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

5th quarter....Name that Sexy Creeper!

So tonight the family was in town....and we went out! We couldn't get Chris to cooperate - but did get his fresh DL axe murder photo from today.  The rest of us had a little fun with our creeper faces.  So....name that sexy creeper!  Live from 5th Quarter!

Solutions for Hosting a Family Weekend Festivus – Napa Wine….and Running

Being the ‘hoster’ of this weekend’s family festivities…. I am feeling the most dreaded sensation right now - ‘holy smokes….why didn’t I plan ahead?!?’

 

We're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy... we're in Raymond?!?

Tonight spurred a lengthy discussion in - you guessed it - natural disasters.  Tornadoes in particular.  Last month was earthquakes and tsunamis after the catastrophe in Japan.  Tonight....it was based on videos and photos of 'God's Country' (as my mom calls it) - Raymond.

Five year-old girls and the bad Hannah Montana influences (us mamas) wish we could avoid....

When I woke up this morning, I read THIS article and instantly ‘got it’.  I have been traveling quite a bit recently for both work and fun – and have also noticed this crazy phenomenon.  You know – the phenomenon of dressing your 8 year old daughter as a hooker?  My daughter is now 5 and yes….I know she is ONLY 5, but something happened this week that made me think that she is growing up way too incredibly fast.  And I agree – all parents play an active role in this challenge and we must be vigilant and not just let them lead their own paths to who knows where.

Doctor Doctor....Give me the NEWS!

I’m considering actually going to a doctor.  Nope….not for my annual checkup, but a REAL doctor (sorry if I offended any doctors out there).  I’m talking about a doctor based on a real current ailment.  I can’t even begin to tell you how many years it has been since I went to a real J.  I have been at the pediatrician’s office with the twins before and may have ‘mentioned’ an ailment of mine to him – to quickly have him comment his EXPERT medical opinion.  So, good timing has served me well in that respect at times!  In addition, my pediatrician has been overly generous to me in the past as well and only charging me one co-pay for the first twin being sick (and knowing the seconding coming with Twin B is coming in a day or two)….but prescribing me two kids medications!  SCORE!

Boston Marathon Day - Oh How I Both Loathe and Respect you....

I have completed 6 marathons to date... with a PR (personal record) of 4.27.12.  I have consistently TRIED to improve my time, but as you all know from THIS lovely post, 1/3 of my marathons have been cancelled due to extreme heat.  Of the other four, three of them have hovered within 8 minutes of each other in my finishing time, and the other one I was preggers with twins and had to slow down the last 6-8 miles.  So....lucky may be my middle name :)  Anyway, TODAY - and just a few minutes ago - the 115th of the Boston Marathon began!  If this is new to you - let me explain to you a little bit about Boston. 

Boston is THE marathon in the world of running.  Not really for the course, free giveaways, or tropical setting (which seems to be some of my personal criteria when choosing my next destination!), but the stature and glamour of actually saying 'Yes, I ran Boston'.... or 'I've just QUALIFIED for Boston'.  Really, you are almost as cool to be able to qualify, as to actually make it there.

Over the course of the last year, I have started going to work about a half hour earlier to adjust my schedule a little bit.  On that early train in the morning, are a husband and wife who are in THE BEST shape you could imagine.  And what do they wear to work everyday you might ask? 

Gotta Give Credit Where Credit it Due (as Sawyer Brown said it back in the day!)

Just finished the 2011 March for Babies in Grant Park, Chicago. 
We actually ran the 5k and WON the race/walk. 
The only race we ever win are the ones the others walk :)

Today is one of those days, where really, we  pause and realize who we need to be thanking and supporting.  If you haven't figured it out by now, our little world here in Northern Illinois revolves around 2 crazy 5 year olds.  But, 5 years ago, things weren't as day-to-day crazy, but more minute-to-minute of survival.  Today we took time out of our day to support the March of

Now that was a DAM good trip!

This is my second trip business trip to Vegas, and third time ever here.  And this is the first time I haven't been on the strip for business,

 

HOLY BUTTOCKS!

That pretty much sums it up. Early this morning I woke up before the conference to run the streets of Henderson NV.   And boy....HOLY BUTTOCKS!...

Destination Run - Vegas Style!

For the next 36 hours, I am in Vegas for the fabulous 'Structures Congress'.  I know, I know - all of you structural engineers out there are completely jealous of this heavenly parfait filled with steel, concrete, timber, masonry, and wonderful sessions on seismic and gravity analysis and detailing challenges!!!  Whoop....maybe not :)

Anyway, I am actually here for a series of meetings in conjunction with the conference - for this sustainability committee I am on.  One of the potential activities includes a tour of hoover dam that I hope to score tickets to tomorrow night!  So....sorry to disappoint any of you hoping to hear about any possible craziness for me at Tao or the Palms with Lindsay or the Kardashians :)  Well....I will check back in Sunday, after the fact, if things take a spin in that direction!

Traveling for work is hard on many levels.  It is wonderful to visit many places on the company dime that I normally wouldn't be able to - but it is never fun to do it alone.  One time I was driving alone thru the 'badlands' of South Dakota.  I had a couple hours to kill before my flight was due to leave Rapid City - and I had a rental car.  I decided to drive to Mt. Rushmore.  It was early April - not the busy time of the year for tourists.  There was no traffic - nearly all the little towns on the way resembled ghost towns.  And then - ta da- I was there!!! But - I looked around and I was alone in the car.  I decided to pull over, get out, and call my husband at work.  So...imagine how excited I am to share this experience with him.

The phone rings - he answers - andhe is as grouchy as an be! Some new impossible deadline from his then boss....then immediately deflated my bubble of 'national landmark bliss'.  So - boo on traveling alone is my new mantra.  Yes - hotel beds alone with no kids yelling or climbing in - is great! Food is also good on someone else's dime (especially when a few cocktails are involved).  But, I have to admit that I really don't enjoy these escapades.  Leaving my family is 'not cool' and putting this all on Chris's plate to manage everything in my absence - I truly feel guilty about.

The one true brightspot that I LOVE to brag to my other running buds and gym rats about is my running and athletic adventures when I travel.

In the past, I once rented a car while I was in Phoenix for work, and drove to Meriposa County and did a 8 mile trail run thru the desert that crossed over the dam of a lake in the state park there (the race even had scorpion and snake training to prep for the course!).    Last month I biked 17 miles thru Napa while there for work.  And at a bare minimum - I try to run the streets or 'sights' in every city I travel in. 

I hope the next 36 hours give me that same oppototunity.  I plan to enjoy the cool steel sessions, some nice merlot, get some miles under my belt under the lights of the city that never sleeps - and maybe drop a quarter in a slot machine in the airpoort before I fly home.

Start em' young!

As most of my friends and family know, I was 9 weeks pregnant when I ran my second Chicago Marathon in the fall of 2005.  I had found out three weeks before the race that I was pregnant....and had not even considered the option of NOT running it.  I spoke with my doctor, talked it over with my husband, and shared the news with my running partner - outside of that, no one knew.  I made a conscious effort to reduce my heart rate, stay 'extra' hydrated, and even walk.  Yes, that word sound like taboo to me, but I was willing to do ANYTHING to complete

The Post Christmas Day Blues....

Ok...It's not Christmas....it's mid-April.  Very confusing out of the gate.  BUT, tonight I have the same feeling I do on December 26th.  The feeling that Christmas gifts are over, family has went home, and no fun in sight FOR EVER.  Many people - including Chris - think I'm crazy.  I've just finished the marathon, I should be on top of the world, now I'm just sad it is over  :(   I'm tempted to eat a bag of gas station donuts (a wonderful specialty item my mom and dad bring to town and leave for the twins) and look over pictures of me in shape and running fast while I gorge and drink my own personal bottle of wine.  I digress...

The Cool Factor - Running and Baby Prematurity Awareness - In a Capsule! COOL!

Wow...guess who's a hero...

Sacrificing for our LEGS

I posted yesterday about how much everything was a BLURRRRR....from the moment I crossed the finish line.  I thought I might pass out...just needed water so bad. Prior to that - I feel like every detail and moment of that race is en-grained in my mind like a unique etching with specific details and memories I can recollect (today anyway) at a moment's notice.  I remembered a very important detail about that 'post race experience' on my train ride in to work this morning.  As I hobbled (yes...still hobbling these aching quads along nearly 3 days later) onto the train platform, I was right behind a man on crutches.  After about 10 steps behind him, I finally realized he only had one leg.  Not a prosthetic....just one leg and crutches, with a very heavy backpack.  WOW.... He's stronger than I am.  I can't imagine doing that daily without a wheel chair or fitted prosthetic and HAVING to get around in this fashion - relying on other people of the general population to help and assist with holding doors and getting around.  Well - almost. 

The Most Beautiful Day - to NOT run a Marathon

Two days have passed. 49 hours since I crossed the finish line of the GO! St. Louis Marathon and surprisingly - I'm walking, upright, and smiling! Well...not when I attempt to walk down stairs, but for the most part.