DSC02283
Originally uploaded by lolagunner
This photo almost make Buddy look pretty.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Stuff
B is down for a nap and I really should be doing the same to try to rid myself of this sinus headache that has been creeping around with me the past couple days. At first I thought I may have a had a bad glass of wine and then I thought the Chinese food I had may have contained MSG but today I leaned over to pick B up and my whole face hurt. Including my teeth. Ouch.
But I don't really feel like sleeping. I keep thinking about things (maybe that is why my head hurts?) and am hoping if I write about them my brain can rest.
#1 I'm not real political and generally I know just enough to sound really dumb but I love listening to what people have to say. The other day I learned that Barack Obama would not be able to get a job with the US Defense Department because of his affiliation with that Ayers (sp?) guy. You know, the terrorist. So my question is how can he now be the boss of the entire department that would not hire him?
#2 I won't get into specifics but both of my receptionists were let go - justifiably so - while I was in TX. We are a very trusting group of people. I don't think we'll be so trusting in the future.
#3 The Cole's brought home their baby girl, Ruby! I'm really happy for them and I'm really happy for Ruby. What a blessing!
#4 My house is closing in on me. I'm ready for my adult house. My adult house will be laid out to accomodate dogs and children and adults and guests.
#5 How can I swiffer every day and pick up the same amount of grunge? I mean, our dogs are outside (unless it's raining) from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. When they come inside, they do their loop around Brantley's high chair, get their raw hide and then hit their beds. How then does dirt and dog hair get to every nook and crannie that B crawls on?
#6 We had a really good Thanksgiving - so much to be thankful for. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is when my Dad's side of the family gets together. Often times we would meet at my Great Uncle Russ and Aunt Margaret's beach house on Emerald Isle. Sometimes it was Ahoskie. Once it was in Hampton when we lived there. The past 5 years or more, we've gathered at Uncle JC's house. I knew this tradition was at least 20 years old but I learned this year it goes further back than that - maybe 50 years or so. Once one of the youngest members of the family, I now have the youngest member of the family. But so many of the people I looked forward to seeing every year are no longer with us - Russ, Margaret, Uncle Pete. Others aren't able or don't come for other reasons. I don't want this tradition to die but I already feel it is dwindling. And I'm afraid I'm the only one of this generation to be worried about it.
#7 It's been 5 hours and 16 minutes since I started writing this. It has been a long 5 hours and 16 minutes. Matt is hunting, the weather turned cold and rainy, and Lola, Gunner, Brantley and I all came down with a bad case of cabin fever. Days like this I feel like I have triplets. God bless people with triplets.
But I don't really feel like sleeping. I keep thinking about things (maybe that is why my head hurts?) and am hoping if I write about them my brain can rest.
#1 I'm not real political and generally I know just enough to sound really dumb but I love listening to what people have to say. The other day I learned that Barack Obama would not be able to get a job with the US Defense Department because of his affiliation with that Ayers (sp?) guy. You know, the terrorist. So my question is how can he now be the boss of the entire department that would not hire him?
#2 I won't get into specifics but both of my receptionists were let go - justifiably so - while I was in TX. We are a very trusting group of people. I don't think we'll be so trusting in the future.
#3 The Cole's brought home their baby girl, Ruby! I'm really happy for them and I'm really happy for Ruby. What a blessing!
#4 My house is closing in on me. I'm ready for my adult house. My adult house will be laid out to accomodate dogs and children and adults and guests.
#5 How can I swiffer every day and pick up the same amount of grunge? I mean, our dogs are outside (unless it's raining) from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. When they come inside, they do their loop around Brantley's high chair, get their raw hide and then hit their beds. How then does dirt and dog hair get to every nook and crannie that B crawls on?
#6 We had a really good Thanksgiving - so much to be thankful for. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is when my Dad's side of the family gets together. Often times we would meet at my Great Uncle Russ and Aunt Margaret's beach house on Emerald Isle. Sometimes it was Ahoskie. Once it was in Hampton when we lived there. The past 5 years or more, we've gathered at Uncle JC's house. I knew this tradition was at least 20 years old but I learned this year it goes further back than that - maybe 50 years or so. Once one of the youngest members of the family, I now have the youngest member of the family. But so many of the people I looked forward to seeing every year are no longer with us - Russ, Margaret, Uncle Pete. Others aren't able or don't come for other reasons. I don't want this tradition to die but I already feel it is dwindling. And I'm afraid I'm the only one of this generation to be worried about it.
#7 It's been 5 hours and 16 minutes since I started writing this. It has been a long 5 hours and 16 minutes. Matt is hunting, the weather turned cold and rainy, and Lola, Gunner, Brantley and I all came down with a bad case of cabin fever. Days like this I feel like I have triplets. God bless people with triplets.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Oops.
So, the title of the last blog (Done....Sort of.) was referencing the fact that SA was supposed to be my last 1/2 marathon. Since Monica had to go and get herself knocked up, I now have to run at least one more. Mon, I will hold this against your #3 forever. It's a good thing your kids are way cute.
Done...Sort of.
Brantley and I are back home from our big adventure. My girl is such a trooper. Not sure what I did to deserve such an easy kid but I thank Him every day for her.
Matt got us all packed up and out the door to the airport last Thursday morning. He was questioning my sanity, and my skills, of travelling half way across the country with a 10 month old by myself but, once again, I confirmed what we all know - women are rock stars. He admittedly would never think about doing a trip like that and after the first 3 hours in the plane I came to the conclusion that he probably would have strapped her into a seat and headed for the nearest emergency exit after the first 30 minutes. She definitely was on good behavior but just very, very, very....very busy. We were slightly delayed getting out of Dallas because of FAA regulation #0383720 (ie. a stopped up crapper) but once they got that situation handled we were off. Pop picked us up from the airport and we headed straight to Freebirds. I'm salivating just writing this.
We took our burritos to go and headed to Nana and Pop's where Sadie and Pappy were waiting for us. The second we walk in Sadie starts barking that high-pitched, ear screeching bark that I love so much. B looks at her for 1 second and then lets out an ear screeching bark of her own. I imagine her little brain was saying "Eeek! A dog head!! Where the heck is the other 90 pounds of it?" Or that Matt had coached her to do that so he would have someone on his team. Either way, this was going to be a really long week if the 2 of them were unable to come to an understanding. Needless worry. After a good meal and good night's rest, B. was ready to make nice. We couldn't keep her away from Sadie the rest of the week.
Friday, we drove to San Antonio and everyone else came in Saturday morning. SO fun! There are only 3 people in the world who make me laugh till I'm crying and Monica is one of them. And I had not seen or really talked to Maurie in almost 10 years but it was like it was yesterday. I love that.
Sunday was the big race. We were really jazzed about running. Seriously. So excited. Couldn't wait to get up at 5:30 and wait for the shuttle in 34 degree weather for an hour. So fun. I was hoping to wait our there longer but the shuttle arrived and we had to go. Met a NCSU grad on the bus (go Wolfpack!). Got dropped off and walked, um, half a mile to the start line. Finally, we were off. Folks, I hate to knock SA but it is so not that pretty. I'm assuming the route planners took us through the best of what SA has to offer in the hopes that some of the 30,000 runners may want to come back. I think they missed the enchilada on that one. Anyhoo, we were running and it was fine, lots of angry bands along the way to keep us going. We got to mile 8 when Monica began to feel the effects of her delicate condition. Instead of push our luck, we decided to walk the rest of the race. It ended up being great - gave us more time to hang out!
We crossed the finish line, snagged all the free food we (ok, I think it was just me) could and then started the 2 mile walk back to the hotel. We finally got to a point where traffic could get through and called Dad to come get us. Yea Dad!
We decided that our next trip to see each other would (1) not involve running 13.1 miles (2) would be girls only (3) not be in SA and (4) involve more wine. Can't wait!
Sunday afternoon we load back up and head back to College Station. Brantley wakes up about an hour outside of town and is really over all the planes and automobiles she has had to endure the past 4 days. We're able to entertain her for the most part until we get home and then I leave that task up to her cousin, Tarn.
Monday we head out to the barn to introduce B. to Lucky, Bonnie and Buddy. Love at first sight? Not really. Scared they were going to eat her? More likely. She was fine once we had a fence and about 50 feet of pasture between us. By Tuesday our city baby had become a cowgirl. Her daddy was proud.
Wenesday we go to Freebirds - yes, people, we went again - and then head to the airport. For those of you who don't know College Station, it is a pretty small town with a really small airport. But they are SERIOUS about their security. I was packing a couple of bottles, water and food for Brantley plus Tylenol and Ambisol, water for myself, Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Therapy, and lip gloss between my purse and her diaper bag which, by the way, took me SO long to get packed and organized that morning. Not only did they make me unpack all that stuff and put it in a clear plastic bag (if anyone knows how putting it in a clear plastic bag is going to stop it from working if it has been tampered with to do evil, please let me know) but they also made me unscrew all the tops to her bottles and water and they held this test paper over each one. We passed and were allowed to board. I'm surprised they didn't test her big fat heavy wet diaper.
Our seatmate from DFW to RDU was a God send. Brantley pretty much loves everyone she meets and this lady was no different. In fact, B. made friends with almost everyone around us. All along our journey people were really nice and helpful. So refreshing.
Wednesday night I literally woke up multiple times and cried at the thought of having to go to work instead of being with Brantley. After having her for so many days in a row I wasn't looking forward to getting back into the normal routine. Happy to report - I survived. And I think Jackie was really happy to have her back. Who can blame her?
Matt got us all packed up and out the door to the airport last Thursday morning. He was questioning my sanity, and my skills, of travelling half way across the country with a 10 month old by myself but, once again, I confirmed what we all know - women are rock stars. He admittedly would never think about doing a trip like that and after the first 3 hours in the plane I came to the conclusion that he probably would have strapped her into a seat and headed for the nearest emergency exit after the first 30 minutes. She definitely was on good behavior but just very, very, very....very busy. We were slightly delayed getting out of Dallas because of FAA regulation #0383720 (ie. a stopped up crapper) but once they got that situation handled we were off. Pop picked us up from the airport and we headed straight to Freebirds. I'm salivating just writing this.
We took our burritos to go and headed to Nana and Pop's where Sadie and Pappy were waiting for us. The second we walk in Sadie starts barking that high-pitched, ear screeching bark that I love so much. B looks at her for 1 second and then lets out an ear screeching bark of her own. I imagine her little brain was saying "Eeek! A dog head!! Where the heck is the other 90 pounds of it?" Or that Matt had coached her to do that so he would have someone on his team. Either way, this was going to be a really long week if the 2 of them were unable to come to an understanding. Needless worry. After a good meal and good night's rest, B. was ready to make nice. We couldn't keep her away from Sadie the rest of the week.
Friday, we drove to San Antonio and everyone else came in Saturday morning. SO fun! There are only 3 people in the world who make me laugh till I'm crying and Monica is one of them. And I had not seen or really talked to Maurie in almost 10 years but it was like it was yesterday. I love that.
Sunday was the big race. We were really jazzed about running. Seriously. So excited. Couldn't wait to get up at 5:30 and wait for the shuttle in 34 degree weather for an hour. So fun. I was hoping to wait our there longer but the shuttle arrived and we had to go. Met a NCSU grad on the bus (go Wolfpack!). Got dropped off and walked, um, half a mile to the start line. Finally, we were off. Folks, I hate to knock SA but it is so not that pretty. I'm assuming the route planners took us through the best of what SA has to offer in the hopes that some of the 30,000 runners may want to come back. I think they missed the enchilada on that one. Anyhoo, we were running and it was fine, lots of angry bands along the way to keep us going. We got to mile 8 when Monica began to feel the effects of her delicate condition. Instead of push our luck, we decided to walk the rest of the race. It ended up being great - gave us more time to hang out!
We crossed the finish line, snagged all the free food we (ok, I think it was just me) could and then started the 2 mile walk back to the hotel. We finally got to a point where traffic could get through and called Dad to come get us. Yea Dad!
We decided that our next trip to see each other would (1) not involve running 13.1 miles (2) would be girls only (3) not be in SA and (4) involve more wine. Can't wait!
Sunday afternoon we load back up and head back to College Station. Brantley wakes up about an hour outside of town and is really over all the planes and automobiles she has had to endure the past 4 days. We're able to entertain her for the most part until we get home and then I leave that task up to her cousin, Tarn.
Monday we head out to the barn to introduce B. to Lucky, Bonnie and Buddy. Love at first sight? Not really. Scared they were going to eat her? More likely. She was fine once we had a fence and about 50 feet of pasture between us. By Tuesday our city baby had become a cowgirl. Her daddy was proud.
Wenesday we go to Freebirds - yes, people, we went again - and then head to the airport. For those of you who don't know College Station, it is a pretty small town with a really small airport. But they are SERIOUS about their security. I was packing a couple of bottles, water and food for Brantley plus Tylenol and Ambisol, water for myself, Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Therapy, and lip gloss between my purse and her diaper bag which, by the way, took me SO long to get packed and organized that morning. Not only did they make me unpack all that stuff and put it in a clear plastic bag (if anyone knows how putting it in a clear plastic bag is going to stop it from working if it has been tampered with to do evil, please let me know) but they also made me unscrew all the tops to her bottles and water and they held this test paper over each one. We passed and were allowed to board. I'm surprised they didn't test her big fat heavy wet diaper.
Our seatmate from DFW to RDU was a God send. Brantley pretty much loves everyone she meets and this lady was no different. In fact, B. made friends with almost everyone around us. All along our journey people were really nice and helpful. So refreshing.
Wednesday night I literally woke up multiple times and cried at the thought of having to go to work instead of being with Brantley. After having her for so many days in a row I wasn't looking forward to getting back into the normal routine. Happy to report - I survived. And I think Jackie was really happy to have her back. Who can blame her?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
One Down, One To Go
Ran the Raleigh 1/2 marathon on Sunday. It went so much better than expected - not the best run I've ever had but definitely not the worst. Time now to get psyched up for San Antonio. How brilliant am I that I saved the flat 13.1 miles for the second race. Yes, brilliant.
Actually, Maurie is really the brilliant one - she's coming to SA to hang out with us but is not running the race. I believe she wins.
I can't wait to be home.
Actually, Maurie is really the brilliant one - she's coming to SA to hang out with us but is not running the race. I believe she wins.
I can't wait to be home.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wow
Almost 2 months since my last post - ugh. I was about to get upset at myself for slacking on yet another endeavor but looking back at "Par for the Course" (I would link you there but I don't have time to figure that out right now) I have let more time than this lapse between posts. So, while not good, this certainly isn't me at my worst.
So what the heck have a I been doing that has taken me away from blogdom? Ummm...work has picked up in the past couple of months with multiple evening functions and working through lunch. We're going to do a really quick pity party here and ask why am I always so busy at work this time of year when there is so much fun stuff to do outside of work - running season, upcoming holidays, pumpkins, mums, pansies, the state fair, football season, etc., etc., etc. Ok, party over.
I talked Matt into taking a weekend off hunting and going to visit our friends in Wilmington. So beautiful there and we had a great time. They even let us bring our 200 lbs. of Lab. Now that is what I call n-i-c-e.
Erin and her friend Naomi came a couple of weekends ago to do a practice run for next week's 1/2 marathon. They were both a little nervous about the hilly terrain here since there are 0 hills in Norfolk. They survived the hills for 8 miles and I survived pushing Brantley for 6. Just hope next week goes as well.
Matt gave up another weekend of hunting this weekend (put this in the record books ladies and gentlemen!) and I'm really thankful he did. He watched Brantley yesterday morning so I could get a 10 miler in with some friends. We went to lunch at Watkins where BLH ate her first pancake. Great until she started hacking and we thought she was going to barf (not an uncommon occurance since we started trying adult food...we never know!). Thankfully she held herself together and we are still welcome there. After an afternoon nap we went to the State Fair which is right up her alley. The girl loves to be out and about. Although Matt had given her a bath that morning I had to do the deed again - if you've ever been to a State Fair you understand why.
Sometime in the past couple of months Brantley and I headed north to walk to raise money for the VA SIDS Alliance. Hard to believe Jamie would have been 8 years old this year. They have signs along the walk with photos of all the angel babies and usually seeing these signs does pull at my heart . But this year was more like someone ripped my heart out and stomped on it a few million times. Maybe because I now have a baby of my own...maybe it was just one of those times where out of the blue you think about the unthinkable and you're just overcome. Overcome with the saddness and the loss and the why? why? why? And then Faith knocks on your door and you're so glad to welcome him in.
Photos and more news to come. Have to get some work done before the bug wakes up.
But before I leave, just want to tell Diana how much I've been thinking of her lately. Partly b/c I just don't see how she does all she does but mostly b/c her brother Christopher is fighting for our country in Iraq and I've been horrible about letting her know how thankful I am for him and that Brantley and I pray for his safe return every night. I think the general public becomes immune to the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make for us on daily basis. Shame on us. And lots of love to you, Christopher and your family.
So what the heck have a I been doing that has taken me away from blogdom? Ummm...work has picked up in the past couple of months with multiple evening functions and working through lunch. We're going to do a really quick pity party here and ask why am I always so busy at work this time of year when there is so much fun stuff to do outside of work - running season, upcoming holidays, pumpkins, mums, pansies, the state fair, football season, etc., etc., etc. Ok, party over.
I talked Matt into taking a weekend off hunting and going to visit our friends in Wilmington. So beautiful there and we had a great time. They even let us bring our 200 lbs. of Lab. Now that is what I call n-i-c-e.
Erin and her friend Naomi came a couple of weekends ago to do a practice run for next week's 1/2 marathon. They were both a little nervous about the hilly terrain here since there are 0 hills in Norfolk. They survived the hills for 8 miles and I survived pushing Brantley for 6. Just hope next week goes as well.
Matt gave up another weekend of hunting this weekend (put this in the record books ladies and gentlemen!) and I'm really thankful he did. He watched Brantley yesterday morning so I could get a 10 miler in with some friends. We went to lunch at Watkins where BLH ate her first pancake. Great until she started hacking and we thought she was going to barf (not an uncommon occurance since we started trying adult food...we never know!). Thankfully she held herself together and we are still welcome there. After an afternoon nap we went to the State Fair which is right up her alley. The girl loves to be out and about. Although Matt had given her a bath that morning I had to do the deed again - if you've ever been to a State Fair you understand why.
Sometime in the past couple of months Brantley and I headed north to walk to raise money for the VA SIDS Alliance. Hard to believe Jamie would have been 8 years old this year. They have signs along the walk with photos of all the angel babies and usually seeing these signs does pull at my heart . But this year was more like someone ripped my heart out and stomped on it a few million times. Maybe because I now have a baby of my own...maybe it was just one of those times where out of the blue you think about the unthinkable and you're just overcome. Overcome with the saddness and the loss and the why? why? why? And then Faith knocks on your door and you're so glad to welcome him in.
Photos and more news to come. Have to get some work done before the bug wakes up.
But before I leave, just want to tell Diana how much I've been thinking of her lately. Partly b/c I just don't see how she does all she does but mostly b/c her brother Christopher is fighting for our country in Iraq and I've been horrible about letting her know how thankful I am for him and that Brantley and I pray for his safe return every night. I think the general public becomes immune to the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make for us on daily basis. Shame on us. And lots of love to you, Christopher and your family.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Labor Day Weekend
We spent Labor Day weekend at the beach with Beth, Dan and Miller. The boys went fishing Saturday and struck out. The first time EVER that has happened. My mouth was watering with the anticipation of fresh fish for dinner but sadly, it was not meant to be. Instead we spent 3 hours preparing steak. Yes, 3 hours. The condominium complex only has charcoal grills and let's just say we (ie Matt and Dan) overestimated the amount of charcoal needed to grill some ribeyes. We actually could have grilled them the next morning for breakfast - they used that much charcoal. But no worries - we drank plenty of wine as we waited and waited and waited. By 10:00 when we actually sat down to eat I had even forgotten my disappointment that it wasn't fish I was shoveling in my mouth.
Brantley had the best time at the pool! It was so fun playing with her. And it solidified our need - yes, need - for a place at the beach. What kind of parents would we be if we denied our child this simple joy? We're working on it.
Hurricane Hanna brought us some much needed rain but nothing too severe. I believe the latest news on Ike is that it will miss us as well. We're kind of due for a good ol' hurricane whooping - it is just a matter of time. My guess is it will hit right after the ink dries on the contract for a beach place. Bets anyone?
So, training for these upcoming 1/2 marathons is not going as well I'd like. Here is my pickle: since all my friends moved away, Andrea and I are left to carry the burden of maintaining the schedule by ourselves. And I'm a fanatic about maintaining the schedule. The one time I did not maintain the schedule I wanted to actually jump out of body and not return until it had undergone some major massage and rehabilitative therapy. Since it is just Andrea and I, if one of us can't go, the other usally doesn't make it. I'm too chicken little to run at 5:00 a.m. by myself. My alternative is to go the gym instead and run the treadmill. It's better than nothing but it is really unappealing. I've asked Matt to physically push me out of the bed. That's the thing - once my feet hit the floor I'm ok, not great, but ok. It's the 5 seconds it takes for the covers to come off, the legs to swing out and the knees to straighten in order to bare the weight of my exhausted body that is the hardest. Do you feel sorry for me yet? I think in writing this I've talked myself out of being such a wuss. Time to put the big girl panties on and get to training!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A quickie
Last 10 days:
Saw Tift Merrit at the NCMA - love her!
Granny came for a visit - love her too!
Am missing my Bug a lot these days.
Friday, was headed to Maine.
Saturday, trip to Maine cancelled.
Have to travel for work tomorrow - first overnight stay away from the Bug.
Wipeout is my weekly laugh therapy.
Taught Brantley some dance moves I learned from "So You Think You Can Dance". She especially liked my Popping.
Hired a house cleaner - love, love her!
Brantley left this morning for the Funny Farm with one tooth, came home with two.
Bought Puma's - they make me run fast.
Cried multiple times. Why? you ask. Hormones? I'm crazy? I'm a mom? I'm a working mom? All of the above? I don't know...
Gotta pack.
Saw Tift Merrit at the NCMA - love her!
Granny came for a visit - love her too!
Am missing my Bug a lot these days.
Friday, was headed to Maine.
Saturday, trip to Maine cancelled.
Have to travel for work tomorrow - first overnight stay away from the Bug.
Wipeout is my weekly laugh therapy.
Taught Brantley some dance moves I learned from "So You Think You Can Dance". She especially liked my Popping.
Hired a house cleaner - love, love her!
Brantley left this morning for the Funny Farm with one tooth, came home with two.
Bought Puma's - they make me run fast.
Cried multiple times. Why? you ask. Hormones? I'm crazy? I'm a mom? I'm a working mom? All of the above? I don't know...
Gotta pack.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Year 3
This week was our anniversary. I knew the date was fast approaching and thought about it fairly often - what should I get Matt, I can't believe it's been 3 years, we've accomplished quite a bit in 3 years, I would marry him again today (even knowing what I know about him), should I tell him the date is approaching or should I not? I decided not. Until the day before. He had no idea. This does not bother me at all. One more reason why I'm one of the coolest wives ever.
I do love this man. I love the baby that we created and the life we have together. People weren't joking around when they said marriage is work but it is the best, most meaningful, most rewarding work I've ever done. I would not trade this life, this man, I have for anything.
I wouldn't even take a less farty version of this man. Yes, I love him that much.
I do love this man. I love the baby that we created and the life we have together. People weren't joking around when they said marriage is work but it is the best, most meaningful, most rewarding work I've ever done. I would not trade this life, this man, I have for anything.
I wouldn't even take a less farty version of this man. Yes, I love him that much.
Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch
It's Friday night and I'm at home blogging (shocker) but I'm proud to say that there is a good reason this is my activity of choice for this start-to-the-weekend-if-you-were-a-cool-kid-you'd-be-out-on-the-town night: The muscles in my fingers are the only muscles in my entire body that aren't writhing in pain. Seriously.
My company is doing a really cool wellness program as an incentive for our employees to get healthy and in turn, hopefully, reduce medical claims and the ever rising cost of insurance. We've had a wellness program since I began working there 10 years ago which, until this year, consisted of $100 a year going to every employee for them to apply towards a gym membership, diet program, quit smoking program, glasses, etc. This year we stepped it up a notch. We were assessed at the beginning of the year (I was declared obese - mmm-hmmm), have wellness coaches who are available to meet with us on a monthly basis to set goals, keep us motivated, feed us healthy information, walking programs, health resources and so on. We accumulate points for things like walking, exercising, getting massages, volunteering, and eating our fiber. If you get x amount of points a month, an extra $35 shows up in your paycheck. Not too bad considering you just have to eat breakfast 5 times a week to get your points for the month. Luckily they don't deduct you for eating 2 breakfasts every morning which is the program I've opted for. I can't help it - I'm STARVING!
So, yesterday, Wellness Coach Erin was in town and we had her for 30 minutes to do whatever - talk about goals, nutrition or workout. Jessica and I decided to workout and John ended up joining us as well. This is where I started hurting. She had us do 4 exercises for 1 minute each and then rest for 1 minute. We were all screaming for our Mommas by the end. I love and hate Wellness Coach Erin at the same time. There are many great things about this deal: Discovered John is a big whiner, Jessica and I totally kicked his arse. The 30 minutes is fast and furious - it doesn't even feel like you're working out...well, you definitely FEEL it but you're not hating it. Wellness Coach Erin caught us up on the dating world and I again thanked God that I am not in it. I felt like I was going to barf at the end. Seriously. That isn't a "great thing about this deal" but it's the truth and we're not holding anything back here.
So, today, ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch. It has gotten progressively worse. And the longer I sit, the more it hurts when I try to walk. Note the word "try" there. I'm not sure my method of getting to point A to point B is considered a walk exactly. It's a little reminescent of a donkey in labor. I've never actually seen that but I imagine that is what I look like.
My company is doing a really cool wellness program as an incentive for our employees to get healthy and in turn, hopefully, reduce medical claims and the ever rising cost of insurance. We've had a wellness program since I began working there 10 years ago which, until this year, consisted of $100 a year going to every employee for them to apply towards a gym membership, diet program, quit smoking program, glasses, etc. This year we stepped it up a notch. We were assessed at the beginning of the year (I was declared obese - mmm-hmmm), have wellness coaches who are available to meet with us on a monthly basis to set goals, keep us motivated, feed us healthy information, walking programs, health resources and so on. We accumulate points for things like walking, exercising, getting massages, volunteering, and eating our fiber. If you get x amount of points a month, an extra $35 shows up in your paycheck. Not too bad considering you just have to eat breakfast 5 times a week to get your points for the month. Luckily they don't deduct you for eating 2 breakfasts every morning which is the program I've opted for. I can't help it - I'm STARVING!
So, yesterday, Wellness Coach Erin was in town and we had her for 30 minutes to do whatever - talk about goals, nutrition or workout. Jessica and I decided to workout and John ended up joining us as well. This is where I started hurting. She had us do 4 exercises for 1 minute each and then rest for 1 minute. We were all screaming for our Mommas by the end. I love and hate Wellness Coach Erin at the same time. There are many great things about this deal: Discovered John is a big whiner, Jessica and I totally kicked his arse. The 30 minutes is fast and furious - it doesn't even feel like you're working out...well, you definitely FEEL it but you're not hating it. Wellness Coach Erin caught us up on the dating world and I again thanked God that I am not in it. I felt like I was going to barf at the end. Seriously. That isn't a "great thing about this deal" but it's the truth and we're not holding anything back here.
So, today, ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch. It has gotten progressively worse. And the longer I sit, the more it hurts when I try to walk. Note the word "try" there. I'm not sure my method of getting to point A to point B is considered a walk exactly. It's a little reminescent of a donkey in labor. I've never actually seen that but I imagine that is what I look like.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
7 Months
My baby. Such a busy little bug. I'm pretty sure it's been a while since I updated you on her bag of tricks so here is the latest:
She realized popping up on her hands and knees gives her a whole new perspective on the world. Peas, good - cereal, bad.
Scrunching up her face does not keep Lola from going in for the Big Lick.
The Big Lick sometimes causes hives (of course that is the trait she inherits from me).
Diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Momma has 2 ears...both of which come with a diamond.
Dada does a monkey impersonation worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Target is even better than Momma said it was going to be.
Shopping carts - dude, shopping carts rule.
You smile at the world and the world will smile back at you - especially if you're a little bundle of joyful chub.
I would insert a photo here but I can't get it to work. And I would have put an expletive between "can't" and "get" but I'm trying to live cleaner these days.
She realized popping up on her hands and knees gives her a whole new perspective on the world. Peas, good - cereal, bad.
Scrunching up her face does not keep Lola from going in for the Big Lick.
The Big Lick sometimes causes hives (of course that is the trait she inherits from me).
Diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Momma has 2 ears...both of which come with a diamond.
Dada does a monkey impersonation worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Target is even better than Momma said it was going to be.
Shopping carts - dude, shopping carts rule.
You smile at the world and the world will smile back at you - especially if you're a little bundle of joyful chub.
I would insert a photo here but I can't get it to work. And I would have put an expletive between "can't" and "get" but I'm trying to live cleaner these days.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Must...feed...the addiction
You may have noticed the new addition on the left hand side of this blog - the "People who don't know they're my friend" category. I've only added my best friend who doesn't know who I am but there are more from where she came from. Before you pass judgement, check Heather B. out. I mean, you can't tell me you don't want her to move in next door, join your book club and go Targeting together. Ahhh, the fun she and I have had in the short week she hasn't known me.
My other addiction is a little less creepy. I love jumping from my Peeps' blogs to their friend's blogs. Some of them I know (honestly!) and others I don't but I'm so intrigued by the lives that many of you are leading. Some are exciting, some are heartbreaking, some are so outrageously different from my own I can't help but live vicariously through you. But the common thread woven throughout them all is how inspiring each one is. I love that.
Anywho, since it looks like all of you have better things to do than update your blog on Saturday night, I'll feed my wine addiction instead and put myself to bed. xo
My other addiction is a little less creepy. I love jumping from my Peeps' blogs to their friend's blogs. Some of them I know (honestly!) and others I don't but I'm so intrigued by the lives that many of you are leading. Some are exciting, some are heartbreaking, some are so outrageously different from my own I can't help but live vicariously through you. But the common thread woven throughout them all is how inspiring each one is. I love that.
Anywho, since it looks like all of you have better things to do than update your blog on Saturday night, I'll feed my wine addiction instead and put myself to bed. xo
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hawaiian Punch Pizza
My readers, (ok, reader) wants to know the greatness that is Hawaiian Punch Pizza. I'm happy to share the joy:
Go light on the red pizza sauce
Top with a generous helping of mozzarella
Layer on Canadian bacon, pineapple, mandarin oranges, ricotta cheese (dollops of ricotta - not spread out over the whole pie) and parmesan.
Matt calls it disgusting. I call it a little gift from God.
Go light on the red pizza sauce
Top with a generous helping of mozzarella
Layer on Canadian bacon, pineapple, mandarin oranges, ricotta cheese (dollops of ricotta - not spread out over the whole pie) and parmesan.
Matt calls it disgusting. I call it a little gift from God.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I love games!!!
The game: Scattergories
The rules: Use the first letter of your first name to answer each of the following. Theay have to to be real places, names, things - nothing made up. You cannot use your own name for the boy/girl names.
1. What is your name? Marlee
2. A four letter word: Mayo - did you know they make it with olive oil now? Can't decide if I'm grossed out or excited about this.
3. A vehicle: Miata
4. A city: Milan
5. A boy's name: Matt - duh
6. A girl's name: Michelle, what my parent's were going to name me
7. Alcoholic drink: Since Monica listed them all we're going to have to go with margarita here
8. An occupation: Maid - I NEED one
9. Something you wear: Makeup
10. A celebrity: Mr. Rogers
11. A food: Mandarin oranges, like the ones I had on my Hawaian Punch pizza last week - delish!
12. Somthing found in a bathroom: Mirror
13. Reason for being late: My wardrobe - or lack thereof
14. Something you shout: Me toe! As in "I just stubbed me toe!"
15. An animal: Muskrat...oh, Matt just corrected me. It's Meercat.
16. A body part: Mouth
17. Word to describe yourself: Madly....in love. I can hear the collective ahhhh.
Next: Diana, Dana
The rules: Use the first letter of your first name to answer each of the following. Theay have to to be real places, names, things - nothing made up. You cannot use your own name for the boy/girl names.
1. What is your name? Marlee
2. A four letter word: Mayo - did you know they make it with olive oil now? Can't decide if I'm grossed out or excited about this.
3. A vehicle: Miata
4. A city: Milan
5. A boy's name: Matt - duh
6. A girl's name: Michelle, what my parent's were going to name me
7. Alcoholic drink: Since Monica listed them all we're going to have to go with margarita here
8. An occupation: Maid - I NEED one
9. Something you wear: Makeup
10. A celebrity: Mr. Rogers
11. A food: Mandarin oranges, like the ones I had on my Hawaian Punch pizza last week - delish!
12. Somthing found in a bathroom: Mirror
13. Reason for being late: My wardrobe - or lack thereof
14. Something you shout: Me toe! As in "I just stubbed me toe!"
15. An animal: Muskrat...oh, Matt just corrected me. It's Meercat.
16. A body part: Mouth
17. Word to describe yourself: Madly....in love. I can hear the collective ahhhh.
Next: Diana, Dana
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Help...or something like that
So, I am really, really thankful for all that my parents have done/do for me. I feel very blessed with the upbringing I had: got to take dance lessons, they bought me instruments, I got a 10-speed when my best friend got a 10-speed, piano lessons (which I didn't really like but my parent's sacrificed in order to give them to me). Always had more than enough food in my belly, love a plenty, family vacations, homemade chocolate chip cookies, lived in a typical middle America suburb...you get the point. Now at the time I thought I never had enough - I didn't have the coolest clothes, I didn't get a car given to me on my 16th birthday, we drove on family vacations, never flew, we rarely had babysitters which I always wanted, Birthdays and Christmas were never as over the top as some of my friend's experiences. But the older I get the more thankful I become for how I was raised. And the more I realize how much my parent's sacrificed in order to give us 3 kids what they did - which is a lot.
Which brings me to the discussion some girlfriends and I had over the weekend regarding "Mommy Peer Pressure." We thought we had outgrown the peer pressure phenomenon but apparently it never goes away and I suppose some people can never stop giving into it. People are throwing these outrageous birthday parties for their toddlers (hello MTV - here is your next star of "Sweet Sixteen"). Anything from the coolest baby gear to what private school they go to. Where are our values people? And how come you care more about what that mom thinks of you than what is best for your child? And what kind of expectations are we setting for our children? Suffice it to say it just sends me to a bad place.
But I totally digress. This is where I meant to go when I started typing...
My parents make it East at least once, sometimes twice a year. I always like to think of projects for them to do while they're here (1) because I always seem to have more projects than time to do them, (2) because Matt hates projects and (3) if they're engaged in a project, chances are they are not looking over Matt's shoulder watching him work. Seriously, I've seen Dad do it and for the sake of my marriage it shouldn't happen again.
I'm always very thankful for the help...well, I'm always very thankful for their good intentions. Project summary follows:
Rake leaves: Friday - Leaves raked into huge piles all over yard. Saturday - M&D leave to go home, skies open up for a week straight. Following week: Matt gets half dry/half soaking leaves bagged. Result - Big dead circles of grass all over yard.
Hang faux wood blinds: Monday - blindes are hung. Tuesday - M&D leave. A year later - 4 inches of excess blind slats are still on blinds.
Paint wall where player piano used to be:
Me: "Dad, I think this is the right paint but I'm not sure."
Dad: "Ok"
Mom and I leave for the mall, grocery store, etc. Arrive back a few hours later.
Result: Big blue square, and multiple "touch-ups" on non-blue walls.
Me: "Uh Dad, it wasn't the right paint color was it?"
Dad: "Nope."
Me: "Um, so I guess you needed to paint the whole square just to be sure it wasn't the right paint color?"
Dad: "Well, you said use this paint and I just figured it would dry to the right color."
Me: Laughing...beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep "Hey, Hera. I need you to come paint a room for me. Next week? Yeah, that's great. You'll know which room it is when you walk in the door."
My parents. I LOVE them.
Which brings me to the discussion some girlfriends and I had over the weekend regarding "Mommy Peer Pressure." We thought we had outgrown the peer pressure phenomenon but apparently it never goes away and I suppose some people can never stop giving into it. People are throwing these outrageous birthday parties for their toddlers (hello MTV - here is your next star of "Sweet Sixteen"). Anything from the coolest baby gear to what private school they go to. Where are our values people? And how come you care more about what that mom thinks of you than what is best for your child? And what kind of expectations are we setting for our children? Suffice it to say it just sends me to a bad place.
But I totally digress. This is where I meant to go when I started typing...
My parents make it East at least once, sometimes twice a year. I always like to think of projects for them to do while they're here (1) because I always seem to have more projects than time to do them, (2) because Matt hates projects and (3) if they're engaged in a project, chances are they are not looking over Matt's shoulder watching him work. Seriously, I've seen Dad do it and for the sake of my marriage it shouldn't happen again.
I'm always very thankful for the help...well, I'm always very thankful for their good intentions. Project summary follows:
Rake leaves: Friday - Leaves raked into huge piles all over yard. Saturday - M&D leave to go home, skies open up for a week straight. Following week: Matt gets half dry/half soaking leaves bagged. Result - Big dead circles of grass all over yard.
Hang faux wood blinds: Monday - blindes are hung. Tuesday - M&D leave. A year later - 4 inches of excess blind slats are still on blinds.
Paint wall where player piano used to be:
Me: "Dad, I think this is the right paint but I'm not sure."
Dad: "Ok"
Mom and I leave for the mall, grocery store, etc. Arrive back a few hours later.
Result: Big blue square, and multiple "touch-ups" on non-blue walls.
Me: "Uh Dad, it wasn't the right paint color was it?"
Dad: "Nope."
Me: "Um, so I guess you needed to paint the whole square just to be sure it wasn't the right paint color?"
Dad: "Well, you said use this paint and I just figured it would dry to the right color."
Me: Laughing...beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep "Hey, Hera. I need you to come paint a room for me. Next week? Yeah, that's great. You'll know which room it is when you walk in the door."
My parents. I LOVE them.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Catch Up II
At this rate, every entry is going to be labeled "Catch Up". Anyway, here we go...
At the end of June, my parents started their 4 week East Coast Tour. They were totally road tripping which I think is great. They were here, VA, the Jersey Shore with old friends, camping with my sister and the girls and the beach with Matt, Brantley and I. I want to go on a road trip.
The last weekend they were here was for Brantley's baptism. Trudi, Doug and the girls came in as well as Godmother Erin and Godfather JC. Brantley did fantastic during the service. It was right during her normal nap time so I was expecting the worse but we didn't hear a peep out of her and she ended the service nestled up on Erin's lap asleep - so cute. She really prefers to fall asleep in bed on her own which is wonderful but sometimes I wish she would snuggle a little more. So Erin got a rare moment which was really sweet. Everyone came back to the house afterwards for BBQ and hamburgers. Jackie came to both the service and lunch - she was proud of her girl.
Our week at the beach went by way too quickly. Matt got us settled into the condo but had to come back home to work. So it was just me and my babe for a few days which I loved. I had no idea she tends to squeal and talk ALL day. We took walks, we made it down to the beach by ourselves, toting umbrella and baby supplies and all. Getting down to the beach, blanket laid out, umbrella staked, lotion on, toys available - not a problem. How to pack it all up on this pretty breezy day without dumping baby in the sand or dumping sand in the baby - problem. Luckily, a really nice family was close by who aided in the endeavor. So nice.
Our parenting skills at their finest...Mom and Dad came in on Wednesday, Matt returned on Thursday, M&D left on Saturday and we left on a rainy Sunday. It is much easier to leave the beach on a rainy day.
Took bug on her first run. If I were hip I would put an "OMG" right here. Does running 3 miles pushing a jogging stroller equal about 10 miles? I think so. She did great - didn't even break a sweat in her workout outfit.
Last week, was Brantley's 6 month check up and shots. She must have known it was coming b/c she woke up screaming (which she never does) at 4:00 the night before. She finally went back down at 6:00, just in time for me to get in the shower and start the day. The mean people at the doctor's office stabbed her little sweet legs 3 times with 10 inch needles. Why do they have to do that to a little girl? I know it's better than the alternative but the poor thing. It got her all of sorts and the rough jagged tooth tearing through her delicate, soft, pink gums was not helping the situation. But, we have rounded the corner and ended the week on a much better note. She is back to her normal squealy self. Praise God.
I have a huge case of the Monday dreads. Huge.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I take that back
Ok, Wipeout was hilarious for the first 10 minutes but then it got a little redundant.
On a different subject, I have a love / hate relationship with our cable / DVR or whatever it is. Channel 6 just doesn't work. Don't know why, it just doesn't freaking work. And just a second ago, the only channel that would work is 14. Nothing is on channel 14. If it is going to get stuck on a channel why couldn't it be a good one like SoapNet, HGTV, E! or the Food Network. Matt said to push a bunch of buttons and it should get back to normal. My techno savvy man was actually right.
This girl has to hit the hay. Busy rest of the week but vacation is right around the corner! Wahoo!
On a different subject, I have a love / hate relationship with our cable / DVR or whatever it is. Channel 6 just doesn't work. Don't know why, it just doesn't freaking work. And just a second ago, the only channel that would work is 14. Nothing is on channel 14. If it is going to get stuck on a channel why couldn't it be a good one like SoapNet, HGTV, E! or the Food Network. Matt said to push a bunch of buttons and it should get back to normal. My techno savvy man was actually right.
This girl has to hit the hay. Busy rest of the week but vacation is right around the corner! Wahoo!
Catch Up
Yikes, life just got quite busy. What happened in the last month? This may be a little out of the order but here's the gist:
Brantley rolled over - yay!!
Worked as the "photographer" for my co-workers vow renewal. So stressful but so fun! Wedding photographers totally earn their money. Thanks to Nora for letting me share your special day!
Worked as the "photographer" for my co-workers vow renewal. So stressful but so fun! Wedding photographers totally earn their money. Thanks to Nora for letting me share your special day!
The day after the vow renewal, Nora and Ron hosted an Open House. The Tiki Hut was in full swing but, I'm sorry to say, I missed the adult's turn at the slip n' slide.
Went to Atlantic with Beth & Dan for Father's Day weekend. The boys caught a lot of fish which is always so tastey and we took Brantley on her first boat ride. When she wasn't sleeping she was crying. Thankfully she slept most of the time.
Sunday was my day to deliver the altar flowers from church. The family I delivered to just had a baby girl, Rebecca Kelly, who was so precious. I had to get a picture of Bug in her church dress since she's growing like a weed. She won't be able to wear this one much longer ;(
This weekend we also had to say goodbye to our good friends who are moving to Milwaukee. Did I mention that all of my girlfriends are moving away? 3 in the past 6 months! That's like half the friend pool - gone. So I'm recruiting heavily. If I don't get some new friends quick I may end up like Lola:
Crazy.
New Favorite
Y'all have to check this out - my new favorite show is Wipeout. I'm about to pee in my pants. Enough said. Oh, and I wish Monica and Erin were here because they're probably the only ones who would think it is as funny as I do.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Firsts....
This has been a week of firsts for us. We celebrated Matt's re-employment with dinner out - just the 2 of us. We've been talking about going to this neighborhood restaurant for years and we finally did it. We have totally been missing out! Matt's steak and my crabcakes were delicious. But the icing on the cake was, literally, the icing on the 8 inch tall icing on the coconut cake. Oh my.
Since it was just the 2 of us that meant getting a sitter for the Bugster for the 1st time. We were very proud of ourselves - we didn't worry about her and we managed not to talk about her until after the coconut cake. That's not to say we didn't high tail it out of there so we could be home where we belong.
Matt left Saturday for the coast (not a first). He and the Perry's went deep sea fishing on Sunday and caught a boat load of Mahi. Just one of the reasons I think our relationship works - his hobby to hunt / fish / cook subsidizes my hobby to eat / eat / eat. Anyway, I left Sunday morning with Brantley and checked into the hotel. Amy met us there and we hit the beach - my first time back at the beach in almost a year and Brantley's first time at the beach ever. She loved looking at the water - a girl after my own heart. This morning the whole family took a walk which was the best. It's one of my favorite times to be on the beach. We dreamed about the day we have our own place there. I can't describe how happy this would make us - both individually and as a family. I'm actually really happy with my life the way it is - I love my husband and bambino and even my job (well, I really like my job. love is pushing it.) But Monday thru Friday would be even better knowing I could be back at the beach every weekend.
Our little weekend getaway facilitated another first - we had a dog/house sitter come take care of baby #1 and #2. We're pretty over the top when it comes to our dogs - I mean we really love them and it kills us to leave them. Especailly when they realize we're going somewhere and think they think they're coming with us but we know they're not. It totally sucks. But knowing they were in good hands made it much more bearable. We'll definitely do it again - unless we get a beach house and then they can come with us. One big happy family.
Matt just reminded me of another first - we purposefully and pre-meditatively slept in separate beds at the hotel this weekend. How old are we????
Friday, May 23, 2008
You Dern Goat!
Our new favorite show? My Big Redneck Wedding. 2 minutes into the current episode: goat eats wedding arch, guy proposed at a gas station, 15 month old daughter needs to get used to snakes (she does live in the country afterall), "I need dem hogs. They are the main source of meat for the wedding." "That's Georgia style y'all!" Brantley has more teeth than the groom...and, wait for it, bride got her nails done at Walmart! Who knew? Oh, now they're going mud boggin. Oh, so sad. Did you notice the date of this post? It's Friday night. That's right. Monica, you want to hang with the cool kids? Come on over.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
This is how we roll
Matt is fishing this weekend so Brantley and I hit the art festival going on downtown. The weather was glorious, we saw some really fabulous pieces from some talented artists and grabbed my favorite sandwich - grilled cheese with avocado and tomato - for lunch. Yum. Clearly the whole experience took its toll on the Bugster.
I'm glad to report that Matt is re-employed. Yay! Let's keep our fingers crossed that this one sticks - at least for a few years. I have to say that it has been a little stressful being a one income family. Monetarily we weren't worried. Let's just say it will be nice not to be the only adult getting up and getting going in the morning. And surely the fights over who should make coffee will end. That isn't to say that Matt not working has its perks - he performed quite a few honey-do tasks which I'm really thankful for. I should have made more. Oh yeah, he doesn't start his new job until June. Where's is my pen?
4 Months
This baby makes me SO happy! She hasn't been sleeping through the night this past week (That does not make me happy. Just ask Matt). This morning she decided 4:00 would be a good time to get up. She was having a big conversation with herself so I let her be and she would doze off and on until I got up at 6:00. I open her door and say good morning and she just cracks up laughing. Like I said, this baby makes me SO happy!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Blue Dog
I like this guy. I had not heard of him before but he has had much commercial success and is now being featured at the New Orleans Museum of Art. I just saw an interview with him on the Sunday Morning show and this is what I like about him - he paints what/how he wants to paint and not how the galleries tell him he should paint in order to get people to buy his work. That line of thinking has apparently worked for him. Now he is a multimillionaire so obviously he can live by this philosophy without losing any sleep about where his next meal will be coming from. But I think he stayed true to himself in the starving artist years as well and it paid off. Good for him.
Another interesting story from today's show was about a woman named Wendy who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago. She decided she better live life now before she was relegated to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. So she ran a marathon which was great...but not enough. She set her sights on climbing the highest mountain on each continent. I think she was living on the east coast at this time and decided to move to CO in order to train. Along the way to achieving this goal she came across this 4th grade class who has embraced her and her goal. They track her progress and she calls them when she reaches the summit of whatever mountain she is on. She often tells them to Climb Your Own Mountain. I love that. These kids are learning to set goals, go after them and if at first you don't exceed, try and try again. We need more Wendy's in the world.
And one last thought for the day. Matt and I read an artlicle about an epidemic sweeping the nation - videoicisis. More and more youth are foregoing a good old game of kickball, riding their bikes, going to parks, hiking, doing sports, fishing - you get the picture - to sit in front of (1) the tv, (2) video games, and (3) the computer (not necessarily in that order). I can see the effects of this becoming so far-reaching - generations of unhealthy, overweight, vitamin D deficient people. And on top of that, who is going to care about our green spaces? No one. So do your part. Get off the couch, get your kid off the couch and go climb a mountain.
Another interesting story from today's show was about a woman named Wendy who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago. She decided she better live life now before she was relegated to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. So she ran a marathon which was great...but not enough. She set her sights on climbing the highest mountain on each continent. I think she was living on the east coast at this time and decided to move to CO in order to train. Along the way to achieving this goal she came across this 4th grade class who has embraced her and her goal. They track her progress and she calls them when she reaches the summit of whatever mountain she is on. She often tells them to Climb Your Own Mountain. I love that. These kids are learning to set goals, go after them and if at first you don't exceed, try and try again. We need more Wendy's in the world.
And one last thought for the day. Matt and I read an artlicle about an epidemic sweeping the nation - videoicisis. More and more youth are foregoing a good old game of kickball, riding their bikes, going to parks, hiking, doing sports, fishing - you get the picture - to sit in front of (1) the tv, (2) video games, and (3) the computer (not necessarily in that order). I can see the effects of this becoming so far-reaching - generations of unhealthy, overweight, vitamin D deficient people. And on top of that, who is going to care about our green spaces? No one. So do your part. Get off the couch, get your kid off the couch and go climb a mountain.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bright, Sunshiney Day
The family took full advantage of this first sunny Saturday in 6 weeks. We started off our morning with a hot cup of coffee and bowlful of Kashi Go Lean - my fav. We had big plans to go downtown since so much was going on there but we had to get the ya-ya's out of the pups first. So we headed to the river. The pure unbridled joy that Lola and Gunner exude when they realize they're headed to utopia. If only we as humans could find half as much pleasure in the small things.
So we were headed back to the truck when I spotted this baby turtle. Let me just say that I'm always so impressed with Matt's ability to spot anything wild - ducks across a pond, deer tracks, gophers, you name it. I on the other hand could probably step on a snake and not know it. So I was really proud of myself for spotting this turtle. The poor little guy was really far from water so I took him back to the bridge so he'd have a chance. I hope he makes it.
So we were headed back to the truck when I spotted this baby turtle. Let me just say that I'm always so impressed with Matt's ability to spot anything wild - ducks across a pond, deer tracks, gophers, you name it. I on the other hand could probably step on a snake and not know it. So I was really proud of myself for spotting this turtle. The poor little guy was really far from water so I took him back to the bridge so he'd have a chance. I hope he makes it.
We also saw ducks and a rare spotting of this elusive japanese sleeping bug:
Friday, May 2, 2008
Dusting off the sports bra...
It's time. The running shoes are being laced up, new bra is being purchased, my head and wrist bans are ready. I'm hittin' the pavement in preparation for the San Antonio Rock & Roll Half Marathon. I'm totally psyched! Monica got the ball rolling by committing to do the full marathon, I got to thinking about doing the half and since then Kelly has jumped on board and Maurie has at least committed to being there and drinking 'ritas with us. All the roomies from A&M together again. I'm so bringing my Cranberries CD.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Texas A&M Family
There was a news story of a tragic accident in the news this week. A biker was hit and killed by a drunk driver at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The driver was a 21 year old who had just celebrated his birthday the night before. The woman, I found out a few days later, was the wife of a Texas A&M alumni.
What I found particularly compelling about this story is the compassion the woman's husband has shown the young man who killed her. "I feel bad for the guy. I was young once, and I remember getting [drunk] before. I don't think it was at 11 a.m., though."
I am sad for this fellow Aggie - his wife seemed like a very smart, caring, involved woman. And I'm sad for the driver who took her life away. To live with the guilt of this tragedy the rest of his life...I can't imagine.
I think about how life can turn on a dime often. We've all been there, going along our merry way and then the phone rings, or you make the wrong turn or you lose concentration for just a second...or you decide to have just one more drink and get behind the wheel of a car. And this is where faith comes in. I'm a huge believer in everything happening for a reason. And I find great comfort in knowing that God has his hand in all the goings on of this world. And that often times, amazing acts of love, depth, and a deep sense of connection come out of the worst of times. And that we may not understand it all now, but one day we will.
So my prayers go out to both the families and friends who have been affected by this tragedy. God bless and strengthen you in the days to come.
What I found particularly compelling about this story is the compassion the woman's husband has shown the young man who killed her. "I feel bad for the guy. I was young once, and I remember getting [drunk] before. I don't think it was at 11 a.m., though."
I am sad for this fellow Aggie - his wife seemed like a very smart, caring, involved woman. And I'm sad for the driver who took her life away. To live with the guilt of this tragedy the rest of his life...I can't imagine.
I think about how life can turn on a dime often. We've all been there, going along our merry way and then the phone rings, or you make the wrong turn or you lose concentration for just a second...or you decide to have just one more drink and get behind the wheel of a car. And this is where faith comes in. I'm a huge believer in everything happening for a reason. And I find great comfort in knowing that God has his hand in all the goings on of this world. And that often times, amazing acts of love, depth, and a deep sense of connection come out of the worst of times. And that we may not understand it all now, but one day we will.
So my prayers go out to both the families and friends who have been affected by this tragedy. God bless and strengthen you in the days to come.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Road Trip
Brantley and I hit the road last Saturday. My good friend Abby is having twins. This is amazing in and of itself - bringing new life into the world. The fact that Abby weighs as much as my big right toe is what really makes this feat spectacular. Anyhoo - yeah, I know anyhoo is really spelled anywho but I like it this way better - we hit the road and it was so fun. I won't brag about how perfectly perfect Brantley was...but she was pretty perfect. The girl loves a party.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
3 Months
Time is a flyin'! I can't believe Mini McGee is already 3 months old. I wish I could stop and start time at will.
Brantley found both her thumb and her voice this weekend. She babbles like no one's business. We just crack up which makes her smile, laugh and give us even more.
It's been raining and/or cloudy for days now. It is much needed and giving us some relief from the drought. But, I really would like to see the sun shine, even if just for an hour or two. We're all going a bit stir crazy. Lola and Gunner did get a trip to the river this morning and are acting like perfect angels curled up on their beds tonight. McGee is tucked safely in. Life is good.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Par for the course
I've been fighting it for years but it has come time to accept the cold hard truth - my intentions are admirable, my follow through, well, it sucks. It's been 5 months since my first and only entry on this blog. I guess I should cut myselft a break since I do have a 3 month old and have just recently gone back to work full time. I'm reminded of my dear friend Monica's wise words when we just young college students - "Do it, then talk about it." I guess she had to learn something in her 8 years of higher education (sorry Mon!).
On to the good stuff - we love our Mini McGee. She is such a happy baby and we have both been pleasantly surprised at how easy she has been. Don't get me wrong - it has been an adjustment, a major adjustment, but every day is easier and just when we think we can't love her any more. we wake up and we do. Love, love, love it!
Lola and GG are digging her too. Lola never passes up the opportunity to steal her socks right off her feet. This is especially entertaining for Lola and I - Brantley is not too sure what is going on. Gunner is still our gentle giant. The first few weeks of Brantley's life, he would lay outside her nursery every time I fed her. Very sweet. He still needs to practice sharing his bed but he'll get there.
Do other new moms feel like they're on crack or is it just me? We've been blessed in the fact that Brantley started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks so it isn't that I'm sleep deprived. It's quite the opposite. I feel like I'm more efficient now than ever before. Maybe as a mom you know you have to be thinking at least 3 hours ahead, and when you're working full time, it's more like 24 hours ahead. And at least have a vague idea of what is in store for the next week. I'm waiting to crash but will ride this out and thankful for it as long as it lasts.
Speaking of crashing, I need to get some shut eye. Early call tomorrow...
On to the good stuff - we love our Mini McGee. She is such a happy baby and we have both been pleasantly surprised at how easy she has been. Don't get me wrong - it has been an adjustment, a major adjustment, but every day is easier and just when we think we can't love her any more. we wake up and we do. Love, love, love it!
Lola and GG are digging her too. Lola never passes up the opportunity to steal her socks right off her feet. This is especially entertaining for Lola and I - Brantley is not too sure what is going on. Gunner is still our gentle giant. The first few weeks of Brantley's life, he would lay outside her nursery every time I fed her. Very sweet. He still needs to practice sharing his bed but he'll get there.
Do other new moms feel like they're on crack or is it just me? We've been blessed in the fact that Brantley started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks so it isn't that I'm sleep deprived. It's quite the opposite. I feel like I'm more efficient now than ever before. Maybe as a mom you know you have to be thinking at least 3 hours ahead, and when you're working full time, it's more like 24 hours ahead. And at least have a vague idea of what is in store for the next week. I'm waiting to crash but will ride this out and thankful for it as long as it lasts.
Speaking of crashing, I need to get some shut eye. Early call tomorrow...
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