The Not so great Boot Camp.

My perfect little plan for weight loss included meeting my Trainer on Tuesday's, Thursday Boot Camp and my killer long runs on Saturday's. At least until the half marathon on May 1. Well. Not so sure about that now. *sigh* I LOVE BOOT CAMP. Been doing it for years. I finally have a trainer that really pushes me. I think. BUT, the boot camp instructor on Thursday is NOT the same one that teaches on Saturdays. J.D. is the trainer on Saturday's. J.D. is an ex-marine who is VERY serious about his job. He has a passion, that makes you want to do more, push harder, and just keep going. He WAS teaching on Thursdays, until recently. The NEW Thursday instructor is named Gage. I like that name, my God son is also named Gage. Gage is a 'sales person' who does the 'come and join personal training workouts.' He is physically fit and 'nice looking' more of a model to sell you on personal training. I have a strong dislike for sales people. I don't like fake. As I said in my last post, they tend to bring out the worst in me. Gage did NOT IMPRESS me at all. First of all, class begins at 6pm. He casually walks in at 6:20 pm. No apologies. Just casual. Secondly, he kept forgetting what we were going to do. Third he talked about how he couldn't wait til this class was over to go party since it was opening day for the Cincinnati Reds (and they had just won). Fourth, he didn't motivate me at all. I like encouragment, as in, Hey! Try to keep your butt down, or Hey! Get closer to the ground. Fifth, He did no correction at all. I like to know if I am doing something wrong. Oh if anyone else is, so I can learn from them do it correctly. I ended up leaving early. I am the mother of 3 kids. Even with an 'empty' bladder, I STILL can not do jumping jacks for 3 minutes without having, um, issues. I didn't exactly need to announce my delema, so I quietly just left. And didn't come back. I think I can get a better workout from a Jillian Michaels DVD. Maybe Thursdays are going to me my 'video with a trainer' night instead. Come May 7th, I will be back with J.D. I can't wait.

That Love,Hate Relationship... back again.

It is me verses the scale. Again. Everytime I start ramping up my miles, so do those numbers on the scale. I am DEFINITELY not doing another half marathon this year... or maybe ever... I am very ticked off right now. Probably will be until May 1. I can not ignore that stinking voice in my head after a long run saying 'Oh you can have this, you just ran ALL those miles...' or 'Oh, you can have that 'cause you are going to be running ALL those miles tomorrow.' Oh, will power, where are you? Sucky scale. Sucky clothes. Sucky chocolate. Sucky Potato Chips. grumble. grumble...

New Trainer, OH NO!!!!!

Ok. Let me explain quickly how I signed up for Urban Active. (aka...my gym)

I called before I left to see if they had any specials or visitors passes that I could get off the internet. I guess I didn't just check my self because I am lazy, of course.

So the girl I talked to said NO, and the visitor pays $15 a day to use the facility. Since I was still a member at the YMCA, I didn't want to join. I just wanted to use the indoor track to run my 11 miles since it was cold out that day.

When I arrived I paid my fee, and felt a cold reception from the girl at the front desk. It may have been just me. Not sure.

I REALLY liked the gym (and still do), so on my way out I wanted to quickly ask how much a membership was. My lack of love for the girl at the front desk wasn't lightened when she tried to sign me up with a sales person. I grumbled something about how I just ran 11 miles, I am in no mood to listen to a sales person right now.

Yep. My Mother came out in me. I felt bad for her. She took her job seriously and tried to do what she was instructed but I just wanted to know a price breakdown, not a 'sales pitch'.

Imagine my frustration 2 days later when I went on the website to check it out and found out I WAS able to print of a pass valid for 2 free days!!

So, when I signed up (the very next Wednesday) I asked if I could get my money back from Saturday, of course not.

Well, then every time I saw her, sadly, I remembered the 'sales pitch' and lack of knowledge of the free passes she told me about (I could recognize her tone of voice) I wasn't mean. I just didn't smile as I passed her. Or kind of ignored her.

SOOOOOO, (I KNOW, get on with the story)... guess who my new trainer is?

I will give you 2 guess's but I don't think you will need them.

Yep. But she is GOOOOOOD. And still takes her job seriously.
So far.

What? Does She Read My Blog??

Ok, so, my personal trainer emails me tonight...

Rachel,

I hate to tell you this - but I got a new job. I really enjoyed training but this was a great opportunity that I just couldn't pass up.
I am sorry to leave you up in the air like this but I did enjoy training with you. Good luck in your future endeavors and with the Flying Pig! I'll be rooting for you!

Nancy

What??? Ok, so I did my workout on Monday, grumbling to myself how I didn't feel she was pushing me and how I wasn't looking forward to seeing her on Wednesday. I was wondering how I was going to break it to her that I need more than a 'friend' with her I need a MOTIVATOR!

Boy, oh boy, I didn't even pray for that one... Thanks God! Yippeee!!!

Tomorrow, I get to find a new one... and I know what I want.
: )

Paint, Miles and Craigslist Love.

Productive very weekend, er, Saturday anyway.

Saturday we booked it full. In the morning we had Z's first soccer game! He did great. It was cold. (in the 40's) so we watched from a perfect spot in the heat of our sun baked car. (ha.ha.) About halfway thru the game the coaches wife came running up to my car. Turns out they were getting worried about a boy that had been hit in the nose by another players head. He had a nose bleed that didn't seem to want to stop. My darling Z, told her "I think my Mom is a nurse." (um, not really. I was a CNA and worked at a family practice office for 8 years) I tried to explain to her that I don't even work with patients anymore, but I will do what I can.

Well, what need to be done was for Grandma to go away and stop getting Mom all worked up. The bleeding had already started to stop by the time I had walked up to him. He didn't have any bruising or swelling yet. I could tell the boy was not uncomfortable or in agony, only Mom. The boy would be fine. Mom, felt the boy needed to take some tylenol after the bleeding went down, which did not help. He was trying to choke down the pill but was not able to do it. Water just about came flying from his nose. Mom kept it up until it started bleeding again, and I suggested they just let it stop bleeding and let him relax.

After that we picked up some paint for Reece's room. I wanted the exact same color he had in Wisconsin. He had the hardest time with the transition here so I wanted to make sure he had some familarness with his room. (even though we did get him a new dresser and bed recently) but he LOVES them.) Now, Zeb wants his room painted 'green with a tank on the wall' (lol). That is what Reece had in the last house. Zeb went on to say "I can do the tank myself". LOL! I didn't even do the tank at the last house! That was my very talented sister, Sara!

I had 8 miles scheduled for me on Saturday, so Duner painted while I got my miles in. Mile one was ok. Miles 2 and 3 were rough, but miles 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 FLEW by! I told myself afterwords I will treat myself to a Strawberry Banana smoothie, since our Gym makes them at the front desk!

I purposely waited until the afternoon to get my miles in so I wouldn't have a lot of people on the track to deal with. I am slow, now, but okay with it. My only goal is to finish. It will be interesting with all the hills I am told are on the route of the Flying Pig. Hopefully it will warm up soon so I can get out side and get some actual hills in.

It is amazing how much time painting, organizing and replacing everything back into his room took. We picked up some blinds so he now has ACTUAL window coverings and not the 'temporary' shade that he had for the past 6 months.

I also needed to recover and paint some chairs that I had. I wish I did a 'before' pic for you, but I didn't. The chairs were 'natural' stained, and the fabric I chose to replace them with had tan and black in it so I decided to paint the chairs black. Not to mention how much it hides the dirt. (lol)

Reece was all too happy to get his hands on the black spray paint, he couldn't get enough so he asked if he could write the word 'Hi' on the wall of the garage. I think I surprised him when I said 'Sure'. When he asked me to check it out, so proudly, I asked him 'Where is the smilely face?'. He quickly fixed that. : ) Now Z's asking when he can do it.

Oh, and on Sunday we posted the old washer and dryer on craigslist and within 2 hours it was sold. Yay. Duner is happy to get his parking spot back in the garage. I am happy to have the extra funds.

Next up, for the weekend... painting Brock's room and blinds... and 9 miles for me.

Manic Monday

5. Dear Allergies, You can behave now. I am now on day 3 of meds. That means you leave. Now. Thank you. 4. Dear 16 yr old living in my house, Thank you for not trying very hard to get your license. I really appreciate it. I am ok with all the stress I have right now, no need to add to that! Thank you! 3. Dear Personal Trainer, Could you socialize less and become more like Jillian. You are very nice and sweet but I really need someone to yell at me, when it comes to fitness. Can you guilt me into behaving? That would help a lot! Thanks! 2. Dear Tummy and Brain, Can you behave? Can you and Brain get cooperate? I am getting tired of 'Oh, you earned this and that, since you ran today'... That does not help weight loss and I don't appreciate the lingering tummy ache afterward. Since I am 'getting measured' for the first time, next week, since beginning with my personal trainer. I miss boot camp. *sigh* I will be ther boot camp, as soon as this marathon tapers!!! I'm coming boot camp, can't wait! 1. Dear Delta Dental, Can you make my EOB's any more confusing? I only need to know what I need to pay for. If you are trying to confuse me into paying more than I need to, it is working... I think... Happy Monday Everyone!!

Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks Up!

Why do we spend so much time worried? Why look back if we can't change anything?
I love these verses.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the
joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at
the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such
opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

It is SO great in theory. Seems like life should be 'easy' when we have been saved. We are forgiven.

So, why do we have those dang bumps in the road?

I am learning much this past year. I have made some insecurities rule my life in so many ways. In some ways, I have a hard time giving up those stinkin' thinkin's.

The radio station I listen to here is called KLOVE. I love it. The tag line is 'positive, encouraging Klove'. Just what I need. At the begining of the year they asked us to pray and ask God to give us a word to sit on our hearts all year. My word is ENDURE. I had a feeling it was going to be rough year with that word, but I think I figured it would be about endurance sports not emotional baggage.

Recently, I was slapped in the face with a harsh reality that I SERIOUSLY thought was long since gone. Yet, in some ways it was a comforting, gentle reality.

I am a clinger. I hold on to things. Sometimes WAY to long. Not really bad things. Like the letters from school friends, old gifts from past love/friends, the first clothes each of my babies wore home from the hospital, and now all of my endurance events bibs.

Good ol' memories, that in some ways if I lose them, I will lose those memories. Especially now that my Dad has beginings of dementia, I find it especally hard to let go of those. What if I forget those things? Then again, how much do I really need to remember them? How will that help me move forward in life. Other than weight for lifting. Do I ever dig them out and look at them? (No!) I have moved a box of 'memories' with me now for years.

Maybe this is the excess weigh that I need to lose.

If I can release that which so easily entangles me, and run the rest of my 'race' with perseverence,

looking up.

{gulp}

After all, Jeremiah 29:11 says:
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Special Guest Post!! From Reece - Poor Middle Child..

Well, this may not be one of his better stories he finally wrote me one for my blog... So, without further delay, today's posting is brought to you by Reece... my cheery and so happy child. ha.ha.

An unfortunate day of me
{yes, He picked the title}
I wake up and get dressed after turning off my alarm
{no he didn't see previous post}
that I usually don't wake up to. (my mom gets mad and forces me up :))
{the kid can sleep like a rock, I tell ya!}

First thing I do is look at whether my brother Brock is in his room or not because then I know what things I'll have to do later. This day he was a sleep as usual
and it was about 8 so I didn't expect him to get up for 4 more hours. I woke up my Dad because I had a orchestra rehearsal at 9 and ends at 12 right about the time my brother wakes up. I say "hi" to my little brother who usually hops on the PS3 in the very morning.

I get down stairs and grab coffee (with plenty of creamer of course) and see my mom talking to her friend that came over for the weekend. My dad finally walks down stairs and I ask him. "Can you drive me to orchestra rehearsal already" and he replies with "we don't leave for another 30 minutes."
{Reece is never so ready that early. Ever. Not sure what happened there}

I got to my rehearsal with no problems and practiced my cello. There's only 4 cello players that are in the advanced group and one doesn't show up.
{Reece is also in the advanced group}
I practice with a professional that I can't remember her name but she was really nice and funny.

I later return home where I play on the computer PS3 and watch WIPEOUT with my dad. As we made joke about how Mom was going to be grounded for being out past 11. She comes home with her friends who are spending the night here. I play on the computer then play in my iPod (from which I'm writing this) until 4 in the morning
{Mom highly doubts this} and decide I'd be better off if I have a little sleep.

ZZZZZZZZZ..........


Sent from my iPod

Family Pic!

Family pic that my friend Ang took. It turned out well, but for some reason everyone is smiling... probably because they are all trying to hide behind my thighs? lol.

Busy but ooooh, so FUN weekend!

This weekend some of my 'old school' friends came down the 'big city' to visit.
Jules and Ang.
They arrived about 5 or 6pm on Friday night. With the rain lingering over them.
After a brief tour of our home and getting them settled in Brocks Room for the duration, we decided to head to Dewey's Pizza. Yummmmm.
After Pizza, it was still raining so we did a short drive to check out the Cincy skyline at night, since all skylines are SO COOL at night time (ha.ha.) and headed home to chat and enjoy some Moscato. Apparently, the only wine I can handle.
By 9:30 we called it an early evening and headed to sleep. I can't blame them I know all to well how draining that LONG drive is. (8 hours long, 4 of the most boring ever, I swear!)

During the night, poor Ang was rudely awoken by Reece's alarm clock. After enjoying some familiar songs, she decided to get up and try to turn it off. Reece for some reason decided not to sleep in his bed, but it was dark and after while Ang just ended up unplugging his clock. I never even heard the alarm, which is funny since normally I do. Reece's bedroom shares a wall with us, so his alarm is about 5 feet away from my head.
Once we all got up and ready we headed out to see my work, then off to IKEA.
I love Ikea. You can spend hours there! Which we did appx 4 to be exact. We ate lunch and then proceeded to spend lots of time shopping and shopping~ We were loaded with all kinds of Ikea-ness. So many useful and inexpensive ideas... so hard to say no! The girls kept commenting about the weather, and how warm it was. It was almost 60 degrees and sunny... Very enjoyable.

After that, we all were pretty ready for a nap, but so much fun was yet to be had! We drove to the Gap outlet store, but didn't have much time since we had plans to go to shadowbox live that evening. I had gotten some free tickets from Urban Active (my gym). It is a comedy cabaret, I guess they call it. It was interesting. I we laughed and enjoyed ourselves. It was interesting 'cause our servers were part of the show. They took our orders before the show and during intermission, but otherwise you were not able to get anything. Our server flattered us by telling us you are in your 20's right? ha. ha. He obviously was out for a nice tip!
We ended up being seated next to someone whose business will be featured on the Apprentice with Donald Trump next Sunday night, and were invited by them to a party during the showing of it. Probably won't be going but it was nice of them to invite us.
Shadow Box live is at Newport on the Levee, which is kinda like a 'entertainment mall'. It is a mall, but has more restaurants, bars, theaters, clubs and a bowling alley. Not so many stores.
It is neat to see the Cincy skyline on the back boardwalk, I guess you could call it.

While were were out-and-about Jules mentions that she had been pretty lucky at the casinos recently. So, we decided to head to Indiana and visit Hollywood Casino.

I had not been there, before. It puts the Oneida casino to shame. I felt kinda like I was in Vegas. Very elaborate wall outside of the marble tiled bathroom that had a water feature inside it and the words WATER WORKS above it. Pretty fancy way to say 'bathroom here'.

Julie educated Ang and I on how machines work. I don't remember the last time I put anymore in a machine. We hit the penny slots. Which apparently cost .25 cents to work. Go figure? Anyway, that was some very interesting people watching. I felt the need to pay for my chair so I tried my luck, but lost. I guess I will just consider it a 'chair rental fee'? At one point Julie was up over $30, but ended up with a loss.

By the time we left there it was after midnight. We headed home to some muchies and wine that practically took the enamel off my teeth! Yikes. A bit stronger than I can handle. I helped Jules with setting up her twitter account and finding her friends on FB, then called it a night about 2 am.

They treated us to breakfast at the Waffle House before heading out about 11:30am to get back to the Cheese state.

Duner and I were motivated to get some stuff done after unloading our IKEA finds and got some cabinets to go above the Dryer and Washer in the laundry room. (we had a shelf there when we moved in) so we took that down.

We decided another trip to IKEA was in order to pick up some bins for on top of the cabinets, and get a new dresser for Reece. Ended up getting a few more things, of course. lol.. waaaaaay to hard to go to that store and NOT get more than you had on your list!

It was a whirlwind weekend. It went SO fast, but it was really good to see those girls and spend the time hanging out.

Watch out Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Some crazy WI girls are getting together this weekend for some fun!

Yep. That's right. My long lost friends from high school are coming down to visit! I am so excited to show them the area we now call home! One of them I have known since I was in first or second grade. The other since fifth grade. Both a loooong time.

Hopefully they don't kill each other on the long drive down here! lol.

I took Friday off, so I could make sure the house is decient when they come, but last night I found out the kids have off school on Friday!!!
URGH!!
When Brock gleefully told me about having off on Friday, I said 'How the heck am I supposed to clean when you are home?'... he loved that. He said "Oh, you don't have to worry about me, I will just stay in bed until noon or so." I don't think so.

Bedding is coming off at 8am to be washed, even if he is in it.
Can't Wait to see 'em!

Toothless Wonder

Behold our Toothless wonder boy.

Between nature and dental abcess Zeb is quickly becoming Duner.
At his last dental check up the dentist took an x-ray and found out he is missing two teeth on the top and one on the bottom.
Missing teeth as in, not going to grow in, EVER.
Like Father, like son...except we both have dental insurance so he will be getting that fixed, we just have to weigh out when and what the options are.

Now I have not forgotten about trying to get Reece to write his story, he is very stubborn. Yesterday, he asked me to help him make Apple Crisp, I replied "If you write me a story." Then Zeb pops up with "Don't worry Reece, I'll do it for you!" and runs off... this is what he comes back with a minute later... (see picture) Um, gee, what a nice brother...?

Zeb also raced his decked out Derby car for boy scouts on Saturday. He got 3 Third place finishes. He was pretty happy. Duner and Reece went along and Cheered him on and take some pics for us since Brock and I couldn't be there. Duner and Reece are seriously considering making their own cars for the Derby next year.

Brock and I had spent the day volunteering at Fairhaven Thrift Store.
And, speaking of Brock ... here is my strange,um, I mean UNIQUE boy Brock. Enjoying himself a whipped topping sandwich. Yes. Bread and whipped topping. Not something anyone else here has ever tried, but he loves them.
I guess I won't have any for my mocha in the morning... oh well, Starbucks it is!

Birthday Boy!

He loves the torture! lol. Here he is... he hates having his picture taken. And yes, he is that tall. He actually was squatting down a bit for me.

Accountability

Soooo, I signed up with a personal trainer today... (Thanks to Uncle Sam) and my hubby made a wager with me. I NEED TO LOSE 20 lbs or 20% body fat in one year... or else guess who gets to pick up a part time job to pay back the trainer money... Yep, yours truly.

I got measured. Apparently I am equally developed. Except my thighs. my left is bigger? But weaker? Well,hmmm...I have had some knee trouble. Maybe it's related... we'll see. Both my arms the same size but I know my left is weaker. Go figure.

She had me hold a pole over my head and do squats for E.V.E.R. While she took notes of my form. She had to ask assistance from the best darn lookin' personal trainer to check out my back side. Really???? Sheesh. Can you say insecuity?

Then she shows me how to 'correctly' do a push up. HA. HA. Like, I can do ONE? After witnessing my one, she said ok, you can do modified push ups. Thankfully she let me finish after 16. She must have noticed how I was shaking. lol.

At least I was able to hold a full plank position for one minute with minimal shaking...
When I was in labor with one of my kids I started shaking uncontrollably. They said it was hormones (I think?), but now all I have to do is lean up on a ball, on a wall and squat for about 15 seconds and try to make it to 30 seconds while I ATTEMPT to put pressure on my heels. ha.ha. I seriously thought I was going to fall down.

At least when she had me do the some cardio I felt a little better. She thought I was a fast runner. HA. Funny!! I got her fooled there!

Now I have to write down EVERYTHING I eat, and send it to her. At least she gave me a nice calorie range to follow and eat every 3 hours, drink loads of water... but it also means I need to work out 3 to 4 times a week now to.

I meet with her every week for a month, then every two weeks next two months, then monthly...No more slackin' for me I have a Half to run on May 1... and this is all signed up, paid in full.... No backing out.
Promise.

Oh, yeah, the kids!

Since the title of this blog is 'Life with Kids'... it is only fair I write about them from time to time, right?
So, Friday, we were out to eat at one of our favorite places called Beef O'Brady's. We like to call it BOB's for short. The kids really like it, not exactly sure why, it's kinda like Buffalo Wild Wings, but smaller. Anyway. While we were there, I was telling the kids I wanted THEM to write a segment on this blog about 'A day in the life of ...INSERT YOUR NAME HERE. Reece quickly said "No." He continued "Two reasons, first, because it would credit you and second, I don't want to." He is a GREAT writer, I will have to work on getting him to do it...
Such a brat, I tell ya!
Anyone need an extra 13 year old?

Fine. First we will start off with Brock, the oldest. Brock turns 16 on Thursday. Yes. That means he will be taking a written test to allow him a learners permit, to drive, with Parents. Um, that will not me be. I know better, I WILL FREAK OUT. I am not ready for him to drive. Yikes! He has a 100 page document to read up on before we are allowing him to take it. But since he is only on page 20 something, we have time.
When I think back about myself at that age and what I did, how 'grown up' I thought I was, it REALLY makes me grateful that I have such geeky kids.

Brock LOVES science and can easily drift me off to sleep with a tale of neutrons and protons or some sci-fy flick.

He is taller than me (and Duner, I think) and has bigger feet than me. Heck, he has bigger feet than Duner.

For the most part he is very passive.

He has a dresser, but prefers to pile his clothes on the side of the bed he doesn't use. It doesn't bother him that they sit there, for weeks at a time. *sigh* Until, I finally get sick of seeing them. He is currently filling a suitcase with papers he no longer needs from school just to see how many he ends up with by the end of the year.

He sleeps with a fan 12 inches from his head on one side and his alarm clock on the other. Yes, he can still ignore the alarm that close to his ears. I have had to get up and turn it off!
The other day it woke me up, I had to turn it off, then left the light on. I said nothing just went down stairs to read like I normally do. When he came down he said "Did you turn on my light?".
"Yes" I said.
"Don't do that."he said.
Um,Ok. (?) Kinda hard to turn off the alarm for me without it.??
He is currently gearing his school classes to become a pharmacist or Bio-med Engineer. He is leaning towards pharmacist. He dreads the requirement of a foreign language for college but is going to be a Junior ,gulp, next year and needs to get it done.
His school is offering college 'gen ed' college classes at a steep discount thru NKU (Northern Kentucky University. He doesn't quite make the ACT score yet, though, to be able to take them yet. He took too long on the test and left many questions blank.
He had a IEP (Individualized Education Plan) in Wisconsin and was probably using that as a crutch to get easy assignments and extra help with classes. Not here. They said he tested just fine and put him in with the rest of the fishes.
Now, he is still getting good grades. (Better than mine were, but don't tell him that!) And one of his teachers called him the 'KING OF EXCUSES' last year. LOL.. she was SO RIGHT ON!!

I have been dragging him to volunteer at a local thrift store once a month, to remind him how nice he has it. It is a bit of a challenge for him since he has a fear of bed bugs and germs. He only eats finger foods by bending his fingers and using his knuckles. (less germs?) He must inspect his plates,cups and silverware to make sure they are clean to his specifications before he can use them (after they have been thru the dishwasher, of course)... Only coffee mugs he doesn't check since the heat of the beverage will kill all germs, he says.
Yep. He is a strange one, but I love him to pieces and wouldn't want him to change a thing. He is too much fun just the way he is... even though he is awkward, shy and so scientific... But boy, he is a cutie! (of course)

Tick Tock

Dear US Government and State Governments,

I know you are a bit overwhelmed right now with the economy, protests and turmoil in various countries, but I am requesting you please send me my tax refund. I mailed it in you as soon as I could get everything together. I sent all the papers you requested (btw, thank you for keeping the paper industry going, I know they appreciate the business). Oh, and don't worry about auditing me cause I didn't hold back reporting anything since that takes WAY to much effort. It makes my brain hurt.
Could you please hold off deciding you are a broken or bankrupt Nation/State(s) until April 15. Just to make sure other people can get their refunds due to them too.

Thank you for your time.

Waiting patiently,
Rachel

Name My Bib!

May 1 I am going to run the flying Pig half marathon in Cincy. This year they are going to have custom BIB tags so the 'squeelers' can yell our names as we run by! How fun! Now, what to put on the tag???

Feelings suck. Sometimes.

But today was a VERY good day!

I gots me some flowers (from the hubby)! And a card. And a sitter for tomorrow mornin' (so I can get to my work meeting on time) and I had some chili all ready to eat when I got home from work today!!

... all together now... (Awe.)

Oh, and the kitchen was clean, and my hubby put a silly status on FB for me!

Feeling loved. <3

Maybe I can tackle the gym tomorrow!? YEAH?!
It will have to be after my meeting at work, dropping cable and canceling Tivo. Oh and we are getting rid of FOUR tv's!! And the kids are ok with it! Yes!

Gettin' out there!

After a pretty long week Duner and I decided to take advantage of some pretty awesome temps for February. It was 60 degrees, overcast but still nice! We wore sweatshirts just in case...

Located just behind our church, (hence the pic of the cemetery, with gravestones in the 1850's) the area we headed to is hundreds of acres that were donated to the public for walking, small game, or bow hunting. Horse back riding is allowed, but no ATV's.


It is not like a public park. I don't think it is exactly 'maintained'. It doesn't have trash receptacles, benches or bathrooms. Just nature. Pretty cool. Some of the 'trail's had mini water-ways running thru them. At times we had to walk around an area to avoid some mud. We noticed a few used slugs. Reece took two and made a 'floater' so he could put it in a stream and try to race it down stream.

I don't think this house was the doctors home, but it is in serious disrepair. I was honestly surprised they didn't board it up tighter, to keep people out.



All the windows are broken and it has a well in the living room... right in the middle(!!), uncovered except for a piece of metal furniture halfway over it. Graffiti, um, I mean verbal artwork, is all over the place, a drop ceiling that is seriously dropped remains in spots. An old fridge is laying flat with a huge shot gun hole in the middle of the front door. The floor has given way in spots and walls have been the targets of various body parts.


Kitchen cabinets have taken there fair share of abuse over the years too. This one has multiple trama. ha.ha.



The back deck had even 'caved' over the years.

After the house we continued to a tip of a ridge but had to turn around so I could get to a meeting at church. As we headed up Reece tried to see if his 'floater' would survive a trip through a tunnel. The boys waited a while but no luck. It got stuck somewhere under the trail. Reece was going to go in and see where it was, but there was a lot of spider eggs and given the NICE spiders they have around these parts, we figured he better not...

As luck would have it, on our way back, we began to get chased by thunder. I don't think I heard a single kid complain how tired his legs were on the way back... well, MAYBE, the fact that we began to get DRENCHED by rain about 10 minutes out from the car helped...
We got so wet, that our sweatshirts were still wet this morning when I finally put them in the laundry! (note to self: check the weather before nature walks)
At least it was a fairly warm rain!! Better than 30 degrees and SNOW!! LOL.

Starting... again...

I am forgiven, accepted, redeemed, blessed, saved, cared for and LOVED.

That doesn't mean I am free from suffering, headaches, chaos, disappointment, regrets, or guilt. Which sucks.

I have great kids. One lucky cat. And a husband that loves me so much that he is willing to have supper ready for me when I work late, not just mac-n-cheese but real food! Even Meatloaf. Life has it's ups and downs... bear with me here... this is the downs.

I LOVE Kentucky and am very glad we moved here. Love our home, the area, the wildlife that roam through our yard. I have seen deer, bunnies and Coyotes just yesterday!! So exciting!

It's time to blog more and FB less. I don't need to belittle myself with how great someone else's life is or 'how people are entitled to their opinions.'
*sigh*
After re-reading some of my earlier post's from years ago, I realized just how negative I have become. Sour, if you will.

Well... no more! Today's a new day... ok, since it is noon and I am still in my robe, I say it's still morning!! Ok, Now to hit the pool...

Now, Back to Regular Programming...

1. I am going to win a $5000 gift card from Home Depot for doing a survey on our receipt. I know it. I can FEEL it!!

2. Had the BEST spaghetti EVAR. I don't know if we will ever pop a jar of store bought sauce ever again? Let me just say how cool spaghetti squash is... really... so fun to make!

3. I had a cockroach seriously try and attack me at work yesterday. He jumped from my printer to the paper that my arm was resting on as I was typing. I swear, they are out to get me!!!

4. My cell phone is Tea and Egg white resistant, apparently. Yesterday I accidentally (now I sound like Brock) dropped the bottom of my phone in my tea I was holding. It randomly flipped through functions so I pulled the battery and let it have the day off. The next day it was fine. Then I, also accidentally, put it face first into some egg white on the counter...opps. Maybe I should take the insurance out on it?

5. Since I had to due without my cell for the day, I toyed with the idea of dropping the internet on my phone. Without it, I am half way to getting a personal trainer, which I need more than fat inducing internet... hmmm. Maybe even today.

6. I would LOVE to get rid of cable. Just run Regular TV. Especially now. No sports... well that Duner really likes right now... until April when baseball picks up... Hey! I am even closer to being able to afford a trainer, but then my kids will think they will are being tortured, requiring therapy. Ha. ha.

7. So, I have been playing with this Paleo Lifestyle/diet. A lot of it makes sense. I am not a 'carb-o-holic', so it maybe easier for me, but basically eat natural whole foods, you can even make your own condiments! (who knew) Tons of flavor. I am trying some ice cream right now... it is in the freezing process.

8. I so hate tax season, especially after a move/purchase. Paperwork gets so scattered... you know where it is at the old place then two places later... good luck chuck! It could be anywhere!! And then having to justify to Uncle Sam that you really put THAT much into your house you sold to make that much profit (if you get so lucky). And the donations, they medical expenses, moving expenses, small business, and on and on.... *sigh*

9. Had my FIRST spin class since moving to KY yesterday. I. heart. spin. Oh, how I missed it. That was the, hands down, most excellent spin classroom EVAR! First the room itself is a circle shape. Second, black lights and ceiling fans. BRILLIANT!! and third the acoustics were Wonderful!... bummer part is I forgot a towel and water, and feel like I sweated so much I left puddle. Good thing the room was dark!

10. In a little over 30 days, my oldest will be able to apply for a TEMPS in the state of KY.
*wince*... makes me a little sick to think about it. Maybe he will forget about it? Maybe?

You just never know...please believe me...

Imagine, you are 10 years younger than you are right now. Not overweight.

You were sick with a cough, so you go to urgent care...get meds for it.

You develop a rash, so you stop taking them. After two more days you go to the ER now with nausea/ vomiting/ diarrhea. Another provider, more testing,you go home with new meds.

Within 14 hours you come back to the ER, only you were brought in by your sibilings...

you are lethargic, lips turning blue and keep repeating to the first provider that sees you "please help me, please help me, please help me"... over and over.

Unfortunately, they do everything they can but to no avail...within 8 hours all systems have failed. Time of death called...

Believe it or not. This happens. People, please... make sure you hold your kids/ loved ones close and NEVER miss a chance to tell them how much they mean to you... This could happen to you just as easily as her.

If you are reading this... I just want to say how lucky I am to have such GREAT friends and family! I appreciate you all so very, very much...XO.. love you all!!

Ok. I have a confession.

Running and I are not getting along.

So about 10 days ago, I ran, or attempted 4 miles. On a treadmill. It like a few times prior was a struggle! I was finding it hard to even complete one mile.

*sigh* I sadly watched myself running that night. I seemed slow. Tired. Mentally drained. Ended that 'run' with 2 'power walk' miles in disgust.

I know you are supposed to lose more fat walking than running, so I opted for that as I mentally figured things out. Trying to get my mind right.

The next day, is when I had the personal trainer talk with me. What he said made sense. He suggested I was developing 'runners body'. Essentially, a heavier mid section, skinny legs. In Rachel's world I heard "Large butt , stick legs".
When we first moved here and I started working out again, I was 7 lbs lighter than I am now. Yah, Yah, I know , it's only 7 lbs.... You try running with a bag of flour on your thighs.... (which I believe is where it is sitting)

He told me I need to do more muscle building. I agree. It makes sense. Muscle burns more calories. I have been somewhat limited in my working out. I liked running 'cause it is the 'fastest way to burn calories. But I ended up gaining even thou I was running. So frustrating.

Before I had left Wisconsin I was taking Boot Camp, and Funky fusion, both muscle building classes at the Y. I loved 'em. Well, part of the membership at my new gym includes a Boot Camp with a REAL armed forces person. So it is REAL boot camp. Killer. I think this is just what I needed. Why?

1.His name is J.D. Six years ago he was 300 lbs. He is proof he knows what he is talking about.

2. He is way buff. He doesn't just tell us but shows us. He can do burpees with EASE!! It makes me sick.

3. After our first class he sat down with us and talked about importance of nutrition and WATER!
It was a great class. I came. I sweated. I had 12 miles on the calendar after that. I struggled with that. After 2.5 miles my bladder reminded me that I forgot to empty it before I left. By Mile 4 the bladder was ticked off. It was 30 degrees and I was cold. I had left my ipod at home, so it was all me having disscussions with God. I was ticked. I was getting sore. Crabby. Whiney. By mile 5, I decided to call 'er good and head home. My total miles was 6.5, it took me 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sad. Very Sad. As punishment for my anger at him, I believe God placed my power pooper on the 'throne' just so I was forced to climb to stairs to empty my angry bladder... then he probably had a pretty good laugh watching me sit, er, trying to sit down to use the bathroom.
Then seeing how I couldn't walk until Tuesday, my hubby is torn 'cause the Milwaukee Brewers play the Reds the weekend of my race and it is 3 hours away... I figured out I better put my FULL marathon on hold at this time. I have a half a month later, and now I have a time to build that all important muscle base, and get in the pool, and ditch those pounds for good!

P.S... I only did boot camp this Weekend and I can barely walk, again!!

To the UA!

So, I said 'Buh-bye' to the friendly YMCA this week and Helloooo to the the big box gym called Urban Active.

For half the price it has more of what I use. Treadmills, running track (my personal fave), boot camp, TV's with health nuggets randomly in cue, lap pool, nice locker rooms (that don't smell nasty), and all kinds of weight machines!

Oh, and a cardio cinema that is just like a movie theater only with treadmills, ellipticals, and recumbent bikes. It is even REALLY dark, just like a theater, which made me ask... 'Don't people fall off the machines?'... to which he replied. 'Yeah, sometimes.."

Well, ok.... but the SOUND was really cool!

So, in addition to the fun new things to try out, I got a 'complementary' personal trainer session. Lucky me. First they HUMILIATE YOU, encouragingly, then hit you with the price tag. (bummer) I would LOVE to be able to afford a personal trainer, two or three times a week! But I can't. It was nice. I agree with what they said.
I need to do different exercises to build muscle. And not machines, but plymotetric exercises. No denying that fact from me!

Well, I had the privilage of having a guy with 2% body fat, just how much fat is on my body. HAHAHAHAHAHA~ Life can be so cruel. I had to hold my arms out straight and hold tight on the handles of what looked like a giant PS3 controller. I still wish I knew the trick to cheating on that test!

Ok. So I get it, I wish I could afford it... Time to break out those Jillian Michaels DVD's and keep on truckin' with the training.

Sunday Six

6. Snow days so far this year for the boys I think is at 6 or 7 right now. We are supposed to get more next week. They only had 3 days of school last week, and the first week in January. Well, at least it saves me on lunch money.

5. My Cello player decided to try and practice, just as my husband and oldest decided to play keep away with the husbands hat. As Reece, hauled out the cello, he was bumped and landed on top of the cello. It is a Shanghai Cello. Not Cheap. Hopefully they can fix it. The woman I talked to about it, asked if we put it on our homeowners insurance. 'Um, No.' I said. I didn't even know we were supposed to. It was still in the case when Reece fell on it, too bad it wasn't a hard case, like this...

4. Well, the season job Duner picked up for the holidays, said "Thanks now leave." on Saturday. The money was nice. It will be missed... but he is on the 'good boy list', so they said they will welcome them back next year.

3. One 'perk' if you will, for endurance training is the appetite reduction. Otherwise known as nausea index. You, or at least I do,know just how hard you push yourself with the workout by how nauseated I am after the workout. Especially after a long one. I ran for 2 hours on Saturday and had zero appetite. Thirsty? OH yeah!! But I ate as much as I could anyway. Especially protein.

2. After my 11 miles on Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised that I could actually walk and wasn't stiff on Sunday like I thought. I was struggling after those miles. Especially when I thought about how that isn't even HALF of the miles I will be running! By 9 miles I thought, gee, I only have to do this 2 more times for the race. But after stopping to drink some water, feeling my legs start to hate me, I realized I forgot my energy gel and missed it greatlly. I had think about the people that do Ironman's without a leg, or pushing a child along the way...I was whining, and had NO reason to complain. Suck it up, Buttercup.


1. I am looking SO forward to the SuperBowl this year. It is more fun, to be an out-of-state fan, than an 'in state' fan. When you live near by you get pounded by the media with all things . I remember how they were in the Superbowl back in 1996, it was fun, but a bit of overkill.... but now? GO PACK GO!!!

Why I Run.

Ok. So allow me to get a bit deep here.

I hate to run. I completely, DREAD it at times. I hate squeezing into sports bra’s, putting on my cold heart rate monitor an watch. I hate to sweat. Blisters?grrr. Friction sucks. I get it. Really.

SO Why do I run?

I do NOTHING extra special, to make running easier for me than it would be for you. It simply makes me feel good, afterwards. Look better, and gives me something ‘real’ to complain about.

It is my cloudy day to let me see the sunshine better. My rainbow to my pot-o-gold. We need crap, so the rest is just, well, better!

Running allows me to get my mind and health straight. I can not begin to tell you how inter woven those two are. If you believe you are sick, or unfit. You WILL be unhealthy. Your mind is amazing. It can beat you up or it can lift you up.

And now the many reasons… why I should NOT run…

1. I have cankles. And thick legs. They are heavy. They remind me they are there with every step I take. They don’t like to move. It takes mind over matter for me to keep going for hours at a time. It sucks.

2. I jiggle. It is very much not pretty. I pity the person driving down the street having to watch me run. I hope that they are looking at the action of my ENTIRE body and not just various parts.

3. I turn bright red. Yes, not just blushing, but more like ‘quick grab your marshmallows and lets make a s’more red. Which brings me to reason number 4.

4. Woah,and the heat? Gives new meaning to the expression ‘hot mama’… let me tell you. I can not even shower for at least 30 minutes later, or else I am still sweating! Not to mention, natures cruel fate of ‘girls’ having to wear things like lotion and make-up to drip down your face or in your eyes. (D’oh, that is soooo annoying!)

5. It’s boring. If you can’t stand to listen to yourself, forget it. Why even try running. You will talk yourself out of it, EASILY. I read an article recently where the author talks about her running partners. She had 3. The first was fat, smelly and a complainer. The second was encouraging, upbeat and happy. As I read I didn’t understand WHY on earth she would keep such a crappy running partner… until she admitted it was herself.

(I LOVE the movie, Despicable Me, if you didn’t see it forget it) Ok, are you still with me?

It was the first partner on the run, asking herself ‘Why are we doing this again?’ or ‘Did you really have to eat that last night?”. We live in an age where we can not get a gallon of milk with out being bomb barded with 18 different ways ‘entertainment’. Flashing signs, news, music or store carts! Heck even the bathroom stalls have us entertained these days. TV is everywhere, on every device. Even with my ipod, heart rate monitor/mileage tracker and TV on the treadmills I STILL get bored at times. We are just simply used to be ‘zoned out’ all the time.

6. It takes a long time…. Ok. So 30 minutes to run? No. If weather is ok, yay! Maybe 1 hour and 30 minutes. But if I have to drive to the gym, put my clothes in the locker, pee, workout, ‘clean off the machine’, go back to the locker, drive home, shower… easily 2 hrs. That doesn’t include any weight workouts~

Now with all these reasons NOT TO RUN why do I still do it?

Accomplishment. I am able to give my kids a ‘hero’. It may be only for a moment… but they will be able to touch a real live person they can look up to.

Acceptance. Funny how some people treat you ‘before’ endurance and ‘after’ endurance. Like you did something awesome. So wrong they are.

To Believe. To prove to those voices in my head, during the run, that I can and WILL do it.

Excitement. My ‘events’ truly give me something to work towards to look forward to.

Wonder. I am continually learning how amazing our bodies are. We can go SO FAR with so little nourishment. (I could go on and on with that one)

Joy. Knowing that my body needs this exercise and craves it. I love going to the Doctor and after they listen to my heart ask ‘Do you run?” without me telling them!! It happens all the time! I love it.

For me, the reward is not so much in the small amount of time I put into the effort itself… but in the ever after.

Ice and Rest

Well. Yet again, it is a brand New Year and yet again I have an aching knee. This time it is the opposite knee.

I have set my mind on finishing the Athens FULL marathon April 3.
Yep.
26.2 miles.

According to my training plan, I was set to run 7 miles today.

It was BEAUTIFUL here today... ok, by Wisconsin standards, maybe. 44 degrees. It started out overcast and a slight drizzle but ended up sunny.

Just as I got my shoes on I noticed my left foot seemed to be pushing to the left crushing my little toes. I applied lube, adjusted the pad in my shoe and hoped for the best...

My run felt good. I had planned to play with my heart rate monitor a bit... push it up, then back off a bit... trying to build my lactic acid threshold. Harder to do on an outside run than inside run.

Had the wind pushing against me on the way out. According to the weather we were supposed to have a cold front come through, as I ran it felt like it was coming. After the first 20 minutes I knew I was not going to hit my '10 minute' mile run mark. I was closer to 12 minute. Being my long run, I was ok with it. 7 miles was my longest run since my 10 mile run back in October.

I LOVE MY heart rate monitor/ watch. It tells me how far I have gone, my average heart rate, max heart rate (thanks to my strap), how long it has taken me and a bunch more that I have yet to figure out.

When it said 7 miles. I slowed to a nice walk, then finished to my home. I was bad and didn't get my stretch in since we had to quickly return the rental car. I showered when I got home and sat next to Duner on the couch and crossed my right leg over my left. I only sat for a few minutes... not very long, but when I got up my knee was mad at me.

I managed to get the house picked up and oversaw the holiday decorations get put away.

Now, thanks to my HP mini, I am sitting with it propped up with ice on it. Hoping my knee is good to go for Monday, when I am supposed to run again. At least it is only 3 on Monday, part of 19 due for the week.

And now,I am shopping for new running shoes...

So long 2010!

2010 was a year of change.
Began the year in Wisconsin and ended it in 66 degree weather in Louisville, near my favorite, the KFC (Yum!) Center!! I am NOT MAKING THAT UP! How can you not like a place with Yum in the title??
Ok, so I wasn't able to get my training in while in Wisconsin so I gave up the 10 mile Hangover Run in Louisville, but I still wanted to see what the place was like... so we decided to rent a car that would ensure we actually would make the trip to Louisville and back without breaking down, while being easy on the pocket book.

I went on tripadvisor.com and made reservations for us at a place called Bucks. They said on the website, it was a 'romantic' place with prices about $20. Perfect, since the kiddos didn't want to go on a road trip.

We arrived early and tooled around the city, getting familar with it. We didn't have enough time to do much except tour the area.

Once we found the place and got seated, we had a menu on the plate... it was a 'special' night so all they had was a 'meal' for $75 PER PERSON.
I had NO idea. I wish the lady on the phone would have told me that... needless to say, we quickly took off and found a nice place across the Ohio river, technically in Indiana, called Buckhead Mountain. We had a perfect seat overlooking Louisville, just in time to watch the sun go down.

Our waitress, seemed a bit stressed out and didn't give us much time. So we quickly ordered an appetizer to get more time... a combo sampler of tater skins, cheese bolders, and fried green tomatoes. We had to try 'em... they weren't too bad.. The tomatoes reminded me of deep fried zuchini. Didn't care for the cheese bolders. They were a mix of cream and cheddar cheese battered.
After the sampler platter and my salad, I was full so I brought home my entree of ribs. (the kids loved that)

We managed to drive home uneventfully and hung out until 10pm, when we got tired and headed to bed. No need to stay up til 11pm to watch the ball drop, since we were now on eastern time so it was going to be Midnight to watch the ball drop. No way I could have made that.

Needless to say we quietly ended 2010 from our peaceful bed as we slept... party animals I know.

The Next Year

So, I have been planning, wait, I should say WE (as a family) have been trying to plan out our travel plans for next year.
I would love to do at least two far away races. Namely, High Cliff sprint Tri (cheap entry fees this year YAY!) and Outer Banks, North Carolina Flying Pirate Half Marathon in April, but ...

I played with the idea last year of running a FULL marathon.
It is an extremely intimidating thought for me. The last time I ran a half I had a side ache that would not quit for the last mile. Is it possible to finish double that? For me? Do I have the energy or time to train? Urgh, all those miles...Sigh.

I have to try right? I will need new shoes. Nice and big ones. They say your feet swell up. So my big feet will get really big. I am going to need to research nutrition and training.
A neighbor, J, is going to be doing her first full marathon, appropriately for the 'flying pig' in Cincinnati. I want to help a local friend here, A, finish the flying pig half for that one, so I want to get my FULL in before that, which is May 1.

The kids have spring break April 9 to 17 this year, so maybe we could work it in on vacation. I would like somewhere FLAT and warm. : ) I would like to be able to drive there, Duner wants to fly, but we still have to pick a race/place and Duner doesn't want to do Florida...

So our travel breakdown MAYbe... (okay, okay... so much of it revolves around races)...
January 1.... Louisville Hangover Classic (10 mile run)
Feb. or March.... Sister's Baby Shower Wisconsin
April ... Outer Banks Flying Pirate Half Marathon or maybe a FULL somewhere?
May 1 .... Flying Pig half Marathon, Cincinnati OH
May (sometime)... my sisters wedding Wisconsin
May 28 ... Coney Island Cincinnati, Tri for Joe
June 18... High Cliff Triathlon. Wisconsin
July 17.. Fit To Fight Tri in Mason,OH
August 13.... Cincinnati Mudathon!!! (Duner wants to do this one too!)
November.... Thanks/mas or Chris/giving... since we won't be home for Christmas in 2011 we are planning to stay from opening of gun season thru Thanksgiving and create Christgiving. (combine Christmas and Thanksgiving). Maybe the Turkey Trot, if I can stand the temps. lol.

I would like to do some more for fall, but maybe just some local 5k or 10k's with the family... We will see.

Our First Thanksgiving (in Kentucky)

This post is filled with 'FIRST's. We had a lot of them for Thanksgiving this year.

1A. For the first time EVER we both have off on Thanksgiving AND the day after. And they are PAID. SWEET!

1B. First time ever, we had NO FAMILY with us or traveled to be with family on Thanksgiving. Truly, it was ok. It was nice to be in our PJ's All day if we wanted. Not that I needed a break from my Parents and siblings, but it was just so nice being a small group. We were able to 'connect' today. It was nice not having to make sure the house was perfect, the food all came together at the right time, if we had enough chairs or worrying what time people were going to show up. It was just nice.

1C. Zeb offered and SET the table for us today! I didn't even ask him too. It was great!

1D. Well, it is NO SECRET that multi tasking while cooking is not my specialty, but we officially broke in the Tradition of something going wrong on Turkey day. Today I was trying to shop online AND cook beans and stuffing. It was going well until I smelt that distinguished aroma of fire. Alas, I was not a full fledged arson attempt, but Brock spent the next 10 minutes picking out the burnt beans from the pot, While I put the stuffing into a new contatiner without bringing the dark crispy parts from the pot.

1E. It has rained more in the past week than it has since we have been here in March. It has been great, just rainy. I can't believe for opening of Wisconsin gun season, I was outside running with SHORTS and a tank top on, and wasn't freezing!

1F. Got to play Wii Monopoly. After about 10 minutes Reece was looking to quit and play something else. After 30 more minutes he had forced us all into bankruptcy! (due to getting BOTH of the high cost spaces and then getting homes/hotels on them) His fees were $1400!! On one alone. Sheesh!

1G. For the first time we had NO LEGS or Wings on our turkey this year. Not that I meant to do that, but it came that way. Not sure why they would sell them that way. Didn't even know it was possible. I was ok with it. Kids were a bit bummed... but at least no one was able to fight over the legs! Right?

1H. I wish I had Bean-o in the house. You really don't wish you were me.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend Everyone!

Thursday Thirteen: The crazies are a Hunting

1. Our child, Brock, has informed us the reason he did not talk until he was 3 is he was busy listening... hmmmm. He gave us a great laugh with that one!

2. I guess I can not get enough motivation to lose weight, so I signed up for a second weight loss competition. One of our ER doc's is keeping track of our weights. We all have to pay if we gain any weight. Now, this peticular MD is a bit of a character. He is borderline 'cocky'. I personally have never met him, (since he works nights) but from my few email exchanges we have had and other co-workers experience say he can be a tad difficult. I JUMPED at the chance to beat him in the challenge, or at least give him a run for the money. So far so good, EVEN with German Chocolate Cake!! Proven that you CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!! he.he.

3. It's funny how God listens to you. If you would have asked me 18 short months ago, what the perfect job is, I would have said - one that I worked by myself, no management hanging over my head. That I was reponsible for my duties and got them done. Worked alone for the most part with my co-workers. I like people, really, just not drama or gossip. I get tired of the he said, she said, venting, back stabbing and finger pointing. Now? I have a job were I work by myself, I am a loner, but have co workers. For the most part they do not know what I do. When our co-worker died suddenly, I was informed but heard nothing else from my co-workers, not even when her service was eventually held. It was strange. I felt bad. But being that I and the physicians work for TEAMHealth, and not actual 'hospital' employees, we are seen as outsiders. Not everyone is 'difficult', but a FEW will not go out of there way to help us out. Now, I LOVE MY JOB, but sometimes it is frustrating when the few difficult are less then helpful. But otherwise I absolutely love this job! I was so used to people chit chatting in all of my jobs and now I am completely out of the loop, except for the providers, but they are so busy with patients they don't have time. Not that I am complaining, actually I feel unbelievably blessed!

4. We picked up a rental for Reece for Cello. It came with a T-shirt that says 'Got Music?" He likes it, so far, again.

5. Reece mumbled something about if he can run a mile with no problem, then MAYBE he would 'try one of those 6 mile races'. I promised not to push him into it, but that would be really cool!

6. Our crazy cat has been growling at herself again, it is funny when you don't see her sitting on a chair under the table and you are by yourself and suddenly you hear the growling, and no it is not your belly... but boy it sounds a lot like it!

7. My 15 yr old and 12 (soon-to-be 13 yr old) finally went to the dentist for a check out since we moved. Yeah, I know bad mom... Ok. So they did xrays and in, in true Ziemendorf fashion, both boys will need to have their wisdom teeth pulled due to impaction. (mine were pulled when I was 16) Brock has been obsessing about it and we haven't even scheduled any appts yet. We are waiting til we have two dental insurances after December 1.

8. Duner just accepted that part time job and then today his full time employer told him today, OVERTIME starts today! 10 hour shifts, possible 12 hour shifts...everyday for the rest of the year! So, we are not sure if he will keep the part time job, it may interfere with full time. Yes he wants to work both. We will see.

9. We booked out hotel for Christmas! Holiday Inn Select here we come December 24th! Not sure we will make it for Thanksgiving, but the kids and I will definitely be there for Christmas.

10. We would love to have visitors!!! If you come and visit we have to head over that direction, even if you do not find anything there, YOU MUST VISIT JUNGLE JIM'S international market! It is an experience AND a store!! Have you ever seen frozen Rattle snake? Kangaroo medalions? $5000 wine? There truly is something for everyone there! I don't want to give too much away, but YOU HAVE TO COME AND VISIT!

11. Zeb is in boy scouts and we get to tour the Cincinnati airport tower! How cool is that! I don't know who is more excited. Me or Zeb?

12. Indiana Gun hunting season opens this Saturday. Duner is very excited. Secretly I am hoping he doesn't do so well... we don't have the freezer space yet!!

13. Brock and I are starting to volunteer at a Rescue Misson called Fairhaven. We are going to find out what we will do exactly but it sounds like it will be working in the Thrift store.

Frightful Five - Happy Halloween!

1. On Saturday I gave each of the kids a task to do. One of them had to clean the toilets, another vacuum, another dust with Pledge. Zeb went a bit crazy with the dusting and somehow our floors got very slippery, so we had some fun running and sliding down the hall with our socks or a rug for some physical fun.

2. Duner is now employed by Amazon.com for the holiday season. He starts next week. He will work Monday thru Friday 6:30-10:30 and he is hoping for some Saturdays. We are trying to save up to buy a new fridge. We are currently using our fridge we used to keep in the garage in Kaukauna. Kinda small and I miss the ice and water dispenser...

3. This week was very emotionally draining. Last Friday my Aunt passed away, her funeral was on Tuesday. When I went into work on Monday, I found out an employee had died in a Murder-suicide. We were shocked to find out about that, but even more so when it was announced later that it was she was the one that killed her husband. We can only guess, but we are hoping it was some sort of mercy killing. They both had recently had doctors appointments, and she did not want to discuss them. Very sad situation.

4. BUT at my Aunt Phyl's funeral... I had a great time with some cousins we didn't get to see enough growing up. They were further away from our home, but though the magic of FB we talk more now than ever and we laughed and remembered Aunt Phyl with the best stories. I left with Zeb on Monday after school arrived at my sister's new home called 'Greyhaven' near Janesville about midnight. After a quick tour of her home, in which she showed us all of the 'hidden' areas (a closet and a SECRET room!) I was beat and glad to sleep that night. I LOVE my GPS, it got me right to her place! It was a good visit, wish it could have been longer...

5. I love our neighborhood, we have Great Neighbors!! As today was Halloween, Zebbie was over the moon excited to get his 'chainmail' on and scope the area for some sugar. When we were at my sister's she let Zeb try on a chain vest Uncle J had made when he was younger. He loved it, slept in it (or tried to) , he wore it at the funeral, wore it at home, to school, anytime he could he was wearing it!
So, as we went around the neighborhood, we ran into a lot of adults in costume! It was so fun! There was Sherlock Holmes and Watson, raggedy Ann, a cowboy, chicken (that freaked out a boy and pretended to be dying, hilariously!), a devil, and lots of many neighbors sat at the end of their driveway handing out candy... we met a couple that moved from Lomira,Wisconsin in July and another woman that I might go running with and is thinking about doing a FULL MARATHON appropriately called the Flying Pig Marathon...in May for the first time.. I might just join her, she invited me running with her, Zeb has played with her son, Will. AND she has never doing a triathlon before! I may just have a new partner in crime! : )

Ok, I have got to get to bed, but have a great week everyone!

We have a cat. She is quasi human.

A few weeks after we moved here she developed diarrhea, so we quarantined her to our bathroom, as she got better she was allowed into our bedroom,now she is all ok.

She is back to herself for sure. My husband and her fight all the time... he pulls her tail and ears to get her going, then plays chase the hand... you get the idea. She will growl at him and keep coming back for more. Luckily, it is only him, for the most part.

My husband HATES lights on at night, when he tries to sleep. We have a night light in the bathroom to help the cat find the liter box easier... we usually leave the bathroom door open just a sliver.

Well, the cat did NOT want to let him go to sleep last night.

Just after he turned off the lights, and pulled the door closed, climbed into bed, head on the pillow and POW, she flung the door open.... and not just once, or twice, but FOUR TIMES!! Finally, he pulled the plug on the light.

I kept giggling til I fell asleep. I consider it payback for all the times I got up in the middle of the night to feed her and he got to sleep...

Sunday Seven

1. This am I started off bright and early with a 10 mile run. It was my last long run before my half marathon on Halloween (in Chicago). It begin in the dark, with the stars, then I got to watch the Sun rise, and then finally the beautiful TREES!

2. We are getting to Peak Fall color right about now here. They said due to the dry summer the colors would not be as nice as they could be but they are still pretty sweet!

3. I found out you can buy Starbucks syrup! So,I picked up an Espresso machine, and have been a Mocha Mama. I can make my very own Dark Chery Mocha! Love it! And so do the kiddos! Every morning for the last 3 weeks, we have had to make a mocha for each kid. There is a TON of milk in Mocha's and very little coffee. I am wondering if I should invest in a cow.

4. We have been able to hang up some things on the walls. It is finally beginning to look like OUR house. I loaded up the tool belt with nails, screws, tape measure, pencil, level, drill and hammer. I was a hangin' machine today.

5. I have gotten my hours increased to 32 (hrs per week) at the hospital, so I am able to quit the YMCA's. My last day was Wednesday and I treated the crew to Starbucks VIA flavored coffees and cookies. It went over quite well.

6. Duner has been hunting on some public land behind our Church. He has seen a lot of deer. They are skinnier than in Wisconsin. We see a lot of them driing to Church too. It is a really rural area. I saw a 6 pointer the other day, it came up to some horses and it wasn't sure about them... it was funny to see.

7. We painted our office and part of our living room this weekend. Toffee Crunch and Gobi Desert were the colors. We used Toffee Crunch at our old house, I loved it so much I wanted to use it here too. The last time we painted the cat ended up getting diarrhea and didn't want to use the litter box for a few weeks. We kept her locked in a bathroom for a while and let her out from time to time, now I think she is ok... but not really sure why that happened.

Blessing's abound!

Sometimes, we think we have it soooo good. Then life crashes in on you.
Sometimes, we think we have it great. Then it gets even better.

This past year has been amazing.
Been crappy, been awesome, been better, now?

I have been unbelievably blessed.

A certain someone in my past, wrote me a note saying how sorry they were for the way they treated me. It was a sad situation, but we had lives to live. Everyone has regrets, doubts, wishes, and fears.
I wanted to hear that from them long ago. I was surprised to say the least. Completely unexpected. Really makes you go back and think.

Before triathlon, I would have melted in an instant at those words. I often wonder, if I didn't do triathlons or half marathons, would I get the respect I get from people? Would I have seen those words?

How many words have been said due to low self worth? Or low opinion of people? We all have so much to be grateful for, all we need to do is stop looking to others for our self worth.

No regrets.
No doubts.
No fears.
More love.

NEVER too late to start over. I feel SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED.