Going The Distance

It is hard to describe the feeling you get when you complete an endurance race. Even if you are slow like me. Especially when you have friends in the sport.

Something inside just clicks.

Kinda feels like 'Hey, I CAN do that!'...

It creates a spark to go the next distance. The past two weeks all I could think about what how scared I was since the last half marathon I did I finished with a painful side ache and didn't want that to happen again, or how the arches of my feet ached something awful the last few 'long runs' that I did. Worried about a possible injury.

I kept thinking about how glad I would be when the race would be over so I wouldn't have to think about it anymore. And it was painless, aside from the blister on my left foot and hip ache (probably from over compensating from my blister).

Now? I am excitedly searching for MORE races to sign up for. [gulp]

But I haven't been in a swimming pool much in over a year. I did it once. I get bored. I like company. It's kinda hard to talk and breathe while swimming.

Plus the whole 'get over yourself' in a speedo thing.

I miss my road bike. Roads here are going to be a challenge, the are narrow. And hilly. Hills are good for speed work. I just have to keep that in mind. I am in search of a bike group that has weekly rides to train with. (that doesn't drop riders, as I am a slow biker too, 15 mph is slow.)

My next race is June 18th. High Cliff Sprint, in Wisconsin. A 1/4 mile swim, 22 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on trails (mainly). The swim is chilly, with tiny green floaters that find there way into all kinds of places in your swimsuit. The bike has some rolling hills but after the first one, there are pretty minor hills. It is a beautiful run, after you go up the half mile 'incline', with trees and smells and stuff.

I am hoping to do another Triathlon in July, the a mudathon in August, Duathlon in September, and who knows, maybe another half in October!

Look out NKY, crazy triathlon girl is gearing up again!!

Flying Pig '11 Race Report

I went. I got wet. I waited.... and waited... and waited....
Finish time: 2:45, new PR.
Short version.

For those of you that would enjoy MY (and son's) picture and all of the entertaining details, please continue reading.

Forecast: Rain, Thunderstorms
Temp: Balmy 66 degrees

After 'setting' my alarm to go off last night at 4:30 am, I woke up on my own at 2:49, with an unsettled feeling. Thankfully my hubby had set his alarm as well, since mine was set to go off on MONDAY! grrr.

I stress out, it's genetic.

Last night, I had everything set out. Pants, socks, shoes, gu, sport beans, watch, shirt... you get the picture.

A 'pre race' tradition is to have oatmeal, a banana and peanut butter 2 or 3 hours before the race. No Banana or Peanut butter was in the house for this year. So it was only oatmeal for breakfast. Breaking the tradition made me nervous.

Contact malfunction. Stress number#1.

I left the house 30 minutes later than I wanted. Stress number #2.

Construction traffic. We opted for a longer route to the starting line to avoid such. Stress number #3 (it took me HOURS to get my race packet yesterday, which was only 17 miles away, due to traffic)

Unknown directions. I was ill prepared. I had never done this race before. I was not familiar with the downtown streets of Cincinnati so I didn't know where my husband should be dropping me off. In the race packet they would use landmarks to describe some locations, but I don't know the area that well. We ended up 'winging' it. I saw a mass group, I left the truck and joined them. No clue where they were heading. Stress number #4

It was sprinkling. I had checked my phone's radar before leaving the car. A nice clump of yellow/green was headed this way. Thunderstorms were fore casted. Stress number #5.

Port-a-potty's... lines... and water bottles. No explanation necessary.
Stress number #6.

I was in a sea of 30,000 people. That is what they announced anyway.
I knew about 7 doing the race that day. I love seeing people I know and being able to cheer them on. Heck, I love to cheer for people I don't know. The best part of racing, in my opinion.

They had us in corral's, or pig pen's as they affectionately called them. Upon signing up for the race, they asked us a prediction for our finishing time. My previous finishing times were 2:17 and 2:32.
The faster people were in corral's A, B, C. I was put into D. After my lack of training properly, I decided it was just better off if I would start in E. I would rather pass people than to have people pass me.

I was scanning the crowd for Geek Girl, and shortly after the race began, I had thought I wasn't going to be seeing her. Too many people. Impossible.

It took about 10 minutes to cross the start line, I began my watch and just slowly started out. I knew I was not going to be able break any records and it was going to be a long race, so I started slow.
We hadn't even gotten off the first road and I glance to my left about 20 feet away I see 'the tatoo'. Shortly after completing her first Ironman (which happened to be in Kentucky) Geek Girl got herself the tat. Well, well, well! Looky here!! There she was! We began running and chatting. Yes, it was THAT kind of a run. Easy and nice. Walking up hills, and fidgeting with stuff. For the first 8 miles we ran together. She was using the Galloway method. Run 5 minutes, walk 1. Loved that. I wish I had the discipline to do that on my own. I get too bored doing that myself, but with her it was GREAT!

We kept in pace with Wonder Woman and Mr. Incredible. No really! I wish I had pictures. I hear there was to tube of toothpaste, complete with a toothbrush. I saw a gorilla with a sign for the runners saying 'Run Humans Run!'. Lots of pigs and piglets. Lots of pink stuff.

I was lucky, because after mile 10 it was all down hill! Oh, yeah... I made up some serious time there. AND since I had run/walked the first 8 miles the last 5 were great!! I had much energy and I was passing people all over!

Even though I had tanked my training and had my 'worst run' time, it was still pretty great experience, um, once the race began... for me. I feel bad for the girl at mile 10 that was on the side of the road crying in pain. And the girl at mile 12, so pale sitting on the side of the road, I SERIOUSLY thought she was a statue 'cause she was so pale, until she moved. She did not look good at all, I have never (even working in health care for 13 years) seen any one that pale. I hope they both are ok tonight.

We met Geek Girl and her hubby, Sweet Baboo at Skyline Chili for a post race celebration and then they were off to Nashville to fly home in the morning. I would love to head to New Mexico again, this time 'race' with them in there town.

Just before splitting up, she asked what I had hoped to finish with. I had said between 2:30 and 3:00. She said if you pick it up you should be able to finish under 3 hours. Which I seriously was in the middle. 2:44:59 (according the the Flying Pig website)

Once, finished, I had a quandary. I had no cell phone and seriously, thousands upon thousands of people. How was I supposed to find the hubby? I walked a bit. I REALLY didn't want to ask a complete stranger to borrow their phone, but after a while I got colder and tired. So I called. And waited. And waited. And waited... finally called again and we connected.

After eating, nap time and eating again and treating (Dairy Queen) it is now time to go to bed again. Ah. My favorite part of race day.

Nite y'all!!

Race Day Ponderings

So, THIS is the forecast for Sunday's Half Marathon... lovely.
Kinda reminds me of the last time I had to race in the rain back in Waupaca 2007.
A good day for a duck.

At least once it is over, I plan on meeting up with another blogger, Geek girl and her hubby. She will be doing a full Marathon in Nashville on Saturday AND THEN the full flying pig on Sunday. I know I have NO reason to whine about me tiny half marathon and the weather considering the distances that she is about to accomplish.

I am looking forward to seeing her again. We met out in New Mexico years ago in her neck of the woods and now, it just so happens that she was coming to mine!

I am in corral D. I have never been corraled (sp?) before.
Been in waves before, but never corrals. This should be interesting.
My bib number is 19575.

It feels strange not having a long run waiting for me on Saturday. Not sure what I will do with my time. I could maybe clean my house, but what fun is that? Right?

The following article I copied from the Flying Pig website about the course that I will be running. Pretty interesting article. I highlighted some of the most interesting parts, for a condensed version.

Enjoy!~

Flying Pig Half Marathon Course Tour
By Brian Nash

I think that the Flying Pig Half Marathon course can be divided into four sections, 1) The Downtown and Kentucky Bridge Loop 2) The Climb 3) Walnut Hills and 4) The Slide Home

Part I - The Downtown and Kentucky Loop

The race starts between the Ohio River and the new Paul Brown Stadium. This section has many of the coolest things to see, enjoy them as you work to find your pace. Soon after the gun goes off you will run under the Roebling Suspension Bridge. The bridge was completed just after the Civil War and designed by John A. Roebling, who 16 years later designed the Brooklyn Bridge. Looking in a line from the Roebling Bridge toward downtown Cincinnati you will see the unique architecture of the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Freedom Center not only pays tribute to the important role that people of the Cincinnati area played in the Underground Railroad, but also in a much more general way offers lessons and reflections on the worldwide struggle for freedom. Just beyond the suspension bridge is a very valuable open area of land that over the next several years we will get to watch become "the Banks".

As the road bends to the left you will see and pass the home of the Reds, Great American Ballpark. The rectangular building closest to the road is the Reds Hall of Fame building. Anyone with even a passing interest in baseball would be interested to stop by after the race to review the rich history of the very first professional baseball team.

Past the ballpark the course turns right on 3rd Street in front of the downtown area. If you look back at the brick side of the ballpark from 3rd Street, you will see the words "Rounding Third and Heading for Home - Cincinnati Reds". These words are the nightly sign off of the beloved Cincinnati baseball pitcher and broadcaster, Joe Nuxall, who passed away last year and left the entire city with a heavy heart. Sometime after the race it would be worth your time to visit the northwest corner of the ballpark where you will find a statue of Joe pitching a ball to Frank Robinson.

A few blocks to the east another right turn leads the runners down Broadway across Pete Rose Way to the Taylor Southgate Bridge. Look to your right as you cross Pete Rose Way and you will see the Finish Swine in front of the ballpark. This is very close to the one mile mark of the race and is a perfect opportunity to remind yourself of your pace for the day. Are you running a pace that will allow you to finish feeling strong when you see that finish line again in 12 miles? If not, it is time to slow down now.

The Taylor Southgate Bridge is the first and the most gentle of three bridges in this section of the course. On the Kentucky side of the bridge you will see the Newport on the Levee entertainment district and the Newport Aquarium. At the base of the bridge is a gentle uphill on York Street for two blocks, then a right turn on 5th. Between 4th and 5th Street in Newport you will see the world's largest swinging bell, the World Peace Bell. It was cast by Cincinnati's own Verdin Company and weighs 33 tons. Listen for it to ring a few minutes before noon while you celebrate with your friends after the race.

Turning right onto 4th Street the course runs through somewhat urban areas of Newport and Covington. Between the two Northern Kentucky cities is the bridge over the Licking River. This bridge is fairly steep, but short. The good news is that most of the Covington side of the bridge is a gradual downhill that goes on for almost an entire mile. In this mile, on the right side of the road, you can see the IRS Processing Center that serves a big portion of the Midwest. Refund this year? Maybe time to be thinking about that cool GPS or at least a new pair of shoes.

Another right turn begins the climb over the last of the three bridges, the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. This is a long bridge that seems to keep climbing longer than expected. Remember that the Ohio is a really big river and the highest portion of the bridge is in the middle. On the Ohio side of the bridge look to the right at the Bengals practice fields and Paul Brown Stadium. We are still waiting for our talented group of skilled players to really click, but things are clearly looking up for the Bengals in 2008.

Over the bridge back on the Cincinnati side, the route turns to the left to enter the west side of town for the first time in several years. The feel on this short section of the course is fairly industrial. In the late 1800's there were over 25 breweries in Cincinnati and many of them were here on the west side. You can see the smokestack of the Hudepohl Brewery on your right.

Another right turn directs you toward the downtown area on 7th Street. It has been a number of years since the Pig course has toured a downtown street and obviously the buildings on this street have a lot of history. On Plum Street to the left you will see the unique Byzantine-Moorish architectural style of the two spires of the Plum Street Temple. It was from this building that Rabbi Isaac M. Wise founded the institutions of Reform Judaism in the 19th century.

At Race Street the Art Deco style of the Shillito/Lazarus Building dominates the entire block. The building was originally a giant department store that has been converted to loft apartments in the past decade. The interior of the store was inspired by fashionable Parisian department stores; in fact, when the new store opened in the 19th century, Cincinnati was acclaimed the "Paris of America.". A few blocks further down 7th at Walnut Street you will see the Aronoff Center for the Arts, one of the cultural hubs of the city. Across the street from the Aronoff is Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, a great choice for those of you who like to celebrate with a high quality steak after a race.

As 7th Street leaves downtown it becomes a ramp onto Gilbert Avenue. A slight climb up the ramp then a downhill brings you to the Cincinnati Greyhound Bus Terminal on the left side of the street. This is approximately at the 6 mile mark of the half marathon and marks a transition to the next section of the course�.

Part II - The Climb

This section is about 2.5 miles of mostly uphill running that climbs a total of 280 feet. In previous years the climb section of the Pig was 322 feet spread over 3.5 miles.

About a quarter of a mile up the hill from the bus terminal you will notice on the right side of the road a very unique looking Norman Romanesque mini-castle made up of two towers connected by an archway. This structure was commissioned in the 1880's by the Cincinnati Water Works as a tribute to Elsinore Castle from Shakespeare's Hamlet. At that time it served as a footpath entrance to the park, and also as a valve house for the water works.

What I consider the "signature mile" of the Flying Pig starts at the Elsinore Castle. From this point the course stair steps up to the top of the hill. This is also one of the most scenic parts of the race with a very nice view of a gazebo overlooking Mirror Lake in the park. It also turns around the woods a lot on the way up so that you cannot see the top of the hill until you turn the corner by the Krohn Conservatory building. A stone bridge spans across the road at the top of Eden Park's hill. Look for the bridge, keep your head up, and keep running to the top. Just after cresting the top of Eden Park, runners are rewarded with a short, flat loop around a scenic overlook that looks across the Ohio River into Kentucky. In past years this has also been a spot for some of the best entertainment on the course. Enjoy!

Do not be discouraged as you leave Eden Park when you notice that the grade continues to climb. In about half a mile and after a few turns you will notice St. Ursula Academy and Convent on the right side of the road. From here on the grade will be mostly either rolling or downhill. As you turn the corner onto Woodburn you leave the climb behind and enter��.

Part III - Walnut Hills

As you might guess from the name, this section is not flat. But, for the most part, the hills are not particularly long or steep and they are all followed by a downhill. Walnut Hills is one of the oldest of the original Cincinnati suburbs.

Looking up the street after turning on Woodburn you will see at the end of the road the impressive architecture of St. Frances DeSales Church. The church is located at the intersection of Woodburn and Madison and also houses a giant bell. Sadly the bell cannot ring because it would shatter the glass of the neighboring buildings. As you reach the church at the end of Woodburn, you will say goodbye to your friends heading further east in the full marathon. You will turn left on Madison and look for those runners ahead of you that you want to pick off over the last 4.5 miles of the race. (Do they know what to expect from the course like you do? Ah, �..you have the advantage!) The run west on Madison, which becomes Martin Luther King Drive in a half mile or so, is a real roller coaster of ups and downs. The climbs in this mile are the last challenging uphills of the entire race, so don't be afraid to "put the hammer down" a bit here.

The next turn is to the left onto Gilbert Ave. As you round the corner, look to your left at the old house on the hill. That is the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Harriet moved to Cincinnati around 1830 with her family when her father became leader of the Lane Theological Seminary. It was here that she gained significant exposure to the abolitionist movement, particularly through her interaction with the students and faculty at Lane.

Gilbert Ave in this part of town has a very gentle uphill grade that goes on for a half mile or so. Go ahead and use up whatever uphill climbing muscles you have left, you are not going to need them again because you are about to hit��.

Part IV - The Slide Home.

After the gentle uphill of the first part of Gilbert, the course reaches the highest point of the race at the corner of Gilbert and McMillan. From that intersection to the finish line it is almost all downhill or flat. For those that have spent it all at this point, just roll up in a ball and roll on in. For those planning to run this race fast, you will need to practice your downhill running because the grade can be steep going down in several areas. The city skyline of Cincinnati opens up in front of you as you run down the hill, including the twin towers of Cincinnati's Proctor and Gamble.

Most of the severely steep downhill grade comes early in this section. Soon the loop of the course is complete and you will find yourself running in front of Eden Park, down the other side of the road that you were climbing just 5 miles ago. The faster runners in the race will be able to see, encourage, and be encouraged by, some of the slower runners as they continue on "the Climb".

When you reach Elsinor Castle this time you will turn right onto Elsinor Place for a block and then left onto Reading. Down the hill on Reading leads to a fairly flat but short out and back on Central Parkway. After the turn around on Central you will turn to the right onto Eggleston.

On Eggleston the grade becomes a nice gentle downhill that points directly toward the river. You should be able to really let it out as you come down Eggleston. As you come to the end of the road where it meets Pete Rose Way, be sure to look up and see the Flying Pig statues that are on top of steamboat smokestacks in Sawyer Point directly in front of you. At that corner you will turn right onto Pete Rose Way and hit a small incline then a short downhill to the Finish Swine directly in front of the ballpark. At the finish you will be greeted with a great finisher's medal, a walk along the serpentine wall by the river, and an open grassy park. Congratulations! Enjoy the satisfaction of a race well planned and well run!

Happy Adminstrative Assistant Day to Me!

My Job title is 'Site Coordinator' but that is only 20 hours of my week. 12 hours a week I am supposed to be Dr. Steve Yamaguchi's Administrative Assistant.

Thanks to made up holidays, I got flowers from Dr. Yamaguchi today at work!! Technically it was a day late, since I was off on THE actual day, but it was a VERY unexpected surprise.

No. He is not related to Kristi Yamaguchi the gymnast, but he does have three beautiful daughters that are in gymnastics.

I absolutely love my job and my flowers!
Thanks Steve!!
: )
Now, lets hope I can find my green thumb somewhere! lol.

My Trainer is EVIL... and I love it!

Ok, ok.

I know I was a slacker. Partly due to the half marathon training and I was busy yes, BUT sometimes made myself busy to avoid the sickness of my trainers evil mind. This is her first workout without her for the week.
See how sick she is?

Workout 1
1 min high knee (tap on bench)
30 seconds wall sits with front raise (10 lb)
run the stairs 1x
repeat for 3 rounds
20 squats, 10 pushups
6 sit ups
18 squats, 12 pushups
8 sit ups
16 squats, 14 pushups
10 sit ups
14 squats, 16 push ups
12 sit ups
12 squats, 18 pushups
14 sit ups
10 squats, 20 pushups
16 sit ups

run the stairs 3 times

I did all of this after my 3 mile run, so I skipped the 'high knee on bench' and 'run the stairs' at the end.

Pushups and I do NOT get along. I am a whimp. I have stick arms. They eventually make my back hurt due to the sad form. (when I have to do them myself)

About halfway through my two oldest kids got home from school and harassed me, um, I mean 'encouraged' me as I grumbled through the rest of the workout. Especially after they noticed my 'craughter', my crying/ laughter. I was 'whimpering' due to having zero motivation or energy left and laughing at the thought of being able to ACTUALLY complete 20 pushups. Even the GIRL ONES. I will gladly admit I cheat. I do 'girl' push ups and STILL STRUGGLE!

Reece began counting for me while, Brock said things like 'No crying until you get to #15!'. All the while of course he wouldn't even do a squat!

At least Reece did one burpee, which are on my next workout. Urgh. Those are the biggest pain in my neck. I have almost no muscle tone that requires them to look easy. Mine are painful to even watch. Thankfully she is allowing me to do those in the privacy of my home and not the gym.
I am greatful she doesn't want to embarass me! And she likes to push me!
: )
On Tuesday she had me slide a 162# tire across a cement floor for about 30 feet and back.... right next to the weight room... while buff muscle guys watched... probably getting a good laugh.... I couldn't watch, thankfully I left my glasses in my locker. I do that when I forget my contacts she makes me sweat something fearce. I had sweat litterally pouring off my nose that day. I am so glad it is only 30 minutes. I have no clue how those Biggest Loser contestants do it. Wow.

Oh, and on a side note... I have a new car. Check it out here!
Yay for all systems working!!! (sadly it is another black car, oh well)

Storm Watchin'

I just love watching storms come in. This one triggered a tornado warning but it was for the southern part of our county. (from the front porch and then my kitchen window) No Tornado's happened, but sure was neat to watch! Also on a side note, all this rain gives us the best noise to sleep to. The creek in our back is constantly flowing, it sounds so relaxing at night! Ahhh. Ok. Until you wake up to defining thunder at 2am. lol.

I Love lil' Notes!

I just had to share this little note I had on my night stand last night. Zeb loves to get up crazy early for some weird reason every morning. Just to hang out with me! : )

I-pod Dead, Well, Back to Complaining... The Saturday Seven.

This week, getting back into the swing of things was not easy. Apparently for me or the kids.

7. "I am too tired to get my 9 miles in today" ~ me.
Sunday I was still on jet lag due to riding and trying to sleep all night in a bus from New Hampshire, so I neglected to get my long training run in on Sunday. Yeah, bad Rachel. I am pretty sure I am going to get a new PR for this half marathon coming up in 8 days. A PR for the WORST time ever. If I am near 2:30 I will be SHOCKED!! Kinda embarassing since many of my co-workers are doing it too. But I did manage to get my 8 miler in today at least.

6. "I couldn't fit my OVER DUE books in my back pack."- Reece
I have been getting an email now for two weeks. I keep forwarding it to my 13 year old hoping for him to be responsible for bringing his late books back. Thursday, when he told me he would MAKE SURE he would return them, I found them on the table after I got home from work. 'Cause you know it would be soooo uncool if he had to carry them out of the back pack in a PLASTIC BAG!! ha.ha.

5. "I need you to sign this.. NOW." - Zeb
He loves to get ready for school and play video games, while he passes the time, then after I tell him he has to get ready to leave... suddenly out pops a paper that MUST BE READ AND SIGNED right away! Gotta love those. Especially when it requires the sending of money.

4. " I can't find my only pair of 'must be black' pants"- Reece
This week Reece played the Star Spangled Banner for the Boone County School Board. Part of his 'uniform' for orchestra is solid black pants (not jeans) and a custom shirt with black shoes. We had to be there at 7 pm. About 6:15pm he goes to change and suddenly we are in a mad scramble to find the pants that are no where to be found. ARGH~! Suddenly a quick run to Target was in order... I quickly dropped him off and parked then found the pants (on clearence, YAY!) and while I paid I sent Reece into the bathroom to change. Whew!

3. " I left the directions at home" - Reece
SOOOO, as we are in a mad scramble to Target we realize that the google directions to this 'school board' were left at home. We tried unsucessfully to use my phone and google maps, but apparently the 'Ralfrush Center' is an 'unknown' location. We called Brock who was still at home and thanks to a minor MIRACLE he answered the phone. Reece told him directions to find the paper.
'Brock, go in the computer room'
'Ok, now look around for a piece of paper'
*blink, Really???*
I normally have a pretty low blood pressure but I KNOW it was sky rocketing with each comment coming out of his mouth! Finally, we got Brock to read what the final address was so we could put that into my phone. I KNOW I earned some gray hairs that day.

2. " My cell phone died and I lost it"- Brock
Last night Brock went to Dungeons and Dragons league. I made a deal with him, he got to skip the Good Friday celebration at Church if he went on Sunday instead. So I had to drop him off before Zeb, Reece and I headed to Church. After church, we were invited to have some dessert with some friends, while there I was a bad Mom and forgot about Brock. *** GASP!*** I know, I know... Well, he called me using a friends phone. I tried to call him back but my phone died as well. Needless to say his friends brought him home. They have since located the phone in his friends car. Yay!

1. "I-pod dead well back to complaining"- Reece
On the way to church yesterday Reece was playing on his Ipod. My car started to act up so we had to make an emergency trip to exchange cars with my husband's at his work. We didn't have much extra time, so I was getting stressed. I wanted to get a weather radio. So on the way I was planning on stopping my Wal-mart looking for one and Brock was going to buy his beverage for D&D there since Reece told me I was out of money in my wallet. I really wanted to skip Walmart and just drop off Brock, but since I didn't have cash I had to buy Brock a soda. THEN, I realized I had to put gas in the truck! Grrrr. Yet, another stop!!!

I am planning a stress free evening of non-cleaning or driving. Yes!!!!
Absolutely delightful.

Rain Delay

We are getting record rainfalls this month here in Kentucky. But boy, oh, boy is it ever making for some beautiful scenery out my windows. I love Kentucky... it is only fitting to post some quotes by Daniel Boone here. I completely understand.
(I personally love the first one! lol)

I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.
-----------------------
Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.
Daniel Boone

A River ran Thru it, Really...

Yesterday while I was at work it rained. Lots. Our neighbors had quite the story with pictures when I got home from work. In this first picture you can see the far away view of our front yard. Note the mail box and fire hydrant. To the far left of the home is a retention pond.
This is the river that ran between the homes because our front yard got too much water in it. Our neighbor had water come in the house by his electical box! Yikes!
The normally empty retention pond by our house.

Dude, Wanna surf? Yep, that's our mail box! 'Catch a wave from a drive by!
Our neighbor said it only lasted 15 minutes and then it went away. Part of the problem is our storm drain has a cloth over it to prevent dirt from going in it since our neighborhood is still under construction.

Openly Broken

Ok. So.

I sat on a bus with 18 other people from my church to head up to a place that helps people with addictions. How was my trip?

Hmm.

How do you describe being in a place so welcoming, so safe you feel comfortable walking around in your PJ’s with your teeth not brushed and some serious bed head?

How do you describe hiking up a half mile hill to a huge rock, that no matter how chilly the air you can still feel the warmth?

How do you describe a place that even though your body aches and you feel you have nothing left to give you push on toward the finish line?

How about a place where beautiful people, skinny people, attractive people, people with smiles that make your heart melt, and with eyes that shine through the tears tell you and everyone in the chapel how broken they feel and how they struggle with there ‘issues’ every day. Many times to the point of breaking.

Hard to describe the humility of a long term addict who’s struggle seems as new as the day he arrived. The sincere voice as he cries out to God to help him. Then praises him with the very next song, so powerfully, from his heart!

A place where the openness to brokenness is a daily reminder of how God wants us to be.

Openly, broken for all to see, and yet still love!

'nuf said.

Yay for the Taper!!!

And so it begins.

The wonderful taper. The point in which you reach your maximum training miles and gradually get less mileage in for the week before the big race. (Which is May 1)

Since I have kinda a crazy day today, I put my 12 miles in yesterday. The were the worst miles I have ever run!! Really. Not pretty. I think I walked 2 or 3 of them. It was hot. Almost 80 degrees and my ipod died on mile 7.5. I need my musical motivation!
I did two 6 mile loops in my 'hood. With the hills. After mile 4 my t-shirt came off. (I had a tank top on under). At mile 6, stopped at home for a snack, sunscreen and water.
At mile 8, I stopped at a Wendy's looking for water. For all times there was a LINE! And the woman at the counter couldn't decide what to get. I REAAAAAALLY wanted to bud in line but I patiently waited. The dude behind the counter apologized and gave me the largest cup filled with ice and water. As he put the cover on I wanted to grab it out of his hands and tell him I didn't need a cover. But he was trying to make up for having me wait too long, and kept apologizing. After a brief malfunction with the straw, I tried to down the entire thing, but got a brain freeze. So, I walked a little and hid the cup in a place that I would return to finish it on my return trip.

I am seriously worried about this race. I predict it will be the worst one yet. My first half marathon took 2 hours and 32 minutes. I think this will take longer than that. I hope I am wrong. But 2:32 is what it took me to run 12 yesterday!! I think it's the hills that are killing me.

I guess taking a year off with the move wasn't helpful, but ya gotta start somewhere right?

I am REALLY looking forward to getting toned up. That is where my heart is now. Not so much endurance, but tone and weight loss.

Now, I am leaving KY for a 16 hour drive to New Hampshire with our Church. They tell me there is little cell phone reception and Wi-Fi in the area we are going... I am actually looking forward to being 'un-plugged' for the week, so I can get 'connected' to what is really important. So, I guess I will see you in a week, or so...

Cooking with Boys

I love having boys,when it comes to the kitchen it can be an interesting place.

My oldest, Brock, volunteered to bring a treat to school for a class project. He LOVES Merry Berry Cheese Bars. He wanted to make a double batch. One for home and and 'most' of one for school.

After digging out the recipe and grabbing the ingredients he decided he needed to cut his finger nails. (??) Ok. I started to measure it out.

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be like or have creative tendancies similar to Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray. I am a RACHEL but MY homemaker skills include ordering take out with swift speed and endurance. Not 30 minute meals from scratch.

So, Brock had a nice chuckle when I went to measure out the oatmeal and realized the pampered chef measuring cup I was using was way narrow and taller than my arms could handle. ..SOOOO, I had my container of oatmeal in my right arm, trying to pour, while holding my measureing cup thing in my left. Shortly after begining, I gave up on the 'accuracy' part of the measuring process and opted for the guess-tamate version. He laughed at me. No worries here! It's still food, not rocket science. Right? (lol)

After hanging out at the table, cutting his finger nails, I asked him to bring me my glass-o-water. I had just finished working out and was a bit parched. He picked it up and inspected it for a minute.

I laughed. I thought he was looking for food particles to tell me are somehow in there. Nope. He was looking for his FINGERNAILS. When he told me that I laughed. WHAT??? He smiled, "Well it was in the area where I was cutting my nails and wanted to make sure I didn't get any in there."

What a sweet kid. ha.ha.

I asked him to open up the cream cheese.

Question: Can I see a show of hands if you know the correct way to open up cream cheese?

Ok. so, not everyone realizes to READ the word 'OPEN' on the silver package. Sorry. But, to enlighten those of you who do not know, you can quite easily open them with out a scissors by peeling back the silver seams. Really!

My germ obbsessive young many slightly debated the best way to 'disinfect' the scissors after getting some cream cheese on it. Don't worry he is all good now.

After telling him to YES REMOVE THAT WRAPPER BEFORE MELTING THE BUTTER, he mastered that task!

Next he had to blend the cream cheese until fluffy. He was a bit scared of using 'excessive' speed on the blender. Not anymore!

When he was digging out the second 9 x13 pan he noticed some 'stuff' that needed to be cleaned off, so I quickly washed it while he finished up the ingredients.

While loading the second one into the oven, water from washing the dish began to sizzle. He paused a bit while causiously pushing it in, as to NOT burn himself. The sound made him think of the way his skin would sound touching the oven, he said.

Comforting.

So, The desserts eventually made there way out of the oven, and most of one went to school. The other pan? Didn't last 20 hours.

I think I got half of one piece. It's hard to tell, since it was crumbs.

: )

Trainer Tuesday!

Oh, boy. I love my trainer. She is KILLING MY ARMS.
She even thinks she saw a bicep today.
he.he.
Oy. I can't type much. too. sore.

Running outdoor's Must Haves for Rachel

Saturday afternoon, I dug out my camel-bak bag, got some fuel (aka: beans and gu), layered up and headed OUTDOORS to get my 10 miler in.

Oh, boy. Absolutely nothing compares to getting out side and pushing yourself. Plus, there is the 'code'. Ya know, how other runner smile and wave at you, just 'cause you are both running. I love that. You don't know who they are but it's like you have friends all over the place! Hills and all, it was STILL way better than a track or treadmill. Maybe 'cause just the thought of being able to , um, run... some call it jogging- when you are slow like me... but just to move.

Ok, so ....

Here are my outdoor running must haves: (for runs longer than 5 miles)

1. Camel Bak

It is a water bottle in a back pack. I can't have extra width to my hips, so I love my camel bak. Plus nothing to hold in my hands!

I haven't used my camel bak for over a year. It leaks, but it works. I knew I was goin' to get wet at 0.15 mile of my run. the bottom started to leak a bit. Oh well, since it was 60 degrees out, I knew I could manage.

2. My watch

My watch tells me how long, how fast, how far a ton of things I still don't know about yet. I only display how far and current heart rate while I run. The rest is fluff. When I am done, yeah, I look at my time, and my heart rate range, but that is pretty much it. I think it is supposed to tell me how many calories burned but I have no clue yet how that works.

3. My sport glide

I. heart. Brooks. running. shoes. But my left, um, ring toe? Well, it doesn't like my running so much. It likes to cram itself up under my middle toe, causing various blisters. Sometimes they are water blisters sometimes blood blisters. I never know what the luck will be. BUT, with body glide, my toes don't yell at me at all! Love it!

4. Red Running shirt

I don't care what I have under, but I have to dress as close to looking like a stop sign as possible. No explaination nesscessary. Our roads don't always have sidewalks and heck some are down right narrow, but at least they can see me from a long distance with that color.

5. Sport Beans or GU

Love, Love, Love my sport beans!! They are not messy. You can nibble on one at a time. Or a whole pack. They don't require much water to get 'em down either! Yum-o, too!

6. My I pod shuffle.

Lightweight, easy to use. I love my shuffle! And with songs to push me like Katy Perry's Firework, it really helps about mile 8 when my feet start whining.

7. Last but not least... my Fox Cities Tri Club running hat. I love it. Black, breathable, and light weight it sucks up all that sweat off my forehead quick! (sorry, no picture)

That's it. My must have's for my long runs. Next long run is 12 miles on Friday. It was supposed to be on Saturday but I have too much going on, so we well see how my body will like this... especially since my body developed a bit of reflux during last nights run... hmmm.

Growin' Stuff

Poor Zeb, that kid just can't catch a break. It seems like every time there is a field trip at school he gets sick! Ended up ok, slight fever, some nausea, but that was it. Just another missed field trip... *sigh* he was so excited too, he had a 'packed lunch' ready to go! Saturday we decided to skip Zeb's soccer game just in case. Since he seemed fine, we decided to get some spring supplies. Like garden stuff. Duner has been REALLY excited to plant a garden this year. He cleared an area and we picked out some veggies and the kids REALLY want to try our hand at growing a watermelon. Hope Duner's green thumb is better than mine. lol. Last time I had a garden, I grew pea's, butternut squash, sunflowers, the world's saddest sweet corn, and my pumpkins grew a fungus, OH yeah, and we hatched a KITTEN! Yep, we found our little Willow in the garden... under the pumpkin leaves. Lets hope that doesn't happen again! She is like a 2 year old I swear!

Brotherly Bargining

Last night Zeb wanted some sweet potato fries that Reece was getting ready to put in the oven. After asking Reece to make some for Zeb, Reece replied "Only if you let me on your computer time". Not wanting to give up any computer time Zeb replied "Only if you hug me for a few minutes". Smart Kid. He has been taking notes from me!

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.