Biggest Loser Princess and Tinker Bell 2011 and 2012 -- OLD please see NEW thread

[dumbo_buddy]

So about the race and the darkness, etc. I posted a review on the events board. I think it's a great race. A lot of the stuff that people are complaining about are just part of the race. Yes it's curvy and there are choke points--that's what you get when you run through the parks. I didn't mind waiting around before the race because you didn't have to walk 7 million miles to the queues like at Princess. They were right there. Yes, it's dark--it's night, duh. As for the people who are puking--part of the challenge of running at night is learning to balance speed/nutrition/activity during the day/the heat and humidity, etc. It's mentally challenging--but we really enjoy it. I did feel kind of cruddy at the end, but I didn't get sick and felt much better once I ate something. Overall, I think it's a great race.

figuring out how to be out and about all day when you have a half marathon to run that night sounds very difficult to do. i like that the princess was first thing in the morning. i run first thing in the am whenever i can. if i wait any longer i will usually come up with a billion excuses not to run. plus, it's hot in florida at that time, even at night!

I have been informed that we are done with trick or treating now. It's the end of an era!

WHAT??? no!!! say it ain't so! i totally trick or treated until i graduated high school! lol! ok, maybe that was too old but my friends and i all dressed up and loved it. plus, hello! candy!

I got my butt out for 4 miles this morning. It actually felt pretty good after the first mile where I just wanted to turn around and have my coffee. I feel motivated to eat well today, and quit goofing around with this weight loss thing. No more excuses. Onederland by the first of the year. With you, Lisa. Right!!!!????!!!! We can stinking do this!!!
I was thinking this morning that I wish I had a disney race to motivate me to get out there more. I'm going to try and get motivated to improve my time for the turkey trot, and pr, and perhaps beat that 40 min time that has been mocking me. I need something.

you can do it! i'll be right there with you trying to lose in just a few short weeks!

and, um, marathon weekend 2013? how's THAT for a disney race to look forward to??? do it! do it! do it!

As you can see from one of my pics from my half I have a ways to go:

lisa...you look beautiful. and strong. and happy! so...basically you look like what i want to look like: beautiful, strong, and happy. a goal for sure!

Ok well we are heading out to the halloween store to find costumes. Lisa- Ryan wanted to be a wrestler Ray Mysterio but we went on to order it last night and I had to veto it. It was a costume with a mask and a bare chest with tatoos...one saying MEXICAN across the abdomen and then black baggy pants. I just did not think that was appropriate for school. I dont know what my husband was thinking when he told him he could be that. Men. So he said he didnt have a back up plan so we are going to the store tonight to look for plan B. Nick changes his mind on a daily basis but he has been saying that he wants to be anakin skywalker so we will see.

some of the costumes out there are SO inappropriate! the bronx zoo has a Boo at the Zoo thing every weekend in october. the kids get in for free if they dress up. we were in line and this mother was with her two daughters, maybe ages 9 and 11. and they were dressed like straight up hoochies! like, hooker fairies! they had garter belts and heels on! omg. we all just stared. yeesh.

Two posts in one day...

So Mike is going to go ahead and sign us up for Princess tonight. So that's exciting. Not sure where we'll stay, but hopefully in a dvc.

jealous!!

My race was fun yesterday. They are a US Track and Field group and very serious. They were carrying signs "no headphones or you will be disqualified." I just had my phone and could still hear the intervals.

wow, that's hardcore. i really like running with headphones. i feel like if i hear myself panting i will psyche (that can't be the right spelling) myself out.

****

so...i'm not really caught up on the replies but i did read everything

got a call from a woman interested in the house today. i emailed her some pics - hopefully she likes them and comes to look at the house. i ran into the mansion (where the silver beach offices are) today to drop off my co-op monthly payment and pick up my application for the new house. yes, we have to reapply and get interviewed even though we are already residents! in the past, you needed references from residents to get in. but there was a lawsuit last year saying that silver beach wasn't letting anyone other than white people into the neighborhood so they had to open up the interview process and allow non-resident references. no biggie, just annoying. one gentleman who works in the office told me that he knows someone who might be interested in the house. we'll see. i would like to avoid going to a real estate person.

if anyone checked my facebook you'll see a pic of thomas in his pirate halloween costume. he looks like jerry seinfeld in his puffy shirt! lol!

i ordered thomas's christmas presents today from toys r us. got some great deals and figured it's better to get them now then try to shop with a newborn and a toddler! i found this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10822421&searchURL=true

it apparently was $75 originally but they had it for $50.99. only catch was that i had to pick it up. ok, no problem - party city (costume store) and toys r us are right next to each other. went in this morning to pick up the bike and the manager comes out with an already put together FLOOR model. um..no. he told me that was all they had b/c it had been discontinued. yeah...not my problem. apparently that's why it was on sale. i said no dice i don't want it and he canceled the order. another worker comes by and told me he was the one who fulfilled the order and he's sorry he didn't realize it was supposed to be in the box. well i played the pregnant card and thomas started crying and the combo of me looking miserable and him crying must have worked b/c i nicely explained that there's no way someone was going to buy that bike since it's a floor model and it's discontinued. second guy basically goes behind manager's back and gives it to me for $25.99. "you're going to love me now." "why?" "b/c everything on final clearance is 25% off". yep, i got that bike for $21.14 including tax. woot! it doesn't have the little bag in the front. all it really needs is a wipe down of the wheels and it's good as new

ok, i wrote a book! thomas is still snoozing. must have been all that excitement from seeing the bike. let's just hope he forgets about it until santa can bring it for him

once he's up we're heading to the park for a bit then i'm making shepherd's pie tonight for dinner. (fat free and calorie free of course)

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

Quick post here as the preparations for MIL visit are taking up my morning DIS time.

Kathy, loved the story of your dream but don't you think if we had extra time at Epcot we might have stopped for a drink, too?!?

I think the Tink course is fairly flat. Liesel is going to drive it when she is in CA soon. Sadly we don't get to run the bases at Angel Stadium like they do at the DL half. I'm sure they are worried about the turf in the dead of winter -- although CA winters are very mild in comparison to everyone else!

Sorry for the football thing. Sounds like the kids take it better than the coaches. Ah, the school of hard knocks, it's so dang tough!

Lindsay, how cute is it that you and Mike picked the same card? Was it the sentiment or the cake?

Nancy, love your Seinfeld pirate. When Robert was Thomas' age he was a dalmation. Man, he hated it when the hood was up but was fine with the hood down. Most of the pictures that year were of him crying or getting over crying. Poor guy!

Thomas will have a big event in his life between now and Christmas so I bet the bike will be forgotten.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you can get your house sold without a realtor. That would be great!

Maria, I loved your career story. Can't wait to hear all about Vegas.

Rose, any home repair projects on the list today? Or do you just get to enjoy your day off for a change?

I was happy to be number two on the BL list this week and win the HH prize. If only every week was so good!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

And my quest to catch up begins...

Have a wonderful time, Maria!! If you hit more than a million bucks, I hope you'll take all of us to the Princess with you.

Sad to say, I was not a big winner. I'm sure the odds would have increased if I had actually gambled

Maria, Viva Las Vegas indeed! Safe travels! I bet all your guys will miss you a bunch.

It's good to do this stuff now while Michael is younger and before you start to suck like Maria and I have . . . Keep that in mind, Nancy, when Thomas insists on being attached to you.

I think they had a great time without me. Apparently they had takeout every night Oh, yep, it is fun to be the mom of a walking male hormone.

Congratulations Lisabelle for being the BL this week!

Well this is quite Awesome!

Maria--Have fun in Vegas! We haven't been for about 20 years, but it is definitely a unique place to visit. That's too crazy about all your last minute grants stuff! I hope things calm down a little.

Over all it was a great race and a great trip! I have been taping my foot and ankle and it has made a huge difference! It feels much better--still hurts, but not as bad as last week. Monday night we had dinner at Rose&Crown--yum! They made me vegetarian gf shepherd's pie! Delish. There was a little drama cause they weren't sure if the welsh dragon was gf--it was, I checked later. Then we tried to eat some chocolate at the Belgium booth--found out after waiting in line--not gf. But we had some more sparkling drinks and watched 38 Special--so it was all good. Tuesday we hung out at DHS--and had lots of fun!

I hadn't been in 5-6 years, and I couldn't believe how much more built up it was. The brightness factor is astronomical. Yep, I do think you can see it from space Corinna introduced me to Welsh Dragons. I found them to be yummy. I have some .38 Special on my ipod -- I think right now it's "Back to Paradise". I loved reading all about your trip, thanks for sharing!

just a quick post to share my new ultrasound pic

looks just like thomas. technology these days is crazy, right?

Bronxbaby is incredibly precious! I would be so anxious for the birth! Well, not the birth exactly , but to hold him

Well, I was very happy when the mechanic called to tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, maybe the gas cap was loose. He didn't charge me anything. It's a new mechanic, near the hospital, and he seems pretty honest and this definitely confirmed that to me. I went to the dealer while under warrantee, but wanted someone closer to work, so I'm happy.

I think this mechanic is definitely a keeper! Great news, it is wonderful to have someone you can trust.

My eye is still on the mend. I am still on every hour eye drops through friday. Its getting really annoying. I have another recheck on friday. cha ching. Now that my eye is getting better thats all I hear when the doctor says to come back for a recheck. At 30 buck copays a visit this is getting ridiculous. I am going to need to refill my drops too another 140 bucks. I think when all is said and done I will have spent almost 1,000 including my glasses I had to buy. Insane.

Ok so again I totally aplogize for not being around I am currently in the middle of a pity party for myself about how my life is a mess and I am being pulled in 100 different directions. I have a feeling PMS is lurking because life always seems harder around that time.

I have a huge for you, Lindsay! It seems unfair when we get hit with unexpected costs, and they just seem to keep multiplying. Add that to the stress of everyday life...and no wonder you are feeling a bit down. I had a hard time deciding to bite the bullet and start posting again. Not because I didn't want to be here, but because I am so far behind, catching up is pretty daunting. I'll just keep plugging along and be on the current day eventually.

Right now I have to do some more of that pesky work, hopefully I can do another page soon.

Maria

 

[Worfiedoodles]

maria - hope you made it to vegas ok. how was the flight? lots of bachelor/bachelorette parties being loud? whenever i had to go to vegas on business i always got a little annoyed with the party-goers because 1) i was tired from work and nervous about whatever meeting or conference i was going to and 2) i was jealous that i couldn't party. hehe.

tomorrow is apple picking with my mother. oh boy!

The flight was really full, but uneventful. A little turbulence, but I consider that a pre-ride. I even had a monorail to the main terminal after I landed There were plenty of partiers, and I think that was what was kind of disturbing. Imagine yourself heading to Vegas with Thomas and newborn Bronxbaby, just hanging out in the casinos and hitting the slots. That is what I kept seeing How did apple picking go? I'm glad she called you for an activity -- that's a good thing!

So about the race and the darkness, etc. I posted a review on the events board. I think it's a great race. A lot of the stuff that people are complaining about are just part of the race. Yes it's curvy and there are choke points--that's what you get when you run through the parks. I didn't mind waiting around before the race because you didn't have to walk 7 million miles to the queues like at Princess. They were right there. Yes, it's dark--it's night, duh. As for the people who are puking--part of the challenge of running at night is learning to balance speed/nutrition/activity during the day/the heat and humidity, etc. It's mentally challenging--but we really enjoy it. I did feel kind of cruddy at the end, but I didn't get sick and felt much better once I ate something. Overall, I think it's a great race.

I need to read your review. I'm looking forward to it So glad Tom is coming home for Thanksgiving!

Maria, hope that you arrived safely and are having a wonderful time in Vegas!

I have been informed that we are done with trick or treating now. It's the end of an era!

Oh the humanity! It is so sad when the TorT days are over...if it's any consolation, ds has been going to Halloween parties the last 2 years, so we're still buying costumes The difference is now I don't get to find some special treat in his bag I wouldn't buy myself Vegas was fun, sort of. I never really adjusted to the time change, and I found the combination of conference and adult play zone to be incongruous and a poor match. I am officially an old fuddy duddy!

Well, guess I should get to work now. We are going to my nephews football game at 4, and the michael has practice at 5:30, so a busy afternoon. If I get out of work on time, I will come home first and catch up on the BL thread. I need to get more involved, and be better at the HH.

I hear you about the BL thread and HH. I have great intentions, but finding the time...well, I guess I will catch up on the BL thread this weekend. Tomorrow is taken up in meetings, and I have to present three of my projects to a review committee in Newton Friday morning, so I'm not going to have the DIS time one would hope for

THIS DAY SUUUUUCCCCKKKKSSSS!!!

WAAAAAHHH!!!!!! when i tell you this child has done nothing but cry all day i mean this child has done nothing but cry ALL DAY.

Yep, they all have days like that. At least he's crying rather than snarking at you constantly and doubting your ability to function in society. Oh, maybe that's just my special blessing Every stage has something fun. We need to rotten days to appreciate the good ones. I'm going to try to remember that the next time nothing I do is right.

[Maria I hope you are having fun!

I need to go get the kids from school so I'll chat with you later!

Ok, I had a great time walking around. I went to the conservatory in the Bellagio, and it was all decorated with the colors and scenes of Autumn. The air smelled like cinnamon. That was super relaxing and a great moment!

Maria-How's vegas? Did you win enough to bring us all to the princess. The 7-11 where my nephew works and we buy our scratch tickets sold a million dollar scratch ticket yesterday. Why oh why couldn't it have been me?

Yep, I just don't buy those things, so I can never win. You'd think I'd take a chance once in awhile...

As you can see from one of my pics from my half I have a ways to go:

Lisa, I was also informed that all that is wanted for Christmas is money. I tell myself we would be sad if they didn't grow up.

You look Fabulous! I can totally tell you have lost since the Princess! I've heard the money speech too, but he'd also like an iphone and an ipad. I doubt it. The only problem with giving them gift cards is then you have to take them to the Mall, and they want to pretend you are with someone else. That's always fun

The dr assured me that I should be ok to at least wear the contacts for the race. He does want me to wait awhile to put them back in on a regular basis but I can deal with that. I have my 5K next saturday. I also havent ran in weeks....

I too am ready to get back into it...this is my vow for the 400th time this year. Really one of these times it will click...I know I can do it. Just need to get there. I swear I need hypnotherapy or something to change my brain.

Yep, just strive for more good days than bad. I'm actually trying to put together one good one right now, but tomorrow could be the day

Maria- Im glad you are having a good time at your conference. I turned down going to the one in vegas this year. I am holding out to see where next years is being held.

My conference is in Indianapolis next year. I would probably never go there on vacation

Good morning princesses!! My name is Kathy, and I am now addicted to Disneyland trip reports. I can't stop myself. Maybe it's the soothing green color of the disneyland board, i don't know.

I have had a similar problem, becoming addicted to Universal TRs, and the Food Porn thread. I had to step away from the Food Porn. It was not conducive to weight loss

Hey--how are you all? I have been trying to pay more attention to real life lately and less attention to the computer.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, trying to have more balance. When you figure that out, I'll be excited to hear your findings. I have a hard time keeping up with everything...

Ok, day is almost done, and I did most of my work. I still have a couple of large piles of paper sitting around, and they'll still be there Monday.

Almost caught up with the and !

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

Lisa--how was staying at AKL/Kidani for Princess? I think that's where we are going to stay. We have never stayed there before. Did you find the transportation to be ok? And what did your friends think of OKW?

Maria--should I make a reservation for Boma for Sunday night after the race?

I am trying to think as much as I can about the race today, so that I can somehow stay sane......

 

[mikamah]

Good morning, princesses and lisabelles!!

I never got on here yesterday. I got up and was going to run/walk but then work called me in early, so I went in, and missed my morning dis time. Work was busy, and when I got out I went to the second half of a pension meeting, before I left. We got all our pension info, and my brother is coming out in a few weeks, so I'm going to go over it with him, and then go to another meeting. Nancy, thanks for the offer to review it with me too, and if I have any questions, I'll let you know. I know you have lots on your plate right now, but I think for me, the numbers speak for themselves, so I'll chat with my brother about it and see what he thinks. I can start collecting my pension in 17 years!!!! Wow, it doesn't seem that far away any more. Not that I'll be able to afford to retire at 65, but you never know.

Rose- I think disney planning is the very best therapy for everybody. Boma sounds wonderful, too.

Maria- Welcome home. Nice job catching up here. Glad your trip was ok, and you had some relaxing time too. It's different to go away for a conference alone. I went once alone to Orlando, and had a really great time, but a friend from florida came over and visited so i wasn't totally alone. Though I did go to Epcot by myself and wandered the countries and saw the Tapestry of Nations parade, and loved that. I'm not looking forward to the future when I can't do any thing right. Right now, when we're home alone, i'm still usually ok in his eyes. It's all a right of passage, and we all will survive it, right Rose?

Lisa-Are you all set for Mil yet? I bet you don't have to prepare as much when your mom comes to visit. I think your right, more likely we would have stopped for drinks in Epcot. Congrats on the HH prize. You're so good keeping up on the BL thread. I haven't even read the past couple days. And I could use it, for sure. That's great Liesel will ride the route so you'll know the hill factor. I hope it's pretty flat like wdw. Have a fun visit!!

Lindsay-Just 4 more football games here!! You must be down to 3?! Or maybe not, you didn't have one last weekend. It is getting chilly at the field, isn't it. I'm hoping for a practice cancel today with all the rain we're getting, but it's supposed to stop raining this afternoon, so we'll see. How is Ryan doing in school? And the eye, is it back to normal?

Nancy-How are you hanging in? A mom from football had a 9 pound 7 oz baby boy the other day. He's so cute. Your little bronxbaby will be here before you know it. I'm sure it doesn't feel that way but it will. How's the house situation? I hope you're able to sell quickly without a realtor. Do you have a time limit on the new house as for how long you have to sell your house? I almost bought a townhouse before I got my house, but couldn't sell my condo quick enough, and ended up with my house instead, so it actually worked out for the better. I hope it all works out for you guys.
Great score on the bike!!
i started my christmas shopping too with this. I couldn't resist.
http://www.bradfordexchange.com/pro...opping&utm_campaign=Direct&utm_term=904703001
I can't believe we're talking Christmas already. We trick or treated well into middle school here. I can imagine michael will want the candy well into high school. It's will be sad when he outgrows it. I'm not sure where the Santa thing is this year. Last year, I was sure he still believed on Christmas day, but I'm doubtful he'll still believe this year, but I'm going to deny it to the end.

Oh well off to call the town about my street. They paved it and it's not graded right and all the rain runs down the hill and into my back yard. I called last week, but didn't hear back, so I figured i need to start calling on a more regular basis.

Have a great day!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

Maria, glad that you had a good time at your conference and are back home safe and sound with your guys -- who probably missed you more than they are willing to let on. I agree that Vegas has a bit of a weird vibe -- kind of desperate and it probably is even more so now. It's just not our kind of fun.

I got a chuckle out of this comment.

I've heard the money speech too, but he'd also like an iphone and an ipad. I doubt it. The only problem with giving them gift cards is then you have to take them to the Mall, and they want to pretend you are with someone else. That's always fun

My nephew used to walk at least 15 feet behind his Mom at the mall.

But then I really started laughing at this one!

Yep, they all have days like that. At least he's crying rather than snarking at you constantly and doubting your ability to function in society. Oh, maybe that's just my special blessing Every stage has something fun. We need to rotten days to appreciate the good ones. I'm going to try to remember that the next time nothing I do is right.

It's amazing that we lived long enough to give birth and raise these boys considering how mentally challenged we are at times! Some day we will be smart again.

Good luck with your presentations!

How fun that Rose and Maria get to do the Princess! Boma gets my vote for dinner!

Lisa--how was staying at AKL/Kidani for Princess? I think that's where we are going to stay. We have never stayed there before. Did you find the transportation to be ok? And what did your friends think of OKW?

I stayed at AKV/Jambo for the Princess and I liked it alot. It's one of my home resorts, along with VWL, and the transportation was fine, especially to the Expo and the race if you get out there early when you are supposed to. I know that's not a problem for you guys. Splurge for the points for a savanna view because there is always something to watch with the animals and it is a good distraction.

The only thing that I did not like was that there were not many race friendly food choices at the Mara IMHO, especially being a host hotel. Since you get a grocery delivery that shouldn't be a problem for you. Just pick somewhere else for dinner the night before the race.

I had dinner at Sanaa one night at Kidani and it was delicious. Even better than Jiko, which is not as good as it used to be. I love Boma, too.

I actually never stayed anywhere but VWL or AKV Jambo at WDW -- we need to branch out.

My friends arrive at WDW on Saturday. I hope they like OKW. They've been on a ship since 9/25 so I'm sure just being on dry land is a treat!

Hope your cold gets better fast and that you are feeling better soon!

Kathy, love the Mickey Mouse Red Sox figure. I'm sure that Michael will love it, too.

Phooey on the City for not grading the road right. You might need to talk to the City Engineer or the engineer who was in charge of the project. Keep bugging them because it will be snowing soon and it needs to be fixed before the spring rains.

So are you going to go to the dangerous corn maze where you have to call 911 to get out?

I'm getting to the "as ready as I'm going to be" point for MIL and BIL visit. They aren't even going to be here for 36 hours. I do actually clean more for MIL than I do for my Mom. I can tell my Mom "don't be judgmental, I'm doing the best I can" but could never do that with MIL.

Nancy, got a big chuckle out of your FB post yesterday. At least he can tell you what is going on now!

Lindsay, good luck with your race on Saturday!

Liesel, safe travels!

Have a great day, ladies!

 

[mikamah]

Lisa-that was the corn maze we did with Jim, Beth and Taylor a few weekends ago. I feel so bad for that poor girl who called 911. How mortifying, but we all know how anxiety can get you. It is a big maze, and we didn't even go the whole way because it was a very hot day, so we turned around and took a short cut out. Bet the farm is happy with the extra publicity. I can't believe it made the national news. Must have been a slow day around the country.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

So Mike is going to go ahead and sign us up for Princess tonight. So that's exciting. Not sure where we'll stay, but hopefully in a dvc.

So glad one of my favorite Princesses and her knight in shining armor will be there!

Then we went to my inlaws. They made dinner and we watched football. There were some really bad words used during the eagles game today that I hope my kids do not repeat in school.

Well, if you're going to watch the eagles...that was a rough game. I even felt bad for Michael Vick

My race was fun yesterday. They are a US Track and Field group and very serious. They were carrying signs "no headphones or you will be disqualified." I just had my phone and could still hear the intervals.

Otherwise it was a good race although being the shortest distance we got nothing -- no swag, no bling, and a t-shirt that you had to go to another place to pick up. Now time for Tink training in earnest!

No swag and no bling?! That is just wrong I'm sorry about the elimination issues. And no headphones would not work for me...I am just not that serious about my racing. Heck, I'm not racing, I'm just moving forward more rapidly than I normally do

Dear Diary:
Well, it finally happened . . . today I killed the Princess thread. Too bad 'cause I really loved those ladies.

You can't get rid of us that easily! We just pop up when you least expect us. We're kind of like Whack a Mole....

:Busy day. Work and a double workout. I did strength for an hour and the elliptical for 32 minutes. Still 2 pounds over the high end of my maintain. But hopefully will get back down soon.

I know you will get it back down. You have worked so hard, even in adversity I know you can hold it together. You have to, you're my idol Speaking of idols, David Cassidy (slightly before my time, I had Shaun) recently headlined at the "Seniors and Boomers" conference in Boston. Not that I'm feeling old or anything

i will catch up later but just wanted to check in quickly. i'm 33.5 weeks preggo and really feeling fat and slow. i'm up over 35lbs. it's gross. and i can't stop eating. oh well. i'll be all over the BL thread starting in december-ish.

apple picking with mom on friday. saturday was the zoo and friends over all day and out to dinner with them. sunday was a trip to white post farm on long island for the fall festival. today was shopping, park, playing, attempting to nap and getting 500 phone calls instead, blah blah. still trying to sell the house.

Well of course you are tired. I thought it was bad enough to be that pregnant, let alone keeping up with a 2 yr. old That would do me in...prioritize your rest, DIS when it's relaxing for you. We all get that you are making a tiny human!

I have had a busy day off. Got lots of house work done. Now I wish I had a day just to say home and lounge.

Well tomorrow is my 8 year wedding anniversary. I have a flu clinic at work so I wont even see my husband for more than an hour tomorrow. Thats what happens after 8 years of marriage I guess....it use to be so romantic....maybe one day it will be again????? Next year I would really like to make this a getaway wkend even with the kids to celebrate our anniversary. Maybe head up north Kathy's way. I hear its beautiful this time of year up there, and the other night we were watching a ghost thing on tv and mike said he would love to take a ghost tour.

I totally have those days. I take a day off, and I work instead of relaxing. I am determined that the next time I do that (and I promised myself a day in November since I worked Columbus Day), I am all about the bonbons, good book, and nap.

Congratulations on 8 years! It is very pretty up here. Salem in October is, um, well -- let's just say we won't be heading there, and it's 16 miles away...make your reservations now. I'm not kidding, they sell out a year in advance There is definitely some romance in bonding together to face a common foe (i.e. your tween/teen), you will laugh together, because you cannot laugh in their snarly righteous faces

I'll figure out the runner's tummy, eventually, it is just frustrating as I do. My doctor is a runner so he will be supportive of doing something about it. I kind of recall being tested for gluten at my last colonoscopy but I'll have to ask about it. Thanks for all the suggestions!

I was happy to see myself on the BL list for last week. I need to keep getting on that list so I can get to my goal for the Tink!
Busy week getting ready for MIL and BIL visit.

I do hope your doctor has some good suggestions. That is no way to run Congratulations on making the BL list! Awesome! MIL and BIL at the same time?! You are a saint!

Maria-Are you filthy rich? How was vegas? Hope you had some fun in between conferences.

I wish I was filthy rich. Heck, I'd even settle for slightly mussed rich

Lisa- Congrats on being a top loser!!!!
You are rocking this challenge, and I'm so happy for you. I bet you'll be the biggest loser one week soon!!!

What she said!

and, um, marathon weekend 2013? how's THAT for a disney race to look forward to??? do it! do it! do it!

YES! Do it! I've got Dennis thinking in that mindset, and I'm going to keep him there. We are going to have a blast that weekend! And the Half is Saturday, which means Sunday is just for fun and cheering on the crazy people running the Full (especially if they are our spouses or Princesses!)

Maria, I loved your career story. Can't wait to hear all about Vegas.

I'm kind of boring, but I hope she got the point that she doesn't have to decide everything for the rest of her life at once. I don't really know what else to say about Vegas -- I kind of just walked around in my free time. Plenty to see, not quite as much to do -- but only because I wasn't going to shows.

Maria--should I make a reservation for Boma for Sunday night after the race?

I would love to have dinner with you and Mike again after the race! I plan to go back to my resort, rest up a tiny bit and shower, and then head to Epcot for lunch and the afternoon. It would be great to meet you guys at Boma! I'm not sure if I'll be up for more duelling pianos, but I definitely like the idea of a nice celebratory meal (and I know you won't notice if I eat 10 zebra domes ). I'm already looking forward to it

Ok, one morning meeting over, one afternoon meeting to go. I think we are in great shape for our presentations. Next week I'm going to start to think about tackling the paper that has multiplied. It's so nice to be on a normal schedule again. I can run again Friday, and my plan is to hit the TM after the presentations. That should be a nice way to relax into the weekend. Low carb isn't exactly going well, I need to put more effort into not being exhausted and making poor choices. Getting up early to run will force me to bed earlier, and everything will fall into place.

Maria

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i promise i'm not this much of a flaky friend. for someone who doesn't work, i sure feel busy. the house stuff is turning into a big cluster....

i have a feeling that it's going to fall through. i'm trying not to get too upset about it but it's not easy because i really want that house. it's all a big long story of nonsense. too annoying to get into.

running out the door to the mansion to ask them some questions about the application. so much for relaxing naptime.

hoping to pop on again later.

also, i want to respond to rose's PM but i need time to do it! don't want to do a fly-by response on my cyber-hug!

xoxo

 

[liesel]

Nancy Here's another cyber hug. I really hope the house works out, if not, I hope something better comes along. I loved the ultrasound pic, bronxbaby will be here soon!

Kathy I can't believe the graded your street incorrectly. That really sucks! I hope you can get it fixed, a muddy yard is no fun. I saw the other Lisa already answered your question about the Tink route, it is different than the DL half. I think the only "hills" will be one or two "mt. overpasses," but I'll check it out next week. I would really like to run the DL half route someday and run through Angels Stadium, I attended a few games there as a kid. That route also goes on the Santa Ana River Trail, which I used to walk with my dogs all the time. My childhood home is about 2 miles north of where the DL half runs along the trail.

Maria I agree about Vegas, there is a sad and desperate element to it, but I'm glad you had a good time and made it to the Earl of Sandwich. We stopped there overnight on our big roadtrip summer 2010. We stayed at a condo and the only things the kids saw other than the hotel pool were the buffet at the Rio and we drove down the strip at dusk so they could see the lights with less crazies out and about. They think Vegas is fantastic and tell everyone how much they loved going there.

Lisa Congrats on the 10K and on being number two this week! I hope your training is going well. I'll see if I can stop into Whitewater Snacks and the new counter place at DLH and take a couple of pics of their grab and go coolers. I'll post my findings on the Tink thread, in case anyone else is interested.

Rose Congrats on signing up for the Princess! I say you and Maria have to go to Boma because that was my favorite restaurant from our trip 3 years ago and I need to live vicariously through you two! Sorry about the car salesman. One of the ways we save money for traveling is to drive our cars until they die. In 14 years of marriage, we've only bought 2 cars together. Trips are definitely more fun!

Lindsay Happy belated anniversary! Enjoy the rest of football season.

I'm still here, I was in the middle of a reply yesterday, but my neighbor stopped by. We leave in 5 days for the Disneyland/family wedding extravaganza! I can't believe its here already, I'm barely recovered from Hawaii. We are only spending 2 1/2 days at DL, which keeps shrinking because we keep making plans to meet people for dinner on those days. I did start thinking today that we should try to make one of these dinners at DL since my BIL only lives 2 miles away and knows several CMs that can sign him in. Our niece (from Ohio) is also meeting us and I think it would be fun to have dinner at DL and ride a couple of rides together. We'll see how it works out, we need our DL time too!

My run last Thursday was very windy, Sunday was cool but at least the sidewalks were dry and our 3 inches of snow was melting, and this week was much nicer with temps in the 50s and 60s. That I can handle. This training plan and the prospect of my first Disney race is what is getting me out there on these not so nice days. Have a good evening everyone!

 

[Rose&Mike]

I'm here. I ran 4 miles today. It was slow and painful. But good.

I think we need to make a pact--no more apologizing for being bad friends if we have stuff going on and we can't reply to every single thing. Nancy, you certainly don't have anything to apologize for! I love reading everyone's replies, but I really do understand if life gets in the way. I would rather know that you all are doing ok, than not hear from you at all because you feel bad about not replying. Does this makes sense?

So Nancy, I say, hang in there. And let us know that you are doing ok. We'll be here when things are less crazy. That's what friends are for.

Lisa--thanks for the tips on AKL. I mostly eat my own food before a race--that whole pesky gluten free thing. Mike called today and there were 3 choices of 1-BRs available. We're going to take a 1BR and waitlist a studio, and if the studio comes through then we'll take that. Though I do love the laundry in the 1BR. We ate at Sanaa before I went gf and I just don't know if I am up for it yet--the bread was sooooooooooooo good. Some things I just can't sit and watch Mike eat yet.

Maria--So glad we are going to do dinner! I don't know if we'll be up for the dueling pianos either, but if we do we are taking a cab back! That was a really long day. And assuming my foot continues to cooperate, I am going to do the full in 2013. Let me go on record as saying that will probably be my ONE AND ONLY FULL. Seriously. I just want to say that I did it. And then I will be happy to go back to my halves. And since Nancy is doing it in 2013, I thought, perfect! So we will have lots of fun next January!

Kathy--I hope your road is fixed soon! What a pain! And I liked the Mickey figurine!

Hello to Lindsay and Liesel and Nancy!

So, I have a little gf rant. Our grocery store is driving me nuts. They NEVER have the udi's bread instock. The last time they had bagels they were COVERED in mold. And I used a coupon they gave me for an Amy's bowl and it turned into this big dramafest! We're getting better at planning ahead, but we really just need to be done with the grocery store and shop at Whole Foods and the fruit/veggie market that I pass on the way home from work. So Mike went to Whole Foods tonight because it's been a crappy week and we decided to get this one gf pizza that we like and they are OUT!!!! Uggh. I hate being GF! The stores are not buying enough stuff to keep up with the demand! I told him I would start on the wine we are having tonight without him and that we'd just have gf mac and cheese and artichoke burgers. At least those were in stock. Ok rant over......

Some chick on wheel of fortune just said--war eagle (auburn) and go gamecocks in the same sentence. I'm sorry, but you CANNOT be an auburn and a gamecock fan. Someone needs to give her a talking to.


Ok, mindless rambling over. I love you all. Life is good, most of the time.

 

[mikamah]

I think we need to make a pact--no more apologizing for being bad friends if we have stuff going on and we can't reply to every single thing.

I'm in on that pact, and I totally agree. This should be our place to come and just be when we can, no guilt or pressure if you don't have time to do a lot of replies.

And on that note, just a quick hello tonight. Football practice is cancelled so we're having movie night here instead, so I'm off to put my jammies on and snuggle with my boy who yesterday thought I sucked, but today he knows better. Every time he gets that attitude, I think of Lisa and Maria, and know it will get worse.

Hope you all had a good friday and are ready for relaxing, fun weekends.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Breaking News!

I was casually chatting with the walking hormone this morning about his friends taking the Catholic High School exam (which he would be doing if he wasn't all set after the taking study classes and doing very well on the Latin exam), and he told me he realized we would be making him do the same thing for the SATs (Yep, but we haven't really brought that up yet). Anyway the BIG news -- he said that this time after he does all the prep and takes the test, he wants to go to DISNEY!

Now, Dennis and I hadn't discussed giving him another reward for the prep work, but you can bet now it's in my mind -- one more special mother/son trip before he takes off into the unknown -- I am on it! Dennis can come, too, but we all know he won't want to...And if I time it right, maybe we can do MNSSHP or MVMCP! I know it is ridiculous to be this excited over a trip he will probably change his mind about and that wouldn't happen for 2 or 3 years (not sure when they do the SAT prep? I took the ACT, so this is unfamiliar to me), but that just made my morning!

***************************************************************

I should have run when I got up after sleeping in, but I just didn't feel like it. I know this is bad, but it's all mental. I got an e-mail yesterday after 4, telling me the City is funding the $1M proposal I had to get in Tuesday -- but they want to fund another proposal, too, and they have $1M total -- so we're getting 55% of the funds. It's not bad or unexpected (they did something similar last year), but it means I have to rework the budgets (all 4) and narrative, negotiate with our partner for who's going to reduce what, and they want it all by Tuesday so they have time to prepare the documents and submit for the national competition. That's right, the local communities pick what they like, and then submit it nationally. Depending on how the local community does in the overall competition, you may or may not get funded. Places like Boston and NYC are virtually guaranteed funding, smaller places like Newton or the North Shore could go either way. I can absolutely get this done, it's just I thought I was going to have this weekend to really relax and get back into my life, and now I find it won't be until next week. I can't help but think about everything I have to do, and I really can't start much without the input of others, which means I have to wait until Monday.

On the bright side my presentations all went well Friday, so my 2 renewals and my new program for Watertown/Waltham (for Kathy's knowledge) will all be submitted for the national competition.

I had just started on my holiday control journal when I got that e-mail. I was sitting at the computer with "Disney Channel Holiday" -- the one with they Cyruses, High School Musical cast and Cheetah Girls -- playing, and I'd figured out what I'd bought and a few things I need to pick up. I was in a Happy Place

Honestly, right now I'm feeling like I never want to run another step. I think I am so mentally worn down, I can't even summon the energy to watch this week's BL, because it may make me cry because I don't have any motivation and I'm starting to feel hopeless about improvement. If I wasn't registered for the Princess with my airfare already booked...I just don't kow. I am totally psyched to see Rose and Mike again, I just feel like I'm in this endless holding pattern, and I can't seem to turn the engine over. We have our first day of sunshine after a rainfest, so that should help improve my mood. I also plan to do all the household stuff I've been too tired to tackle (or at least some of it) today.

Earlier this week I made the mistake of telling Dennis that I really don't want to go anywhere else than Disney, and with all the races, maybe we should consider purchasing some DVC. He looked at me and said he was trying to figure out a way to buy new windows for the house. Of course I knew better, it just came out. We're waiting on an appraisal, and if it comes through where we need it we will have a significant decrease in our monthly mortgage. He's plotting home improvements, I can't help but think about this increasing my ability to go to Disney races I think we know which one of us is being the mature adult, and truth be told our financial planner told us we need to be setting aside an additional $11,000/yr for Ben's college so it's not like we don't have something we should do with it if it comes through. I thought we were doing pretty well by him (My parents and Dennis's both saved $0 for us to go to college), and we've been setting aside at least $250/mo since he was about 1, we've increased as our economic circumstances allowed. Turns out we are not even close, and with our incomes, this kid doesn't have a snowball's chance in that super warm place of getting financial aid that isn't a loan, unless it's for academic merit. Trust me, there are no athletic scholarships coming our way With his recent announcement that he wants to study economics, probably in Chicago (I know Nancy knows what that means!), it is becoming more real and I am reeling at how we are ever going to make this happen. I know we have 5 years -- and it doesn't seem like nearly long enough to save what he will need. Of course, that is if he even gets in where he wants to go. I am so glad we are not worrying about where to send him to high school right now, because I think if I added that I might burst

I think the combination of the work stress and the reality of college (and I don't have any specifics, just generally we should expect to contribute almost $50,000 each year in today's terms -- plus he's already planning Grad School, too), are making me feel a little overwhelmed and powerless.

Ok, so I started up and ended as Debbie Downer. I'm going to go back on an up note -- I think I'm just doing a mind dump (Sorry, guys!) but that generally helps me put things in perspective. It's not the end of the world if this kid has a few college loans, and my work stress will improve by Oct. 28th, when all these applications have to be submitted nationally. The only thing stopping me from working out is me. I can change that at any time. Putting out TMI makes me realize how fortunate we are. This kid is getting a better start than either of us did, and that's really all we can hope for. I was really fortunate and received a full academic scholarship, and there's no reason we should count him out for some of those. They might not be at his first choice school, but that will be a lesson in reality. Our neighbor's daughter got a full ride to BU, and didn't want to go there. Her father told her that was a shame because that was where she was going. She went, and now she has a good career...

I am going to go enjoy a half-full mug of chai latte. Let's make this a great day!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

I almost posted this yesterday, but I didn't. But I'm going to post it today for you Maria. Hopefully it will make sense at the end.

Hi, my name is Rose and I am a workout junky. It is the only thing that is keeping me sane right now. It is the only thing I feel somewhat in control of. When I do two works outs a day I feel strong--so what if I have to come home and take a nap afterwards. Yes, this cold is making breathing difficult, but I got in my 70 minutes of strength and 20 minutes of elliptical yesterday.

Here's the thing, more and more I'm starting to figure out that there is so little control we have over most things. The only things I can control are the thoughts in my head, the food I put in my mouth and how much exercise I get (and sometimes injuries make that hard, but my favorite saying lately: suck it up buttercup. Yes, you might not be able to run today, but you can do SOMETHING.) So, I am working on the thoughts, working on the food, and working on the exercise. That's all I can do. That's all anyone can do, just keep working on it.

Maria--as for college, I worried myself sick about college. I wanted Tom at Columbia University. (He was on the waitlist there.) Instead HE picked the school that offered him a full scholarship that he liked and wanted to go to. He is so proud of himself and he is doing well. And we haven't spent a penny of his college money yet. I start to stress about law school and paying for it and he will tell me--Mom, you are not paying for law school. I am. And we would have been in the same boat as you--almost no financial aid. Tom knows Mike and I both paid for school completely by ourselves and that became important to him somewhere along the way. Do people look down their noses at us when we tell him where he goes--yep. Do I care anymore, nope. One of his closest friends at USC is going to UVA for law school. Not too shabby. There are a lot of really smart kids at the honors schools at some of these colleges--really smart. They are all the Ivy rejects. Anyhow, I can't tell you not to worry, but there are a lot of affordable alternatives out there. And a lot of academic scholarships. As for dvc.....have you looked at resale? You can mostly only use resale points on property now, but you can get a cheap SSR contract and if you stay in studios for the races the points go a long way--Mike keeps a spread sheet and they do pay for themselves pretty quickly. Just throwing it out there.

I have found with the exercise/weight loss I had to give up the idea of will power and use one of my strengths. Stubborness. Mike will tell you I am one of the most stubborn people ever. So if I look at the exercise as--do I want to feel like a big fat failure cause I skipped a workout and some big out of shape MAN is going to be faster than me at the next race--it made it much easier to get off my butt and do something. You get the picture. I think will power is a recipe for failure. Being stubborn--and channeling my inner green army man to yell at me seems to be doing the trick.

Hang in there, Maria. You can do it. I know you can.

******

You know how every one is always up after a race (weight). Well Mike read that for every gram of glycogen your body is replacing/storing your body needs 3 grams of water. (I think it was 3). So that would make sense why your weight goes up after a race.

My weight is up this week, and I have been craving carbs--but I think it's a good thing. This might sound funny--but I think by body is restoring some of the fat pads I lost when I was so run down earlier this year--all of a sudden I have a butt again (it was pretty flat for a while) and I am putting on muscle. I take this as a sign that I am getting healthier. Mike said I look thinner, even though I weigh more. I'd like to lose a couple of pounds, but I'm hoping it comes off my waist this time. And my heel is slowly feeling better--so hopefully the fat pad is being repaired. And I stopped taking the align. It only took 8 months, but I am starting to feel "healthy" again. Now if only I could breathe. Stupid cold!

Ok, enough rambling. Have a good Saturday everyone!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Lindsay-Just 4 more football games here!! You must be down to 3?! Or maybe not, you didn't have one last weekend. It is getting chilly at the field, isn't it. I'm hoping for a practice cancel today with all the rain we're getting, but it's supposed to stop raining this afternoon, so we'll see. How is Ryan doing in school? And the eye, is it back to normal?

Yes three more games. I really will miss game day saturdays but not practice nights. I am really starting to get to know some of the parents as nutty as some of them are...and I think I will miss the socialization too. But I dont know what I am celebrating about because he is just moving on to basketball which will be 2 nights a week plus a game day. At least the gym will be warm.

My eye is all healed thank goodness and thanks for asking. I actually wore my contacts for a little bit for the race today and they felt good. I am going to slowly build up to wearing them all day. Even though I said I would never wear them again. I just hate my glasses.

i have a feeling that it's going to fall through. i'm trying not to get too upset about it but it's not easy because i really want that house. it's all a big long story of nonsense. too annoying to get into.

oh that would really stink. I hope it all works out in the end but if not I am sure whats meant to be will come along too. Just sucks going through all the emotions Im sure.

My run last Thursday was very windy, Sunday was cool but at least the sidewalks were dry and our 3 inches of snow was melting, and this week was much nicer with temps in the 50s and 60s. That I can handle. This training plan and the prospect of my first Disney race is what is getting me out there on these not so nice days. Have a good evening everyone!

Ok Lisa this is just not right....3inches in OCT. Im glad its warming up a bit for you. I agree having the disney race is complete motivation to get out there in that yucky weather. Have a great trip!!!!!

I think we need to make a pact--no more apologizing for being bad friends if we have stuff going on and we can't reply to every single thing. Nancy, you certainly don't have anything to apologize for! I love reading everyone's replies, but I really do understand if life gets in the way. I would rather know that you all are doing ok, than not hear from you at all because you feel bad about not replying. Does this makes sense?

Totally agree!!!!! We were starting to get like those who always say the thread is moving so fast. Thanks for putting that out there rose!!!!

I didnt know Auburn and USC were rivals but I feel the same way with those who are cowboys fans but then cheer for the phillies, or yankees fans but then cheer for the Eagles. It is just one of those things that annoy me.

I was casually chatting with the walking hormone this morning about his friends taking the Catholic High School exam (which he would be doing if he wasn't all set after the taking study classes and doing very well on the Latin exam), and he told me he realized we would be making him do the same thing for the SATs (Yep, but we haven't really brought that up yet). Anyway the BIG news -- he said that this time after he does all the prep and takes the test, he wants to go to DISNEY!

How exciting. I dread the days my kids dont want to go to disney. Glad you may just get one last horrah with him!!!!

I too would be thinking about spending that extra money on disney trips. Its hard to be the mature adult when all we want to do is have fun. I think you are giving ben a great start to a great education and his future even if you dont have enough to pay for it all. Dont stress over it....it will all work out in the end.

I totally get what you are saying about feeling stuck...couldnt have said it any better myself. You can do it and you havent totally given up and thats all that matters.

I have found with the exercise/weight loss I had to give up the idea of will power and use one of my strengths. Stubborness. Mike will tell you I am one of the most stubborn people ever. So if I look at the exercise as--do I want to feel like a big fat failure cause I skipped a workout and some big out of shape MAN is going to be faster than me at the next race--it made it much easier to get off my butt and do something. You get the picture. I think will power is a recipe for failure. Being stubborn--and channeling my inner green army man to yell at me seems to be doing the trick.

This is what I think about too. But instead of the big fat man...Im stuck on the fact that older people with grey hair are beating me. I was just thinking about that today as I was running.

**********************************************************

Oh my its been since monday since I have posted and I am NOT apologizing but just realizing how time really flies when your having fun.

This has been a fun weekend so far. Last night Ryan and I went to the local high school football game. It was Steelers night and the kids got to line up on the field at the start of the game and high five the players as they ran out. The kids loved this. It was like meeting professionals to them. Then at half time they got announced as teams and got to run from the endzone to the 50 yard line. Mike stayed home with Nick since he worked later than me and we didnt think Nick really needed to be out in the cold all night.

This morning was the womens 5K classic. I had gotten a team together from my work. 13 out of 95 people from our 6 offices participated. Im hoping each year to have our team grow. It was an amazing event and had over 5500 women running or walking. There was a speaker (cancer survivor) before the race. It was a tear jerker. She was only 40 and 5 years ago was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She talked about how she felt when she was diagnosed and how she got through it emotionally. She said the hardest part was worrying that she would never see her kids grow up and all the milestones they would reach. I was almost hysterical I was crying so hard. Just makes you really think how life short can be and to really focus on all the positives in your life and not to sweat the small stuff.

My time on the other hand was horrendous. Partly because I am heavier again and havent run much but also because it was so crowded and there were times I wanted to run faster but couldnt. I think I was in the 42 minute range. My last 5K I did in the spring was 34.

Ryan has his homecoming game this afternoon where he gets announced and we get to walk him out onto the field. I hope I dont cry. Im feeling a bit emotional today.

Tomorrow the boys are handing out bookmarks at church in the morning and then our family is going on the farm tour. There are about 15 farms in the area that have activities and things going on during the day. We have done this every year since I was like 18. The kids all have a blast together and we usually end up getting our pumpkins.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. Has anyone been noticing how beautiful the sunrise and sunsets are right now. Gosh it is almost breathtaking.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Now I'm Stronger than Yesterday, It's Nothin' But a Mile Away!

Hello Pretty and Terrific !

Thanks so much to Rose and Lindsay for the encouragement. It was just exactly what I needed, how did you know?!

I slept 12 hours last night. My primary reaction to too much stress is to go to sleep. Then I got up, and consciously decided I was not going to church. I took Ben last week and I was just miserable throughout the service. Just not feeling it, and resentful. This is not the way I want to attend. Instead I put on my workout clothes and got on the TM. I knew I wasn't up to a normal workout -- too much time off, but I did 2.5M, which I'm pleased with. It was long enough to hear the Brittany song (Glee version) quoted above, and get my feeling competent again.

So now I took a machete to the jungle for Nancy , I showered and used the good lotion that came with the perfume, and I put on what I had that is clean and comfy. I'm wearing pajama bottoms (I'm not leaving the house), and my mindset is on what I can do for me today. I am planning a mani/pedi, some relaxation with a good book, and since Dennis had his play day yesterday (he left after 9am and came home just before midnight, playing golf and going to a hockey game at UNH), he is the parent on duty. Halloween costume, birthday party gifts, and homework are all his domain. I am going to work on making myself feel good about me and getting ready to tackle my tasks tomorrow. I won't be able to work out (I need to leave the house at 6:30 so I can get in and working early), but I can pack a great low carb lunch, and I can control my eating today. I made myself step on the scale, and if I'm vigilant, I can get back to my pre-Vegas weight this week. I am going to go over to the BL thread and answer the Fri-Sun questions. I am going to say "Hi" to Pamela, and anyone else who will actually answer me back over there Yes, Nancy, I feel your pain. I am going to plan my exercise from mid-Oct to Jan, so it will include Princess training.

I am going to do FlyLady's Cruise through the Holidays (starts tomorrow!), and this Christmas Eve when I sit down to watch the Patriots, I am going to be at peace and know we are going to have a fabulous holiday!

Lindsay -- Congratulations on running your 5K yesterday! I am sorry your time wasn't what you wanted, but it sounds like you took away a great lesson about living the life you have now and letting the little stuff go. We all need that reminder I am so proud of you for getting the people from your office involved, and planning to grow the group. That is fantastic, what a great gift you are passing on

Rose -- I am so glad you are starting to feel healthy again. You certainly look fantastic! I think I forgot to say this before. When you spoke about how your family went away from the church and the decidedly unChristian attitudes about boys from public schools, I felt myself getting angry. I totally see why that wasn't working for you. In my case it's more a disenchantment with myself (I guess I can have a midlife crisis?), but asking me to do things I've already said no to is not helping. I feel like I need a break, and that's ok. Today renewing my spirit involved not going. Next week I might really want to go. Anyway, I didn't mean to turn my "Rose reply" into a religious diatribe. I wanted to tell you about a moment I had just before I got on the TM. I was telling myself that maybe I missed my window, and I'm just too old to get smaller. Then I said to myself, "You are the same age as Rose, if she found herself your size at this age, would she just give up?" Um, No, she would not. Rose would push herself and do whatever she had to, even with gluten issues making her running miserable , and find a way to take off and keep off the weight. And then I had an "Ah Hah!" moment. I have not been pushing myself at all. I do what's comfortable. If it's comfortable to eat a bag of Twizzlers, I do. If it's comfortable to run 3M, I do, why push harder? I realize there's a danger I'm prone to of pushing too hard too soon, but I'm also inclined to find a comfort zone and stay in it.

So, after a long break, next weekend I am going to run 10M -- or at least attempt to. I haven't run that far since the Providence Half, and I don't think it will be pretty. But I think I mentally need to do it. Wow, I really can ramble once I get started...

Kathy -- The beauty of the early teen years is that when he does do something sweet, or makes a special effort, you really appreciate it. Yesterday Ben and I were alone together all day, which could have been a recipe for disaster (we are the same person ), but turned out great. He did what he needed to do, I did what I needed to do, we spent some time together and apart, and we both had happy days.

Lisah -- How is that in-law visit going? I don't think I will have company again until my dad comes in December, so that is a blessing! I am so impressed with how you have incorporated running as just something you do, like laundry or making the bed. I'm determined to get there again. I am going to be leaner for Princess, and I will promise to post the photos to prove it. By the time we get to the 2013 weekend, we are all going to be the skinny princesses, and when I pick up my number, people will not assume I'm just with Dennis, because I couldn't possibly be running The sales people in those booths will look me in the eye

Lisa -- Are you packed for your trip yet? I belive you are going in just a couple of days now! So exciting! Did you already give us a run-down on your activities? I might have missed it with being gone. Feel free to share any updates!

Nancy -- I think I'm lost, where are you on the house(s)? I've told this story before, but hopefully it will give you confidence it will all work out. We bought our house in August 2001, and were ready to close on selling our condo 9/14/01. We all know what happened on the 11th. We live 5 minutes from Logan. Dennis was working at City Hall and was sent home, he went and picked up Ben at pre-school. He got home and was in the backyard, and saw (ok, heard more than saw) F-15s flying overhead. He called me and said I don't know how we're going to carry two mortgages, but I don't think we're closing in three days. And honestly, with everything going on (we lost members of our church family, in addition to the unbelievable shock and loss nationally), it was hard to care a lot, but we did care some...but even in that awful time, we were able to close on the condo. So it will all work out. It might not be exactly the way you think it should go, but everything that should happen will.

Ok, I'd better stop typing and start doing all that girly stuff! I am going to lose this week, who else is with me?!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

We got a new crockpot today, so I am waiting, waiting, waiting for it to cook my dinner. Our old crockpot was 24 years old and was tossed when we cleaned this summer.

Lindsay--It looks like you all had a great day today. I'm sorry they lost yesterday. Very cool about getting that many people together to run. The Auburn/Carolina thing has gotten a little tense since the nasty SEC championship game and then some really bad officiating during the game this year. What can you do? I'm sorry the run didn't go better.

Kathy--So what did you do at the Apple store?

Nancy--hope you are hanging in there.

Lisa--have the inlaws left?

Liesel--have a great trip!

Maria--I enjoyed your post today. I wasn't sure if I was being motivational yesterday or just pushy. There's a fine line sometimes. I posted this on the BL thread, but check out I <3 To Run on facebook. It has been the motivational kick in the pants I have needed. None of this frou frou motivational sayings--more like get your butt off the couch and quit whining. Which I really needed. But in a positive way of course. I did not push myself at all this summer either. And enough is enough. So I can't run as far as I'd like right now, I can do SOMETHING. I found that during the losing I spent the first 6 months or so thinking I will mess up again, I will mess up again. After that I started thinking, maybe I can really do this. Well, I am here to say, if I did it you can do it. I know you have a crazy schedule and a kid who needs you, but it is such a feeling of accomplishment. It is so worth it. Even a 1/2 a pound a week between now and 2013 is 32 pounds! A pound a week is 50+. Slow and steady. I am starting to get a little excited about trying to run the marathon--the only thing that will hold me back is if this foot thing doesn't get under control. Anyhow, I know you want this and I really want it for you.

*****
We ran 8 this morning. Around mile 6.8 we got in a HUGE argument. Which was kind of nice cause I was exhausted from this lovely cold and my foot/calf was talking loudly. So it made the last mile go pretty quick. My foot is sore, but really much better than it was before w&d. So I am going to stick with the icing/stretching/strength training, etc for a bit longer. I'm also going to see if I can find someone who does deep tissue massage. How on earth do you go about finding someone who does this????

Anyhow, tomorrow the plan is strength and elliptical.

Have a super Monday!

ETA: kept meaning to post this. Here is the link to our w&d pics. My certificate still says I am a boy. Long story. We got the results fixed but not the certificate.
http://www2.brightroom.com/75420/2324

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I am beat and heading to bed...to watch some tv, unwind and probably quickly fall asleep. Wanted to tell ya Rose that those pics are great. I love the close up where we can see Mike holding both water bottles....what a guy. I also chuckled at the girl in the pink tutu and tiara...I think she was at the wrong race. You looked marvelous girl!

Maria- Glad your feeling better today and doing you....you know you deserve it.

We had a great wkend. Ryans team lost but it is a learning experience for them...as we all know you cant win them all. They took it good and played there hearts out. The team they played was huge...cant imagine all the kids are under 7. Ryan had a handful of super big plays. He has just gotten it down pat how to break through the line and sack the quarterback. After awhile the other team figured it out and double teamed him with two huge kids. That part was actually funny because the look on Ryan's face after he tried to run through and he hit the two kids like a brick wall was priceless. That was a good humbling experience for him.

We went to Red Robin after the game where nick had the melon as usual only this time he broke out in hives on his face and lips and his lips swelled up. I was in a bit of a panic and grabbed him and left mike and ryan. I drove over to target which was only across the street and got him benadryl. The hives and swelling went away within the hour. Very scary and now Im not quite sure what to do. He had a hive like reaction on his face to peaches last week but they went away within 20 minutes without any meds. I am going to talk to the doctor about it when I get back to work on tues.

Tomorrow I am off again. Maybe this day will be the one where no one from work calls. I am going to ryans school for periods throughout the day to observe. Its american education week and tomorrow is the day for parents. Wed is grandparents day. This will be a busy week so hopefully it will at least go fast. We have lots of fun planned for next weekend.

Ok well I am off to bed.

Talk to you all soon.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Monday, Monday....

Lindsay--scary about the hives. I would definitely ask someone about that. I'm pretty sure I offered to carry one of those water bottles. We forgot our hydration belt and didn't feel like buying another one, that's why he was carrying water. I want to be one of the girls next year who is confident enough to run in a jog bra. There were a bunch of those at this race.

My motivation has left the building, but I am GOING to work out after work. I am GOING to get my 7000 steps in. I am GOING to make my pumpkin bean soup and have a healthy dinner.

Last night we watched Rapunzel on Netfix streaming. It was so cute. I, of course, cried at the end.

Ok, everyone have a great day!