Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. We are having a blast!!  The kids are especially having a good time...between playdates, parties, sleepovers and several hours on our blow up water slide, they have really had a great weekend. 

I ran 4.5 this morning.  The heat and humidity was brutal (even at 7:30).  I am really not sure how I am going to train for a 1/2 marathon in heat.  Lots of sweat...that's for sure.

I'm officially a registered runner in my first 1/2 Marathon!

OMG...am I crazy? Why do I think I can do this?  I signed up today for the race and signed up for a training program with fleet feet, too.  I can't believe I am going to do this.  INSANITY!

I ran this morning...5 miles on a hilly course.  I walked two parts of it (yes, it was that hilly).  Then, we took the kids to the circus.  It was HOT!  Some neat stuff...including one very talented 11 year old.

Off for a nap...with the run and the sun...I'm tired!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a quick 2 mile run at 6 am this morning.  It was crisp, cool and beautiful!  Then, I came home only to have to rush around like crazy people by getting two kids ready for Olympic Day and one Mom ready for the workday. 

Tomorrow,  I will run again with fleet feet (perhaps 4 or 5 miles).  I have a ton of grocery shopping to do before we take ARL to a birthday party in the afternoon.  Sunday we are going to the circus and Monday to a parade!  Given the weather forecast, I think it is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend!

I would like to take a moment to be thankful that the North Penn board and teachers have finally agreed upon a contract.  I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the kiddos will all go back the Tuesday after Labor Day as planned!  Thank you Mr. Mediator!

Talk about Goodwill!

Last night I was out on a walk with a neighbor. There was a roofing company in the neighborhood called DVC Roofing.  I stopped and asked them to give me an estimate on replacing shingles that had blown off in the last windstorm.  I told him I already had the shingles since we've had this issue before.

Much to my shock (and delight) he said he would send some guys over now (this is after 7pm) and fix it for free.  Now that is goodwill!  DVC...you've got a customer for life!

Been busy battling the whooping cough

Sorry for the lack of posting...it's been a rough week. ARL has the whooping cough that's going around her school and our bus. She's on antibiotics and so are the rest of us (preventive due to our exposure to her).  The test they had to do to confirm the disease is horrible. 

I haven't done much in the last week other than work, try to sleep (but it is tough with a kid hacking up a lung), and clean up.  I can't wait until she is better an can go back to school.

Here are some recital pcs...in true ARL fashion knocked 'em dead.  She is quite the performer.  She and her friend Emma (first on left) got to open up the recital by doing the opening Welcome. 

For the second year, ARL and Mike performed in the father-daughter dance.  I give hubby so much credit for having the guts to get up on stage and dance in front of a whole auditorium.  They looked fabulous and did great.

I hate Mondays!

There is nothing good abut Monday's (other than the CBS line up beginning at 8).  Ugh...the whole work week ahead and 4 long days until Friday!   My mom and I started a "martini monday" tradition...but she's over in Germany right now.  Guess I'll just have to drink without her tonight.

I'm combating the Monday blues by throwing myself into work.  I have a MAJOR capabilities presentation at a client I've been trying to break into for 2 years next Monday.  I'll spend most of this week agonizing over building the perfect slide deck.  I am hopeful that all this work leads to some business...but, I won't hold my breath.  Low expectations now = less disappointment later.

I got out for a 5 mile run this morning.  49:49...not quite as fast as hubby's 47:44 on Saturday....but I seem to have broken the 10 minute mile mark. 

So proud!

My hubby ran a 5 mile race this morning and did great! Here he is (in green) crossing the finish line. 47:44!!  Yup, that's a 9 1/2 minute mile pace. Way to go!

The kids ran the fun run (.5 mile) and each got medals!  The first kid in finished at 3:15.  That's a 6:30 mile! 

Our next race is the Tex Mex connection 5K in June.  They give out beer and margaritas after the race.  We got a babysitter for that one so we can run (and drink) together!

David-Good Luck in your marathon tomorrow!  I know you'll do well!

I'm baaaaaackkkkk!

I took a few days off from blogging. I was standing and staring in loving admiration at our mud room for the last few days.   HA HA...but I really am in love (if you can be in love with a room).

Actually, we took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos.  We came home exhausted...but, we had a blast.  We got the wolf den suite (the kids favorite room type).  We splished, splashed, and played MagiQuest!  Interestingly, we all came home injured except JAL.  Mike hurt his hand playing MagiQuest (slaying the dragon).  He may have beat the dragon, but the dragon drew blood (literally)!  ARL has a nasty welt on her shoulder that we don't know how she got.   And, somehow, I hurt my foot jumping out of tube.

Their new slide, double barrel drop, is wild.  I can see why our kids were not tall enough.  That is Mike's new favorite.  Jay and I like the family tube slide the best.  ARL likes the toilet bowl!

Next year, I am going to count the steps to the top of the platforms so I can get an idea of just how many steps we climb while we are there.  Between the slides and running the hotel stairs for MagiQuest, it is one exhausting vacation!  I can honestly say I'm happy to go back to work tomorrow and rest!

Organized Living!

Aaahhhh...a neat, clean organized house is a happy house (or at least a happy Mommy)!

Here's what our laundry room looked like before....backpacks a mess barely fitting on the table, violin hanging from a door knob, and cheap, ugly white particle board cabinets.  YUCK.

I found some cool ideas for a mudroom makeover online.  I printed them and showed them to our contractor, Edson.  Edson has been with us for the last 6 years (since we moved in).  He has done so many projects in our house.  I'm one of his best customers because I give him lots and lots of referrals!  :)  Here is a work in progress photo:

And, here it is all neat and organized.  Edson ROCKS and did a kick butt job. 

I love the way it is built right in and matches up to the trim work.  Everyone has their own spot for all their junk.  The bins on the top are the out of season gear (right now: hats, mittens, scarves).  The bins on the bottom are what we need now:  baseball hats, sunscreen, & sunglasses. 

The storage unit behind the door is awesome for keeping all the bulk purchases out of sight (i.e. the 20 roll pack of paper towels, the extra laundry detergent when it was BOGO a few weeks ago, lightbulbs, etc.).  The shelving unit is hidden perfectly behind the door when the door is open (all by design, of course).  Edson came up with that part of the plan (I only showed him the lockers)!!  It was brilliant because who doesn't need more storage.

And look at who made it into the picture...I didn't even notice that till I previewed the blog post.  Love ya, Teppo!

A great day!

What a great day...kicked it off with a nice 3.3 miles with fleet feet. Hubby was able to join me since both kids were at sleepovers! Now if that isn't running dedication, I'm not sure what is. We have both kids away for the night and we get up at 7:30 am to run!!

I also got a lovely massage at citrus today. Citrus is one of the best spas in the area. I love Barb...she gives the best massages and is just so incredibly nice!!  I had no clue, but apparently Citrus has a rewards club.  They told me I had $12 on credit for being a loyal customer.  I didn't use it today since I had a gift card from my bday...but I'm thinking next time I go, I'll score a free mani!  WOO HOO!!

Hubby is cooking steak on the grill for dinner tonight. I'll make the creamed spinach and we'll indulge in a lovely Cabernet. In fact, it is just about 4 pm...time for happy hour!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's!!

2.2 in 21 minutes

It felt good....really good...to get out and run again.  I'm happy nothing hurts anymore from Broad Street and happy to see my pace is back!

Not much going on in our world today...off to work.  The kids are looking forward to a campfire and smores tonight!

The laundry room project is nearly done.  It is all painted...but we can't use them until Saturday.  So, the house continues to be a disorganized mess in the laundry room and in law suite!  He did an incredible job.  Pictures will be up once we move all our crap into them!

Progress on the lockers!

Our contractor has been here all day building a custom shelving unit opposite the washer and dryer. It is basically 4 "lockers" and a unit of shelves!  There will be one "locker" for each of us to store our crap.  You know...back packs, violins, soccer balls, laptop bags, purses, etc.  Each person has two baskets that fit in the lockers.  They are looking pretty good! I can't wait till we can start using them.  I will post pictures when they are finished.

Feeling all better from the race...will hit the pavement tomorrow morning before work!

Walking it off

Whew...who knew that 10 miles could make you incredibly stiff and sore! Yesterday was tough...I took a short walk with my Mom and the kids. I sat in the hot tub and I had a good, strong drink!  I also put Ben Gay heat pads on my thighs.

I'm happy to report I am feeling better today, although still not ready to run yet.  I can now go up and down the steps without clutching the handrail for dear life.  I took a 2.5 mile walk at lunch.  You just gotta keep moving...

Perhaps I'll run tomorrow morning.  We'll see.

I did it!!!!!!

I did it! I ran 10 miles this morning. HOLY CRAP! This from the girl who used to strategize ways to get out of running "the mile" in high school gym class.

Here I am with Barb (left) and Lisa (right) prior to the race.  Notice we are smiling, happy, and excited!

I had 3 goals for the race today.  Disappointingly, I only accomplished two of them.  My goals were:

1. Run the whole race (no walking)
2. Finish in the top 20,000 (out of 30,000 registrants); i.e. the top 2/3
3. Finish in under 1:45

I ran the whole race and I finished in 18,573rd place.  YAY ME! 

Sadly, I couldn't break 1:45.  I came in at 1:51.  I know I shouldn't be disappointed in myself; I just ran 10 freakin' miles.  There was nothing I could do about the heat and humidity.  I hadn't trained in that type of weather and I wasn't prepared for it.  The sun totally kicked my butt around mile 7.  Despite all the runs through the fire hydrants and multiple cups of water over my head and down my shirt, I was slowing down.  The last 3 miles were horrible.   I'm still incredibly proud of myself.  :)

Here I am after the race with my most wonderful husband.  He drove me (and my friends) to the start line, drove to the finish and got a prime parking spot, and chauffeured our tired butts back home!  Love you honey...thanks for supporting me!

FINALLY...

Just a few more hours till Broad street! I am happy to report I'm healthy...no aches, pains, etc. That alone is a huge triumph for me.

The heat is freaking me out a bit. I'm definitely going to hydrate more than I planned. If I miss my goal time because I have to pee several times along the way, then so be it. I can't control the weather!

I will post an update tomorrow with my race recap and time!