2010...by the running numbers!

2010 was really a great year for me!

• I ran 6 races including 2 half marathons!  
• I PRed the 5K at 28:05.  My goal for the year was to break 30 in a 5K.  
• I also ran a 2:13 half marathon.  My goal time for the half was 2:20...another PR!  
• I also scored PRs in the 10 mile Broad Street Run and the 10K...but given these were my first races at these distances, I can't legitimately claim a PR.

According to my Nike+ chip, I ran 656 miles in 2010 and burned over 70,000 calories.  We know the stats are slightly off because sometimes I didn't wear it, sometimes it needed to be recalibrated, etc.  Generally speaking, we can say I ran about 700 miles!  WOO HOO!

I finally got out and ran yesterday after a week and 1/2 of being sick.  I logged 6 miles at a total time of 1:02.  I hope to get a 9 miler in tomorrow to finish the year strong and ensure I can eat and drink without regret on Friday night.

Happy New Year!

Dare I say...a bit better!

Whew...I finally am starting to feel back to myself. I love the fact that I can breathe threw my nose again and don't wake up with the sahara in my mouth!

Headed out to spend some kiddo gift cards today & out to lunch. It'll be a nice Mom and kid day! ML went to work (he missed yesterday) and will go to the game tonight.  Company for dinner...

That's all from our neck of the (frozen) woods.

Christmas recap...

The kids had a great day....ARL got her much coveted ipod Touch and JAL got a lot of bakugan and wii games.  The whole family got a laptop.

As for me, I survived...but miserably.  I hate being sick on Christmas.  I couldn't taste any of my food and really didn't have much of an appetite.  My family assures me all the food was hot and good.  The beef was able to be cut with a table knife.  Honestly, I would say (based on others comments) that it was really good...not $300 good...but, really good.   We could have done petite filet and lobster for $300.

I fell asleep on the couch at 8:30 and went up to bed at 9.  Being sick sucks.  Oh well, here's hoping I'm healthy for new years.  I got some drinking to catch up on!!

I feel horrible for my poor hubby.   He will get no help from we with shoveling tonight.  Plus, our neighbors are away, so he has 2 houses to do.  8-12 inches with no help...no fun.  Thankfully, the Eagles were smart enough to reschedule.  Sorry, Joan...looks like it'll be another girls night (+ JAL).

A not so merry Christmas...

I will try my best to be joyous, but it's gonna be tough...

I'm sick...can't breathe out of my nose, ears constantly popping, annoying cough...yeah, it's fun.

My hubby lost his job.  They told him on 12/21.  12/20 was his birthday....At least they didn't ruin his birthday.

The sump pump froze yesterday, the oven broke today (and I'm hosting Christmas tomorrow...see the Beef post!)  Can't wait to see the emergency repair bill for the oven.

Lovely.  Hoping everyone else has a great day!

What a game! The Eagles gave us an early Christmas present today!

BEEF...it's what's for (Christmas) dinner!

Quick apology to all the vegetarians/animal activists out there...

Traditionally, we have turkey every year on Christmas.  There's nothing wrong with turkey...I just wanted to change up the menu a bit this year.  I was inspired by friend Danielle who really knows how to throw a party.  Soooo, I went a "googling" and found this recipe.

First, know that I love Guy Fieri!  I could watch Triple D for hours straight (and gain 5 lbs while doing so because I keep hitting the fridge).

Second, any recipe that has 63 Five Star Reviews has to be unbelievable.  People are so critical these days.  For not one person to give it less than 5 stars...well that's just impressive!

I ordered the hunk of beef from our local butcher.  I knew it was going to be pricey, but $301 later, I was still shell shocked.  Despite the price, isn't it gorgeous?

The roast was a bit bigger than we needed.  It was 21 lbs and we only needed 14 lbs.  So, I got out our super big, extra sharp (watch your fingers) Henckel and cut off 1/3 of it.  The knife carved through it effortlessly!

Step One of Guy's recipe is to wash, pat dry, and wrap in 3 layers of chessecloth.  Here's our baby after Step One:

Off to the refrigerator for night one of dry aging.   Tonight, We'll remove the cheesecloth and re-wrap with a fresh piece.  Then it goes back in the fridge to sit undisturbed for 9 more days of dry aging.

I'm so excited for my Christmas roast....almost as excited as the kids are about their presents.  Family who reads this blog...I hope your mouth is watering with anticipation!

Weekend report!

It was a great one... JAL scored in his game on Saturday helping to bring his team to a 3-0 record.  ARL performed in her winter holiday recital and danced beautifully! 

During the holiday season, I try to remind myself how fortunate we are.  I'm thankful for my two beautiful, talented, happy children.  We are already looking forward to next weekend...JAL's team is going for another win to make their team 4-0 and ARL is performing 3 shows of 101 Dalmations.  She plays Patch.

Thanks Kids for bringing me so much joy every day.

The cold gets you movin'!

Nothing like a brisk (and I mean downright cold) run to get your day going! I did my regular 3 miles in 29 minutes. Not quite a PR, but good enough for me!

I've been a bit "punchy" all week since I have not run since Sunday. It has just been too cold and windy. Granted it was cold today (it's 24 out there), but the wind really does make all the difference. Bring on the weekend...I saw 40s and 50s on the forecast!

Blog readers...if you haven't already done so, please check out my website:  www.eternalmemorycandle.com and like me on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eternal-Memory-Candle/116916075040535!  The business has officially launched!

8 miles today...felt great!

It's been nice running without pain. Really nice.  At that to my list of things to be thankful for.  This week's tallies include a 3 miler, a 4 miler, and 8 today.  I'll try to get out for 6 or 7 tomorrow. 

Life is busy, but good.  This week brought a few proposals at work (one was for $350K...keep your fingers crossed for me on that one) and the near finalization of my website (www.eternalmemorycandle.com).  All I need is a picture on the product page and the website will be done.  I'm starting to approach retailers now!!

Kiddos are good...ARL keeps busy with friends, chorus, drama, violin and homework!  JAL spends most time playing bakugans with a neighbor!  Mike is out on a run now clocking his miles for the weekend!