to pick up the house 4. Run 3 miles
5. Ride bikes with kids
Snacks I enjoy:
1. m&ms 2. Homemade cookies 3. Yogurt bars 4. Apple pie 5. Popcorn
If I was a billionaire, I would:
1. Pay off my debts 2. Give all my family some 3. Travel 4. Invest lots for kids college
5. Buy land for house in NY and maybe West Virginia
My bad habits:
1. Talking to much 2. Trying to do to much 3. Volunteering to much 4. Negative opinion
5. Losing my patients
Places I’ve lived:
1. Hampton, VA 2. Silver Spring, MD 3. Massena, NY 4. Liverpool NY 5. Brewerton NY
Jobs I’ve had:
1. Seamstress 2. Baker 3. Store Clerk 4. IT trainer for Navy 5. CIO for Air Force

Laugh at ones-self

When we go on trips I sometimes let my boys use my MP3 player. We went to Rochester last week and the first day I ran by myself was the other day so I got out my MP3 player and went off. When I hit about the 3 mile mark I noticed the same song has been playing all this time. I didn't even notice. I was so concetrated on the hills and bettering my time I didn't even notice. It was just so funny. Maybe I don't really need the music - I must not of been listening to it anyway! It was just so funny.

Will I lose my nail?

I ran ~9 miles on Saturday and my toe hurt a little. It wasn’t that bad that I remembered it later. On Sunday I went running my required 4 miles and my toe hurt. Since I was already out running it was a little late to go back and trim it. By Sunday evening my toe was red and swallen. I trimmed the nail even though it didn’t seem it was very long. I put Neosporin and a bandage over it but it kept me awake all night. It felt a little better on Monday but is still sore to touch it. Tuesday it is again still sore but getting better. I have to run tonight and am worried will it make it worse again. Should I go out and buy new sneakers? The ones I have now are only a couple months old but are not the kind I usually buy – I went cheaper this time. I only spent $60 instead of my normal $80+. Maybe it was a mistake.

Another weekend

I ran with my best two running buddies on Saturday and did my longest run ever. Of course I think every weekend from now until the Marathon will be my longest run ever. We did nine miles/or about nine. I was exausted but felt good. My toe is killing me now. I think either I need new sneakers or needed to cut my nail. I guess it is time to get new sneakers anyway. Don't buy cheap ones. These were just a little cheaper but didn't last me as long and not as comfortable. It is isn't worth it in the end.

I spent the rest of Saturday shoveling mulch. I am surprised/but not that I am not sore at all. I was a bit sore all over on Sunday but M dragged me out running and we did a good stretch after and I feel much better. I was glad she came over or I might not of gotten out there to do our 4 miles that was on our schedule. I feel good that we did it.

The weather was great so it was nice letting kids use sprinkler and bathing suits. I forget how messy and dirty the house gets from it. Oh well the house will stand and the kids had fun. Keeping busy makes you sleep well. Just another weekend of many I hope for the spring/summer.

Strong Museum in Rochester

"Strong National Museum of Play, in Rochester was ausome the other day. We paid the extra and took the kids through the butterfly room. The room is temp/humidity controlled with oodles of butterlies. They are just everywhere. It was great for me, I really like it. By the end of our time (not sure but think it is only 10 minutes) I was so hot with heavy jeans on. The humidity is pretty high for the butterflies. My son got a nose bleed during this and we were asking everyone for tissues, no one had any. I saw a couple with a stroller so I had my daughter ask for wet wipe - that worked great. We had just a couple minutes left and my daughter wanted to go. She didn't like the heat. She wears short sleeves all year round so I am not surprised the heat bothered her. I would do it again. I had a butterfly the attendant had to remove from my shoulder before we left the room. We did that first thing in the morning and had the rest of the day for the rest of the place. We spent about six hours and were not bored at all. It is fun for any age I think. I can't wait to do it again.

Child Labor or not to use Child Labor

The kids are playing and my hands are getting blisters from raking. Do I buy more rakes and make them help this weekend? I finally retired the rake after three hours. I did not run tonight but got a good workout in the yard. Now my kitchen floor is so bad I don't even want to walk on it because of all the dirt that has been carried in. I got out our floor vacuum and my youngest boy (A) is taking care of the floor. I feel a little bad that I am sitting doing this while he is "working". He is however singing "1,2,3 Like a Bird I sing..." so maybe he finds it fun. My Dad used to say if you hum or sing that means you are happy.

Mountain Goat & Small World

Mountain Goat Training:
Saturday was a great race day. D was so nice and ran with me during our Mountain Goat training. It was a 6.5 run that I was supposed to do at 10K race pace. It helped having her Vic to see our time and speed. We started out way to fast at something like 9 minute mile. D has great stories (like M) to help pass the time and let me forget that I can’t breath. I PR’d. I think I did something like 10.5 minute mile which is darn good. My only other 10K race was the Bud run last fall where I did 11:15 pace (I had to look it up). I am so happy with this time. It is great. The weather was nice and sunny, I was sleeveless and warm – for Syracuse that is great.

Small World:
We always seem to talk about how small a world it is. D was telling me how her high school principle used to drive around and catch kids skipping school and she was caught once, she remembers him well. She went to something for work last week and ended having to speak with him. She remembered him but he did not remember her. Small world.

I have a brother that lives in Nashville and just started a new job. A year ago he came home for my parents 50th anniversary party and all the family camped on the family private property. We had about five or six campers, including Aunt/Uncle, parents, siblings, cousins. Anyway, the other day my brother went out to take a look at someone’s RV that was just towed in from the highway with a flat. Low and behold it was our Aunt & Uncle. The door was open so he walked in and the dog greeted him. Being a dog lover he remembered him from last summer and said hello to him by name. My Aunt and Uncle were just shocked to think someone in Nashville knows them when they live in Mississippi. It just shows what a small world it is.

Great Weekend

My weekend started off great and ended great and everything in-between was great.

My excellent friend offered to run my 8 miles with me instead of doing her pace workout she was supposed to do. It is the longest of ever run and I don't know if I would of done it without her. The Mountain Goat training we are doing was scheduled to only run 6.5 miles so we continued on after reaching the "end" to do MY additional 1.5. It was nice that D was able to show me her old stomping ground and hear some old stories. The run in the city is beautiful with all the architecture. I must of been an architect in my past life.

The sun came out later and I raked the yard in the nice warm sun. My husband made a great dinner and I fell into bed totally exausted that night.

Sunday I was still in my bathrobe at 10:00am which usually never happens. I again worked in the yard and packed up the kids later to go to a park near the city. I ran for a little with kids on their bikes and walked a bit with my husband, on the one of the best spring days I can remember. Dinner at my in-laws was as norm but seemed better with having had a great weekend.

After putting the kids to bed, I again fell into bed and finally shut off the light at 9:30pm. I should of run with my friend D on Sunday morning but thought I would slow her down. Now that I found out that my friend M didn't run with her I feel bad that I didn't. Next time D - sorry.

I hope this is just the start of a great spring/summer we will have and deserve in Upstate NY.

8 Miles down only 5 more to go!

Can't believe I did it. I ran 8 miles today and lived to tell it. I guess maybe I am on my way to being ready for my 1/2 marathon. My friend D was offered to run the Mountain Goat training with me today so I didn't have to do it by myself. I can always thank both D and M for keeping me going. They both just talk on all the way. I definitely recommend finding some good friends that are better runners than yourself so they can keep you going when you can't even talk because of exaustion. I thank you D and M for helping me along.

Seasoned Runner now?

I've run in the snow with yak tracks now. I ran a race with salt on the roads (if you are from a snowey area you know what I mean, not household salt!). I ran a race where they ran out of water because it was so warm. I've ran even when I really had to go to the bathroom. I've run in the rain. I did start out running one day with M when it was 20 degree out. We got up to the corner, the wind hit me, and I just stopped. I said I couldn't do it. M thought I was joking - I was not. We turned back and went running later that day. But now I am seasoned because I took a fall during the our Mountain Goat training Saturday. Does this mean I am ready for a 1/2 marathon - NOT!

Eye problems?

I can't see close up anymore. Someone commented that my eyes are just old. So if my eyes are old does that make the rest of me old? Most everyone in my family wears glasses except me. Three of my siblings wore them from the time they were in 1st grade. I wonder if my children will need them. Have there really been studies on if eye problems are carried down from your parents or just your luck of the draw? Do carrots really help. Speaking of carrots, my husband bought some organic carrots that are white. They taste absolutely the same. Is the orange pigment added for people or what?

A new Chapter of Life

Three good friends of mine retired today, I am so happy for them. Sad for me, I will miss them. I know I may see them a few times but not like our chats we have on occasion now. I am way to young to retire. One of my friends is only 49 and has 31 years here. That will never happen for me. Since I will never have 30 years in anywhere I think I should retire 30 years from when I started working. Of course my children will be in college then so I guess just quitting my job won't be an option.

I saw a old high school friend at Easter and wow she had put on weight (I guess I can't talk much - I know how it happens). It made me glad I'm trying to keep mine off.

I am a little sore today from running this weekend and my workout today was so hard. I was wondering if I am pushing myself to much for this 1/2 marathon. I only ran 5 1/2 and 5 miles (total 10 1/2) this weekend and I am sore. The half marathon is 8 weeks away - can I do it? Maybe I am getting old. I never used to think "Can I really do this".

Crazy Lady

Am I the crazy lady my neighbors could be talking about? I was outside yesterday raking, shoveling, and picking up sticks. Yes we still have snow piles and lots of wet ugly leaves underneith so I was cleaning it up. The sooner the patio is cleaned we can cook out and use it! Yes, I am ready for spring. I got in the car this morning to hear we are expecting another 1-4 inches OF SNOW tonight. So, did I do all that work for nothing? Where is our spring - it is turning me crazy.

Everything Changes

I cleaned my closet yesterday and found some "old" pictures. I found some when my youngest was around 2, I guess in perspective that isn't old, he just turned 5. I found other pictures of our first camping trip with our best friends. It is amazing how young we all looked. My daughter did comment, "Mommy you were fat then". I guess I should of told her that wasn't polite but I looked at the picture and had to agree. It made feel good and bad at the same time. Bad for being over weight then -how terribel I looked, but good that I have lost weight since and am trying to keep it off so I don't end up back there.

Looking at the camping trip with our friends made me sad a little because our best friends are moving out of state soon and things will be different. I am sure we will still camp with them in the summers but we definitely won't see as much of them as we do now. I think it also makes our time together now even more special.

tired for no reason?

I think the very busy week caught up with me today. I went to my son's last hockey game and then retired at home for an afternoon/evening of being a couch potato. That is not normal for me but sometimes it is the best medicine. I did manage to get laundry done which never ends.

Both boys are done hockey for the season which I am really happy about. I have started my 1/2 marathon training. I am working on our summer camping and other vacation plans. I can't believe Easter is only a week away. Does anyone have any extra vacation I can use, it never seems I have enough!

First Race of Season

Wow, am I out of shape. Four mile Tugg Hill Run. We lucked out and it didn't rain while we were running. It is the first time I've ever ran a race with the salt from the road crunching under our feet and snow all around us.

I ran with my friend M who was nice enough to stay with me. My friend T joined us for the last mile (he had already finished and ran the last mile with us). I think T helped me keep going, I was pretty bushed at the end. We finished the 4 mile, in 45 minutes while my friend D finished it in 31 minutes. I am sure T finished it even less, he said he didn't know what his time was. I think I am going to call D Speedie now.

I loved the atmosphere of the race. We saw some beautiful houses, lots of folks waving, clapping, and cheering us on. I think there was a bar at every corner and they all had music - not just music, some had bands and great singers. The only downfall were the hills, which I guess really made the race a good workout but my time would of been a lot better if I didn't have the hills.

D was awesome and gave M and I cat-in-the-hat hats to wear. I joked that it would hurt my time because of the wind resistance. It certainly didn't hurt D. It was great having everyone commenting and laughing at us. One guy said we were great looking women, the hats really topped it. Thanks D for the hats.

Definitely a fun race with over 1,300 people and a great start of the year. I would definitely recommend it and put it on my list of races to do again. ONLY DOWNFALL. The line was so long to get food after the race we skipped it. Maybe they will fix that for next year.

Final and last note. I must thank my great friend M for staying with me for the whole race. I am sure she could of done the race in a lot less time. The last mile, her and T talked about Boston Marathon and other things while I was breathing hard going up the last hill. She is a great friend to do this for me.

My Entry for FREE SCHWAG

Surpise or not to Surprise

We went roller skating/roller blading last week and my middle son's roller blades were too tight so we rented roller skates instead. His friend Big J did circles around him with his roller blades and my poor son just didn't enjoy it. He kept saying he wants to go back when he gets new roller blades. My husband found some on EBay that came with pads and a backpack to put it all in (great idea). We surprised him with it the other night. He was so happy he gave my husband a big hug and he isn't the hugging type, it was a precious moment.

I put an envelope in my daughters folder this morning labeled "book order". She called me up and asked what books I ordered. I told her it would be a surprise. She hung up on me. I guess she must of woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She must not like surprises. She did call me back and I told her I ordered a number of books and I think she will be pleased with my selection. She still wanted to know.

I received a delivery of flowers from my husband at work last week and it really made my day. It was a great surprise.

So are there people that don't like surprises? I know there are times when you probably shouldn't surprise folks but I really like the little surprises.

Tonight I am taking my daughter out for a movie and dinner without her brothers, girls night out. So should I bring the boys something home as a surprise or does that set a precedence they will expect something every time and then it won't be a surprise?

Is it still Winter?

As I walked by the front window and looked out this afternoon I thought how excited I was to see the snow back in November. Although the snow is pretty I am way over it.

Things I've been busy with this winter:
1) Hockey with the boys
2) Running - getting ready for my 1/2 marathon in May
3) watching movies and drinking hot chocolate to stay warm
4) Work - very busy these days
5) Baking - ask M about my Banana Bread and my chocolate pie!
6) Running the kids to activities - Boy Scouts, hockey, piano, and religion
7) Snowmobiling (always need Motrin after!)

My Dad had surgery last montha (doing great recovering quickly) and I actually picked up a needle and did a little embroidery while waiting in the waiting room. I really need to get back to doing that more. I find it very relaxing and the end result is always beautiful.

I worked a few 1/2 days last week while the kids were off for "winter break" - like we need a reminder it is winter. Anyway we went roller skating which I enjoyed more than I thought I would after all these years. It is great exercise. I couldn't keep up with M who joined us with her three kids. I took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks (again with M and crew) and took them bowling. These are the thing I used to do with my husband before kids. Maybe some day I will have the time do some of these things again with my husband.

I am already looking at my next race coming up soon but it is in conflict with a hockey tournament, and the Pinewood Derby. I guess all these activities sure makes the winters go by a LITTLE bit faster. What else would we do during our long winters in NY!

Little Things

I have to remember my youngest son A who instead of saying Three it comes out sounding like flee. He then gets mad at us if we do it. He definitely knows the difference - just can't say it.

My daughter V knows how to get my son S really mad. I remember when I was growing up I remember how my older brother D could get my younger brother H mad like that. I sit back and think how things repeat and how life doesn't change.

We were all surprised to find old pictures of my Mom's parents when they became US citizens and my Grandmothers picture looks JUST like my niece. It is also strange the mole my Grandfather had (was documented on his form) my same niece also has in the exact same place.

As I go out every weekend and run with my friends M and D I get a little sad to know that M will be moving this summer and the memory of our weekend runs will always be in my mind. In many years something will remind me of that as well, just like the above. Maybe our daughters or sons will take up running with friends and it will bring back a flood of memories of days gone by.

This is the year my son S doesn't want to do valentines - should I write it in his school book for him to laugh about some day?

So do I live to much in the past? Do I just enjoy remembering the good times? Am I really a historian at heart? Maybe I am a little of all of that - aren't we all?

What can be considered exercise?

Does it depend on how fit you are? When I did weight watchers years ago it said any activity that you up off your but and NOT eating could be counted so I counted my bowling.

Now my trainer/friend P said I can't count bowling. So how about Ping Pong? You do get your heart rate up there more than walking I think. I am already looking at my marathon schedule that starts Monday and figuring out how/when to fit in the exercise I will need to do.

It is definitely harder in the winter to get out and get exercise.

Note: I am jealous of M's sister who got a ping pong table for Christmas. I might have to look around to see how much they cost now!

Peer Pressure?

You hear about peer pressure when kids are in high school and college but you rarely hear about it later in life. I guess I am in the "later in life" stage and I just realize we still have it. Of course the peer pressure comes, not just from friends but from the family.

I am peer pressured (not hard mind you) into running with my wonderful friends. Of course I peer pressure them also.

My brother peer pressures me into going to Massena to visit the folks "Come on we're all going, it will be fun".

My husband and my good friend M & B say, "Come on, lets get baby sitter and go out".

My kids peer pressure me into taking them out to eat - humm I don't have to cook.

The difference between peer pressure for a teenager vs an adult: teenagers are usually doing something illegal or something they know their parents would definitely not approve of. As an adult the peer pressure usually is to do something instead of vegging out in front of TV so really would be good for you.

So who says peer pressure is bad!

"After" Christmas Family Letter

My husband hates reading the family letters we get at Christmas time. I enjoy some of them. I think some are just bragging a whole lot. I was thinking of putting one together since I am so proud of my kids and all, something like this:
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My daughter V has grown so tall and beautiful her teeth however want to go their own way so are now in braces. Our middle son S was doing so well with hockey he decided we needed some excitement in our lives and has decided to be goalie. So instead of adult teeth coming in they will be going out. Our youngest A is a very smart boy and we are very proud of him also. Pre-k has not been a challenge at all for him. We were shocked to see that he can read already. Now we just have to keep the Maxim magazines out of his room!

My husband K and I have been very busy running the kids around and we don't see much of each other. I started running about nine months ago (fitting it in where I could). K saw me the other day and asked where his wife was. I guess I should let him know I am his wife but it is more fun this way!
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So what do you think, should I send it out? It says a little of what each of us have done for the year - doesn't it without bragging to much???

Do I have the Bug?

I am now signed up for my first marathon. Don't get excited, it is only a 1/2 marathon. I am already worried about running that far. So far I have only run at most at one time 6 miles. My very good friend M reassures me it will be fine. She has done a schedule for us that starts at the end of January and we only go up 1 1/2 miles every two weeks so it should be good. I am still worried.

I am excited about this race because I will be with M and D and M and I are planning to run it together. It is always more fun on a long run to have someone to do it with. I don't mind listening to my music when I am by myself but I guess we aren't allowed to use them on races. I don't understand this. I don't think I can keep my mind occupied for a 13 mile run - for that matter 26 something. So therefore, I am very happy to have M running with me. It will however leave D running a very quick pace to qualify for Boston and do the full 26. We will be there at the end for her.

So I am booked for the race. Now D has us a hotel room we are going to share. So in total I figure this race will cost me over $100. I guess that is cheap considering there are people that travel from other states and probably don't share car/gas/hotel like I am fortunate to do. Who says running doesn't cost much.

Memories to remember

Christmas was great. S opened his gifts faster than his siblings and says to me "It's ok Mom that I didn't get as much because I still like what I got". He, however, got the same as his siblings. I had to point that out to him. I don't think he believed me.

As my friend M was pointing out in her blog they have bumby cookies while we have bustard and our crousants are now cassoroles so I completely understand. These are memories you will remember forever.

When I was growing up we picked on my youngest brother and called him a boys name from the other street that no one liked "Hector". My older sister's don't remember this because they were in high school/moved out by the time we started doing this. When my brother went to college he still used the name and still many years later still goes by "Hector" - most people don't know his real name. Don't ask me about Homer the guost, who lived at our house.

It is the funny things that stick from childhood. Bustard, bumpy cookies, Hector, and who knows what else are funny things that will only make sense to family members but these are the memories that make a family a family. Enjoy them as long as you can.