hard
slow
sweaty
long
something I’m doing 3-4 times a week
Longest run to date: 6 miles, which I’ve done twice. Actually my first 6-mile run might have been longer because I don’t totally trust the map-my-run app on my iphone — the GPS seems to stop every once in a while.
Hey you — weatherman — the one with the predictions for anywhere from 2-4 to 8-10 inches of snow starting at midnight tonight. Thanks for the wide range. I guess it’s fair, you’re just trying to cover your bases, but right now I’ve got one child rooting for the 2-4 inches and the other rooting for 5,000 inches, so I guess you’re covered.
Just know, you’re the one who may doom my family to play “let’s watch Mommy’s head explode as she tries to work while we need her attention” tomorrow.
I do realize that it’s not your fault, but I have to have someone to blame and face it, you signed up for the job when you studied climatology at school.
I need a week without snowdays, okay? Thanks. And also a pony. kthnxbye
Translation: couch to 5k, week 1, workout #1
I’ve decided to start the c25k program as a kick off to get ready for the 1/2 marathon because, really, why not? It’s a simple plan to follow consisting of only 3 runs a week and I can currently fit them into my hikes with the dog. Of course it means that right now I’m doing my running & walking in hiking boots in the snow, but if I don’t start now, I’ll procrastinate and all of a sudden it will be July.
A few observations:
- 25 degrees is WARM when you’re overdressed.
- Gloves are not needed 5 minutes into a run at this temp — especially when you start by going up hill.
- I pronate. A lot.
- Hiking boots are fine for running in the snow for a minute at a time. They will not, however be good for longer distances.
- I broke one of my yak tracks — I may have to rent snow shoes and see how I like them.
- It’s fun (but wet) running in the snow.
I’m thinking about running.
A half marathon to be exact.
The August 7th Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Providence, RI actually.
In fact, I’ve just registered for it. I registered my husband too.
No, I am not currently a runner — but I want to be.
It’s out there now — I’ve got to do it.
I could write a big long post about why I haven’t been blogging, but instead I choose to just let my blog indulge in a bit of time travel. Not to say that the last however many months haven’t been good (they have) but just that I choose not to try and summarize my life in a quick sound bite. It’s probably why I never have liked the idea of high school reunions — Hi! How are you? What have you been up to for the past 5,10,15 years since I last saw you?! Great! See you at the next reunion. Facebook is almost as bad, but at least you feel like you can just quickly say hi, write a few words and then move on.
Suffice it to say, I’m feeling the need to once again chronicle my life. I have no idea if anyone still checks this blog or if I still rate a space on someone’s RSS feeds, and to tell you the truth, that’s fine. I’m doing this for me because I’m tired of writing only for money. This is my space to write without worrying about pleasing an editor or client and I reserve the right to use incorrect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
I may even swear occasionally.
If you’re wondering why I was so busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas last year you can take a look. Look Ma! I’m published! 
I’m going to Uganda in August.
Let me say that again - I’m going to Uganda in August!
I’ve known about this trip for a while, but other than being excited in an abstract way, I haven’t really thought much about it. Until recently. You see, I’m deep in the planning stages for this thing. I have 2 days of meetings, with a possible trip to a local medical facility (also related to the meetings) but after that I’m going on safari.
Going. On. Safari.
It’s pretty mind boggling. I haven’t done any international traveling for at least 10 years. Heck, I’ve only done a couple of trips without my kids in the past nine years and here I am planning a two week trip. It’s crazy! The neat thing is that my mom is going to come with me. I love traveling with my mom, but I didn’t think Africa was a place she was interested in. She thought I didn’t want her to come. Luckily, we got it all straightened out a couple of days ago and I am now diving into all sort of travel websites and tour operator websites trying to plan our trip.
Oh, and clothing sites. Yes, I have to buy clothes to go to Uganda. I am not excited.
I work from home. My regular uniform consists of jeans & t-shirts almost year round. When it’s hot, I switch to capris or shorts and t-shirts. My regular uniform won’t fly for the business trip part of my excursion OR the safari side. So I’m perusing travel clothing sites and quietly screaming inside. I will not buy “safari” clothes. (No khaki vests for me!) I’m just looking for a couple of nice, light, button down, long sleeve shirts (I need the sun protection) a skirt or two (mid calf length is preferred) and a couple of light weight pairs of pants. It really shouldn’t be that hard, right? Hah!
So I’m ignoring the clothing part of the equation and immersing myself in find a good, reputable tour company that won’t cost me my first born child.
Any suggestions?
“Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.”
Thanks to whomever first penned this - you made me laugh today.
I’m sitting at my local coffee shop, trying to work, but I keep eavesdropping on some new moms’ conversations. I really try to NOT judge the way people decide to raise their kids, but listening to these women is sending shivers up my spine. Here’s a sampling of the topics:
1) They never put their babies down. I mean, other than to stick them in the stroller to come to the coffee shop or the carseat for grocery shopping. The topic of discussion was on whether or not their pediatrician were right that kids need to spend some time on the floor playing. These are not newborns - these are 3 to 6 month old cuties and their moms were having a serious debate about this. One mom’s quote: “I feel this is a time for closeness, not separation.” Well, yes, but 15 minutes of allowing your child to play on the floor will not harm your bonding & may actually benefit your child.
2) The joy of toilet training your child at 3 months old. See title of this entry. Enough said.
3) One woman shared that one of the things she worked with her therapist about when she was pregnant was her dislike of the name of the city her child was to be born in. Apparently this was a major issue for her during her pregnancy. (If this is your major issue - life must be pretty good.)
4) And then all the sleeping issues - many of them prefer to only have their babies sleep in their arms during the day. As I said before - they NEVER put their kids down.
I am a bad person, but I just can’t help but flash forward a couple of years from now & imagining all of the consequences of the decisions these women are making now.
But who am I to judge? Perhaps they’ll be perfect, well adjusted children. Maybe I damaged my kids by not doing these things, but I think not.
Has the Large Hadron Collider destroyed the world?
If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, go here.