Past Post Parade

Elaine over at Miss Elaine-ous Life hosts a fun carnival that encourages us to visit our past posts and share them with our readers. This is perfect for me, as my March posts from two years ago focused on running. That is when I ran my first ever 5K. It is just the encouragement I need leading up to the race (half-marathon) on Sunday. So here is a post I wrote a few days after the 5K.


Starting Over (originally posted March 2007)

You might think that a woman who ran 3.1 miles on Saturday would have no trouble doing a mere 30 minutes (about 2 1/2 miles on my treadmill pace) the following week. You might think she would feel energized and motivated and ready to take on the challenge of a longer race. You would think wrong.

IT IS SO HARD! My first attempt, on Tuesday, only lasted 15 minutes before I gave up and got off the treadmill. I didn't even try yesterday. Today I was determined to get a workout in, no matter how miserable I was. And boy was I miserable. But I did it. I ran my 30 minutes without stopping and I'm still alive. And, the feeling at the end of the workout was great. I know when I start that I won't like the process, but I do know that I will like the result. I am having serious doubts about running a 10K at the end of the summer, but I know that it is far enough away that I will have time to train for it.

So, for all of you struggling with your workouts, it is okay to hate having to do it. I don't know if I will ever like running, but I do love the feeling of taking care of myself. Don't be discouraged. If you have a bad day, start again the next day. IT IS WORTH IT!

T-6 days and OMG!

So, apparently I'm going to attempt to run 13.1 miles in less than a week. I'm beginning to question my sanity. The last run I did of any length was 10 miles, almost two weeks ago. Illness has wrecked my training program, with at least one kid being sick each week. My own health problems didn't help. I'm feeling kind of stressed about this, which is ridiculous because no one but me is contributing to those feelings. I'll just be glad when it is done.

In other news, I think the instructor at the gym was trying to kill us today. I have not felt so much pain in my abs since I was recovering from surgery. Every exercise seemed designed for maximum discomfort. And I liked it. Oh lord, what has happened to me? Crazy torturous exercise is actually something I willingly engage in. So what if my arms are so weak I can't pick up my baby? I look good! At least, that is what I have to tell myself to stop me from chunking the medicine ball across the room. Exercise does crazy things to body and mind.

This week will be dominated by my thoughts leading up to the race. Next week is sure to be spent wondering how to make my legs work again. So expect the blog to be rather boring, focusing on the same topics. I won't hold it against you if you forget to visit.

Quick Takes Friday

Holy cow this week flew by!

1. Apparently I need some new workout clothes. Well, I just need to abandon my yoga capris in favor of the running shorts I already have. I went to the gym today to try to run five miles or so, but was forced to stop less than a mile in, due to a wardrobe failure. My capris kept falling down! I know no one around me wanted to see me constantly hiking up my clothes, and I did not want to do that anyway. So I did 30 minutes on the bike instead and will now wear my shorts every time. I guess this whole exercise plan is working.

2. Buddy's visit to the dentist was also a fail, but not because of a rude dentist. Buddy's mouth is just too small to handle the x-ray bracket thingy you have to bite down on. It was irritating the roof of his mouth even if he didn't bite down. We were referred to a pediatric dentist, but I'm not going to rush to get in. Given the success we had with both girls I figure we're okay to wait a bit.

3. We have t-ball picture day tomorrow. Apparently our baseball league does a big to-do for opening day and there will be bounce houses, obstacle courses, etc. Of course they all cost money. Since it is going to be 50 degrees and we have a birthday party in the afternoon, I'll probably be the mean Mommy who doesn't let her kids do the fun stuff. I'm also going to be on my own, since Husband will be doing lawn work (a side business) all day. I know you're so jealous of the exciting Saturday I just described.

4. Speaking of t-ball, we have that schedule and now Princess's softball schedule, and we will be doing some serious juggling in the coming weeks. There are several times that games or practices overlap, and some of Princess's games will be 20 minutes away (on a good day). Thankfully, it looks like Husband will be able to work from home fairly frequently, which means he will be home to help get kids to the appropriate places. Usually he would be on the road during that time. I'm also going to need to expand my slow cooker recipe repertoire if we are going to eat at home. I guess this is what life is like with multiple kids in sports, even when they are playing the same one and it is only one activity per child. What will we do when all five are in things?

5. Butterfly is getting closer to walking! She is still not standing on her own, but all she wants to do is walk while holding our hands. While I am in no hurry for her to walk, in some ways, it will be easier when we're out at the fields. My back gets tired of leaning over to walk with her. She thinks she's so big.

6. Did y'all watch the Office last night? I think they are running out of ideas and I don't know if I like this new direction at all. Husband and I just got hooked on the show last summer, watching reruns on TBS. So this is the first year we have watched it new. And overall I've been disappointed. I don't know how much longer this show has left.

7. Here is something weird about me. Whenever I read a magazine, I always read the letters to the editor, even if I didn't read the past issues. For example, I was reading Blender magazine today at the gym, and I don't know if I've ever read an issue, much less a recent one. But there I was, reading the letters to the editor as if I had read the articles in question. Does anyone else do that?

For other quick takes, visit Jen at Conversion Diary.

Music, Sweet Music

Husband stumbled upon a glorious surprise last night while channel surfing.

Texas Rangers baseball! On TV! At night! There are no words to describe the happiness I felt.

We are a baseball house. Husband played in high school, before moving on to the life of a Christian rock star. I played softball for fun and watched lots of baseball with my dad and brother. The day pitchers and catchers report is almost a holiday in our house.

The music was the sounds of Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve calling the came. The sounds of the vendors selling their peanuts and cotton candy. Music for each batter as they approach the plate. And perhaps the sweetest sound in all the world: the crack of the bat when it meets the ball.

It may have been a meaningless preseason game, but it signaled the beginning of a long season full of lazy evenings with the game on in the background, a soundtrack to our summer life.

Play ball!

Really, Mr. Dentist Man?

Round two of dental visits occurred today. The good news is, IndieGirl is also cavity and decay free. So my belief in small miracles continues to hold strong.

It was not an all positive visit though. For a variety of reasons, getting a sitter for the other kids for today's visit was not practical. First, I really had limited options for available sitters. Second, I still had a child in school who needed to be picked up, and third, both girls had an after school meeting to attend. So I could not have retrieved my children until after 3:30 p.m. probably, and that made getting a sitter unrealistic.

It does not take a genius (or even a mom) to realize that very few people would want to take four kids to the dentist right smack in the middle of nap time. It was not my first choice, but it was my only choice. Our time in the waiting room was reasonable, the kids played and Butterfly was not too miserable, yet. We were called back and IndieGirl had her x-rays. This was difficult for her, and she actually had to do one over (which made our wait longer). At this point, I had the boys sitting on the floor in the exam room, with much pouting on Monster's end. Butterfly was beginning to get tired of the stroller too.

I made the reluctant decision to get Butterfly out of the stroller and practice walking. She holds on to my hands and takes very awkward steps and generally loves it. Of course it is not the most comfortable position for me, but I was trying to keep the screeching to a minimum. Butterfly is not quiet, to say the least. Eventually I let her crawl in the hallway a little bit. That is, until the dentist put a halt to that. I was standing right by her at all times. If someone was in the hallway I immediately picked her up. I knew she was in the way, but I figured that was better than her screaming. I was wrong. "Please put her back in the room" the dentist says. That would be the room with 3 rolling chairs, a dental chair, lots of hoses hanging down, a stroller and two boys (and a very patient big sister in the dental chair). In we went.

Finally the dentist did the exam on IndieGirl and gave us the good news. I mentioned I would be back the next day with Buddy, and that I would definitely be trying to get a sitter. I know that it is hard to have small kids in the office. "That would make me very happy" said the dentist.

And I almost punched him. It would make HIM happy? He thinks I like having a miserable baby and tired preschooler waiting around an office for an hour plus for a two minute exam? He thinks I relish bringing my kids to a place that does very little to make it kid friendly? If I had a choice, I would not be returning to that office. But I don't have a choice, so I will do my best to be patient and make things as easy on MYSELF as possible.

Sorry for a rant, but his attitude about my kids just really bugged me. If anyone would give it two seconds thought they would realize that most of the time we as parents are even more aware of our kids' behavior (or misbehavior at times) than they are. But few people seem to do that.

What I Learned: Imagination Runs Wild

This week what I learned is happy news. I've posted about my fears and guilt regarding my kids and their dental history (or lack of it, as the case may be). Princess (7 1/2) had her first dental exam last week. I am not lying when I say I have lost sleep thinking about what a mess her mouth might be, having delayed a visit to the dentist for so long with no good reason to do so.

NO decay, NO cavities! I was dumbfounded. I told the dentist that I was sure she would have a couple cavities, but it all looked good. So now I'm hopeful for similar results for IndieGirl and Buddy, who have their appointments this week.

I also learned that I have to schedule cleanings separate from these exams, which makes me frustrated, but oh well.

And, the copay was only five dollars! So it was pretty much the best dentist visit ever.

To read what others have learned, visit Musings of a Housewife.

Worst. Trip. Ever. The Sequel

Worst trip ever may be an exaggeration, but it was not all good times either. On our previous visit to my hometown Monster had to go to the ER, as did my grandmother. This time we managed to avoid hospitals, but that was the only significant difference.

After being vomit-free for 36+ hours, the kids and I headed to my parents house after t-ball practice on Saturday morning. The trip was uneventful (thank goodness!) and everyone was in good spirits upon our arrival. Butterfly does not sleep in the car, which made things a little noisy at times during the 2.5 hour trip, but overall she stayed happy. And took a nice long nap once we got settled in the house.

Monster was not eating much throughout the day, but did drink water and kept it down. The diapers were a little much, but manageable. Sunday morning arrived and we all went to Mass and then to lunch. I should have realized things were not good when Monster refused ice cream, even crying at the suggestion that he eat some. Still, I figured he was just tired. We went back to the house and the kids immediately went outside to play on the swings with their cousins. We were blessed with beautiful weather. Monster took up residence in one of the kiddie swings and let the big kids take turns pushing him. He probably sat in that swing for two hours. I went outside to visit with the adults that were out there when I noticed Monster looking very uncomfortable.

And then he puked. Again. Almost three days after the last incident.

I had just packed up the car and was actually outside to tell the kids it was time to get ready to go home. But I was not going to take a kid who had just puked on a long car ride, especially since Husband was not with us. So I unpacked the car, gave Monster some clean clothes, and went to the store to get more diapers (not prepared for the many blowouts) and wipes. Called Husband and told him he got another night to himself. Broke the news to the girls that they would be missing school (very sad for them, really). And then started offering fervent prayers that we would be done with the vomiting already.

All this time my stomach has been unsettled as well. It was hard to know if I was getting sick or if it was just stress and lack of sleep. Thankfully the rest of Sunday passed without incident. Monster perked up and ate some good snacks before bed. We piled into the car this morning and are now home.

And I might never make the trip again. Because the vomiting sucks, as I've mentioned.

Quick Takes

1. Princess goes to the dentist today for the first time. To say that I am worried about how bad her mouth might be does not even begin to express my concern. I will feel much better when it is all over.

2. The stomach bug has so far been limited to Monster. He was able to eat yesterday morning, but in the late afternoon/evening he was sick again. So I had another night on the couch, listening for him or anyone else to be sick, but the night passed without more vomit. He still seems puny today, so I'm not trusting that we are done with the illness. And I still worry that the rest of us will get it.

3. We're praying for guidance with Husband's job. He has a job, yes, but it does not really meet our needs, at this point anyway. There are many factors involved in why it has not been what he had hoped for, but some of them might be changing soon. We keep reminding ourselves that he has only been there for two months. In the meantime, we pray for mortgage business and some clear direction regarding full-time employment. We've discussed the idea of me going to work full-time so he can stay home and work the mortgage and lawn businesses, but that is not our first choice.

4. I missed a girls night last night due to the stomach bug. I was very disappointed, as I could have used a break from the house and the kids. But I didn't want to bring any germs with me, and Husband has a hard time dealing with stomach bug cleanup anyway. We watched two more episodes of John Adams. It was a nice night in, even if I was missing my girlfriends.

5. I've gotten back on the meal planning wagon. We have had actual meals the last few days, and I have several new recipes planned for next week. It feels good to have a plan for dinner and to look forward to eating it.

6. This lingering sickness of Monster's has kept me out of the gym again. It seems like the last few weeks I have only been able to make it to the gym two times at the most. It is so frustrating because I can feel myself losing my fitness. But, I did ten miles this week, so I guess I can count that as two workouts. The big race is two weeks from Sunday!

7. The kids and I are supposed to drive to my hometown for a quick visit tomorrow, but now it seems unlikely. I don't want to be in the car and have a kid puke, especially since I will be on my own. My nephew has a birthday party planned, and we so rarely get to attend, but I don't want a repeat of our last visit home when the kids had a stomach bug. Vomit sucks.

Visit Conversion Diary for more quick takes.

Things I Like Right Now

We may or may not have a stomach bug in the house. Monster puked a couple of times and had some atrocious dirty diapers last night, but is much improved today. Whether the rest of the family will be similarly afflicted remains to be seen. Because of that, all I've got to offer today is a brief list of things I like right now.

MommaLlama is sharing her secrets to homemaking success. She emphasizes the importance our attitude plays in a happy home, and that is something I could certainly work on. Look for posts titled Back in the Barnyard.

Husband and I are watching John Adams. We watched the first two episodes Sunday night. We have the next installment on hand, just trying to find time to watch them. I am fascinated by this period in our nation's history. The collection of minds all in one place that took what they had read and put it into action is astonishing. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall in those meetings.

Paperbackswap.com is the bomb. I love getting books in the mail, and the rare occasions when I buy a book are not so guilt-ridden, since I know that new book will turn into credit for another book. If you enjoy reading and have books taking up shelf space that you don't mind getting rid of, go to paperbackswap.com and join. It really is as easy as it sounds, most of the time.

Spring has sprung in Texas. We have had absolutely gorgeous weather this week and my kids have been playing outside a lot. I love having a backyard with a fence so they can play safely. Sunshine and warm weather makes me very happy.

What do you like these days?

Good/Bad

Last night was another episode of Biggest Loser. We watch this show every week. I love it. I am inspired by the contestants. I especially love this season because the people are nice. Even though they are in a contest, you can see that they really care about each other. There is some game play, but overall the tone is one that is very positive, and I like that very much.

Why am I telling you this? There is a point, promise.

Last night the contestants received a challenge at home. They had to run 13.1 miles. A half-marathon! They were taking on the very challenge I will be attempting in a few weeks. This was both good and bad for me I think. They have been at the Ranch for ten weeks, which is how long I have been training. Granted, they have spent eight hours a day working out, so their training has been rather intense. Still, these people started out in way worse shape and way overweight, and for some reason I found myself feeling a little discouraged that they would be doing the same thing I want to do. Why am I struggling with this if they can do it? But, I rallied and realized that I could use them as inspiration.

If they can do it, then so can I. Hello--I'm training for this and it is my goal, no one else's. I don't need to let myself get down when someone else reaches a milestone. Instead I will be encouraged and challenged. And I am.

Today I knocked out ten miles!!! And I only walked 1.25 of it. I ran about 3 miles then walked a bit, and just took it in 3 mile chunks and it worked. TEN MILES!

Also, I took five kids to the grocery store and lived to tell about it. It was actually a very positive trip.

So now I think I can solve our economy issues. I mean, look what I already did today.

Fake Poetry

This is my 600th post! I did not know this prior to writing this particular entry, but it seems fitting. I have prepared some fake poetry for your reading pleasure.

squandered in my youth
sought in my middle age
(or so it seems to me)
once lost, never regained
SLEEP

a seamed orb, chief desire
of young girls (and boys)
sphere of joy?
or round missile of insanity?
five kids, one mom
one hour of softball practice
who will prevail?

delivered, carried out, baked at home
many varieties, yet only one
worthy of consideration
favorite of my younger days
staple of my continuing days
i heart pizza

Give me some of your best fake poetry in honor of 600 posts!

Lungs: Who Needs'em?

Hello there. My blogging break is over. At least until I run out of things to write about again. That's the beauty of the blog, isn't it? It is mine and I can write or not write as I choose. I like feeling in charge of small things.

Turns out my break was well-timed, as the plague descended upon our house. That's not entirely true. We had been battling some variation of illness for a few weeks. Trying to determine what is allergies, a cold, or a full-fledged infection can be tricky. And I don't know if you noticed, but money does not grow on trees and our co-pay went up and so we really don't like going to the doctor for no good reason.

Things really took a turn for the worse when illness took up residence in my little body (well, small-ish body). Apparently severe allergies can lead to sinus infection. I was so sick that I did not feel like reading! That is sick people. Husband was able to come home early last Wednesday and handle kid duties so that I could go to the doctor. Four prescriptions, plus Zyrtec and Tylenol, later and things seem to be improving.

Or are they?

This little bout of illness included a cough to end all coughs. I'm taking non-narcotic cough suppressant to help, and I shudder to think what it would be like without it. I can speak for about two sentences before having to pause and fight with my lungs to stay inside my body. And all that coughing lead to that most undignified of injuries. I strained a muscle or bruised a rib or something with all the coughing. Every cough brings with it a pain not to be ignored.

But wait, it gets worse.

Because I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer (or just really stubborn, whatever) I went to the gym today to the boot camp class. I had only been to the gym once in the last ten days, so I was well overdue for a workout. I was doing okay and holding my own until we got to the abs portion of the class. I should have known better than to have grabbed the medicine ball and forged ahead as if all was normal. All it took was a couple of crunches and I realized I was causing more harm than good. And now it hurts to breathe.

So, here's my advice for the week. If you like breathing and whatnot, avoid sinus infections. If that doesn't work, and you get one anyway, avoid ab exercises if you suspect you strained a muscle.

Did you miss my astonishing wisdom?

I'm Back Early Because I Had to Share

Okay, so it is not Monday, but I had to break my blogging vacation to share this deal with my readers.

Right now, you can go here, and get a coupon for 30% off at Old Navy, Gap, BR, and Gap and BR Outlet stores.

I just got this dress in blue for $11! Paired with the super cute silver necklace and earrings I got last week and fun sandals it will be one of my favorite outfits for the summer.

Print your coupon and have fun!

Visit Big Mama's Fashion Friday for more fashion tips.

Reset

We need a reset in our home life. Behavior has spiraled downward. Patience is borderline nonexistent. Lent has begun with little notice in our house, and that's not good. I'm taking a short break, just a week probably, but a break nonetheless. See you next Monday!

Quick Takes #7

1. I am obsessed with pomegranate flavored things. I especially like pomegranate drinks, like margaritas or mimosas. But it extends to chapstick too. I had a margarita at the dinner last week and it was delicious.

2. T.O. is gone! Woohoo! While he may be an excellent player, he just did not work here in Dallas. I prefer players like Jason Witten, who let their talent do the talking. Just go out there and get the job done.

3. I'm having an off week in my training, but have decided that is okay. I did finally hit the seven mile mark, which was a big deal for my mental preparation. I needed to know I could get to the halfway point. Now I feel ready to finish up the training and tackle this great challenge. And I'm also ready to go shopping once the no new things ban is lifted.

4. Husband is on a retreat team this weekend. So this makes two out of the last three weekends that he is gone. But I know what awesome things come out of this retreat, and what a boost my husband gets out of serving, so I don't mind. And I'm only saying he is gone because my parents are here to visit, so I'm not actually alone. So stay away bad guys!

5. I must wash my car today. Parents are in town to go to a wedding and we are taking my car and my dad will faint if he sees what a sorry state my car is in. He taught me the proper way to wash a car, starting with the wheels. If the wheels are dirty the car is dirty. And the inside of my car is just plain embarrassing. I really try to keep it from becoming a mess, but I have lost any semblance of control recently. So today I will slather on the sunscreen and drag out the vacuum and give the car a thorough cleaning. I should probably start now, because it will take me forever.

6. I still can't post on Thursdays. My life must hit a dull patch right about then. Maybe because Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are very busy days and my brain is fried by Thursday. At least I'm consistent.

7.

Visit Conversion Diary for more quick takes.

Works for Me Wednesday: Cook Once, Eat a Lot

Today is a greatest hits edition of WFMW, and while I don't think I have posted this before, it is one of my personal greatest hits. It is Fiesta Chicken and it has many uses.

Throw some chicken breasts (fresh or frozen, at least 3) in a crock pot. Add a packet of taco seasoning and some salsa (enough to cover the chicken, at least). Cook on low for 8-10 hours if frozen, and 6-8 hours if fresh. When it is cooked, shred with forks.

Now here are 3 ways to serve it.

Obviously, you can have chicken tacos. Just serve with tortillas, greens (I like spinach), rice, cheese, pico de gallo, whatever you like on tacos. You'll have leftovers.

Use about two cups of the chicken to make enchiladas. I use a recipe from Jo-Lynne over at Musings of a Housewife. Just roll the chicken and some cheese (and we add black beans) up in tortillas and put in a 9x13 pan. Mix a can of cream of mushroom and a can of ro-tel and cover the enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. De-lic-io-us.

We also enjoy our Fiesta Chicken in salad. Grab a bag of salad (we use some blend with romaine and iceberg usually), some ranch dressing, salsa, black beans, cheese, and corn chips. Mix together, using the dressing and salsa to taste. Again, de-lic-io-us.

There you have it, the easiest main dish to prepare, it freezes well, and it has many applications.

Visit Kristen at We are THAT Family for more great tips.

What I Learned: I Can Try New Things

To read what others have learned this week, visit Musings of a Housewife.

I did something totally out of character this weekend. And I almost backed out. But then I thought of how disappointed I would have been if I organized something and people who said they were going to come did not show up. So what did I do?

I went to a DFW Blogger Dinner. I drove to Dallas and parked and walked into a restaurant to eat dinner with 25-30 people I did not know. Okay, I knew Elaine, but I had only met her in person once before. You can visit her blog to see who else attended. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I don't know how I come across here on the blog, but in real life, I can be very shy. The idea of going somewhere where I would know no one is usually enough to send me running in the other direction. I hate going with Husband to work functions because I feel like I will have nothing to talk about. Even though I read, follow sports, have an education, keep up with current events, I feel like people expect me to only talk about my kids, so I don't say anything.

Anyway, I went. Even though we had Butterfly's birthday party that day and I had a house full of family and a sick husband, I went. And of course I'm so glad I did! Elaine was there when I arrived, so I at least had a familiar face to find. And it turns out these blogging people are pretty friendly. Apparently a lot of us were in the same boat in terms of not knowing anyone. We had to wait about an hour to be seated, and then were sat in two large groups, but it gave us time to mingle.

I'll admit to feeling a little insecure and inferior to some of the people I was sitting with at the table. Some of these folks are really great writers and have a pretty good following. I started this blogging thing on a whim and am surprised I have kept it up for over two years. I know I have room for improvement, but being around these other bloggers inspired me. And like so many people have said about other blogging meetups, it didn't feel competitive at all. Everyone was friendly and curious about the blogs they were unfamiliar with and I never felt like anyone was thinking they were out of their league or above the rest of us.

So what I have learned this week is that this blogging gig is more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. It has opened me up to new experiences. Two years ago there is no way I would have done something like go to dinner with virtual strangers. Now I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to get to know new people.

To read other posts about the dinner, go visit June Cleaver Nirvana.

Oh, and on an exercise note, I learned that taking four days off is detrimental to training for a half-marathon.

A Case of the Mondays

Boy do I have it bad.

We had a busy weekend that ended with both adults and one kid feeling less than excellent. Things look better for us all today, but a visit to the doctor is still in order.

I went to a Blogger dinner this weekend! I will be writing about that tomorrow, in my What I Learned post for the week.

I am a lazy slob who has not set foot in her running shoes since Thursday. I foolishly took Friday off from exercise, knowing I probably would not do anything over the weekend. So sometime today I must drag myself to the garage and run four miles on the treadmill here. I think I will try do my seven mile run tomorrow, since I missed it over the weekend.

So if you're looking for a witty breakdown of the fabulous life of a stay-home mom, go elsewhere, quickly. My wit has vacated my body along with copious amounts of drainage.

With that image, I wish you a pleasant Monday.

Have some shrimp shooters on me. :)