Happy Birthday Grandma! Per the experts - it's your 21st!!!

We couldn't all make it home for the weekend of festivities, so we decided to light our own candles in honor of Grandma's big day!  Here's to the big 5-0!!!

Warrior Dash Midwest 2011 - Race Roundup!

This past weekend, I succumbed to the new 'in thing' of adventure racing.... Yes, five short months ago my running bud and I received an invite email 'enticing' us to 'don't miss the chance' at the coolest new type of running and adventure challenge:  a mud race.  Yes...It was January 20th.  Yes, we had X feet of snow on the ground at the time...and yes, swimming in a mud pit only seemed like a blissful wonder.  So, what did we do - we signed up for it!  Something called the 'Warrior Dash'...we were told - that was a combination of running a 5k and conquering some 'obstacles' in a  fun costume.  The night we both agreed to sign up for the challenge, I think the phrase 'How Bad Can it Be?' might have been uttered by one or both of us :)

Fast forward five months.  Two weeks before race day, we start cramming to figure out our costumes and start following the race on Facebook.  Each week other 'Warrior Dash' races are happening in various cities around the country.  I even long on to http://www.warriordash.com/ and look at some of the obstacles and challenges in the races nationwide.  And then I pause.  I call my BFF and utter these exact words: 

WHAT IN THE WORLD DID WE GET OURSELVES INTO?!?

Long Run Body Bliss

For those of you that run - I know you will 'get this'.  For those of you that don't, this may add one more peg to your 'Crazy Tab' stick... :)

Last night I wanted to run.  The weather was mid-60s and perfect.  I felt great and knew that since my hubby was off work and at home, I wasn't under the normal constraints of being home at a certain time to relieve the babysitter, get dinner going, entertain the kids - etc.  I also knew that if I went home to change clothes after work - I wouldn't go.  There would be a thousand distractions by the hubby, kids, laundry, shed-building (my hubby's new past time - more on that soon!) to prevent me from even changing into my running clothes, let alone escaping to run.

So what did I do? - brought my running clothes with me that morning and left them in the car.  When I got off work and got off the train....everything was already there for me in the car seat - and no excuse to back out.

So, in my best 'incognito fashion', I changed in the car.  Ok...this wasn't the most 'planned' portion of my day, but it worked!  And less than 5 minutes after arriving at my car, I was starting my stopwatch.

One major downfall of not going home before the run - no cold beverage to carry :(  So - at the half mile mark I stopped into the gas station and whipped out my 'emergency $20 bill' that I always carry in my running pack and got a gatorade - perfect!

Soon nearly 85 minutes had passed and I was in the home stretch heading back to my car.  I ordered a half-price pizza to be picked up at 7pm from our local pizzeria (which has half off Mondays!) and I planned to pick some fresh lettuce from our garden to have with it.  Dinner was taken care of and I did squeeze in my long week mileage early - 9 miles of it!

Nothing like sitting down to dinner and really feeling accomplishment.  This is week 2 of marathon training and I have to admit I feel great.  My body felt alive, strong, and even anxious for more miles.  As I laid in bed last night around 10pm, I realized how wonderful it feels to be in that 'post-run-euphorium'.  Your legs feel strong, your body feels toned, and you know there is a great night of sleep ahead of you.

The next morning, my body was still in this 'euphorium'.  I walked to the train with my back a little straighter, a little more confidence in my stride, and a good satisfaction of knowing that today I get to rest from my success of yesterday - and eat a great hearty lunch out downtown later....I deserve it :)

Here's to a continued, injury-free, successful training season :)

Gardening Success - Six Weeks After Planting

Two little gardeners with their pride and joy beds!

What a fun six weeks it has been.  Most evenings the twins would join me outside after dinner - to both examine the beds, water the crops, and to answer some of their very perplexing questions, such as:

- Two days after planting - Why aren't the tomatoes ready yet?
- Do we need a cage to catch the squirrels who eat our strawberries?
- Why can't I I use my spade and garden tools to dig up dirt every night?
- Will I start to like radishes if we grow them at home since I have always hated the ones from the store?
- I promise to try some of our onions IF you please let me water the garden tonight all by myself.... :)

Running in IL Weather - Impossible Task!

Why does Illinois weather have to be SO damn dramatic?  Seriously....we skip spring entirely this year....and go from winter to all time record highs where we haven't seen this type of streak of heat in late May/early June since the 1930s....to then have a 30 degree swing the next day with 5" of rain and people kayaking down the street!  Nope...not kidding....here is a great photo my friend took who blocks from her house:

Do people think that's really 'just rain'.... Come on, I know I'm a Civil Engineer by trade but COME ON PEOPLE....that's POOP WATER!  Gross! 

49 Confessions of Why I Run:

49 Confessions of Why I Run:

·         I run because I CAN!

·         I run for peace of mind, body & soul....

•   I run because it cleans my body and mind. It is my drug used without moderation.

·         I run because it gives me time to escape, time to daydream, time to focus and time to think about what's really important to me...

·         I run because I love the adrenalin rush and the satisfying feeling of fitness I feel after I've finished.

·         I run because it empowers me!!!

·         I run…to find myself.

·         I run to change my life for the better.

·         I run to say in shape and fit.

·         I run so that I can live longer and spend more years with my twins.

·         I run....because it's cheaper than therapy :)

·         I run because it helps me clear my head! And, it feels great!

·         I run to spend more time with my twins – via pushing them and teaching them exercise.

·         Why I run: My world is colliding at every turn…too much going on at all times.  Running is my solace…my peace….my recharge to try it all again tomorrow.

·         I run to prove to my daughter that women are strong and can accomplish their dreams.

·         I run for me.

·         I run to be challenged.

·         I run to share time with friends.

·         I run to see the forests early in the morning and witness the earth’s beauty under the soles of my feet - and before my eyes.

·         I run to be healthy, to be outside, to teach my kids about fitness, to satisfy my competitive spirit and because while all my minutes are dedicated to being a mommy, my time running is MINE... (even when I'm pushing them in the stroller)

·         I run to find time in my day to contemplate the life path that I’m on.

·         I run because it keeps me grounded.

·         I run for better health and sexy legs!

·         I run because it’s fun.

·         I run for my sanity. I have a hubby, kids, a stressful job and a busy household. Running keeps me SANE...oh, and having nice thighs and legs don't hurt either!

·         I run for health and to show my kids fitness is for a lifetime.

·         I run because I LOVE to eat.

·         I run because I LOVE wine.

·         I run because I LOVE margaritas.

·         I run to eat and drink even MORE!

·         I run for my mental health.

·         I run because it takes me places....

·         I run to know myself better, feel my strength, and revel in the joy of surpassing what I thought were my limits.

·         I run because it keeps me sane. And because my husband and kids think I get cranky when I don't get a run in...

·         I run because it makes me "ME", and I can teach my twins there is never a finish line, only another race and trail to complete.

·         I run because it's the only alone time I get some days...

·         I run for respect.

·         I run to prove I won't quit on myself.

·         I run to help me cope. Running is my Prozac.

·         I run to enjoy bagel day at the office.

·         I run to have a Saturday morning appointment.

·         I run to see more places when I travel.

·         I run races for the goodie bags.

·         I run to PR against myself at races…not others.

·         I run to push my twins and teach them about sitting still for 30 minutes in close proximity – and getting along.

·         I run for the bling…Big. Shnazzy. Medals.

·         I run for cool race t-shirts.

·         I run to remind myself that this is always easier than given birth to twins.

·         I run to have something to blog about J

 

....some of these have been inspired by others to me today, National Running Day, and over the years....others are ones that I have engrained into my runs each time someone asks me....Why do YOU run?

Complaining about Spring and National Running Day!!!

Welcome to June...FINALLY.  Talk about the most ill-defined transition from winter to summer EVER.  2011 has been a 'humdinger' thus far.  Last Tuesday night at T-Ball we were all freezing our rears off in the dugout, last night - not enough water to go around.  Somehow, we missed the transition to warm weather via the past known season as 'Spring'.  I remember it from my youth but have been struggling to find and witness it in recent years.  We have received ample amounts of rain this year that usually accompanies this mysterious season, but none of the transitional temperatures that we all NEED.  The reason I say 'Need' is because - seriously - I really NEED those temperatures.  As much as I'm a fan of super hot weather, we just don't know how to act or respond when it's literally just shoved in our face.

Example 1:  Yesterday I had my kids dress themselves for preschool.  They came out of their room in jeans and long sleeved shirts.  THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRESS FOR SPRING!  I told them it was 'super warm' and they needed shorts and t-shirts....they looked at me, cocked their head, and wondered what was I talking about.  So, we had to have a brief discussion about somehow God forgetting to bring us Spring....but guess what - Summer came early!  To that announcement, jubilee was heard around the neighborhood and they quickly asked, why are we still in school and why aren't we in the pool???

Example 2:  My garden.  I haven't posted some progress photos recently, but I will soon - I promise!  All is looking good - considering.  Last week we had temperatures dip to 40 degrees.  This has happened multiple times since May 1.  We've also had some huge temperature swings from day to day.  Needless to say my cucumbers have nearly sliced their own throats and my tomatoes are as ticked as can be.  We're all surviving...but COME ONE....Don't Tell Me I have to wait till June to plant my garden!

Example 3:  At lunch, I decided to go out for a 6 mile 'detox run' from the Memorial Day weekend frenzy.  Uh....hello - it was over 80 degrees!  To my luck I had also forgotten my ipod and found myself running with no music.  The 6 miles quickly was reduced as the only rhythm I fell into was the sound of my own near hyperventilation in the agonizing heat.  My body was not ready for this horrible transition and now it's revolting.  Needless to say, 6 miles quickly turned into 3.5

This morning I woke up and looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the week:  H O T

So....guess it's here to stay.  I'm also starting my marathon training program soon for the 2011 Chicago Marathon in October and wondering WTF was I thinking signing up for summer training marathon!?!  I know...I know....I grumble every spring while training for a spring race in the snow....but 80-90 degree runs are even worse, believe me!

To help me with this mental transition, I'm going to do my best to take it in stride....as the holiday that it is!  How better to handle the stress of running and easily wanting to NOT run due to the weather and instead drink wine and eat cheese after work....than celebrate this National Holiday!

June 1st is National Running Day!

You may run alone, but on National Running Day, we celebrate together! On this day, runners everywhere share their passion for a lifestyle that is one of the best, and simplest, ways to stay fit—and so much more. You can head out solo to clear your mind, gab with your regular running buddies, or turn an unsuspecting friend into a running fiend. This day is for us!



So....this bodes the option quite well:  Stay in and complain about the heat and lack of spring...or EMBRACE IT!

We've all waiting for June for months to get here.  It's finally here and we need to relish in it!  What will you do today?

I am working downtown Chicago today.  I also have to mow my yard when I get home.  AFTER all of that...and feeding my family....I plan to hit the suburban streets.  Depending on how late it is, I may only get in a half hour of miles...but that's ok.  Something is better than nothing and I plan to celebrate and just be thankful that I CAN RUN!

Tornadoes and Parenting.... and the 'Crazies'

So....I'm tackling a 'current event'....and even put this post on the local online Newspaper: HF Patch.  I'm tackling my current parenting conundrum... Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Seriously - when did parenting get to be so hard?

I can't even comprehend this devastation.  Click below to read the article in full:

Weekend Running Views...and Some Great FOOD to Cancel Out the Miles!

This past Friday - Sunday resulted in 3 entirely different running experiences!  One - at a local forest preserve.  Two, run number 43 with my twins (and my hubby joined in!) in our neighborhood.  Three:  The country roads in Fayette County, IL.  All told - 11 miles covered. 


1.  Izaak Walton Forest Preserve is located in Homewood, IL and supplies great trail running and fabulous scenes...just a little over 1.4 miles from my house.  The current 3.6  mile loop is under construction due to a new waterway at MM 1.7ish that causes a slight detour to the unmarked path.  But all in all, a wonderful way to start your day...whether you are running, biking, or walking your dog. 

2.  Saturday morning all of us ran the Apollo 5k in Homewood.  This race is part of the 3-race circuit in the H-F running community.  We are never able to complete the full circuit since race #2 is always over The Fourth of July - so we always try and do this one for sure, along with the Flossmoor 5k mid September.  We ran it in approximately 29 minutes and felt great.  The twins were great spectators in their stroller - and only told us twice to 'pick up the pace'!.  Anyway, this was race #43 that I have pushed them in!

3.  Sunday morning I stepped outside to not only a warm day - but a WINDY one at that.  It was one of those runs where you don't realize how windy it really is, until you turn around at the half way point and head home.  My time for the first 2 miles was very fast and I felt pretty proud.  But guess what - I quickly realized that HELLO - that's the result of a great tail wind :)  So, the way back to the farm took me quite a bit longer than the way out, but considering those sustained gusts, I was just glad to finally make it back and not have to call the house for a ride back.  I was also pretty bummed that there was no random farm dogs to run with today.  Yep, usually you run past a farm house and the greatest old farm dog joins along and really - it is great company (except for the random stops and cutoffs right in front of you)... But heck, it keeps you on your toes!

'Why' might you ask did I decide to run 3 days in a row - particularly in such windy conditions.  Well, the night before my father-in-law hosted a 'Blooming Luau Party'....yep, lots of good food, beer, and wine.  And guess what, my mother-in-law made homemade fried banana fritters!  I was able to steer clear of them for about a half hour - until someone twisted my arm for a quick try.  Well, 30 minutes later I had consumed five of them....and felt like my stomach was becoming a lunar mass.  So, Sunday morning running really seemed like a requirement after this 'incident'.

Homemade banana fritters:  Think Banana Bread and Funnel Cake all in one!

After a good long weekend of some great mileage, I'm really excited about some nice warm weather running this summer.  Only more good times ahead!

Stress Relief At Its Best....Why I Run...

The WARM WEATHER running season is just upon us!  I was pretty excited this week to use that as my motivation to get others to MOVE.  Running is a great way - but really - just to get out and DO SOMETHING!  So, this week I'm a guest 'blogger' on the Homewood Flossmoor Patch (http://homewood-flossmoor.patch.com/) - our local community website for 'All Things Homewood-Flossmoor.  If you haven't checked it out yet - DO IT!  Or - check out their Facebook Page and 'like it' Here. 

Anyway, check out my article HERE - and yes, I hope to see you at the 5k on Saturday - with my co-runner hubby and our little training partners in tow!

Destination Run: Pittsburgh Style!

As mentioned before HERE, running while on work trips is my necessity.  I love to see the 'new city sites' this way...and also attempt to balance out the unending free food and booze that seems to necessitate any work travel.  I spent 5 full days in the 'Burgh' and found 3 times to run.  When I first arrived in Pittsburgh, the concept of running slightly frightened me - HELLO - MORE HILLS!  But then I found this beautiful thing:  The Allegheny River!  Yes....rivers aren't on hills and what does that mean to me? - seek them out!  Usually in any major city there is some type of body of water, with a nice path/sidewalk/road that runs along it.  Luckily I stumbled upon a true running path here via a small park that connects all the sites along the river: PNC Park, Heinz Field, the Casino, The Science Museum, and of course....entrances to all the beautiful bridges that span the Allegheny as they approach this area known as the golden triangle. (Here Pittsburgh is nested between two rivers:  the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers - which combined to form the start of the Ohio river that then runs south west towards good ole' southern Illinois!). 

Foodie Indulgence: The Pittsburgh Attack!

After spending five straight days in Pittsburgh, PA, on the company dime and eating out every single meal, I came to a few quick conclusions on Day 1:

• I was going to experience tons of amazing food
• All amazing food is only just as good with great amazing wine and beer
• When you're with good friends and it's not your dime, zero accountability with eating 'right' ever enters the course of decision making.
• Any weight loss I had achieved via winter and spring marathon training would soon be lost

So...5 days later, how did it all pan out?  Well, all four major points were achieved.  Success?!?  Well, let's just say I can call this rather 'Predicatable!'.  Item 4 was somewhat curbed by the fact I did run 15 miles while in town, but anyone who has ever been gone on a week for a work trip can attest to the fact that no amount of miles can undue 5 days or 15 meals of eating like crap.  Nope....can't do it.  At least it kept me active and not at the buffet or bar longer than I really needed to be there.  And no, I haven't stepped on a scale to really see 'how much' the damage is.  I'm slightly scared right now and will only step on once I've had a couple of good days back in the office where I'm pretty regimented in my frozen lunches and clementines again :)

So, in order to not just feel sorry for myself, but to truly enjoy all the great good and beverage, I decided to instead, indulge in my 'Inner Foodie' and just enjoy it!  Below are some wonderful samplings of my week in Pittsburgh....and what I have coined to myself as the unhealthiest work trip of my existence.  Cheers!

The "Pittsburgh-er or the Primanti"

It had cappicola and salami with melted provolone, french fries, cole slaw and tomato on pugliese bread (yes, cole slaw and french fries actually inside of the sandwich).  But seriously....who ever imagined french fries on a sandwich - PURE GENIUS!!!

A wonderful ballpark hot dog with caramelized balsamic onions on top!

Potatoes with blue cheese and bacon!

Sliders...need I say more?  :)

Gyros!  $5 after the bars....2:30am.  Great on the waist!

All in all - this week will be my detox.  Yes, fruit, vegetables, and dairy will once again enter my diet.  Exercise will ramp up, and I am beginning my first day in one week with no beer or wine.  Please be leery of talking/working/socializing with me.  To help get thru this transition, I am considering a slow drip IV of beer and beef filet grease to help me get thru the next couple days.  Please say a prayer that I make it :)

Baseball Night in the Burgh :)

Tonight our staff enjoyed a great night out tonight in Pittsburgh....at a Pirates baseball game.  As appropriate for any strong Cardinals fan, I wore my shirt - eventhough they were playing the Dodgers...ya know, gotta root against my central division competitors.  But...the bonus of a poor team with poot community support on a Tuesaday  night: Amazing seats in perfect weather! 
We walked here from our hotel....and hello - the bridges here are amazing.  My husband will be oozing with jealousy when I tell him about it. 
So....I'm enjoying some Bud Light and having a great time....and a little sad I missed my T-ball Salukis tonight.  But, again- nachos and beer and baseball makes it all better!!!

Mother’s Day Ammmazing-ness

So….let me just start out this post by first explaining that I THINK much of my husband’s success in pulling off a fabulous Mother’s Day experience for me this year, is mostly in repair and recovery from last year’s Mother’s Day.  Yep, last year was the worst.

As is this year, I’m heading to my once a year ‘all week’ work trip for the NASCC: The Steel Conference.  Last year, we were required to fly out Sunday to arrive prior to Monday morning.  Thankfully, this year, we flew out today – Monday.  So, last year, my husband was in the midst of one of his ‘crazy’ work deadlines and had to work Sunday in the city.  I spent the day alone with two crazies – yes, two ‘just turned 4 – full on crazies’ that were awful that day.  Then I picked up Chris at work and he drove us to the airport for my drop off.  I was sulking in the fact I was alone all day, the kids were out of control, and I had to leave for seven days (which I was then blaming their ‘crazy-factor’ on me for not being around more).  I nearly quit my job on the spot that day – curbside at the airport.  I remember crying thru the airport with sunglasses on.  The TSA person made me take off my sunglasses in the security line and guess what – she gave me a hug.  She said….”I know….It’s Mother’s Day….I wish I was home too.”   She ‘got’ it.  I just wanted to cry on her shoulder till my flight left, but I knew if I stood there for more than the ‘accepted time’, I’d surely be detained for some random code violation.

So….I went to work and said – NEVER will I travel on Mother’s Day away from my kids again – NEVER.

Well….fast forward 12 months and here we are again.  But guess what – NO TRAVEL YESTERDAY!  Woo Hoo!  Chris never forgot how bad that day was….and he KNEW how close I was to quitting a job that I love over one crappy day.  He got the super-duper Dad ‘Gold Star’ yesterday.  From an orchestrated breakfast in bed….to letting me get myself ready for church in a quiet room, to a beautiful lunch at Belagio and nap with my babies – it was fabulous J

As I mentioned this weekend in my Mother’s Day Mantra post, I was quite nervous the twins would burn down the house at 5am with their secret threat of pancakes and operating the toaster.  When my husband first heard them up clanging pans, he immediately went down there and put together something fabulous:

Great food....and a great Quatros's Cup to compliment it!  (for all you Salukis!)

Seriously – ham, mushroom, and cheese omelet, toast, strawberries and bananas….and two of our shot glasses (which get zero usage these days) outfitted with strawberry jelly and salsa as condiments.   A nicely folded napkin and orange juice

Gardening Update - The Plants are IN!

This weekend was all about two things.  Gardening and moms J

Since I’m going to be gone all this coming week for NASCC: The Steel Conference, in Pittsburgh – and next weekend we’ll be in Dekalb for little Wessie’s college graduation from NIU – and the weather was forecasting extreme warmth and no chance of frost at all – we decided it was time to plant the garden.

Saturday morning I went and visited my local organic gardener:  Bloomberg Gardens, and bought the following plant starts:

• Cilantro
• Oregano
• Jalapenos
• Chives
• Broccoli
• Lettuce varieties (Merlot, Caesar/Romaine, Green Oak Leaf, Kale, Spinach, Red Leaf)
• Grape and cherry tomatoes.

As I mentoned before, I already had green pepper and large tomato plants compliments of the Lincolnwood FFA chapter, so this was a great start.  Once I had all the starts I could find from them, I went to my home-away-from-home, Home Depot, and bought organic plant seeds and a couple more starts to complete the rest of the garden:

• Sweet Corn
• Peas
• Pole Beans
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Cinnamon Basil
• Cucumbers
• Strawberries

….which also led to the need for tomato cages, trellises, and garden ties.  So…after 4-5 hours of ‘out and about’, we were finally ready to plant!

We decided to mark off 15” x 15” squares on the perimeter frames of our raised beds (we were too scared for a true ‘square foot’ grid our first year.  Remember, our only gardening experience prior to this was back home, where land was of the essence and you NEVER compacted your planting….so one small step at a time).  Starting at the north end of the beds with our tallest and cage varieties (sweet corn, pole beans, cucumber, peas, tomatoes) and working south to the smallest of lettuce and root vegetables, we worked square by square to get everything in – both me and my small helpers. 

My Mother's Day Mantra

Yesterday, on the way to preschool, my five year old twins told me what they could make me for 'breakfast in bed' on Mother's Day.  However, there were many caveats to what was truly available for my 'picking' if they were preparing it on their own.

• Toast - with strawberry jelly, said my son Kaiden.  Madyson piped up and reminded him that Daddy had banned them from using the toaster since the electricity problem - and that it can kill them (I can't even imagine the story that goes with this....I'll have to ask my husband what happened sometime).  So they changed their mind - just bread with jelly.
• A Banana
• Orange Juice
• Cereal...any kind I want!  And they both agreed that Madyson had poured milk in the past and that she would not make a mess.
• They would hand deliver it on an old metal 'breakfast in bed' tray they had in the basement.  It has a fox, bear, and beaver on the front of it that they took from their Great-Grandma's house a couple years ago.  One of the little support legs is broke, but they assured me it still worked.

Race Number 41 with my training partners!

As I shared earlier this week, last weekend, I ran a crazy running bonanza weekend.  A 5k and a Half Marathon - 13 hours apart.  Just today the race posted pictures from the 5k.  And guess what - I think I've found my favorite :)

This race was number 41.  Yes, over the course of the last couple months, I've done my best to actually determine how many races I have pushed the twins in.  Last Friday night, on April 29th, I pushed them in number 41.  This is summer number 6 they've been traveling in this exact same stroller.  They are now too big for the seat belts, old enough to adjust the sun visor on their own, and ornery enough to sometimes drag their feet on the ground on purpose to get my attention for one of their pressing questions that they might have for me mid-race. 

I found out from my sister-in-law about thirty minutes before the race that the rules said 'No Running with Strollers'.  Guess what....I kinda pretended I didn't hear her  :)  This summer I plan to soak up my last chances to take my little 'training partners' out with me on Saturdays for races.... This is a time in my life I will never get back and I really really do enjoy it. Heck, I ran my second marathon ever when I was pregnant with them.  NOT having them with me truly seems un-natural.

So, of the 4,500 5k runners last weekend, I'm pretty sure I was the only one running while pushing 100 pounds of twins plus an old jalopy stroller at a 29 minute race pace.  To the Illinois Marathon staff and volunteers - thanks for not stopping me for a rule that was probably well grounded for the quantity of people in that short race....but I appreciate it :)  Running around the inside of Memorial Stadium while pushing my kids to the Black Eyed Peas is a feeling I may never forget :)

I GOTTA FEELING!

Surviving our 2011 Illnesses...ALL HOME TOGETHER!

Walking Pneumonia has officially struck us all.  Yes, all 4 of us ranging in age from 34 to 5 are all on the exact same medication, and all stranded at home.  I attempted, after 3 days on antibiotics, to escape back to work in the city today.  Well, I only made it 5 hours and headed back south on the train.  Too tired, winded, exhausted - all of it.  I really tried to battle it out.  The thought of being home with 3 other 'sicklies' wasn't very exciting.  I was going to will my way back to work and normality.  My body was thinking something else. 

Yesterday I felt pretty good, today much worse.  Why - I'm not sure.  Many people have told me how long it will take us to get over this condition - since it really does weaken our immune system.  But you know me....I'll bounce back quickly....so I thought.  Monday when I sat down with my new doctor, he told me - Take care of yourself and Stop Being a Hero.  But wait, isn't that what my job is?

Suburban Gardening - Our first steps

Nearly two years ago when our townhouse was for sale, I had some pretty specific requirements:  Sell this to buy a REAL house....with a yard the kids can run crazy in and I can build gardens and plant flowers wherever I want.  This may seem like a standard wish or requirement for most people. BUT, not in a townhouse that is run by a homeowner's association that doesn't allow fences, personal children's playgrounds, or gardens.  Really, no customization of any kind.  Period.  When we were the standard DINKs (Double Income No Kids) in town, it was perfect.  We spent most of our time working, playing sports in the city, and didn't want to spend any of our own time actually maintaining our property such as landscaping and snow removal.  Again, it was perfect.  But....as what normally happens when you have children, our perspective changed.

As soon as the twins were old enough to crawl and soon run, the exterior of my home became nearly as important as the inside of my home.  Inside, we finished our basement and added a toy room.  Outside, our hands were tied.  There was a large common yard, but no personal space.  Our daughter once even fell down a neighbor's window well.  Yep, that was the straw that broke the camel's back.  No privacy.  No security. No safety.  And again....no ability to plant a garden and customize anything we wanted.  At one time in our lives, this was perfect - but by today, it wasn't for us anymore.

So luckily, we sold our townhouse and bought a 'real' house.  You know, one with our own walls, a yard we and we alone were responsible for, and one in which we owned a yard as far as the eye could see....where we could do whatever we wanted!  The first year we owned the home, we closed on it mid summer and didn't have a full growing season to take advantage of.  Therefore, 2011 was decided on to be 'our year'.

Racing Success & Scournging up from the Depths of Phlem Hell!

7 days...12 hours later, and I 'may' be turning the corner.  You know when you're sick and you say 'I think I'm turning the corner'.  Well, last Wednesday at about 5pm as I was on the train with my husband heading home, I turned to him and said, I REALLY need to turn the corner tomorrow.  No....I didn't feel like I was turning the corner, but I NEEDED to turn the corner. Because, well, I had plans.  I, like most humans on this planet, don't allow time for getting sick.  Heck, I haven't even been on antibiotics for the cold or flu in over 7 years.  I haven't been to a family practice doctor in that same amount of time....as I'm a chronic 'self diagnoser'.  So, Thursday of last week, I didn't turn the corner.  Friday afternoon I had REAL PLANS.  I was planning to run the I-Challenge in Champaign, IL starting that evening:  Pushing the twins in a 5k at 6:30pm and running a half marathon 13 hours later at 7:30am.  Yep, no time for any little 'phlem' to get in my way!  So, turning the corner - or not, I wasn't backing out of my commitments, and my MONEY I had already paid 5 months ago for this event! 

Sleep or Royalty?

Am I the ONLY one in this world that does NOT have a DVR?  I'm beginning to think so.  I've heard so many people today at work and online saying "I have my DVR programmed for the Royal Wedding...Can't Wait!".  I also know of people who are taking off work tomorrow, and going to viewing parties at 4:00am to drink tea and eat scones while watching the wedding coverage.  Maybe wearing hats too - actually sounds like a lot of fun!

What...Free Cookbook?!?

My good friend Shannon's blog is taking off! Her blog, www.sameoldshannon.com is fabulous!  And THIS WEEK she is giving away a FREE cook book.  Yes, she's very influential in the blogosphere (I think that's the word?) and all you have to do is go to this link:  http://www.sameoldshannon.com/2011/04/giveaway-kitchenaid-recipe-collection.html and comment on her post to be entered.  So, check it out, and good luck getting a great free gift from Shannon!

Suds and Science...Moon Hoaxes - OH MY!

Tonight was a great fun night in general.  Chris and I NEVER get a babysitter....as in a PAID babysitter.  Maybe 3 to 4 times a year for the evenings.  Mostly due to one simple fact - we spent so much money on childcare during the working hours, why pay for it at night?  Also, we don't want to not see our kids at daytime AND at night.  So, in essence, activities during the week - that we both need to attend - are not on our radar since we need to get a babysitter.

Well, something came along that peaked our interest.  Last month I saw as article in an H-F Patch Facebook Post about a new Science Pub.  This concept of Science Pubs is currently sweeping the nation.  A recent USA Today article  by Tracy Loew references how:

Across the country, thousands of people are gathering for monthly science pubs such as this one — informal lectures combined with food and drink that cover everything from the physics of flight to fire ecology to crime forensics. They're part of a loosely coordinated global "science cafe" movement that's been around for a couple of decades but has surged in the past year.

So guess what... a local professor stumbled across this concept, and Voila...made it happen!  Tonight was the second Science Pub and it was a hit.  They alternate each month between two local favorites - Grady's Grille in Homewood and the Flossmoor Station Brewery.  Last month's topic was on climate change.  Tonight's topic was very intriguing for people - "Was the moon landing a hoax?".

http://homewood-flossmoorsciencepub.blogspot.com/

Slight Panic: Dead Ahead

Well, today is Wednesday, and that means only two more days until my twelve hour running bonanza begins.  Yep, the money was paid months ago and there is NO backing out.  Anyways, that's what I've been continually telling myself the last couple of days.

If you remember, I'm still recovering from one of those races that....I will never forget.  Lucky for me, it ended in a good way - as it didn't for many of the other runners that day.  The Go! St. Louis Marathon was quite an amazing race.  One that seemed to defy all preconceived thoughts I had about my abilities and strengths.  I ran thru it all - and survived - and FINISHED.  With a MEDAL!  Seriously....it wasn't a day about PRs.....just finishing.

The week after the race, I didn't even run until five days later. Seven days later I ran a 5k and pushed the twins.  Last week I ran just twice....slowly building up to 8 miles.  And then this week -  I've had a cold since Monday and haven't laced up my shoes once - which, normally wouldn't be a big deal.  But, HELLO, I have a huge commitment this weekend!  I am running the I-Challenge.  Friday evening I am doing a 5k and Saturday morning I am doing a half marathon as part of the Illinois Marathon weekend.  Yep...12 hours apart. 

Another Birthday Here and Gone....

Well, another birthday milestone is here and gone.  I'm excitedly calling 32 the 3rd anniversary of my 29th Birthday!  That sounds so much more monumental -AND young :)  So, only 364 more days until the 4th anniversary of my 29th birthday!

I know many people really struggle with birthdays.  I have a good friend who put herself in the hospital with HIVES when she turned 25!  Most of you may be sighing at the thought that 25 may be

Children and their 'Filters'....Yes, they don't always work!

Yep...She did IT.  My daughter did IT!  She is five years old....and has been working on her 'filter' more and more over the last year, but really hasn't perfected it.  So, at any time, something could come out of her mouth - loud and clear- that 'maybe' she should have whispered to me or her brother, but definitely not yelled out loud in exhaltation!

But well - sometimes she can't resist.  Sometimes something so amazing/crazy/captivating is happening before he very eyes, that she really CAN'T hold it in any longer....and then ---- she says IT.  What is IT? - well, it's the most inappropriate comment you could ever imagine.  IT is the comment that makes all parties stop, turn, gasp - heck, even the buzzing of the flourescent lights above ceases to make noise and the birds in the air stop flapping their wings.  IT is the worst thing a parent could imagine - as their child is old enough and SHOULD be using an internal thought/speech filter by now - but just hasn't perfected yet.

IT - happened to us 7 days ago.

We were at a little grocery store by our house called 'Walt's'.  In comparison - it's not the mega

In-Church Discipline - A Guide on what NOT to do.

Easter Sunday at Church - one that you prepare for - for weeks!  What outfit to wear.  How to dress your children.  How early to get there to save seats.  But, we were blind sighted by the one facet that seemed to hit us just as we were standing up to walk to the communion line - expectations of 5 year olds!

Over-Dosing on Easter (Candy, that is....)

Oh Easter Candy...how I despise you in in sooo many ways.   In the last four months, I have been pretty meticulous with  my diet.  I wanted to optimize my marathon training, and of course - eating whatever I wanted wasn't going to help with that.  In my effort to lose a little weight and become a better runner, I put myself on a pretty regimented diet.  Banana and breakfast shake in the morning, an apple and a frozen lean cuisine for lunch, 3 clementines on the way home from work on the train - and a sensible dinner that was actually portion controlled.  This has worked really well for me.  In the last four months while training for the race and staying disciplined, I actually lost close to 20 pounds and became an even better runner - success! 

Well - this weekend I fell off the 'train'.  I was hosting Easter, which means I would have better control in how I prepared the meals and what was available for healthy options.  But - something happened.  Saturday afternoon we did the Easter Egg hunt with the twins and their cousins.  Nearly 300 eggs were hid in our backyard.  And guess what - every one of them had some form of ingestible sugar.  My self control was in complete control...until I saw THIS:



Yep....I was the parent that let my kids