I woke up this morning to two messages. Kyle had called and told Jen to tell me to be extra careful this morning and to call him back and Wray had called to tell me she was ordering awards and had a question for me. Soo...I called Wray back first....
She is currently the VP for the local Anderson Road Runners Club and so among her many duties, one of them is getting the awards ordered. In the road race series, where I did my 5K races, I placed 2nd in the club. Not too shabby. For that I get a sweatshirt...I love sweatshirts so I am rather pleased. I am also pretty happy with the placing. There were no age divisions in the walkers for the race series so I doubt highly that I could have placed 1st...unless I would have done all the races... So, overall, for the year, 2nd place. I don't think that's too bad at all....from the couch in 2007 to 2nd place in 2008...seriously, not a bad year at all!
Then I called Kyle back. It was about 9am and he sounded frazzled. The first thing out of his mouth was "be very careful out there today, don't even go out any more than you have to". I asked if it was slick and his reply was, "yes, some teenage girl totalled my truck this morning on 38th street". I was dazed. Evidently, he had just dropped Dave off at his lecture and was heading to work when this girl was driving too fast on the road, hit her breaks and spun out of control. Kyle was going west and she was going east...her car spun around and her back end SMASHED into the front passenger side of his truck. Both vehicles wasted! Thankfully, no one was hurt...seriously..the pictures are horrible! Our lovely city had done nothing to the roads overnight and the police taking the report were highly irritated...amazingly enough, when I left at 10 to get Dave from class, the roads were clear...salted and plowed....When I picked up David, he commented, "ironic, since Kyle was just explaining black ice to me right before he dropped me off".
Wonder what the rest of the day will bring....it's not even noon yet.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Day one...again...ick...
So, I got up this morning...feeling like _____ (you pick the word...not good). My tummy (word commonly used to describe stomach, especially when you have a toddler in the house) is queezy and achy and my body hurts and I feel like a 7 ton bus has ran over me, backed up and ran over me again. Just plain blech.
I have sorta watched what I have eaten today...not eaten much...seriously, I want to go back to bed but the baby doesn't agree with that idea. I honestly don't feel like getting dressed, let alone, going for a walk. Honestly trying to figure out if I am going to AWANA tonight to work in the nursery - may send Kyle instead.
It's almost 3pm. I am still in my jammies and robe. There are tons of things I needed to do today...nothing has been completed...nothing.
On the good side of things...my niece's embassy date was moved up and she and her hubby will be traveling sooner to pick up the newest additions to our family. I am honestly so very happy for them. What an awesome blessing these two kiddos will be!!! And my Jenna is insanely excited!
Ok...feeling like randomness is taking over...need to break up a kid fight.
I have sorta watched what I have eaten today...not eaten much...seriously, I want to go back to bed but the baby doesn't agree with that idea. I honestly don't feel like getting dressed, let alone, going for a walk. Honestly trying to figure out if I am going to AWANA tonight to work in the nursery - may send Kyle instead.
It's almost 3pm. I am still in my jammies and robe. There are tons of things I needed to do today...nothing has been completed...nothing.
On the good side of things...my niece's embassy date was moved up and she and her hubby will be traveling sooner to pick up the newest additions to our family. I am honestly so very happy for them. What an awesome blessing these two kiddos will be!!! And my Jenna is insanely excited!
Ok...feeling like randomness is taking over...need to break up a kid fight.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy Birthday....
To me...to Kim (New Years Eve...I'm so late on that one!)....
Christmas break has just a few hours left...then back to lesson plans, telling kids to focus, teaching and the hectic schedule...joy! It also means the last of the holiday goodies and festive eats. We haven't been heathens but we haven't been good either.
Went to Trader Joe's yesterday for the very first time. I must say, I am sad there is not one closer. I didn't get much but what I did get was a great deal and will definitely be returning to said store. I couldn't get over how busy it was and would hope that maybe a Monday morning or Tuesday morning shopping trip might be less nuts and give me more of a chance to cruise through the store as I am certain that I missed some of the goodies. I know for certain that I chose to ignore some of them, like the dark chocolate covered blue berries, however, will keep them in mind for a more healthy treat or splurge. David will be oh so thrilled to see the whole wheat cous cous in the cupboard again (not really).
As I type this, my hubby is fixing me a feat for my birthday. His chicken enchiladas, shrimp and veggie skewers and my diet chocolate cake. Yummo! I have been blasted on Facebook with tons of well wishes and my dad brought by a beautiful card. Phone calls have also been plenty (although, 2 brothers have forgotten!).
Tomorrow I will be counting the calories, drinking more water and checking the pantry for needs. I know that we are out of some spices and need to restock on the fresh veggies again. I am gonna put those DVD's (workout) to good use...at least until we move. Then I will be walking in the neighborhood across the road from the farmhouse....that will be awesome!
This week I have to get my license renewed, get my new niece & nephew's box into the mail (before they get home from Ethiopia...Lord knows it should have been mailed ages ago!). Oh, and David will be getting his learners permit....YIKES.
Ok...my dinner is just about done...have a good Monday!
Christmas break has just a few hours left...then back to lesson plans, telling kids to focus, teaching and the hectic schedule...joy! It also means the last of the holiday goodies and festive eats. We haven't been heathens but we haven't been good either.
Went to Trader Joe's yesterday for the very first time. I must say, I am sad there is not one closer. I didn't get much but what I did get was a great deal and will definitely be returning to said store. I couldn't get over how busy it was and would hope that maybe a Monday morning or Tuesday morning shopping trip might be less nuts and give me more of a chance to cruise through the store as I am certain that I missed some of the goodies. I know for certain that I chose to ignore some of them, like the dark chocolate covered blue berries, however, will keep them in mind for a more healthy treat or splurge. David will be oh so thrilled to see the whole wheat cous cous in the cupboard again (not really).
As I type this, my hubby is fixing me a feat for my birthday. His chicken enchiladas, shrimp and veggie skewers and my diet chocolate cake. Yummo! I have been blasted on Facebook with tons of well wishes and my dad brought by a beautiful card. Phone calls have also been plenty (although, 2 brothers have forgotten!).
Tomorrow I will be counting the calories, drinking more water and checking the pantry for needs. I know that we are out of some spices and need to restock on the fresh veggies again. I am gonna put those DVD's (workout) to good use...at least until we move. Then I will be walking in the neighborhood across the road from the farmhouse....that will be awesome!
This week I have to get my license renewed, get my new niece & nephew's box into the mail (before they get home from Ethiopia...Lord knows it should have been mailed ages ago!). Oh, and David will be getting his learners permit....YIKES.
Ok...my dinner is just about done...have a good Monday!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Two Acres and a Farmhouse in a Pear Tree...
So the farmhouse. We are pretty convinced it is 1/2 again as big as the house we are in now but when I did the math last night, based on room dimensions, it seems to be about the same in square footage....honestly makes no sense. The kitchen will be larger....there is a laundry room....the living room will be larger....the classroom...I think some of the living space that is poorly used here will transfer into better living space there...then there are bigger bathrooms (plus an extra one), a long hall way, a huge garage (that I prefer to call a barn...mostly because it is huge for a garage).
Kyle has been working most of the week there...it's amazing to see how his demeanor is when he is really working with his hands and not just doing inspections. It's almost as if he seems more centered and balanced...even though he is physically working harder, he has more energy. If all goes well, by the end of day tomorrow, the following will be completed:
~ barn supported and secured
~ wall between kitchen and dining room down (not quite all of the wall but most of it)
~ wall between north room and center room down to make one big living room (minus chimney)
~ dining room fireplace out
~ David's walls down to studs
~ all panelling out of house
~ door way cut from mudroom to class room
He plans on getting a material list going so that come Monday he will have materials there for electrical/plumbing and then getting windows ordered.
It's been a crazy week to see all that has been done. Very exciting. And on top of it all, one month's rent will be accounted for by Saturday evening...very very cool!
Kyle has been working most of the week there...it's amazing to see how his demeanor is when he is really working with his hands and not just doing inspections. It's almost as if he seems more centered and balanced...even though he is physically working harder, he has more energy. If all goes well, by the end of day tomorrow, the following will be completed:
~ barn supported and secured
~ wall between kitchen and dining room down (not quite all of the wall but most of it)
~ wall between north room and center room down to make one big living room (minus chimney)
~ dining room fireplace out
~ David's walls down to studs
~ all panelling out of house
~ door way cut from mudroom to class room
He plans on getting a material list going so that come Monday he will have materials there for electrical/plumbing and then getting windows ordered.
It's been a crazy week to see all that has been done. Very exciting. And on top of it all, one month's rent will be accounted for by Saturday evening...very very cool!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Another year has begun...
In 3 days, I will be 37. For some reason, this seems too hard to wrap my brain around. It's funny how some ages, ages most people don't think about, affect me. Like, for instance, 30...30 was not a big deal. However, 31, was more of a deal -- that meant I wasn't 30, I was 30-something...officially in my 30's. And the same is for 37, it just feels older. Ugh...silly, I know.
We had a group of people over last night...my nephew, his wife and his friend from grade school and his wife....2 boys I babysat for, with their wives and kids. Sort of surreal. I would have never imagined it. We all get along well and we all have little ones (Emma's age, or thereabouts) so the kids also get along well. As a headcount, we had 6 adults, 2 teenage boys, 2 pre-teen girls and 6 little ones under the age of 6. There was no blood-shed. All of the little ones played nicely...the men and the big kids played Guitar Hero and us wifeys played Tri-Bond. All in all, a nice night.
Today is just a lazy day. I know I have had a lot of those but it's a start of a long weekend, Kyle has been on vacation and has been working on the farmhouse, the house has leftovers from the festivities that will be finished off and then banned from the cupboard. It is, once again, our last "fling" before the "war". Back to the better cooking and better eating. The more exercise...the race prepping...our lifestyle back on track.
It has been a good week. Kyle has gotten a nice start on the farmhouse, my niece, Amanda, has officially become a mother by the courts in Ethiopia (double yeah!!), I got my website shut down and this blog started and another year has started with the hopes of new dreams, new lives and fresh starts.
We had a group of people over last night...my nephew, his wife and his friend from grade school and his wife....2 boys I babysat for, with their wives and kids. Sort of surreal. I would have never imagined it. We all get along well and we all have little ones (Emma's age, or thereabouts) so the kids also get along well. As a headcount, we had 6 adults, 2 teenage boys, 2 pre-teen girls and 6 little ones under the age of 6. There was no blood-shed. All of the little ones played nicely...the men and the big kids played Guitar Hero and us wifeys played Tri-Bond. All in all, a nice night.
Today is just a lazy day. I know I have had a lot of those but it's a start of a long weekend, Kyle has been on vacation and has been working on the farmhouse, the house has leftovers from the festivities that will be finished off and then banned from the cupboard. It is, once again, our last "fling" before the "war". Back to the better cooking and better eating. The more exercise...the race prepping...our lifestyle back on track.
It has been a good week. Kyle has gotten a nice start on the farmhouse, my niece, Amanda, has officially become a mother by the courts in Ethiopia (double yeah!!), I got my website shut down and this blog started and another year has started with the hopes of new dreams, new lives and fresh starts.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas Day 2008
OK, so I thought I would try a different venue blogging my diets, exercise, races and other stuff since the website and my typing took decades to work. So far, so good... seems to be typing WAY faster.
Christmas Thoughts: last evening was our annual Christmas Dinner with my family. One brother chose not to come, said it was because he worked that day -- one sister-in-law had to work, a niece was in AK and my Dave was with his dad -- the house seemed odd -- only 29 people as opposed to the normal 38 - 40 (yes, a few other regulars were also missing). It is our last Christmas in this house (more on that later). Today was a lazy day and Jenna left this morning for her dad's. Kyle is on vacation and we have the next 72 hours (almost) without the big kids. We went to a friend's house for a Christmas party tonight and had a good time...until Emma got bit by one of the dogs. She was just loving on him and he had had enough -- turned, snapped and got her nose and upper lip. She is sleeping peacefully now but it added drama to Christmas day that I could have done without. My friend is beside herself about it -- it's totally out of that dog's character to behave like that -- just a freak of nature thing -- I don't blame her or the dog (really) but the situation just is what it is -- Emma is fine, we will just watch and do all we can to prevent the wound from scaring. Just stinks as an end to the day. And adds to how off center this Christmas feels. I am contributing a lot of my off balance to Dave being gone.
More motivation for the year coming ahead: my brother Max has an ulcer on his foot from his diabetes. He has been low end diabetic and was on glucophage (although, not taking it regularly) and then this wound ended up on his foot. After blood work, his glucose levels are in the 200's and his A1C is 9 (yes 9). I have enjoyed the holidays and have endulged a bit much...then I slack off...thank goodness, only resulting in about 3 lbs up.
New Year's resolution: To continue on my new life resolution to get and stay healthy. We are already trying to get as much organic in the house as possible and cut out even more preservatives -- those things are crazy. (Even more why I am excited about the farmhouse and having a garden).Ok, now on the farmhouse: Kyle meets with a gentleman in the morning to finalize and lock in a "deal" for a farmhouse on 2 acres. It is approx. 2500 + square feet, 4 bedrooms, will be 2 bathrooms, 3 car garage....lotsa room for the kids and for a garden (yeah!!). It has been empty for a while (like 3 -4 years) and needs some repairs. The bones are great, though. Kyle will be repairing and updating the house as payment for rent. An answer to prayer, really. I wanted a house that I could raise my kids in that gave them a place to learn, a big yard to play in and safety -- this provides all of that. I have been in the house we live in since May 2000. My starter home -- now can be someone elses. We will be puting it up for rent or God willing, selling it.
All in all: I feel very blessed. My kids are happy and healthy. We are about to move into a home that some might find a nightmare, I find a dream. We are refocusing on goals and getting healthy. I have a husband with the skills to provide a home for us in a not-so-conventional fashion. And it appears I have found a place to blog this craziness I call life in a much more timely fashion.
Christmas Thoughts: last evening was our annual Christmas Dinner with my family. One brother chose not to come, said it was because he worked that day -- one sister-in-law had to work, a niece was in AK and my Dave was with his dad -- the house seemed odd -- only 29 people as opposed to the normal 38 - 40 (yes, a few other regulars were also missing). It is our last Christmas in this house (more on that later). Today was a lazy day and Jenna left this morning for her dad's. Kyle is on vacation and we have the next 72 hours (almost) without the big kids. We went to a friend's house for a Christmas party tonight and had a good time...until Emma got bit by one of the dogs. She was just loving on him and he had had enough -- turned, snapped and got her nose and upper lip. She is sleeping peacefully now but it added drama to Christmas day that I could have done without. My friend is beside herself about it -- it's totally out of that dog's character to behave like that -- just a freak of nature thing -- I don't blame her or the dog (really) but the situation just is what it is -- Emma is fine, we will just watch and do all we can to prevent the wound from scaring. Just stinks as an end to the day. And adds to how off center this Christmas feels. I am contributing a lot of my off balance to Dave being gone.
More motivation for the year coming ahead: my brother Max has an ulcer on his foot from his diabetes. He has been low end diabetic and was on glucophage (although, not taking it regularly) and then this wound ended up on his foot. After blood work, his glucose levels are in the 200's and his A1C is 9 (yes 9). I have enjoyed the holidays and have endulged a bit much...then I slack off...thank goodness, only resulting in about 3 lbs up.
New Year's resolution: To continue on my new life resolution to get and stay healthy. We are already trying to get as much organic in the house as possible and cut out even more preservatives -- those things are crazy. (Even more why I am excited about the farmhouse and having a garden).Ok, now on the farmhouse: Kyle meets with a gentleman in the morning to finalize and lock in a "deal" for a farmhouse on 2 acres. It is approx. 2500 + square feet, 4 bedrooms, will be 2 bathrooms, 3 car garage....lotsa room for the kids and for a garden (yeah!!). It has been empty for a while (like 3 -4 years) and needs some repairs. The bones are great, though. Kyle will be repairing and updating the house as payment for rent. An answer to prayer, really. I wanted a house that I could raise my kids in that gave them a place to learn, a big yard to play in and safety -- this provides all of that. I have been in the house we live in since May 2000. My starter home -- now can be someone elses. We will be puting it up for rent or God willing, selling it.
All in all: I feel very blessed. My kids are happy and healthy. We are about to move into a home that some might find a nightmare, I find a dream. We are refocusing on goals and getting healthy. I have a husband with the skills to provide a home for us in a not-so-conventional fashion. And it appears I have found a place to blog this craziness I call life in a much more timely fashion.
Closing the Year - 2008
Dec. 31, 2008
Last year's goals didn't quite finish but plenty of progress was made. Overall, 11 races were completed, 28lbs lost (then 13 gained again), our home has less processed foods and a beginning has been paved for a much healthier future.
I spent a big part of yesterday copying my journal entries from the original website to a word document -- I still have much editing to do as it copied a lot of extras (symbols & junk). I skimmed some of my year as I copied and found much to be proud of. Last year is not something to be down playing by reminding myself that I didn't lose all of my weight. Rather, I am personally still in some sort of amazement that I did one race let alone 11 -- and that hanging next to my computer are 3 medals that were earned. Two were for placing 3rd in my age division in races, one was for completing a race and then I have a trophy to come in the mail for placing 1st in my age division in my race just this month. Just this time last year I struggled to get 2 miles in on the treadmill in an hour -- now I get over 3 miles done in that time frame and still have plenty of room for improvement. I still want to pinch myself. I look at who I am today and who I was just a few years ago....amazing difference. Just imagine what 2009 will bring. Just imagine!
Stay tuned to this blog -- lots of happenings will be written here...not just races but information on our new home and other great lifestyle changes we are planning.
Well, I am off to prepare for tonight's festivities. Not a perfect menu but not a horrible one. Cheers to your New Year....here's to another year of healthy changes!
Last year's goals didn't quite finish but plenty of progress was made. Overall, 11 races were completed, 28lbs lost (then 13 gained again), our home has less processed foods and a beginning has been paved for a much healthier future.
I spent a big part of yesterday copying my journal entries from the original website to a word document -- I still have much editing to do as it copied a lot of extras (symbols & junk). I skimmed some of my year as I copied and found much to be proud of. Last year is not something to be down playing by reminding myself that I didn't lose all of my weight. Rather, I am personally still in some sort of amazement that I did one race let alone 11 -- and that hanging next to my computer are 3 medals that were earned. Two were for placing 3rd in my age division in races, one was for completing a race and then I have a trophy to come in the mail for placing 1st in my age division in my race just this month. Just this time last year I struggled to get 2 miles in on the treadmill in an hour -- now I get over 3 miles done in that time frame and still have plenty of room for improvement. I still want to pinch myself. I look at who I am today and who I was just a few years ago....amazing difference. Just imagine what 2009 will bring. Just imagine!
Stay tuned to this blog -- lots of happenings will be written here...not just races but information on our new home and other great lifestyle changes we are planning.
Well, I am off to prepare for tonight's festivities. Not a perfect menu but not a horrible one. Cheers to your New Year....here's to another year of healthy changes!
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