Challenge - Day 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

It's been a while since Kiddo has made an appearance on my blog - - but today's topic suits him! I love my boy. The timing for this picture is interesting, also, since today is my first day in Chicago- and I miss him already!! He was being very momma-needy before I left yesterday. Perhaps he sensed I was about to leave?

At least I'm sure he's in good hands with his daddy - and I will see them again (in Chicago) on Thursday!

Love: My kiddo.
Hope: Kiddo is good for his daddy!
Do: Study. All. Day.

Challenge - Day 13

A picture of your favorite band or artist

Since I have never been into music all that much, I decided that I'd go with one of my favorite artists... and not of the musical variety! Although I don't actually own any of this person's artwork, I think it is cool when I know or have personal friends that are artistic. There are so many forms of art, that I decided to go with a favorite of the classic, "painting" variety. So to my friends who make jewelery, knit, crochet, stitch, cook, felt, and numerous others expressions of art I'm forgetting-- hat's off to you, as well!

Love: Expressing my creative/artistic side - although it's typically not "quality", I enjoy art for the pleasure of making it, and not necessarily how it turns out in the end!
Hope: I am not getting a cold - my voice is a little hoarse!
Do: Go on a run with the neighbors!

*Artwork used with permission of the artist.
Do:

Challenge - Day 12

A picture of your favorite memory

For my first international trip, the hubby (then boyfriend) and I went to New York, London, and Paris. It was a ton of fun. For some reason, that was also the trip of the kissing picture. Isn't new love awesome?

Love: Travel
Hope: We have a great week in Chicago!
Do: Need to start packing. Really!

Challenge - Day 11

Something you hate

I'm not much of a hater... but black licorice is on my "list." I don't like the smell, I don't like the taste. Plain and simple.

Love: Licorice... that isn't black!
Hope: It stops snowing in Chicago!
Do: need to start thinking about packing!

Challenge - Day 10

A picture of your most treasured item


I have several "items" I treasure, but only one came to mind as being something I am not the same without. Not that it "completes" me, or anything cheesy like that! However... it does encourage me!

I. Love. My. Garmin.

Love it.

I started running with a Garmin when I was training for my 1st marathon. I don't remember getting it - but as I began to use it - it changed me! Okay, so maybe it sounds "dumb" to talk about an inanimate object in this way. However... this is no ordinary object!

It measures your heart rate. There's a chest-strap that you can wear (although, I wear the strap only rarely). You can also set an alarm to "beep" if your heart rate goes over a certain rate. (My alarm when I do use it, is typically set to beep somewhere around 190 bpm.) This is a feature I use mostly in races, to slow me down when I start going too fast at the beginning! In reality, the alarm should probably be set somewhere slightly lower, but - like I said - I use this feature relatively rarely.

When I run, it tells me how far I've gone. If I want to go 5 miles, for example - I can run 5 miles without having to worry about starting at a mile marker. I can run ANYWHERE and tell the distance.

I can tell how fast I am going. Whether I am walking at a 17:00 minute-per-mile pace, or running at a 10:00 minute-per-mile pace, it tells me - almost every stride- what my "average" pace is. Admittedly, this is usuall somewhere closer to 12:45 (running) and 15:30 (walking). But, you see, without my Garmin, I would never have known these things!

My Garmin has gotten me through 2 marathons. Recently, I couldn't find my Garmin when I wanted (or needed, perhaps) the Garmin for the extra motivation for a run. 3 hours of searching and breaking-down before I could go on a run without it. I had to replace the first one I bought, so now I can run "smoothly" again.

I like my Garmin so much I bought one for my DH as a Christmas present - hoping to share the wealth (or maybe just being selfish and unwilling to share mine...)

Love: running - but only with my Garmin!
Hope: This one lasts a few years!
Do: Need to sign up for my next "race" adventure...

Challenge - Day 9

A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

For today's picture, there are several people who came instantly to mind. There are several friends, for example, who helped me "survive" divorce. There's my college friends who helped me through a tough freshman year. There's my "BBS" friends who helped me survive an awkward coming of age. Only a couple of people came quickly to mind as helping me through one (or more) tough situations. There's my mom, who helped with divorce, freshman year, and many other things I am sure I have long since forgotten.

At the end of the day, however, there is only one person with whom I share my bed. The same person who came to a marathon to cheer for me. The person who survived a "pregnant" version of me, and coaxed me through an entire labor and delivery. This person faithfully reminds me - daily - that I am loved. He travels by my side to far-a-way places. On a lovely September day, he rode beside me on a bicycle for 100 miles. Only one person comes to mind for encouraging me to be a better version of me.

Love: DH
Hope: He continues to get me through the tough times to come!
Do: Figure out how to prevent kiddo from standing on the couch!

Challenge- Day 8

A Picture of your night.

It seems a little weird to be posting - first thing in the morning- a picture of my night. However, this is a typical picture of me after 8pm (Kiddo's bedtime). I'm not sure if I'm sleeping or studying, but I guess you get the idea!

Love: the prospect of one day being done with studying.. right now, that's just a prospect!
Hope: I finish my "plan" this week before the seminar next week!
Do: Get on with my day!

Challenge - Day 7

A picture of the person you do the most screwed up things with

I decided for today's post, I should post not one, but two friends that are my favorite "bad" influences! Both are in Texas, and friends I worked with at the State. Two of my favorite people - and two people I definitely miss! Who else would throw me a 30th Pantless Weenie Roast party, or encourage me to explore my "naughty" side? Everyone needs a few friends like these.

Love: My friends. In particular, today I'm missing my friends in Texas!
Hope: I get to visit Austin again soon.
Do: Get to spend the day playing with Kiddo!

Challenge - Day 6

A picture that makes you laugh!

I was browsing the 'net, and found this picture, and thought it needed to be incorporated somehow. Of course, I had a backup plan:

Kiddo does lots of things to make me laugh!

Love: Chocolate Mousse
Hope: I enjoy some time outside today
Do: drink more water today!

Challenge - Day 5

A picture of something you LOVE.

Some of the pictures for the 30-day challenge are difficult to come up with, as you'll see as the month goes on. I must say that a "picture of something you love" - at least for me - was among the easiest!!

If you've been a long-time blog follower, you've seen many of the things I love, since I post them every day. For today, I opted to go with my favorite dessert. I love creme brulee. Love it! The crunch of the slightly burnt sugar, and the creaminess of the vanilla custard... I've had several varieties. You can add bruleed bananas on top, or any type of berries. You can add espresso or chocolate or even pumpkin to the creamy base. But yes, I love creme brulee. And I have the most wonderful DH in the world, who makes it for me - from scratch - on occassion!

I thought, however, that since there is so much I love, it would be fun to go back and pull out a few of my "Love:" blog endings from the last several months. Here's a sample (in no particular order)!

Love:
Drake Crew, Mom, Challenges, DH, Food, the circus, Running events, playing with kiddo and his friends, Weekends, numbers, being an aunt, family and friends, naptime, holidays, snow, shopping, mornings, and people watching, four-leggers (one of the phrases I commonly use for my pups, Kobe and Katie!), traveling, reading, pumpkin-seed eating, Kiddo, Visitors, Cooking, silly , messy faces

For every blog I write, the "love" tag at the bottom is almost always the easiest part!

So I guess for today, I only need a "hope" and a "do" before I sign off!
Hope: Today is nearly as beautiful as yesterday!
Do: Work on studying and get some errands in this weekend!

Challenge - Day 4

Day 4: A picture of something you'd like to do again

This is my eight. I'm the one facing the "wrong" direction, steering the boat, and cheering on my team. Yep - that's the Drake Crew!

I haven't been rowing (or coxed) in many, many years now. However - spending 2 hours on the river (or in the gym) with a bunch of tough women rocked my world for the 2 years I was a coxswain on the crew team! We went some awesome places... ran the Rocky Steps at the Head of the Schuylkil in Pennsylvania, or visisting Nacitoches, Louisianna for winter training - the Crew team was awesome! I still have fond memories of spending time in vans with the wonderful women. Whether we were rockin' out to a song before warming up, chatting about life in general, or trying to hit the books - this was an amazing experience, and one I'll never forget for the rest of my life! And yes, one I'd like to do again some day!

I've got lots of great pictures, but even more fantastic memories. Going for a "swim" in the Des Moines river (in November) is just one that comes to mind!

Love: Drake Women's Crew - they (we) rock!
Hope: I get to cox another boat sometime... and use the lessons I learned, although they are fairly rusty by now!
Do: Find some time to do some type of warm-weather boating adventure this summer!

Challenge - Day 3

Post a picture of your favorite TV Show.

Although I don't watch a TON of TV, there are a handful of shows that I enjoy! Parenthood, right now, tops the list! Although it often takes me a week to catch up on a new episode (things like studying and cooking dinner and exercising really get in the way!), I do enjoy this show. I love that it follows multiple families, and touches on issues that impact families!

A few of my other favorites? Modern Family (for the same reasons), Biggest Loser (although I could really do without the people politics/drama, I do like to see the challenges and weigh-ins each week), and The Bachelor (I guess I'm not too shamed to add that to the blog list- but I probably should be!)

There are also a few shows that I record (yes, more me than DH) for Kiddo to watch on occassion - and my favorite, currently, is the Pajanimals (only 9 mins per "song" or "bedtime" goodnight routine or what have you). Yo Gabba Gabba, Blues Clues, and Dora also make that list on most occassions.

Then, although DH and I don't agree on all tv shows (the war themed ones and "oddities" are ones that come to mind that I dislike that he watches!), there are a handful that he records and that I often watch with him - Pawn Stars, the Atlanta Auction house- can't remember the name of the show, Deadliest Catch, American Pickers, and several kitchen shows (Top Chef, Iron Chef, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen).

I don't watch these all that much - probably less than an hour a day in total - but there is a lot on television.

It's amazing how much entertainment people can get out of a little square/rectangl-ish box that sits in the middle of the room or close to a wall in the house (usually a big room).

Love: days when I have time to watch at least a little TV!
Hope: I can see the next Parenthood open soon!
Do: Need to get kiddo up from snacktime..

Challenge - Day 2

A picture of you and the person you have been closest to the longest:

In case you can't guess it- that's a picture of me and my momma! Taken a few years ago, most likely on a girl scout adventure of one kind or another!

My mom and I have always had a great relationship, and we are alike in many ways! There's so much I could say about my mom! She's a strong woman that I admire.

Unfortunately, time today is a bit short - so I need to study! I know she'll understand! Love you momma!

Love: My mom!
Hope: I get in SOME study time tonight!
Do: Pull the books and papers out...

30 days... Can I do it?

I saw a 30-day picture challenge, and I thought, "can I do it?"

So, over the last few days, I've been "preparing" so perhaps I can actually do 30 blogs in 30 days.

At one time, I thought about starting in March - after all, it would be MUCH easier if I could correspond the day to the blog number - but I've decided that it can't wait!

So... Here you have it. The beginning of the 30 day challenge.

Day 1: A picture of yourself with 10 facts.

I opted to start with 2 pictures! Does that make me ahead of the game? Probably not. After all - the 3065 picture is fairly old (Feb 2007).

3065 was my "number" the very first time I ran a marathon. One of the most memorable experiences of my life - right up there with giving birth!

The official challenge says I must also provide 10 facts. My blog readers could probably all easily and quickly ramble off facts just from my daily ramblings (such as, I like Starbucks, I like Socks, I like to shop, I have a Kiddo, I've ran a marathon, I talk about myself in 3rd person sometimes, I have a DH, I study too much, I have two dogs, and I try to be positive most of the time). After thinking about it for a couple of minutes (I do have to study tonight at some point!) I've decided I can either offer 10 "other" facts... or perhaps it would be easier just to elaborate on the above 10 in some quirky way. So, yep, elaboration is the route I'm going with today's post.

I like Starbucks. Although I rarely order the same thing twice most places, I have a specific Starbucks drink. Tall Chai Latte with soy - 5 weight watchers points, and worth every single point. In fact, I've decided lately that if I get one on my way to work on Wednesday morning, before my weigh-in, that it might (only might!) make the weigh-in just a teensy bit more tolerable. Of course, my 2nd favorite Starbucks Opportunity is in an airport!

I like Socks. A friend once made me hand-made socks, and I love them! I divide my sock drawer into categories- warm/fuzzy socks (one of my favorites), "work" appropriate socks for the days I need to be "boring", toe socks (which may be the biggest section), running socks, and everything else. It doesn't always stay divided, but it at least starts that way. I also always put my socks together - and loose socks that I've lost the mate for go to the "sock graveyard" (which is a term that Kate with the 8 kids or whatever also uses - I found out it was not an original term while searching on the internet, and I was bummed!)

I like to shop. Lately, I've done most of my shopping online. This week alone, I've probably made 4 online purchases. I try to "curb" my spending habits most of the time - but I do love to get a good deal! I also pay all my bills online (which isn't exactly shopping, but it does eat into the cash available to shop!) When I go to a mall, my favorite thing to do is to "walk" the entire mall. Start on the first floor, go to one end, go upstairs, walk to the other end, go downstairs, then return to the start. Even if I don't walk in every store- I like to at least walk past every store. It gets a little bit of exercise in, too! When I was pregnant, I was too tired to finish a complete lap on several visits, which was discouraging!

I have a Kiddo. When I started dating my husband, I told him every day, "I want one." Since October 2009, I've been a proud mama. Just having kiddo around is helping teach me to be a more patient person. It's also teaching me about love. Are there more in my future? I get asked that question often - and I guess you'll just have to "stay tuned" to the blog to find out!

I've ran a marathon. Scratch that, I've completed two marathons! I didn't "exactly" run the whole thing (either time), and shockingly - even after a 2nd year of training - the times over 26 miles were within 1 minute of each other (and it took me over 6 1/2 hours each time.) The experience definitely "made" me a runner. I still can't run non-stop - and pushing a stroller is still hard! I also like to have upcoming "events" to keep me honest, and planning/preparing. But running is probably still my current favorite form of exercise (outside only- no treadmills, thank you!) Even though my first marathon number (3065) will be engraved in my head forever, I have no idea what my number was when I ran the second marathon. And a few friends and I were talking about how few people run 2 marathons- people run 1 marathon, or regularly run marathons - but those who have run 2 marathons are probably not common. Hmm - I guess only 1% or so of the population have ever even run 1!


I talk about myself in 3rd person sometimes. Yes, Rebecca. Although these are not necessarily always conversations with myself, I do find myself babbling in third person on occasion. And sometimes, I don't even notice I'm doing it!

I have a DH. Happily married, and a lucky girl. Even if we don't watch or like the same television shows.

I study too much - at least, that is what I think. The last several "failed" attempts seem to suggest otherwise. The fact that I'm writing a long blog when I should be studying also is beginning to suggest otherwise!

I have two dogs. My puppies (age 11 and 6) are awesome. Kobe is my agility champion, and Katie is a squirrel chaser. I always thought Kobe would be better with a kiddo - and it is Katie who adores Kiddo.

I try to be positive most of the time. I feel like by keeping postiive, that it will hopefully bring out smiles and/or positivity in others. I admire others who have this positive quality - and can think of two or three people who remind me of "Polyanna" on a regular basis.

For day 1... that's all folks!

Love: Challenges!
Hope: I finish (and find the appropriate picture) for each of the 30 days... even if it takes me longer than 30 days to complete!
Do: STUDY.

Red!

Valentine's day isn't a holiday that all people enjoy. However - it is a holiday that is (for some reason) important to me. Chocolate... flower.. candies... what's not to love?

For those "single" folks, I understand that it may be a dismal reminder, kind of like a slap in the face.

Even for us "married" folks, it's not always all happy and sunshine. My DH has spent the day in bed, not feeling well.

However - I found myself enjoying my little-one just a bit more than usual this evening, messy-face with ravioli and all.

Even my dogs seemed to give me an extra bit of love today, and it's made me smile.

So... Happy Valentine's Day, I say, to one and all! May you feel the extra love in the air today!

Love: My DH - even when he's sick! And hallmark holidays..
Hope: Everyone enjoys V day, and feels just a little more love than usual today!
Do: Soak it in!

Circus Time!

Today, the whole family went to their first ever "event" - the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH! The Barnum and Bailey Circus!

What I wasn't expecting? Protesters (about cruelty in training the elephants).

What I was expecting? Cotton Candy, Tight Rope Walking, Contortionists, a Ring-Master, and Clowns! I was not disappointed! From the standard "11 super-hero clowns in a car" to the "attempt" at a quadruple on the flying trapeeze!

For Kiddo's first show, we had a great time! He's still a little young - and I can't say that he was fuss-free - however, the Cotton Candy and snow cones were both huge hits! He stayed relatively still on our laps, and seemed less interested in the acrobats and more interested in the animals and clowns! We were sitting a bit closer to the clowns, so that may have been to our advantage.

Busy-Busy day - and a run tomorrow! Weekends can be awfully fun!

Love: Going to the Circus! It's been YEARS since I've been, and I've been wanting to go for a long time!
Hope: Kiddo enjoyed himself - and sleeps good tonight!
Do: Find another event we can enjoy as a family!

Pathetic me....

So - although somehow I hate to actually "admit" it - I joined Weight Watchers at work. It's been two weeks now (3 "official" weigh-ins).

Just sitting here thinking about it is making me cry. Why? I guess because it's something that - in some way - makes me feel like a failure. I guess gaining 6 pounds a year isn't really a better option at this point, however. Less than 5 years ago, I was a lifetime member (and fairly tiny). And at that time... my strategy in losing most of my weight was "divorce". I would like to not have to go through that strategy again.

As I attempt to mentally prepare for each week's "weigh-in", I get that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don't want to face the scale. I don't want to admit that I'm bigger than I want to be. It makes me physically ill just thinking about it - like the feeling you get before you take a big test, or before you suck it up to apologize for some major screw up. It downright sucks.

In the end? Sure, I'm probably better off for it. But trust me.... that doesn't mean I enjoy it. It means I'm hungry - ALL - THE - TIME. It means I feel "guilty" for eating that cheesy nacho dip for the Super Bowl party. Scratch that. I feel guilty for eating ANYTHING.

My coworkers (who seem to be losing weight at twice or three times the speed) tell me things that I'm supposed to take comfort in, and perhaps identify with. One coworker suggested, "you have to get your head straight"

Another coworker pointed out that her "clothes are fitting better" which made me notice that yes, perhaps my close aren't quite as tight as they were a few weeks ago.

IT STILL SUCKS. And this week, I didn't even lose (although I did maintain).

I like to think of myself as a "positive" person, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around why this particular "thing" is something I haven't yet managed to "get" positive about. Even losing weight the first week had me in a "foul" mood. Every time I think about it - I want to cry (and often do). It's pathetic.

Let me repeat: THIS SUCKS! I wish I could force myself to give up, but that means the "alternative" - which is staying at an unhealthy weight (and beating myself up over that, instead). Is that really better? Hmm... I guess that also sucks. I guess it's just a matter of which sucks less.

It's probably a good thing that I've already paid for 12 weeks - that may be one of the few things that motivates me to keep making an effort!

DISCLAIMER: I realize this is more negative than my typical post, and I'm not necessarily looking for sympathy. I'll figure it out. Eventually.

Love: FOOD!
Hope: I make some progress, so it's worth it in the end...
Do: Get over it, and move on!

Camera

The "old" camera lens is dead. And luckily, it's still under warranty!

However.. Since DH knows how I can't live without my camera... he got a new lens for us!

This is just one of the recent pictures we've taken. I'm still crossing my fingers that we get the "old" lens returned to us before our upcoming Chicago adventure - we shall see!

This weekend it was wet and cold, and we attempted to take Kiddo to the KKC (Krispy Kreme Challenge) - - however, he got wet and cold and was pretty miserable, so I wound up stopping about 1/4 of a mile in to take kiddo back to the car. Poor buddy. I did still manage to run 4 miles - on Sunday. I really like a nearby lake that has a very simple, 2 mile route and only a few hills.

One day soon, I'm going to do a "picture" challenge that one of my cousins has started. That should be something interesting for you to look forward to - but not this month!

Love: Running events - we have another one scheduled for Sunday! Hopefully the rain and cold stays away!
Do: Get in some more hours studying. Although I managed to help clean 2 rooms of the house and put away laundry over the weekend, studying (as usual) suffered. A couple of trips to the park and the Super Bowl party made the cut, though!
Hope: Those in "frozen" weather areas get a warm-up! It makes me cold just thinking about all the snow around the country!

Draft

If you are a boy, and think by "Draft" I am talking about sports... Think again!

Nope, I'm talking about all the "Drafting" I do. I draft emails, and then save them.. so my "draft" box has lots of information in it!

Today, I found myself drafting the question I was asking a vendor, the response I was sending to my coworkers, and a blog.

I put recipes in a "Draft" so that they are saved and easily accessible.

I have an email to myself called "ONGOING NOTES" that I keep in my email inbox - yep, you guessed it, as a draft.

I guess it is my way of reading... and re-reading... and re-reading (with the re-reading happening as many times as necessary for me to gather the courage to either hit the send or the delete, depending on which is appropriate).

Although I guess for some "Draft" emails (those to myself, for example), they may stick around for a while.

When I was pregnant, I had a "draft" email where I obsessively kept track of other pregnant women's due dates, the date their kids were born, and the names. I'm not quite sure what happened to that one, but now (almost two years later) It's not around anymore.

Wow - almost two years exactly. I found out I was pregnant on Valentine's Day of 2009.

Anyhow.. My current "Draft" emails include a listing of places that have a "kid's eat free" one night of the week, and the corresponding night. I have a "daycare" draft email with names and email addresses of kiddo's parent's friends. I have a "draft" email of possible blog topics, and another draft of Christmas Gifts. There is a draft of my running "event" official times that I can refer to, and a draft of Oscar nominated movies that I want to see. My "regular" email in-box is up to 31 at the moment (although I typically try to stay under 20!). I think I'm fairly close to 20 for my work email!

Love: I guess I like to Draft!
Hope: Those "draft" emails don't get lost somewhere along the way- I rely on them way too much!
Do: Check into the camera this weekend. Posts without pictures get a little boring. I had to take a "mental" snapshot this evening when my boys were "posed" at bedtime with the dog!