slowly getting my act together

2011-12-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Marathon Stuff

2011-11-29T15:42:00.001-08:00

Write-up of the Seattle Marathon. Okey dokey, here goes.
     Starting with a debriefing of my Paris Marathon experience. Leading into the marathon, most of my running had either been out of the neighborhood and through town or on a pretty flat trail. I hadn't ventured a ton of hill runs, just out of laziness and I figured I could always walk hills if necessary. I'd done 7 or 8 half marathons and I attended a pilates/bootcamp class relatively regularly (1-2x per week). I've always had a pretty good diet so I didn't worry too much about that. I did not cut wine out of the diet while training for Paris.
    Living in Seattle, the temperatures are pretty chilly in the winter and spring. I was training in 35-55 degrees for the most part, with wind and rain. I didn't have to worry about overheating or hydration issues during my training. I went to Paris a week early, ran 3-4 miles every day while I was in Paris and walked a ton, but felt good. The one thing that I hadn't counted on was the temperature. The day of the marathon, the high was 82 degrees. That threw me for a loop. I over-hydrated and just felt basically sick from the water sloshing around in my stomach. There was no salt to be had, and at that point, I didn't realize the usefulness of a salt pkt or salt stick because I'd never run a long distance in warm temperatures. Around mile 18 or so, everyone was walking. It was hot, there was no shade, people were dropping like flies, the ambulances were out taking people away, and I got scared. I had to be on an airplane at 5 the next morning and teaching that night. I was scared to overheat and end up in the hospital and miss my plane. I did some sort of walk / run thing to the end. I finished in 5:52 (or 5:54 - don't remember) and have beat myself up over my lack of trying ever since. I had planned on a 5-1/2 hour finish based on my prior 1/2 marathon times. I figured that my typical 1/2 when no one is injured (running partners and I always stuck together running the races) is 2:30, so an extra 1/2 hour would be a decent buffer for a full marathon. I'd done Mercer Island hilly half marathon 2 weeks before Paris in 2:32, counting a bathroom break with a long line somewhere at mile 6. I figured I was golden for 5:30 for a full.
    Post marathon, I went right back into running. It was hard. I kept telling myself that I'd just done a marathon so a little 7 mile run should be a piece of cake. I also added another class to my night teaching position so I was adding more stuff to try to juggle. My goal was to just maintain running consistently and gear up in the fall for another full marathon. I did a couple of half marathons over the spring and maintained a decent weekly mileage until school got out for the summer.
     Once school got out, running became hit or miss because of kid schedule and my teaching schedule. And the weather got hot. And I fussed. To anyone who would listen. I also decided that I'd add in a few more hills to the runs. And I fussed about the hills. And the hot weather. I kept at it. Slowly. I'm surprised at how much my speed slowed during the summer, but then once the temperature dropped, I immediately went faster. And it was easier. School started, the weather got back to normal Seattle temperatures and running wasn't so hard any more.
Note to self. Heat training and hill training TOTALLY pay off.
    Seattle Marathon is supposed to be notorious for being so hilly. I'd already done the 1/2 marathon so I was aware of some of the hills. I figured I needed to run more hills to prepare. So I ran more hills. I ran the switchback trail that goes from sea level to the highway,then up more hills into Bellevue. I ran the Sammamish plateau from again lake level to the Safeway. The first hill is a 10% grade for 1 mile. I don't know how that translates into runner speak, but there's a sign at the top of it for all the drivers going down it. I ran up lots and lots of big hills. The mantra was and still is "slower than molasses" and it got me up the hills. And I no longer hate hills. Nor am I afraid of them.
     Seattle roads are old and graded for rain run off. They slant down from the middle. It's rough on knees, hips, and IT bands. I also trained for this. I did every slanted gutter and every slanted shoulder on every road that I ran on.
     I went off wine in October. Not for alcohol-related purposes, but just to see how running would go if I went into full detox. It helped.
     Because of teaching schedule, I have not been so good about strength training and core work this time around. I told myself that if I was running hills and keeping my mileage high that I was strengthening my core just through running. And it all seemed to work.
     Marathon day. I got up early, drank my cup of coffee, had 2 tablespoons of almond butter and a banana and an aspirin. I also had 2 bottles of water. I got to the race site, got a good parking spot, and walked around and stretched between stops at the bathroom. I was carrying a bottle of water with nuun in it and the margarita flavored clifblocks (3x the salt). The idea was that I would get water at all the water stops and that that would keep me decently hydrated.Started the race. The mantra of the day was "slower than molasses". It worked. We ran up 5th Ave, then down 5th Ave, then up the on-ramp to I90. We ran down the bridge, across the bridge, then up the bridge. At that point I was happier than happy because I hate hills and they're rough. I had been super nervous about running up to the highway and up the bridge. So far so good. On Mercer Island I stopped to give my raincoat to my mom and to use the porta-potty. That was my only stop until reaching Seward Park. Walked a bit at Seward Park, drank some nuun and chomped down a couple clifblocks. Coming out of Seward Park I felt tired, but okay. I was pretty excited that the hills were done for the most part and it was just an easy rest of the run. Somewhere after mile 15 my calves cramped. I wasn't sure if it was due to dehydration, lack of salt, or something else. I chomped more clifblocks, drank more nuun, and tried to stretch them out. They wouldn't stretch for anything. I felt great, full of energy, and my stupid calves were killing me. I tried to run through it, but one calf started getting super tight in one spot and I was afraid of pulling or tearing it. So I walked (which was easy) and ran and tried to adjust my gait. That led to monster tightening of my IT bands on both legs. Ouch. Again, could walk really fast, but running hurt. I tried again to adjust my gait to get the pressure off my IT bands and off my calves, ran with my toes pointed out so that the work was being done by the insides of my legs. It worked. It looked goofy as all get out but it got the job done. Slowly. I was able to run the flats and up all the rest of the hills, but I had to walk down the steeper hills. At the very end, it's pretty much all downhill. I duck-ran all except for two steep downward slopes at the very end. There is nothing more humiliating than walking tiny steps downhill at mile 25.9. Even tired people can run downhill at the end, right? Fortunately at mile 26 was uphill and the rest was flat so I got a bit of my pride back. Finished it running. 5:42:27. I had expected to do 5:30, but was hoping for 5:15. I'm disappointed in my time, but dorky, over the moon giddy about the fact that the hills were not difficult and that I was able to run all of them without a problem. First race write-up done.For next marathon I will do more strength training, do more hills, and do hot yoga so that my body will be ready for warm temperatures.Next runs are a trio of half marathons on New Years Eve, New Years Day, and Jan 2.

2011-08-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

Stayed up way too late Thursday night, trying to learn figure out the flood of technology used by foreign language teachers. Got up at 6 to go help the Bama with another garage sale.
Had coffee and water while helping her til about 8:45. Then came home starving. I shared a bagelw/ butter with E. We ran Al to work, ran 2 tables over to the garage sale, then got cleaned up and dressed and went to the grocery store, stopping at the garage sale to deliver leftover coleslaw to the Bama for lunch.
After the grocery store, I made E a quesadilla with mozzarella and turkey, and I fried up some yellow squash from the garden.
I tutored from 2-3:30, ran tutoring kid home, then ran to pick up M from camp from 4-5. Dinner was salad (romsine, tomatoes, avocado with homemade ranch), steak, and white wine. Got kids to bed and spent the rest of the evening working on French.
Dealt with the menagerie of animals, now back to French and sleep.
Big run tomorrow. I'm gonna die ...

Yeah, right

2011-08-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

The idea of accountability is a wonderful idea. Then reality hits.
Tuesday was fine. I did the p90x yoga, then continued with my day as wannabe perfect mom and dutiful daughter. And somewhere in there I taught some French.
Yesterday was no exercise, but got the middle child to camp, cleaned the kitchen, folded piles of laundry, and the house looked pretty good before hitting the Bama's house to help her for a while. Lunch was (gasp) Red Robin, then we hit Costco. After putting the Costco load away, E and I hit the beach for two hours. I then came home, prepped for school picked up middle child from camp, made dinner, then took off to teach my French 3's.
Today was just as busy. Packed middle child for overnighter at camp, got her and her stuff delivered to camp, did p90x yoga plus 100 squats 100 pliés, 100 lunges, and 50 dips.
Took off to run errands with 6 yr old in tow. We hit Mabel's for lunch - chicken caesar salad, then ran out to North Bend to pick up the Bama's bicycle. Took E and two of her friends to the beach for a play date the play date then progressed to our house til about 5pm.
This evening was dnner, cleanup, some French homework, and a ton of education / French research. And a whole lot of feeings of inadequacy in trying to get it all to balance.
This must be the summer scramble, right?? Upward and onward and here's to being smarter and better in my approach to teaching and parenting.

accountability

2011-08-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

or something like that ...
It is a typical fatgirl problem - the constant battle with food and exercise. Throw in kids, a full menagerie of animals, and a job and the battle gets harder.
I knew going into the summer that it would be hard to get running time, with kid and work schedule. I fully expected it. But it doesn't make it any easier. And then when I get a chance to run, it's really hard because of the lack of consistency and the extra 4 pounds I'm carrying and the summer weather. I'm not good at running in the heat.
SO ... in my efforts to get myself back on track, I'll be recording food and exercise hopefully daily.
Today - tanker of coffee (that I poured at 6:45 - still sipping on it)
Nutrilite meal replacement shake - I normally avoid these things at all costs, but I had this one today to try to get insides back in line after the junk food from this weekend.
Salad (lettuce, tomato, homemade vinaigrette, 2 deli (thin) slices of ham)
water. and more water.
I ran 4 very cranky miles this morning - around the neighborhood to drop E off at a playdate, then off to pick up car by Home Depot, where Al drove it to work.
The rest of the day will be spent helping the Bama move "stuff". With E in tow.

Summer

2011-07-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

All spring, through the craziness of school, soccer, piano, and swimming (notice the Oxford comma), we kept telling ourselves that we couldn't wait until summer when life would slow down.
Well here we are, July 8, and life still is crazy. I'm missing my friends like crazy, yet have no time to get together with them and their children due to all the stupid commitments that have been thrown at me. And everything is done so last-minute and hodgepodge that nothing is getting truly accomplished.
The farm is supposed to close on the 15th. I begged a certain family member to get her act together and we could completely clean it out, fully knowing that July 14th we'll be up there at midnight packing up all my dad's belongings so that the new owners will be able to move in. I've snuck up there a few times to fill up the Suburban with as many items as I could bring back or take to the dump / clothing bank / recycling center, but there's still so much up there that needs to be moved back home.
One of my big goals was to go through everything in the house and really get everything organized and in its (no apostrophe here - its shows possession, it's = it is) place. That hasn't happened either. I haven't had a moment to myself (until right now as I'm writing and whining) to do anything. How does one balance kid activities so that the kids aren't glued to the tv and getting stuff done around the house.
Teaching is an absolute blast. I am so blessed to have my two jobs. I love my little school more than anything and my job there is my joy. But my government job is absolutely wonderful too. Both jobs have given me the time and the freedom to attempt new ways of getting the information across to my students. But even that is sliding because of crazy summer schedule - not the teaching, but the technology aspect of it.
And as I'm sitting here writing this, I realize that I have to make potato salad and brownies before I go to bed tonight - tomorrow is father in law's birthday celebration that we (as always) are hosting. And I would really really really like to go for a run tomorrow morning before the shindig starts. I haven't run since last Saturday and I have a 1/2 marathon next week. OOPS!!!

Meal / Food List

2011-04-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

In my attempts to get a bit better organized, I'm doing weekly meal plans and my grocery shopping / Costco runs once a week. I'm trying hard to be efficient with my time.
So here is my meal / food list so far.

French Dip Sandwiches
French Onion Soup
Spaghetti with Red Sauce
Pasta with Chicken in White Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese
Fish Tacos
Apricot Chicken
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad (celery, onions, etc.)
Quesadillas
Shrimp Po Boys
Shrimp Salad
Grilled Dill Prawns
BLT's
Taco Salad
Potato Salad
Bruschetta
Steak / Veggie Sandwiches
Bagels with Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, and Cucumber
Roasted Potatoes
Gruyère Potatoes
Pasta with Red Vodka Sauce
Crabcakes
Crab Bisque
Italian Egg / Tomato Dish
Scrambled Eggs, Avocado, Salmon, Crèle Fraîche, and Chives on Toasted French Bread
Spinach Salad
Teriyaki Chicken
Cole Slaw
Spinach, Pecans, and Craisins (or strawberries) with Sweet Dressing

Lunch Stuff
Turkey Sandwiches
Orzo with Spinach, Tomatoes, Pinenuts, and Red Onions
Green Salad with Chopped Lunchmeat (Boars Head Maple Glaze Honey Roasted Turkey)
12 Grain Chips
Pirate Booty
Lara Bars
Apples / Grapes
Cheese Sticks
Carrot Sticks and Sliced Cucumber

Running Angst

2011-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

I have never been what one would call an overachiever. I got okay grades in school - good enough to get me into a good school, but nothing spectacular. In college I was easily distracted by boys, my job (I thought that working made me more of an adult), and anything else that caught my attention. I did okay, but could have done so much more. Again, grades were fine, but nothing spectacular. They kind of reflected the energy that I put into school. A quarter before graduation, my eldest daughter was born. Having a child pretty much distracts one from giving 100% to anything other than the child.
After working as a substitute teacher for a year and applying for many teaching jobs, a wonderful teaching job pretty much landed in my lap. The job was a total Godsend. I taught high school French and loved it. But, once more, didn't give it 100%. In retrospect I poured a ton of energy into my teaching, but could have done better.
Ten years later, I'm playing at being a French teacher in two different locations. And I am once more giving teaching a ton of energy, but trying to balance "work", family, and running. I think I'm doing okay with my teaching. My students are learning and I think they're having fun. The household is running relatively smoothly - the house isn't immaculate, but there is always healthy food on the table and clean, weather-appropriate clothing available for my husband and children to wear to school and work.
And then there's the running. I'm training for a marathon. I'm so afraid of not being prepared due to slacking or not giving it 100%. So, I'm running at every opportunity I get and going to the strength training class whenever I can. I'm on the border of obsessed with this out of fear that I'm not doing enough and I'm not ready so will pretty much end up walking the entire 26.2 miles and come home in shame. This marathon is one thing that I'd like to be able to say that I gave 100% and succeeded, but until I actually get to April 10 and through the run, I won't know. So back to angst and running and running and kids and French and running some more.

Ces Soirées Là

2010-12-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

If I don't get this down on paper, I'll probably have an aneurism or something.
I have used the song, "Ces Soirées Là", in the classroom since 199?. It's a totally cheesy song, based on the song, "Oh What A Night", and a spoof of John Travolta. In class, we've danced to it, TPR'ed it, giggled at it, and dissected the grammar of it.
The other night we had our amazingly wonderful and cool and successful French neighbors over. After a few glasses of wine and champagne, I gathered the courage to play the song on my iphone. The best and most validating thing I've experienced in a while was to see them immediately recognize it, smile, and start to dance (while seated at the table)to the song. They knew the song well.
I tried to explain to them how and why this song is the best song ever for teaching French grammar. They smiled and I'm not quite sure that they totally understood my American grammar dorkiness. But being good guests, they played along. So here goes. This is a breakdown of why "Ces Soirées Là" is great for 3rd year French. I'm probably a bit overboard in my stating of it being the best grammar song ever. I have yet to discuss Bare Naked Ladies' "It's All Been Done" as a great tool for teaching the difference between the passé composé and the imparfait, and Charles Trenet and Edith Piaf songs and their grammatical value. That's a whole other pile of writing.

* use of ceux / celles - "que tous ceux qui sont dans la vibe .... que toutes celles qui sont dans la vibe..."

* use of avant de + infinitive versus avant que + subject verb (in subjunctive)

* great use of the subjunctive, with very recognizable and teachable subjunctive cues, throughout the song

* jusqu'à + noun (that one can compare to the jusqu'à ce que + subject verb in subjunctive)

* use of ça (can compare it to ceci)

* prepositions (en haut, en bas, à gauche, à droite)- you can TPR this one - total kick to TPR it.

* use and placement of même as an adverb, to mean 'even'

Okay, this is my rough draft of this. This song has consumed my thoughts over at least 20 miles of running in the past few days. I'll be adding more, but at least I got this part down on cyber-paper.

If You Haven't Been Through This, You're Not Going to Get This

2010-12-22T23:28:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here, planning my lessons for the next 12 weeks, with the dollhouse that my dad built for Al in front of me. And because I'm completely wired and distracted, I'm switching between facebook, twitter, my plan book, my 3 textbooks, and my blog of past notes and lessons on French grammar and lessons.
One friend has a post asking God to let her keep her dad longer since he is so important to her. That has brought me to tears. I get it. My dad was my everything. He was the only one who understood my entire history and could / would set me straight.
One friend lost her grandmother a couple weeks ago. Tonight her husband lost his grandmother. Been there. Not fun. Again, tears.
I'm still crying in the car and in the random times when this all hits me.
My husband and I joke that I have no one left to lose outside of ourselves and our children, and that I have earned a break from heartache and mess to last me a while.
I am more than thankful for my crazy mother, my parents - in law, and my little family of 5. I cling a bit more tightly to all of them since March.

Seeing What I'm Made Of

2010-12-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Doing the 12k's of Christmas this morning. I'm running this one completely solo. No running buddies, no dog. I left the dog at home because I didn't want to have to worry about asking someone to hold on to him while I use the bathroom pre-run.
I'm hoping against hope for some improvement over last year's time. This time last year, I'd never run over 7 miles, but I went to class more often so my core and arms were in much better shape. Since last year, I've conquered hills and done 4 1/2 marathons. This should be easy peasy, right?
I've been good about running when I've had a chance to run this week - 15+ miles in past 2 days. I've been good about stretching. I even used the roller thingie last night on my legs. Barring anything like my tendons on the sides of my knees starting to hurt, I should be good to go and prove to myself what I can do. Here's hoping.

2010-10-19T00:24:00.001-07:00

Woke up at 6:45. Got breakfasts and lunches made, cleaned the kitchen, and got kids dressed and to school.
Did field trip with my kindergarterner, then ran by home to get lunch for her. As we were home, E put her sandwich down on the desk. Dog ate her sandwich. I quickly made her a new sandwich, then got us all into car for afternoon activities. We picked up carpool buddy (late), then hit VSH.
At VSH, I gave out rewards for completed homework, then left for a quick run.
Because I was completely losing it, I met a friend for tea for 1/2 hour (she rescued me).
Picked up kids from school, then went to swimming lessons. From swimming, we hit McDonalds, then soccer practice for the 7yr old.
After soccer, got kids to bed, worked on lesson plans and tutoring, then did cooking for snack at school and simple dinner for a friend. It's 12:23 and I'm ready to call it a day. I know I've put in a good respectable day. My house would beg to differ ...

My Inheritance

2010-10-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

Funny thing - each time I go to my dad's house, I come back with more loot. This weekend, it was a box of Costco packs of batteries, 2 sheets of stamps, dryer balls (for drying down comforters and pillows), and a cat climbing toy thingie.
I went up to the farm to clean it out some more and to hang out up there while visiting my oldest daughter at college. And as I was there cleaning, I was talking non-stop to my dad (and of course he can hear me, wherever his soul is) - laughing about how we (he and I) were finally getting the opportunity to deal with the clutter. It was a running joke between the two of us.
So I've brought home bags of socks and undershirts and slippers to donate to the clothing bank. I've brought home his diaries going back to the 1950's. I've brought back the letters between his parents from their divorce. And I am now in possession of the entire course offering of The Teaching Company - courses on cd and DVD.
My official inheritance is a $2000 check that I can't cash or else it will bounce. The step siblings and the step step siblings all were able to cash theirs. My portion has to go to cover the property taxes on the farm. I find that to be pretty darn funny.
So I've got me 2 cats, a watch, a 6 month supply of batteries, a bookshelf full of Great Courses and a cat climbing toy. We already ate the year supply of Oreos I grabbed from dad's pantry back in April.
What a wild existence.

The House That Built Me

2010-09-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

There's this song on the country radio stations, "The House That Built Me". Every time I hear it, I pretty much break into sobs. I'm living in the house that my parents had built. My dad took on every detail of this house, having the lot built up with fill so it was above street level, customizing the upstairs so we would have a separate area for the grandmas if necessary, etc. There's a line about a dog buried in the yard - we have our first family dog buried underneath the thundercloud plum tree. There's a line about where the homework was done - my dad built the ugliest bookshelves and desk in my room. And I think of the ugly shelves and desk each time I hear the song. But the thing that gets me the worst is I start to think of Grandma's house. My grandparents moved home to Alabama in 1976 and built their retirement home. As they were building their home, they decorated a bathroom and a bedroom for me. I had a pink bathroom with cut glass light fixtures, and pink carpeting. I always had a bedroom (and then when I had children, 2 bedrooms) that was mine.
As I'm going through all the mourning and such, I'm finding that I need to cling to the truths of my childhood. They are what keep me strong as I'm struggling with what I have left.
The pink bathroom is a very small symbol of the fact that I was cherished by my grandmother. Every little girl needs to feel cherished. As I was cleaning out her house, I brought home the pink towels that she bought for that bathroom and they are a sweet reminder of how my grandmother loved me.
And of my parents, I am clinging tightly to the artifacts of my childhood - the photos of our family events are concrete evidence that they actually happened. My dad's funny awards and gifts from his Boeing days are also evidence that I didn't imagine the Dover-Calais crossings on the Jetfoil, that the foundations of my childhood and family experiences are real and true - that we really did spend time in France, and that's why I speak French. When one is dealing with all the stupid garbage of estates and trusts and wills, and step-siblings, and step-step-siblings, one begins to question the reality of one's memories. So my house is now covered with photos from my childhood. I'm making sure to invite all my parents' friends to all our family events from now on. They are my tangible link with my history and my foundation of who I was.

off cleanse for the weekend

2010-09-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

My eldest is going to college this weekend. Which is cause for much celebration. Last night's celebration was Mexican dinner (she chose it - I was hoping for something a little more special,like Pearl in Bellevue). Today's breakfast and lunch were detox good. Then I splurged with dinner and had some good French bread (oops) and two glasses of wine. My feet are now swollen from the wine (double oops)
Tomorrow's road trip to Western starts at 7am, come hell or high water. Road trip will include much coffee and even more water. Wondering what the effects of the coffee will be. Am also packing detox food to counter the effects of the coffee.
No run today because of 7 yr old's soccer game. No run tomorrow unless I want to get up at 4am to run, and that's just not happening. Will run on Monday as a happy break from gutting out the gator pit.

Cleanse

2010-09-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this because NO ONE writes about or talks about how you feel while you're doing a cleanse. I did a gluten, refined sugars, corn, dairy, fatty meats (shellfish, steak, pork, etc), alcohol, caffeine, soy, etc. - free cleanse. I started the cleanse, using Thorne's Medi Clear Plus. I strongly recommend mixing this with fruit juice, because it tastes gross when mixed with water. I mixed it with Odwalla's Superfood green juice and it made a good breakfast. Lunches have been green salad (romaine lettuce, cucumber, avocado) with home made balsamic dressing, and either leftover chicken or salmon from the previous nights' dinners. Dinner is same salad and some sort of fish or chicken. Somewhere in there, I can have potatoes, sweet potatoes, and brown rice, almond butter,and a ton of fresh fruit, and I toss those in throughout the day.
First two days I felt completely wiped out. And the digestive tract was purging itself. Not going to go into too much detail, but it wasn't bad, just obvious that my digestive tract was being thoroughly cleansed. I ran 5 miles on the second day of cleanse, and sweated like a horse (again, more of the cleanse), and discovered that running while on a cleanse is really hard.
The physical side effects that no one talks about are that as your body is cleansing itself, all the toxins come to the surface. You sweat, your skin gets oilier than normal, and some people get acne. I don't have acne, but my skin is definitely oilier than it has ever been, and my rosacea is in full force during all this. I had attributed my rosacea to wine and coffee and sugar, which I know do play a part in it, but the redness has yet to depart from my skin. I'm wondering if it's part of all the toxins being dealt with by my body. Time will tell. The scientists say that toxins get stored and compound in fat cells in all beings, I have a few fat cells that are quite full of fat, and I'm sure it will take a long time to flush my system out.
Other than the running, I feel good. The purpose of doing this cleanse was to make running easier and to get better at running. It is overall a positive experience. The diet changes were much easier than I had ever anticipated, especially the wine and coffee. It is very empowering to know that I can kick both of those habits if necessary.
I officially end the cleanse next week, but plan on continuing on the diet part of the cleanse (adding in red meat for iron) pretty much indefinitely.

running

2010-09-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the stuff that's happened over the past 8 months, my mode of operation is to put my head down and plough on through. Every night has been a late night catching up on whatever was neglected during the day. And with those late nights of studying, prepping for teaching, housework, dealing with basic family stuff, I've consumed much wine and pita chips. I gained about 10 pounds between January and September 3rd. With the late nights and the extra weight, running has been more difficult (funniest thing). I tried to balance the summer out with doing P90x in my living room, but it wasn't enough. My summer running was whenever I could squeeze it in, either at 5:30 in the morning before my husband went to work, or taking full advantage of Saturday and Sunday mornings with husband home and going for longer runs then. But running has been hard, has not improved, and it's not been fun. And it's all my / life's fault. I give equal blame to myself and what life has thrown at me over the past few months.

So now, school has started which means my afternoons, and Monday and Friday mornings are free. Al leaves for college this weekend which means no more late nights staying up for her to come home, and much less drama in the home. I now have those two things in my favor.

I started a complete cleanse - no gluten, no alcohol, no refined sugars, no corn, no caffeine, no mayo (gasp), no dairy. I'm sure I've forgotten a couple of things that I can't have, but you get the point. The food part has been fine. Other than missing the big cup of coffee in the morning with half and half and a spoon of sugar, and the pita chip / wine routine at night, the diet isn't too far from how I normally eat.
What is hard is the feeling like I've been hit by a truck every time I try to run. My friend did a cleanse, and her doctor told her to not exercise the first few weeks of her cleanse. At the time, I thought it sounded pretty lame, but now I fully understand that advice. I'm 13 days into the cleanse, have done about 35 miles in the past two weeks and I've gone back to Novalife classes (pilates, free weights, yoga, hardest class I've ever been to - as hard or harder than Crossfit) because the kids are in school so I can go. My body is completely worn out. I'm going to bed by 9 every night, or at least trying to.
In all this, I guess my point is that I'm taking full responsibility and actions to make my running better and hopefully a bit easier. It's much easier to run when you haven't consumed 2 glasses of wine the night before. It's much easier to run at 150 lbs than at 185 lbs. So the goal is to keep with the cleaner lifestyle, lose some weight (okay, a lot of weight), and hopefully this will all get easier.
Running is one area of my life where I have some control.

2010-08-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

so much to write about - parenting of a teenager, teaching, how I spent my summer, and how I am taking full responsibility for my running. But no writing tonight. Way too tired.
Ali's 18th birthday is today. What a wild ride it's been with this child. I can't wait for her to start college and get a clean break from those here and a clean, brand-new start with the university and the kids there. She has a good head on her shoulders (except where stupid boys are concerned), and she has a stronger academic foundation than I did. I'm excited to see what she does with this time. I'm hoping that she studies abroad, does an internship, and takes full advantage of this college time.
okay - je m'endors devant l'ordinateur. oops

Inconveniences

2010-07-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

This was an email sent out by my adopted step-brother to his kids, his 1/2 sister (my step-sister), and me about my dad's funeral.

Instead of doing a "reply all" to chew him out about referring to my dad's burial as an inconvenience, I'm letting loose here.

He has never had the time of day for my dad. His kids don't even know who my dad is except for when they want money.

When a normal funeral happens, is the entire world consulted as to which date is convenient for them? I cannot believe this.

All-

The funeral people will not do a Saturday burial. Monday through Friday only. Connie Sr. called to set up the date for the 14th which we finally all agreed to and we can't.

So...she has set up August 13th at 2:00pmat the Family Plot in Ferndale.

Thank you all in advance for your flexibility in this. I know quite a few of us have asked for that day off from work; and, this will be complicated and somewhat inconvenient.

Connie Sr has also suggested a small meal together afterward. Please relay your thoughts.

Again, thank you for your flexibility. Let us know as soon as possible if there are any complications.

All my love,

Maury

Huge Sigh of Relief

2010-06-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

I did it. I've conquered the past 6 months. Maybe conquered isn't the most honest term to describe how I've tackled the past 6 months. Slogged through is a much more appropriate phrase. Al's graduation was June 11th. E's and my school ended and our end of school year party was June 10th. June 13th was Al's graduation party. We had over 70 people at the house. M had school programs and activities all week through June 18th. My final exam was also on June 18th. Houseguest was here from June 9th-16th.
As I was submitting my exam, my only thought was "Thank you, Jesus for getting me through this!"
Time to get back to normal life of husband and kids, teaching, running with crazy dog, and attempting to tackle the house. And tons of playdates. The whole summer will be spent with kids and friends at parks, beach, and cabin. Time to go back to building memories for my babies.

Please Tell Me I Accomplished Something!

2010-06-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

I was home with my youngest child today. I had all sorts of plans to
clean house, cook for the week, etc. None of that really happened.
I spent 3 hours on the phone with Boeing and Aetna trying to establish
if they'd received any of my dad's paperwork. Total Boeing system
failure. I then pulled French together and ran into school with 5 yr
old in tow to give a mini lesson to my middle schoolers. 5 yr old sat
silently as I taught - i think awestruck by the old middle schoolers.
We hit the teriyaki place for a yummy lunch, then Target for Swiffers,
paper towels, and little girl sandals. In the middle of this I
received a call from Boeing. Nothing like discussing dad's estate
over the phone in the middle of Target while trying to keep a 5 yr old
entertained.
After Target we hit the grocery store. Then home and a playdate with
neighbors in the front yard. Dinner was leftover teriyaki and fresh
veggies. Got the girls to bed, cleaned the kitchen, cleaned the yard,
and weeded the garden. Then tackled invites for Ali's graduation
party. I completely took the lame mommy way out and did them via evite.
Did a couple loads of laundry, somehow figured out my teaching
'contract' for next year, proofread Ali's AP Spanish paper, talked
with the m-i-l, talked with the out of town husband, discussed
financial facts o life and college with Ali, now off to bed. House is
a pit. If I can at least tackle laundry tomorrow, all will be well.
At least I can see the surfaces of the kitchen counters and the
kitchen table.

Bad Days

2010-05-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

The first plan for this entry was that I had a bad run and how to tackle that one. I did my second half marathon on Saturday and my time was 7 minutes more than my first half. As we progress, we're supposed to get better, right? I've been consistent in my training and in my diet so I'm supposed to improve, darnit. I ran the whole thing except when I had to remove my shoe (3 times) because my toes were cramping. The only way to get through it is to remove the shoe and walk a few steps to stretch it out, then put the shoe back on and continue with the run. And there was a line at the porta-potty on the course. So ... because of porta-potty line, I'm thinking that my run was only 3-4 minutes longer than before, but still not fun. I'm supposed to be getting better.
But then I got on facebook and twitter. And I saw a couple of entries from runners who had had bad runs. These entries completely made my day. It made me realize that even strong, good runners have off days due to life and their bodies, even when we do our best to take care of ourselves. As a lifetime fat girl who has taken complete responsibility for all my problems and failures, I can't help but take it as a personal failure that I didn't improve on my time. So I was worse than bummed about my time on this last run.
Reading the posts by the other amazing runners that I admire, who had slower runs, I was more than relieved. It was wonderful to see that these REAL athletes have bad days and bad runs too.

2010-05-08T22:08:00.001-07:00

Rough day. I miss them both. The day was constantly full of
reminders of both Daddy and Grandma. Aaargh.

I'm Thankful That Certain Things Are Universal

2010-04-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I was At the end of my rope with the teenager. Her attitude that she is perfect and that the rest of us don't measure up, and abuse her perfection was about all that I could take. Then this morning happened. I walked into school just in time to witness my best student show the same gritchy, evil attitude to her dad (who I absolutely worship as a wonderful parent, wonderful teacher, and overall hip guy). Coming away from the scene that I witnessed, i thought that if perfect _________ can act this way, then I guess it's normal teenage behaviour. Still not fun. Still working on the 'Grace and Courtesy' with all the girls.

Back to 'Normal'

2010-04-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Whenever my teenage daughter would act up, I could always vent to my dad. He and I would end up laughing about whatever stuff she was pulling. It's never anything bad, just a gritchy sense of entitlement and a ton of attitude toward me. Not fun to experience, but nothing morally wrong. Whenever my mom and I would fuss and holler, again I could go to my dad and together we'd put it all into perspective and it would be okay.
This past week, teenager has been monstrously gritchy and very much on the attack toward me. She's fussing to my mom, which ends up a 'beat up Tiffany until she does what poor, neglected teenager wants' session. Where's my dad when I need him to laugh at this with me as I stand my ground to the two of them??? Aaargh!

Just in Case I Forget

2010-04-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups
1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups = 32 fl oz

Seahawks 12k

2010-04-11T15:03:00.001-07:00

I did a 12k this morning. My time was 1:22:53. My overall place was
753. My age, gender place was 64/83. Overall place within gender was
374. I have no idea how many participants there were, but I'm pleased
with my time. I ran better than I ever have. Not wonderful, but I'm
slowly improving.

task analysis

2010-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

In teaching school, we are taught the skill of task analysis - the act of breaking down any sort of task into small manageable steps. The purpose of breaking it down into small steps is to make the overall project more manageable and less overwhelming. These days, life is one big task analysis. I neglected house other than bare necessities for winter quarter of school, knowing that I would do a deep cleaning of the house and start the garden once school ended. Well, funniest thing, life has hit. I've ended the quarter (earned straight A's), and held it all reasonably together, but hmmm... now I have to tackle the house and garden. On top of Easter, birthday parties for 2 of my children, still teaching, and trying to function through grieving for my dad and grandma. It's funny because I'm a bootstraps kind of person. I slog on through. I have a magnet on the fridge that says, "when going through Hell, keep on going". But the slogging isn't working so well these days. The body is rebelling. I think I'm in physical shock, while in mental slogging through mode. I'm still running and keeping the same crazy schedule of a parent of an old teenager and 2 little ones, but I'm constantly mentally falling apart, and even the smallest things like putting away clean laundry are completely overwhelming. Today's mental meltdown was trying to tackle 7 yr old's birthday, and attempting to get the downstairs of the house presentable enough for the family to come over for birthday cake. It took us until noon to get out the door, we did birthday lunch and shopping (LAME parenting - I coulda shoulda done her birthday present beforehand), then grocery store for birthday dinner fixins and I BOUGHT a birthday cake. Aaargh! I ran out of time today so didn't have time to make her a cake. I don't buy birthday cakes.
The day was a lesson in task analysis. Step by step and hour by hour getting through each little thing that enabled me (and the kids) to get to the next step, that got us through the day that this morning seemed so overwhelming.
It's wild to see (from a semi-removed, academic point of view) how sometimes it isn't possible to just plough through whatever stuff is thrown at us. As much as we want to do it, sometimes the body rebels. I joked tonight to my husband that tomorrow night, instead of going to dinner, maybe he should take me to a shrink, or check me into the hospital. I WILL get through this. God is good in everything and some good will come of this. It's just a matter of getting through it healthily and intelligently, and hopefully without too much damage to my liver.

Onward and Upward

2010-03-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

How do I even describe this past 11 weeks. I've been teaching 3 mornings a week, trying to keep up with running with the dog, taking a full class load at the local college, and dealing with husband and kids. And on top of that, I lost the two most important people in my life (outside of husband and kids). My grandmother passed at the end of January 28, and my stepdad collapsed and died on March 21st. I cannot even describe the loss. These two were my strength.
But life goes on, kids need attention, studying needs to be done to maintain teaching certification, etc. So, the daily mantra (borrowed from my stepdad a while back)is even more important now. Onward and upward, one hour at a time. Not even counting days yet, but sticking to accomplishing the hours and the daily tasks of kids, home, and work.

meltdown and hyperventilating

2010-03-13T20:11:00.001-08:00

Maggie's book report on fairy tales (due Friday, but will be turned in late on Monday - done with help from super husband). Tech project outline (done). Kissinger Translation (done). Tolo preparations and photos (done). Africa research and paper (so not done). Kissinger glossary (done). All that's left is Kissinger footnotes, Africa (and more Africa and more Africa), and a day at the passport office on Tuesday (I just realized that Al's passport expired a year ago and she's going to Guatemala in 16 days - OOPS!). I will come up for air on Wednesday.
AAARGH!!!

forced downtime

2010-02-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

E's sick with the cold that's going around. I'm blissfully stuck at home with her, watching "Max and Ruby".
I haven't tackled the house yet, but I've been working / playing on computer, uploading vocab lists onto quizlet for school, and taking a look at wordpress. I'm not sure how it compares to blogger, but a good friend of mine has transferred to wordpress so I'm intrigued as to why.
Need to tackle laundry and get clean and folded clothes put away so that the girls won't have to dig through piles of folded laundry in order to try to find something to wear in the morning (that's been our modus operandus for the past few days). I finished a good part of my homework - still have one outstanding assignment from class that I plan on finishing up by Sunday. I'm absolutely exhuasted and in desperate need of a good night sleep, but I don't foresee that happening anytime soon. I've been trying to keep up on running, more for myself than the dog, but I think today will be a yoga day, with E watching from the couch. I've decided to seriously train for a 1/2 marathon. I'm signing up for the St. Jude 1/2 marathon in May in honor of my grandmother. She raised tons of money for St. Jude over the years. She and her sister would make a quilt each year, then raffle it off for $1 per ticket. They raised tens of thousands of dollars for St. Jude's each year.
Okay - enough of the train of thought writing. I'm slowly catching up with my school, am completely caught up with vsha school and lesson plans, just need to tackle house and catching up on sleep. You know you're tired when you're about to collapse even with gallons of coffee in you.

2010-01-31T11:37:00.001-08:00

Got paper turned in, got last week's hw turned in. Tackling the house
and family. Getting the house and kids back into shape after 8 days
gone is proving harder than I expected. M has set in her Cyndi Lauper
mode of dress (encouraged by certain grandmothers). I guess I would
be having an easier time if I wasn't such a mess myself.

Going Home

2010-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

I'm on my way home from Alabama for what will hopefully be the last time. Grandma's gone and there's really no reason to come back. My father and his wife are still here, but it's their turn to do the visiting. I still have two aunts that I adore, but I can keep in contact with them via email. I have two cousins still here, but with them I have email AND facebook so very easy and happy to stay connected with them. I love technology for this ability to stay in touch.
If I stay away from Alabama, I stay away from the garbage of the family politics. We are here to take care of and support each other. Not to chase after stuff, not to tear others down, but to love and take care of others. That's what families are supposed to do. My grandmother was very good at taking care of others. She wasn't so good at keeping her mouth shut, but her good actions spoke louder than her gritchy and bossy words. I hope we took as good care of her as she did of everyone

Alabama

2010-01-27T05:32:00.001-08:00

I need a bit of home while in Alabama. Thank goodness for email,
facebook, twitter, and texting on the iphone. I miss my family and
friends.

2010-01-09T13:14:00.001-08:00

7.82 miles today between dog and treadmill. Have had no time to write due to crazy schedule - kids, school, "work", dog, house, husband, and oh yeah, "me time".

2009-12-26T21:35:00.001-08:00

7.09 miles today. between dog run and treadmill.

today

2009-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Home from cabin so blew off all "normal" Monday responsibilities to get house together after Thanksgiving and cabin. Got girls up, lunches made, and off to school. Then to Target for bare necessities (garbage bags and paper towels), then off to jeweler to sell old gold jewelry. That transaction paid this month's monster phone bill. I'm a bit peeved with AT&T (after 7+ years of great customer service and fair billing - they royally suck at this point!)right now, but that's a whole different issue. Banked that, paid bills (phew!), then came home to clean house. Ignored dog during all of this. Upstairs to put clean clothes away and found that cat had gone to bathroom on our bed. Monster ick. Stripped bed (like I need that extra laundry right now, on top of 5 days of cabin laundry for our family of 5, and Thanksgiving dinner linens), and started the laundry machine. Did floors, cleaned kitchen, took books back to library, took Costco bag of clothes to clothing bank. Called piano teacher and set up lessons for middle child. Called bank and dealt with kids' savings accounts, called Grandma and talked to her, got a few Christmas decorations out and put them on the mantle. Have clean laundry put away, downstairs is clean, now I need to go read with E and at some point walk the crazy dog. And I need to put together a multi-age Christmas project for the VSH kids, AND do a St. Nicolas project / activity for the kids for next week. Leftovers and salad for dinner for grown-ups, mac and cheese and salad for kids, playdate at 4 here for middle child. Gotta go read with youngest before she melts down from being ignored while I've typed this up.

Nike

2009-11-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

http://my.nike.com/tlsendres
This is the joys of technology - Nike is now keeping me accountable for my walk / runs. And I can't fake the numbers because Nike+ takes all the info whether I want it to or not, then uploads it to the site. Keeps me honest :) And is pretty darn motivating. In a good way.

up to Nov 19

2009-11-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy whirlwind of an existence. Before the Alabama trip, all my energy was spent on getting the house (laundry, food, etc) ready for the grandmas to come and take care of the girls. That was pretty much for naught because all that I set up was completely ignored. No matter, the girls were taken care of for 9 days, and the foundations for an easy job of running the house were set for the grandmas. Then 9 days of work in Alabama. I didn't get as much accomplished as I wanted to, but spent a good amount of time with my grandmother in the assisted living home. Now that I'm home, two weeks later, my house is slowly getting back to normal. Things are almost back to how and where they should be. Now I just have to figure out placement of all of the things from Grandma's house. The husband has commented that the downstairs looks like a browse and barter store at this point. I'm afraid he's right. Oh well. Slowly getting there.
I've been doing French 3 days a week, which keeps me in town during the days rather than at home cleaning. The dog has gotten intermittent walks, but is with me so is relatively calm for him. I've been able to do Gold's pretty regularly - the standard 5k in 39 minutes.
I put one of the Nike plus sensors in my shoe which is awesome because it is a completely separate source of how much and how far and how fast I'm running or walking. It uploads it to the Nike site so I can track what I'm doing without any "wishful tampering" of numbers from me :)
Got up early to prep for French. Need to go make the girls' lunches now.

Venting or Something

2009-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Since 10/22, I've done 26.55 miles. Haven't been able to do every day
due to sick kids home for a week with the flu, and the trip to
Alabama, but slowly adding them up. Am flying out from Alabama
tomorrow morning. Hoping to return home to a bit of normalcy, but
dreading the political fallout from this trip with the Bama.
Need a stiff drink and a good prayer session to recover from this
trip. I've seen behaviors from my family that I would have never
expected in a million years. So much for the benefits of being the
only child of the only child.
Raked a ton of leaves from Grandma's huge yard and de-mildewed the
house. I've gone through all the cupboards, closets, dressers,
papers, photos, and everything is sorted and out in the open so easily
accessible.
There has been absolutely no participation from the parental unit. No
interest in knowing what I've done and what I'm leaving behind for him
to deal with. Have had some good, light smalltalk with his wife over
morning coffee as we're getting ready in the mornings. And he's taken
me to lunch in town (four times) and he bought me boxes to pack things.
I'm incredibly emotionally tired and eager to get home. Other than
Grandma, there is no reason to ever come back to Alabama. And now
that her house is gone, I have no clue as to where to stay if I should
ever come back and bring the kids. How does one manage flying 3,000
miles with kids only to hang out with grandma in the assisted living
place?
Okay, done. Have to figure out a way to tie in my Nike plus log to
the blogger page. Then there would be some evidence (other than just
what I type) of what I'm running and at which super slow speed. The
neat thing about this morning's run is that I was able to run from
Grandma's to Ms. Hopper's house without stopping. Couldn't do that
this summer.
Going to bed now, with two alarms set for 3 a.m. in order to catch my
6 a.m. flight out of Birmingham.

Friday 10/23 - Monday 10/26

2009-10-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

It poured down rain all day Friday. Got girls to school. E had a playdate at the neighbor's house and instead of walking during that time, I had coffee with a neighbor. It was wonderful to connect with this fellow mom of H.S. Senior girl. Picked up E from playdate, then home to have a quiet day around the house. Worked on getting things ready for impending trip to Alabama. Dog pretty much went nuts due to lack of walk. Got M from bus, Al came home and got ready for Homecoming game. Quiet evening at home. Dinner was baked chicken, baked potatoes, and a cucumber thing.
Saturday morning took dog out for long loop. Did a 5k, but then skipped the gym because I had to take Al out shopping for HC shoes and wrap. We got way lucky because we were able to pick up a pair of classic black pumps for a decent price in Issy. We didn't have to run all over and spend all day looking. We ran to Target, then I went to the grocery store while Al got a haircut and hairstyle for the evening. Splurged (monetarily and calorically) and went to Red Robin for lunch. Home, and after all the Homecoming dance commotion settled, it was a fun evening with husband and girls. They made cookies, then we prepared the boo baskets to deliver to the neighborhood, and delivered them. The girls had the best time doing that. Dinner, cleanup, girls to bed, then us to bed for an early night. Al home at 1-something with friends for post HC sleepover.
Sunday morning got up and made muffins for old girls upstairs. M woke up with a sore throat so we skipped church yet again. In hindsight, it was a very good thing we did, but Sunday morning I was not a happy camper about it. Husband went to breakfast with his parents and girls and I had a "quiet" morning at home. After husband's return, I took dog for long loop (3.5 miles) which seemed to settle him a little bit. Husband and girls carved pumpkin in garage and got out rest of Halloween decorations for front porch. I puttered in house and did more to get house ready for Alabama trip. Dinner out with friends. Pearl for appetizers (was fantastic!!!!), but then went to Sea Star for dinner (not very good at all - waste of money, calories, and time). Next time we'll stay at Pearl and enjoy the food and the company. It was wonderful to connect with the friends, even if the food wasn't so great.
Home by 9:30 to relieve the grandma from babysitting duties. M was cool so I figured it was a mild cold and went to bed. Around midnight she started coughing - the dry, hacking cough. I checked up on her and her temp was 104.9. Typical temperature spike for M. Got tylenol in her and dragged her to bed with us. Then dog started barking either at some creatures in the yard or because he's sick too and needed to go outside. I think I got about 3 hours of sleep.
Monday morning got up at 7 with girls. M still had temperature, and E's temperature seemed to be at a steady 100-101 degrees. I figured it would be typical flu / cough for both of them. And they'd be on their feet in no time. Oops. Not quite. They both ate well and drank okay. I had to harass them about the drinking liquids. Obviously spent day at home with no walk for dog. Dinner was roasted potatoes, green salad, and egg sandwiches. I had planned on scrambled eggs or a frittata, but girls wanted sandwiches. Easy enough for me. Quiet evening and in bed by 9:30 - for another sleep-deprived night due to dog and sick kids.

up to October 22

2009-10-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Monday was completely solo. Husband was in San Jose. I got the girls to school then was finally able to do class. After class I stayed in town and did 3 miles with the dog before picking up E at school. Puttered at home until time for swimming lessons, then home, dinner, homework, prep for French, then bed.
Tuesday I got the girls up and to school, then did French at VSH 'til 11:30 (squirrelly kids, longer than planned lesson, rough day o' French), then home to walk dog. Did 3.5 mile loop with dog, then ran errands (dogfood and new phone) until time to get girls. Picked up girls, then because of tons of rain we stayed in the house at home. M finished her big book of Dick and Jane stories. Finally. I'd been working with her on it, but not a ton of progress and a ton of fussing. She picked it up on her own about a week ago and flew through it. YAY. Quiet evening (aside from hyper girls running through the house and bouncing off the walls with the killer dog right behind them). Dinner of prawns, leftover veggie soup, amazingly phenomenal bread, and leftover ribs. Got girls to bed, cleaned kitchen, folded laundry, worked on French, etc. Bed before 11.
Wednesday got girls up and off to school. Al got up late and left after I did. She left her bathroom window open, disaster in her bathroom and kitchen. Aargh. I did French at VSH then only time for 1.5 miles on treadmill before picking up E at school. Home and met M at bus. Stayed home until time to take Al to get her eyebrows done. Took girls for teriyaki for dinner while Al was at the appointment. Ran by the grocery store on the way home for apples and ice cream. The 5 of us had ice cream for dessert. Husband got home, dog was hyper so I grabbed dog and did 3.5 mile loop with him while husband got girls to bed. Tried to calibrate the Nike ipod chip, but the chip had my 3.5 mile loop as .82 kilometers. And had my 12-13 minute mile as a 2 hour 45 minute mile. Not good for the ego. Rest of the evening was quiet and home, puttering around house until bed.
Thursday morning woke up late (at 6:30), got the girls their breakfast, then worked on snack for VSH - tzatziki, hummus and pita bread. The tzatziki recipe worked really well. Got the girls to school, got the snack to school and set up, then went and played French. Today's lesson was short, sweet, and to the point. And two concepts that were building on 3 weeks worth of vocab / grammar / concepts. Went well and all participated.
After French I ran to the gym and did 5k on the treadmill. A good friend just joined the gym and I had the joy of hanging out with her while suffering through the treadmill. Huge yay. 39 minute 5k. Then I went home, ate some soup and a banana, talked to Grandma, then went on second run of the day - did 3 mile loop with dog. I cut it short because after about 2.5 miles, my knees suddenly decided that they were done. I added it up and I did 5 miles on Wednesday afternoon and evening,and 6 today. My knees aren't as strong as they were in the spring when I was able to do the strengthening lunges / plies / squats in class every day. I need to get the self discipline to be doing those on my own now that I rarely get to go to class. Husband is in San Diego so am solo again. Did playdate at park tonight with one of Maggie's best friends, did sandwiches for dinner, got the girls to bed, cleaned kitchen, went through a ton of old Wired and Newsweek magazines, and am now going to tackle the pile of Economists and go to bed

Sunday

2009-10-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Husband is in town so I was able to get up and walk the dog. Did the 3.5 mile loop with him this morning. Beyond that just ran around today with girls. Did chicken caesar salad at Nordstrom cafe - cheaper than a round of happy meals at Mcdonald's and healthier too. Got Maggie's winter shoes - the Merrell jungle moc, so that's taken care of. Then ran to a couple of stores to pick up things to put in a "boo basket" for kids in the neighborhood. Was blessed by two people that I randomly saw today. One was the CEI gal who is now working at the mall. We had good discussion around 4 and 6 yr old in a giftshop. The other person was the mother of one of M's best friends. They just moved into the neighborhood from up the hill. I had no idea they were moving here and saw them walking past our house. Such a people blessed day.
And no fighting with B for 9 days now. What's the verse that when one is living within God's will that even one's enemies are at peace. I'm kind of applying that one to my life right now. Working at all this balance of kids / husband / home / self / work. And failing miserably, but getting there. And the work is completely volunteer stuff, and is a no-stress way of getting me on my feet French - teaching - technologically so that I'm ready if and when I do need to enter the job market.
I could REALLY use a tutoring gig right now. Or just a pile of money dropped in my lap.
But no matter what, life is amazingly blessed. No money in the world would ever compensate for the people and life blessings. God is good in all He does.

Friday, Oct 17

2009-10-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Got girls up and off to school. E had a neighborhood playdate here from 9:30 - 11:30. We spent the rest of the day at home, recovering a bit from Mom's Night. E played Barbies and watched tv while I set up French blog for school. The big effort was to get all the vocab lists and grammar info transferred over.
Picked M up at bus, ran into town to cash Al's paycheck so she would have money for tonight, then came home, made dinner, hung out with girls, then cleaned kitchen while they picked up their toys. Got girls to bed, then folded 4 loads of laundry. Now back to French webpage and the uploading of all the info for the kids and the parents.

Wednesday and Thursday

2009-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Life with French has had its time challenges. The school has been more than flexible so that I can come and play French when it best fits into my schedule, but the 2 hour chunk out of my day has been a bit of a challenge. But teaching these kids has been an absolute joy. And it is so good to be in a school environment, especially this school. It is forcing me to do all that I can to engage the kids without "teaching" them from the blackboard.
So ... Wednesday, I got the girls up and off to school, got myself to school to do French. After French I ran to the gym and did a mile on the treadmill and some free weights, and then 20 minutes of heavy duty yoga.
I picked up girls at school and at bus, then had an afternoon at home with girls. Dinner was marinated chicken, mashed potatoes, and chopped cucumber and tomatoes (I need to do a Costco run for fresh salad fixins). Husband was a bit late due to checking out some work that my mom had requested at my little house. Al had a xc meet, but we stayed home because I didn't want the little ones out in the weather. Got homeworks worked on, got girls to bed, then spent evening hanging out with husband and ignoring all housework and my homework that needed to be done.
Thursday got up at 5 to do French stuff and work on house. Got girls and myself off to school. Home at 11:30 to walk with neighbor and dog, but was waylaid by drop-in by m-i-l. Did a later walk after her visit, then worked on girls' rooms and upstairs for rest of afternoon until time to get girls. M went to neighbor's after school for playdate, E stayed home with me, getting ready for Mom's Night at VSH. Dinner was home-made vegetable soup, leftover chicken, and French bread. Did Mom's Night at school, then home at 8:45, then worked on house stuff (kitchen, laundry, etc.) Bed at 10.

Tuesday

2009-10-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Monday was home with E, as she had a temperature on Sunday and there's that silly 24 hours rule. We did a bit of running errands, then got M at school and went to swimming lessons. Home at 5, and leftovers for dinner (chicken soup, salad, and bread). Worked on French after getting the girls to bed and cleaning up at the end of the day.
Tuesday got girls up and off to school, then did French (little kid, big kid, and really little kid). Home at 11:30, then cleaned house, walked dog, and hit the grocery store for bare necessities.
While walking dog, I was walking on the parkway and saw some of the city of Issaquah folks spraying the noxious weeds. I crossed the parkway far from them to avoid them, but because it was a windy day (with high wind warnings), I still got Round-up'ed. So not fun. Continued on walk - did 3.5 miles, then showered to wash off whatever I came in contact with.
Then went to pick up girls, home for playdate in cul de sac, then finally inside at 5:40. Mac and cheese and salad for dinner. After kid snacks of raisins and teddy grahams brought by neighbor.
The running around outside did a great job wearing out the kids. Homework was done, then bed.
I'm quitting for the evening too. Lesson plans are done, laundry is stable, lunches are ready to be fixed for tomorrow, kitchen is clean, floors are clean. I think I'm good to quit for the day.

2009-10-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Another week of scrambling.
Monday I got the girls off to school, then went to airport to pick up husband. Only exercise was slowly wakling dog around neighborhood. Picked up girls at school, then got them to swimming lessons, home, homework, dinner, bed, etc.
Tuesday I got the girls to school then taught big kid French, then little kid French. Home to walk dog and to work on house. No gym. Met ex-neighbor and her kids at park. I dragged another neighbor kid to go with us so M would have a buddy. We stayed there 'til 5:30, then home to dinner, homework, bed, etc. Evening after kids were in bed was spent on French prep.
Wednesday got the girls to school, then taught big kid French, then little kid French. Ran to the gym where time only allowed 2.5 miles on the treadmill. Then picked up girls, then ran them to doc to get flu nasal spray, then off to birthday party. Got girls home from party, got them a quick dinner of sandwiches and salad, then left them home with husband while I ran to get Al from xc meet. Then home, dinner for her, kid bed routine, etc. Worked on French and more decluttering of house after kids to bed.
Thursday got the girls to school, then taught French, then home to walk dog (3.5 mile loop), worked on house, went to gym, then picked up girls from schools. Went with Al to look at senior pics then ran late so we ate Chinese food out. Waste of time, money, and calories. aargh. Home, got girls settled and to bed, then worked on laundry, house, and more de-clutter, with thoughts of doing a garage sale.
Friday had E home with me. We walked the dog with the neighbors (only 2.5 miles, darnit), then spent afternoon running errands. I sewed 2 blankies for Amanda, then delivered them to her house. Then hit Costco, Target, and Safeway. After school playdate with neighbor, then E got stung by a yellowjacket. Home to treat the beesting and get dinner before soccer. Husband took M to soccer while E finished her meltdown. Al was out at football game til 10. Quiet evening home, prepping for trip to cabin on Saturday morning.
Saturday, E woke up with a headache and a temperature. We ended up staying home for the weekend. I walked dog, then home for rest of day. Husband went to help his brother with some big landscaping project. Girls and I just had a lazy day at home. I spent day puttering and doing more de-cluttering. I got all laundry put away, the project stuff organized and put away, some sewing done, girls seasonal clothing taken care of and put away, and more bits and pieces done. It's amazing how much time is spent and wasted, taking care of "stuff".
Sunday couldn't go to church because of E's fever. I got up and walked dog, then husband went to breakfast with his parents, then I went to gym when he returned from breakfast. I did the power yoga class, then did 2.5 miles on the treadmill. I then went to little house to check in with the Bama and did a few things there. Then I hit Target and the dance shop for the girls' Halloween costumes. Home for bike ride with E while husband took M on longer bike ride. E can't go too far because she's still on training wheels. E and I did 2 mile loop in neighborhood. Then home, dinner, quiet evening around the house.

2009-10-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Have to re-evaluate all that I'm documenting. I need to focus more on what is going on within household. Have done a great jobs on breakfasts and an okay job on lunches for the kids. The main problem with lunches have been keeping the "treats" in the house. I buy two weeks worth of lunch treats (pirate booty, fruitabu, etc.) and two days later they've been consumed by the teenager. And then there's the issue of what the girls actually eat in their lunches. I'm still trying to finesse the school lunches without going into a monster lunch rut. Because of the afternoon schedule, I'm still having issues with dinner. Every night there is a nutritionally balanced menu available, but some nights it's quesadillas (cooked on the stove, with spinach and meat in the quesadilla) or sandwiches with salad. At some point, I will sit down with all the cookbooks and the cooking magazines and figure out more dinner recipes to cook for the family.
Other than that, I need to hold a monster garage sale and get rid of a ton of stuff, and do more to get my feet under me with regards to the house and the clutter. Dog has been neglected as new schedule has been put into place. Exercise has been hit and miss due to new schedule and a sick Elisabeth. Days have been very much kid - based, which is how it should be. Lots of playdates, kid stuff. It's been very good to be a kid in my house.
Extended family soap opera continues.

Salmon Days 2009 results

2009-10-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Time was 36:52. Place was 30/44 of my age group, and 292/457 of
females.
I think it's a personal best. Ran about a mile or so with Mr. Longman
before he sped up. Enjoyed b.s.- ing with him during the mile.
Always fun to lightly discuss politics with a polar opposite while
running ...

Catching up

2009-09-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

1 week ago, life got not fun. There's been a ton of prayer, a ton of
sleepless nights, a good blubbering session at the back of church
yesterday, and quite a few halleleujahs.
Monday, did class, walked dog the 3 mile loop, picked up E from vsh,
then all heck broke loose with the Bama about Ali. Picked up M from
school, took girls to swimming, did dinner, homework with girls, then
ran to class at BCC. Decided that within the fireworks of homelife,
that time wasn't good to tackle night classes. Came home from class,
debriefed and strategized with husband over a few glasses of wine,
then bed after 1 a.m.
Tuesday got all girls to school, then hit the gym for a 5k. Hashed
all out (nicely) with the Bama and life settled, or so I thought.
Walked dog the 3 mile loop, then spent rest of day at home cleaning
and decluttering. Got all girls home from school, did quick playdate
with the neighbors, got dinner on the table, then went to Ali's
curriculum. It was a lovely night, seeing her teachers and hanging out
with fellow Senior parents, until it was interrupted by a phone call
from Alabama. Father was calling to find out what was going on with
Ali. She'd texted him, he tried to call back, and no one bothered to
answer the phone. So because of his conversation on Monday with the
Bama as she was rallying her reinforcements about coming after me with
regards to Ali, and Ali's texts, he was panicking. On top of that, he
was at Grandma's - she was sick. But that's a whole different matter.
So Tuesday night at the high school was spent in a back corner of
campus trying to settle family fireworks between Alabama, North Bend,
and home. Another evening where my divorced parents have come
together to bully me into doing what they think is best with regards
to the 17 year old. Neither of these people has raised a child, and
with at least 3 marriages for each of them, they really aren't ones to
discuss good family relationships.
But I digress... Tuesday night - another lovely, sleepless night
spent wondering what will hit next.
Wednesday morning got girls to school and spent morning at home in
basic recovery from the previous 48 hours. Cleaned and decluttered.
No class, no walk for dog. Picked up kids at schools, then playdate
for a while at the beach before going to Al's xc meet. Finished up
with that at 7, then hit Olive Garden for dinner. Salad and mac and
cheese for the girls. One step better than McDonald's. Home late,
got girls to bed, and puttered around house. Eric home late from San
Jose. Oh yeah, Grandma went to hospital 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.
Whole different subject. Now she's going to be okay.
Thursday got up and got girls to school, hit the gym 2 miles, then
talked Alabama with Bama, then home to walk dog, returned books to BCC
(huge sigh of relief -$175 later), met Bama at Trader Joe's for bad
sushi, got dogfood, cleaned up more yardwaste at Andrews St house,
then picked up girls, home, "normal" night at home for homework, etc.
Dinner, cleanup, more discussion, debriefing, etc. over more glasses
of wine. Then bed late again ...
Friday had Leila with us all day. Got girls to bus stop, then E,
Leila and I took dog for walk with neighbors. 3 miles with girls in
stroller.
Playdate here with Rachel joining the group, then McDonald's for late
lunch, quick grocery run, trip to the park, then movie on the couch.
Playdate after school with McKinkey, then M to soccer, then everyone
home and to bed.
Saturday walked the dog 3 miles, then did 2 miles on the treadmill,
then 30 minutes on the elliptical. Home, then took girls to the park
with Isabella and her sister and Elizabeth. Ended up in the cul de
sac on bikes and scooters. What bliss. Truly. Husband got steaks
and artichokes for dinner. Al was out with Ryan from 1:30-9ish.
Another evening of hashing through the Ali, Bama, Dean, Alabama soap
opera. Too much wine, stayed up too late, then another sleepless
night with the mind spinning.
Sunday got up and got us to church. Walked in and the song was,
"strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord". I completely lost it,
then composed myself and went back into church to the next song,
"blessed be the name of the Lord". Lost it again. Enough said. Then
the verses on the program were Psalm 103: 8-14. Again, I lost it.
Rest of the day was spent puttering around the house and doing the
monster grocery run.
Sat out by fire last night, more hashing through the family soap
opera, but bed earlier. Fell asleep to Ken Burns National Parks on PBS.

2009-09-23T00:13:00.001-07:00

Life has been absolute hell with all the family soap opera drama that's been going down. And it's all been as an attack on my "unit of five" - from other, outside, well-meaning members of the family (i.e. my parents, who have been divorced since before I was born, who each have at least 3 marriages to their names, and neither of whom have actually raised a child so have NO CLUE as to what it takes to be a family). I wish I had something good to write, but life has been pretty much consumed with phone calls between North Bend, Alabama, and home.
I'm tired, cranky, and emotionally beat. And done. Can I just quit yet? Please? There are much more important things to pay attention to - as in the 3 children who have not done anything to deserve the fireworks that surround them. Focus on the babies - ignore the Bama and the Grandpa Dean who have made their choices (3+ marriages each, and who have both alienated their families) and focus 100% on creating a good life for the innocents - the babies (the 17, 6, and 4 yr olds)

2009-09-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 14, I was able to do class, then 2 miles with dog,
then another 2 miles with dog and E on her bike.
Tuesday I got girls to school, then did a 5k on the treadmill, then
walked dog the 3 mile loop. Ran errands for rest of day.
Wednesday - Friday had E with me so stayed home and had relatively
quiet days at home.
Struggled with stupid Bellevue Community College about upper level
Spanish class. Wasted two days on that, but God bless Beatrice
Bongiorno for her help. If only the others at BCC were as
conscientious about their jobs and students as she is.
Hit Andrews St house and mowed lawn and continued to trim
trees. Lots of work at that house - more than the yard waste tote can
handle, but the Bama doesn't want that I grab the pickup truck and do
a dump run. A bit frustrating, but oh well. My beautiful yard has
been neglected and then some. There are no more flower beds. The
trees are way overgrown and the suckers sent up by the contorted
filbert tree are 20+ feet high and as thick as my arm. Now there's a
monster pile of weeds, clippings, and branches awaiting empty
yardwaste totes.
Spent weekend moving back into kitchen at cabin.
Home with laundry and a big workload for the week. All girls are
healthy. Hoping for a full week of school for all.

September 8 - September 12

2009-09-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here I am, attempting to catch up once more.
Tuesday after Labor Day, got Al and M off to school, then had only E
home with me. We did the 2 mile loop with dog, with E on her bike.
Other than that, the day was full of errands and puttering around the
house to get E's things ready for school - such things as sewing the
elastic on her slippers for school, getting her backpack ready, making
sure to have everything in order for a smooth household transition.
Finished the day with a playdate with the neighbors. Dinner, cleanup,
bed routine. Attempted to introduce M to the English translation of
Petit Nicolas, but she wasn't too taken with it so we just did one
story from it.
Wednesday got all three girls up and off to school. I'm really not a
fan of the school district's Wednesday schedule. The elementary
schools start early and get out 2 hours early, and the high schools
start 2 hours late, which means that there are 4 of us that have to
leave the house at the same time. Quite a bit of commotion and
competition for sink, hot water etc. within a 1 hour period. Got all
girls to school, dropped off $ and paperwork at high school for Al,
then was able to go to yoga for the first time since June. Did class,
walked dog the 3.2 mile loop, then picked up kids from various
schools. Had to run a few errands with girls in tow, then home at
5:30 - rushed to get dinner on the table, read with girls, then normal
routine.
Thursday the "free mom" schedule was shot. I got girls up and to
schools, dropped off more papers at high school for Al, then 5k at
Gold's. Home to pick up tools and dog, then drive-thru for lunch to
take to Andrews St. house to work on yard. Spent the rest of day
there (3.5 hours) until pick up time for girls. Got girls, quick
playtime with neighbor, then ran to state park for Al's xc meet.
Teriyaki for dinner, then regular evening routine. And even with take-
out for dinner, we still had a ton of dishes. I'm not quite sure how
that happens.
Friday, got M and Al out the door, then low key morning with E. We
ran to Target and to soccer supply store before picking up Al for her
senior pictures. Got Al cleaned up and dropped off for senior pics,
then spent the next two hours keeping E entertained during Al's
picture session. Home for monster neighborhood playdate in cul de
sac, then a quick dinner and soccer for M. Al refereed a game that
was happening simultaneously. Then home, and regular routine.
Saturday I got up early and did the Iron Girl 5k. 38:52 was my time.
I'm not improving in time, but I am now able to do a slow run without
having to stop. As my endurance gets easier, I'll be able to speed
up, I hope.
Came home and walked dog 3.2 mile loop, then took over Mom duty from
husband. Did a beach playdate, then ran to get birthday present for
neighbor and party food for Al's party at Christian's. Little kid
party at the neighbor's until 7:30, then got girls cleaned up and
ready for bed. Al had a sleepover after Christian's party - they came
in after 11.

Sunday and Monday

2009-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday we skipped church - very long story. I went to the gym and treadmilled a 5k, then came home and spent quiet day with kids. We walked dog 2 miles with kids on bikes. Went through kids' clothes and sorted and cleaned house. Dinner was veggies from garden and cornbread. Quiet, tired evening. Bed early.
Monday got up and walked dog 3.2 mile loop. Home and out to run errands - Target, grocery store. Went to Costco, but they were closed for Labor Day. After errands rode bikes with girls, then rest of afternoon and evening spent puttering around the house and yard.

up to September 5

2009-09-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday - my birthday. Solo with kids because husband was building kitchen for me at cabin. Woke up, got M and A to school, then E and I got ready for playdate with Izzy. Did bikes in the cul de sac, played in backyard, and they played dolls and polly pockets (circa 1995, Al's old polly pockets) for 4 hours. M got home from school and had playdate with McK next door. Husband got home with flowers, champagne, and the makings for a lovely dinner, but we ended up ordering pizza because of time. Dinner, read with girls, got girls to bed, then unwind time for us and bed.
Friday we got girls ready for school, then husband took E to grandparents' house while I ran dog for 2.5 miles, then attempted treadmill at Gold's. After 1.5 miles on treadmill the knee ligaments started to hurt again so I quit after 1.75 miles. Was a bit frustrated to say the least. Did the leg lift / lower abs workout, then left in a frustrated mess.
Spent rest of the day dealing with more frustrating stuff and was at the end of my rope AND in tears, when I saw a good friend. Very very good to see her and we spent about 25 minutes at Target, catching up.
Then on our way out, I received a text from another long time friend with wonderful news. Her husband now has permanent resident status. Huge answer to prayers.
Home to pick up M at bus stop, then run her to Maren's birthday party. Husband and I fixed my birthday dinner and Al started throwing fits again - this time about her weekend plans. She seems to think there's no problem with her riding in boyfriend's car although his 6 months of needing to drive solo aren't yet up. AAARGH.
(although the resolution to this one was AWESOME - boy decided to drive to our house and have us drive them on date - yippee!!!)
Picked up M from Maren's birthday party, then we sat down to my birthday dinner. After dinner another quiet evening.
Saturday morning - got up at 7 to walk dog. Did a slow 2.5 miles with him, then home. Girls went out to breakfast and then to Grandma's house with husband. Because knee was sore I did the bodycombat class at gym, then 1 mile on treadmill. After, I ran a couple errands, then home. Girls and I worked on cleaning their rooms, then I fixed a late lunch for them. We then did a bike ride with M and E, where they rode bikes and I walked and ran alongside with the dog. They are very much enjoying making Mommy run.
Home and made dinner while husband ran Al and boyfriend to date night. I then got M to sleepover, the rest of us sat down to dinner, then another quiet evening until time to pick up Al and Ryan at date. I'm currently waiting for them, then home and bed.

2009-09-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Now that both girls are out of the stroller and on bikes, instead of pushing them in the stroller, I'm now forced to run to keep up with them. I'm so screwed!! Ha ha ha. Life is good.

Sept 2

2009-09-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

Got up and got A and M off to school, healthy breakfast in them, and healthy lunch for M to take. Went for a walk with E on her bicycle with training wheels and the dog. We covered 1.8 miles in about an hour. Long walk in terms of time spent with dog, but very short distance. E slowly gained confidence on her bike so that by the time we were headed home, I was having to run to keep up with her. For the first mile or so, I was holding on to her handlebars so she wouldn't be afraid, and holding back the dog with the other hand. My arms are very sore tonight :)
Came home from walk, meaning to leave immediately and run errands, but were waylaid by phone calls and other issues. Ended up in Bellevue at 11:30 where E and I had chicken caesar salad for lunch, then picked up E's and M's shoes, then more schoolclothes for them, then home to meet M's bus. After a few meltdowns, we finally made it to the park. We stayed at the park for about an hour, then I ran home while girls rode bikes home, dinner, reading time (which was disastrous because M was exhausted), then bed for the girls. Ryan came over to hang out with Al from 5-7. hmmmmm... no comment on that one.
After the girls were in bed, I cleaned the kitchen, made banana bread, folded laundry, and actually picked up a magazine for a couple of minutes. Until the interruptions started. Life is more important than magazines.
Je voulais me coucher tot ce soir, but that ain't gonna happen.

Sept 1

2009-09-01T23:14:00.001-07:00

Am solo this week so no walking dog early in morning or no attempts at church class. Got up at 6:30 with kids, we had a slow morning of playing, tv, I made zucchini bread and muffins, a bit of laundry.
At 11 a.m. we went to M's school to see her classroom, deposit school supplies, and meet her teacher. All went well.
Home for lunch of quesadillas for the girls, leftovers for me. Then ran to Bel Square for Ali to get and spend her birthday gift certificates. The girls and I played in the park until it started raining. We do live in Seattle, don't we? Dropped Al at cross country, then to vsh to drop off tuition check and figure out French.
Then off to Target to get last minute school supplies that we forgot, then grocery store to get 'school food'. Home, dinner, etc. Girls to bed, then cleaned house from day, then yoga with Rodney Yee, then some hellish workout with Jillian from "The Biggest Loser". I'm done for the day.

August 30

2009-08-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

2.8 slow miles with dog, church, lunch, birthday party, home and play,
kids to bed, then French.

2009-08-28T08:53:00.001-07:00

What a past few weeks. I'm ready for summer to be over and to get my house and my schedule back. How's that for ungrateful. I haven't run in a week - the dog hasn't been walked since Sunday, and that was for a quick 2 miles.
The house is a pit because I'm either with the kids doing an activity or picking up after them while they're on to the next activity. The first day of school I'll be spending the day cleaning and going through old clothes and old toys and making a rather large deposit to the clothing bank.
The kids have watched way too much tv. And we have yet to figure out a balance between playdates, errands, work time, and downtime. So the errands and housework are getting neglected for the kids - either their activities or their recovery time from playing too hard.
The pantry and freezer are empty of the bare necessities that we use to keep the house running. I need to make jelly and I have all the supplies, but I just need a night after the kids are in bed so I'm uninterrupted while I'm trying to cook and process the jelly and jars.
I have 40+ cups of shredded zucchini in my freezer, waiting to be cooked into zucchini bread, but again the same problem. Plus I'm out of buttermilk and baking soda. Who the heck runs out of baking soda???
On a whole different subject, I've been pretty good about getting a good, solid dinner on the table every night. And the girls have been very well fed with tons of fresh fruits and veggies.
The garden is overflowing with veggies that need to be tackled. That's this afternoon's project after the morning playdate, then taking the oldest child out to lunch for her birthday.
Okey dokey - enough venting. Life will get much easier next week once school is in session. I just want to get my feet under me with regards to kids, house, and the basics.

2009-08-07T08:51:00.001-07:00

Got up and walked dog, but knee still hurts so 3.2 mile run ended up being a run / walk. It's the little muscles on the outside of my right knee. Need to get back to doing squats, lunges, pliés, etc. to get my legs stronger so that running will not be so hard on my knees. Ran fine in Alabama when weather and girls permitted. Now that I'm home with available early mornings (5:30-7), treadmill, and hyper dog, the knee hurts. Need to take it easy for next few days until feels better. AARGH! I was so excited to be home and back into summer schedule.

Slowly Getting Back into Schedule

2009-08-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Have yet to walk dog. Poor dog.
Have spent last 2 days catching up on housework and trying to contain the clutter that exploded from our suitcases into the house. Have thoroughly cleaned Al's end of house, have tackled front room and dining room, scrubbed kitchen and rest of downstairs, have baked bread, worked in yard, bathed dog - he royally stank from being at Petsmart Pet Hotel for 11 days. Then we've done playdates within the neighborhood. Lots of kids roaming from house to house, but still at the age when moms are along. Very happy and good for both moms and kids, but the house is still a pit. Have made dinners with veggies from garden, eggs from neighbor, crab from the island, and home made bread. Pretty cool experience to be doing this pretty much from scratch - not just one meal, but consistently. Even home made salad dressing.
Woke up this morning at 5, then got up at 5:30 after hitting the snooze alarm a few times. Went to Gold's and was totally thrilled to be running easily. Neglected to stretch so right knee started hurting after 2 miles. I'm really not enjoying this aspect of missing Amy's class. Since I'm not doing the class every day, the workout schedule is pretty hit and miss. I need to get back into regular schedule, which means waking up at 5, hitting the church class or the gym, and hoping to walk dog somewhere in there.
Father arrives for visit in two days. House is not what I would wish it to be - still need to do a ton to get ready for his visit, but will probably (healthily) blow it off in order to play with kids or work out.
No matter what, life is good and blessed.

Home

2009-08-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Flew via Delta / NW Airlines to come home. The flights were great, the service was great, the flights were long, but the girls slept for a couple of hours on the late flight. Arrived at Seatac at midnight, then home and settled by 1:30 am. Girls woke up at 7:40 and we have just had a slow day of puttering. Washed stinky dog, worked in garden - pulled dead plants and weeds, and harvested zucchini, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Lettuces have bolted and gone to seed. Girls played outside and raided garden for strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes while I was out with dog and in garden.
Have unpacked, cleaned house halfheartedly, and ran to grocery store and bank. I have 4 days until Father arrives, so 4 days to get house in order. No run, no walk. I'm hoping to get to bed at a decent hour so I can get up and go to class tomorrow morning and get my backside kicked :)

Alabama

2009-07-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Friday - left house at 3:45 for 5:55 flight. Checked in and got
Starbucks for girls and myself. Flight was decent, seating stank -
United airlines seems to think it's okay to separate small children
from their families and seat them alone. Aargh. Not fun to have to
battle to seat my girls with me.
Arrived at Birmingham at 2:30, then off to Grandma's for dinner.
After dinner, girls went to their grandfather's house to play with his
puppies. Then home, bathe girls, and settled in for evening.
Saturday morning got up and got girls breakfast. After they got
settled after breakfast I went to treadmill at Grandpa Dean's. Came
home, got us all cleaned up, then hit the produce market at the agri
building in oneonta. Gorgeous peaches, melons, zucchinis, squash,
tomatoes, okra, etc. sold out of the backs of pick up trucks. Then
we went to walmart, mcdonald's for lunch and home. Hung out between
grandma's house and grandpa dean's. Girls played with grandpa's
puppies. Then home, dinner, settling with books, and girls to bed. I
sat up and talked with grandma.
Sunday was church, lunch, then swimming at Maggie's house. Home,
dinner, girls to bed, etc.
Monday got up, got breakfast for girls, went and did treadmill, then
home to clean up and get girls dressed. Quiet morning at home, then
afternoon was spent at Bess's pool. Thank goodness for cousins and
pools.evening was same - dinner, settle in with books, bed for girls,
then I sat up talking with grandma.
Tuesday it rained - spent day puttering around house.
Wednesday got up, did 3 miles running on road, then got all of us
ready to visit Eliza Lee. Had a great visit with her - borrowed
stepmother's car to haul the grandma and aunt with us. Came home,
returned car, made appearance to meet father's guests and do a
picture. Then E stepped on some fireants so we made a hasty exit.
Home, quick dinner, etc.
Thursday I took girls to WalMart (20 miles away) to get food / other
necessities rather than going to the Dollar store, which is local.
Had lunch at Sonic, bought gas for car, then home. Up to grandpa
dean's house to play with puppies, then off to lisa's store. Home at
dinnertime, same evening routine.
Friday got up, got girls fed, then off to treadmill (only 1.8 miles)
Home, got all of us dressed, then ran to local pharmacy to get poison
oak treatment for M.
Home, then lunch with grandpa dean in Gadsden, then out to cemetary to
check Barbara's grave. Home, visited with Aunt Martha, then home and
evening routine. Took out frustrations on grandma's kitchen with a
dishrag and some baking soda. Oven, stove, and stove hood are clean.
2/3 of fridge is clean. Will finish kitchen tomorrow night.
Tomorrow we get to go back to swim at Maggie's. Yay.

July 22

2009-07-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

Did church kickboxing class then walked dog - 3.2 miles. Playdate at
Jen's from 10:30-12:30. Huge yay.
Then ran errands, home to pack, cook dinner, fold laundry, etc.

To July 18

2009-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday - walked dog with girls on bike and trike. Very slow 1.5
miles. But it will pay off with girls. Late to water park playdate
with girls, then lunch at Bel Square and pick up of Nordstrom pre-sale
stuff. Kids' shoes, Ali running shoes, my running shoes, face stuff,
and underwear. Home for 2 hour practice drive with Ali, then dinner,
etc.

Thursday - walked / ran dog 3.2 miles at 6 a.m., then quiet morning
with pick up sticks and connect 4 with girls. Left for noon meeting
with Running Evolution. YAY! Ran around Greenlake with short walking
breaks. Good info from her. Home, then drove with Ali from 3-4:45.
Played in cul de sac. Got dinner, got girls settled, then French
tutoring night. Husband home late so complete solo day. Promised
girls after driving stuff settled, life would be devoted to 'little
kid' activities.

Friday - got up and puttered with girls (slow morning with games) til
9:30. Then got Al to DOL to take her test. She passed. Now a whole
new can of worms with her...
Home for playdates at beach. With McKinley, then with Karen,
Jonathan, and Benjamin. Home at 6, dinner, bed for girls. Quiet,
tired evening.

Today - husband left early so girls got up with him, then I went down
with them before he left at 7:10. Puttered downstairs - paid bills,
cleaned bathroom, did laundry, cleaned kitchen, puttered with girls,
then walked dog 3.6 miles - much faster this time. 5k was under 38
minutes. Amazing how I can do when I'm not exhausted.
Had Isabella over from 1-3:45 - played in cul de sac, in pool, and ran
through sprinkler. Happy time, then got girls out to North Bend to
Bama's for her neighborhood picnic.

Last week

2009-07-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Tue - 1.5 miles with dog with hurt foot
Wed - 3.5 miles with dog with hurt foot
Thu - 3.5 miles with dog
Sat - 3.2 miles with dog, 3.25 miles on treadmill
Monday - 2.996 miles with dog.

Tue - Sat

2009-07-04T15:58:00.001-07:00

Island trip. Sick Tuesday and left for island. Packing of lots of
groceries and lots of food 1-1/2 weeks at cabin.
Wednesday-Friday at island, did 4 miles each day. 12 miles in 3
days. Decent, but no strength training or yoga. Trails were being
gravelled as I ran. Soft, cushy surface, but dusty. Not fun for
lungs or knees post - bad cold. Saturday is day off from running.
Only walked with dog today. And played lots on beach and ran back and
forth a gazillion times between clubhouse and home.

Thursday - Saturday

2009-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday woke up once again late. Got girls ready, walked dog 3
miles, then raced to town to get birthday present for one of M's
friends, a Trader Joes run, and do a quick deposit in bank. Home at
12:30 and over to McKinley's party with girls. Stayed until after 5,
then home to cram some good food into girls before the next shindig.
Got M to Grace's party, then home to tutor from 7-9. Al had a
sleepover - girls arrived after 9. Picked up M from her party, got
her to bed at 10, then puttered a while to straighten up before bed at
midnight.
Friday woke up at 7:30 (late again for dog or exercise). Got my kids
up and fed, and made muffins for sleepover kids. Got my kids dressed
and ready, then took dog for walk with Lisa and Braden. Girls in
stroller, mbt's, and dog for 4 miles. Not great workout, but the best
I could pull off, given the circumstances. I really need to figure
out summer schedule better so I don't backslide.
Then park with Jennifer and her kids from 1-3:30. Very fun time, both
for me and the kids. Came home, played in cul de sac with neighbor
kids, figured out dinner, fed kids, got them ready for bed, puttered
around house (tired, half-hearted attempt at cleaning up), then bed.
Al was out all afternoon and late with Ryan.
Saturday overslept because I thought I'd have a free morning. Was
woken up at 7:45 by a phone call from the Bama, asking me to run to
Costco and pick up 100 lbs of dogfood for her, and run it out with dog
crates, etc that had been delivered to our house the day before, to
her in North Bend. Home at 11:30, then quick walk with dog (3
miles). Rest of day with kids at parks. Dinner was chicken salad,
watermelon, and bread. Ice cream for dessert. Up late again - Al was
out from 12:30 til late with Ryan.

Today

2009-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Class, treadmill, and long loop with dog. Yippee

Catching up

2009-06-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

Friday - have no clue other than scrambling to get girls ready for
shirt pick up, thenoff to playdate with Natalie and Luke. Home and
puttering, dinner, etc.

Saturday got up, ran with very bad attitude the Fall City Fun Run,
pulled out $40 from acct and bought BBQ to take home for lunch. Home
for about 3 hours, then had to run Al to Joelle's recital, then to
Mattie's party. Home, clean up disaster of house until bedtime. Bama
brought leftovers from Rudy's service - dinner.

Sunday walked dog, then got us to church. Great worship time. Great
music. Home and puttered around house until 3:30 - father's day
barbecue at in-laws. Home after 7, then got girls settled and worked
on French.
Monday went to church class, then home. Walked dog (3 mile loop),
then got girls ready and did shirt deliveries. Lunch at U-Village,
then home, park, dinner for girls, tutoring til after 9. Al spent
afternoon and evening at Ryan's

Tuesday overslept and monster stupid fight with Al over walking dog.
Did 3 mile loop, then got house, girls, etc. cleaned up. Took Al job
hunting in town, then ran to Seattle to visit Andi and new baby -
girls had a fantastic time there. Home at 4:30, played outside,
dinner, bed for girls, then tutoring 7-9.
Al was at youth group, then spent night at Jessica's - home at 2 on
Wednesday.
Wednesday morning overslept. Playdate with Alison at park, then
puttered at home, then walked dog, then playdate with Siri, then back
to park. Mother in law arrived at 6 so husband and I could do date
night. We hit a local chain restaurant, then the local Home Depot for
kitchen building materials. Woohoo.
Home and in bed by 11:30. Al was with jessica until 2, then Ryan
picked her up at 2:30. With Ryan til 9.

June 14 - 17

2009-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Where has this week gone?
Sunday was spent at island. Walked / ran dog 2 miles. We left at
about 3:30.
Home and settled - unpacked, laundry, etc.
Monday got girls to school, then went to class. Home, walked dog,
picked up girls, then ran to grocery store (bare necessities), and I
have no idea how the rest of the day was spent - home just puttering
and getting ready for field trip on Tuesday. Big monster fight with
Al regarding Alabama, camp, driving, etc. It was pretty ugly and
really NOT fun. Would very much like that the fighting end.
Tuesday did the Bainbridge Island field trip. Woke up at 5 to walk
dog, then got girls and good ready for field trip. Home from field
trip, then played in backyard, ran a couple errands, then home,
dinner, and regular evening activities. Al was out at church, and
home after 10.
Wednesday was last day of vsh. Got girls to school then decided to
try to take full advantage of last morning. Did Amy's class, then did
treadmill at Gold's. Picked kids up at school, then home and spent
afternoon taking Al to boy's house. Home and rode bikes and played in
cul de sac. Dinner, got girls to bed, and started in with lesson
planning for French. Bed late.

June 11-13

2009-06-14T15:36:00.001-07:00

Thursday got up and got girls to school. Ran to mall to get birthday
present for grandmother and Father Day present for father - sent out
father day present, then ran home to meet M at bus. Mother-in-law was
waiting at home when I arrived from mall - I scarmbled to get 'stuff'
done around her - floors, laundry, etc.
Met M at bus, then got her to vsh. Met Kristina with dogs at
Starbucks and we walked the railroad tracks - 5 miles.
Picked up girls (including Al) at vsh, the dropped Al and fog at home,
then went to airport to pick up husband. Home, dinner, cleanup,
collapse into bed.
Friday woke up late, got Al and M to school, then packed and got house
ready for island trip. Left at 11:30 for island. Arrived at island,
hamburgers for dinner, little time on beach, then general settling
into cabin (unpacking, dusting, etc). After girls settled, I went to
bed at 9:30. Al came in at 10:55 (bit of scare for me), then we all
crashed completely until 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday, I fought waking up, but got up with girls at 7, had my
coffee, shower, etc. then took dog for a walk (4.5 miles). Home,
then got girls cleaned up, then we hit the beach til 12. Lunch was
tuna sandwiches with celery and ice cream at the clubhouse. Worked on
cabin (more general cleanup), then back to beach, then afternoon movie
for quiet time for the girls. More beach time with the girls, then
cabin for dinner. Dinner was Garrido's lime cilantro sweet potatoes,
chicken, salad. We all got to bed late.

June 10

2009-06-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Got up and chopped canteloupe and strawberries to go with muffins for vsh snack. Got girls up, breakfasted, made lunches, got them dressed and to school. Hit yoga class, then home to walk dog. Only did 1.7 miles because of time constraint. Aargh - am very much looking forward to the time when my day isn't quite so chopped up. Got M at bus, then picked E up at vsh. Played at vsh for a while, then home to play in backyard and putter. Girls raided garden for strawberries and peapods while I weeded and watered, until Al got home from school. Took Al out to Kit's Camera to work on Photography project, then girls out to dinner ($43 - aargh). Home and played in front yard with neighbors until 6. Then clean up, quiet time,and girls to bed. Now for me to get to work on house, packing for cabin, etc.

June 9

2009-06-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Got all of us up and to school. I worked in M's class today until
10:45, then raced home to walk dog (3 miles). Picked up M at bus
stop, then took her to vsh. I ran to the grocery store, then home to
clean house a bit. Picked up girls, got M to playdate at neighbor's
house, then took E with me to drive Al out to boy's house.
Home and played a while at neighbor's, then dinner for kids - turkey
sandwiches and sliced apple. Got them to bed late, then went out and
watered, then came inside to make muffins for snack tomorrow. Cleaned
kitchen, did wii fit for a few minutes, now bed.

June 8

2009-06-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

Got up and got girls to school. Went to yoga, then home to walk dog (2.3 miles). Picked up M at bus stop, then E at VSH. Ran home to change girls' clothes (they were worse than filthy - a very good day at school), then ran errands. Gilman Village, Target, then Red Robin for early dinner. E got a nosebleed as we were waiting to be served - very tired little girl - but it ended and all was well. She ate her pizza and part of M's hamburger. Home and played in yard, watered garden, weeded, etc. At 5 I pulled girls in and we read books on couch. We did the Disney book version of The Jungle Book, then introduced girls to real Kipling. M was interested and paid attention through the end of the intro - where Mowgli is accepted into wolf pack - about 15 pages - yay.
Joelle came over to hang out with Al, I tackled kitchen and stove (took SOS pads to the drip pans), did floors, vacuumed stairs, hallway, tackled all papers on desk, kitchen counter, kitchen table, etc.
Al's babysitting for neighbors so I'll be up late waiting for her to get home.

June 7

2009-06-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Not a good day. Had signed up to do 5k run in Seattle, but life
happened.
Got up and got husband to airport at 7. Then stopped at Starbucks
drive thru to get scones for girls for breakfast. Home, fed girls
yogurt and fruit before they could have scones. Then attempted to
straighten house / kitchen while girls did crafts at kitchen table. M
had tired kid meltdown which woke Al up. She watched them while I did
loop two times with dog - 6 miles? So didn't do 5k, but did 6 miles
with dog - has to count for something. Came home, got all of us
cleaned up, then lunch and nap. After nap played outside, then off to
grocery store for bare necessities groceries (yogurt, tomatoes,
cucumber, avocado, ice cream, wine). Came home and did pasta and
salad for girls for dinner. I made tabouli for me. Then ice cream
for dessert.
Got kids to bed, then cleaned kitchen and downstairs. Al fussed for a
while about iPod and necklace, then I vegged for about an hour. Now
bed. Not as early as I had hoped.

June 4 - 6

2009-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday -
Got girls up and ready for school. Took M to school because of zoo
field trip. Then was late getting E to school. Vsh teacher was sick
so subbed for her in afternoon around picking M up from field trip.
Had morning to work on house and walk dog (3 mile loop), then subbed
at vsh until 3. Cleaned up there, then grabbed girls and ran Al to
doctor for ear infection. Then spent an hour at Target, waiting for
prescription to be filled. Got 4 pair shoes for Al, then home and
dinner. M and E had tired kid meltdowns - did I mention that temp on
Thursday hit 94 or so? They both had further meltdowns at bedtime,
but were asleep within 5 minutes. Husband was working on cabinets at
Darren's house. Cleaned kitchen, cleaned house, stretched, and bed.
Big, crazy storm hit so we stayed up in the dark watching the wind
whip everything around.
On Friday I chose to not wake the kids up, letting them sleep in if
they would. And of course, all 3 were awake by 6. Had a slow
morning, and got girls to school. E ran errands with me - bank,
grocery store, Target, etc. Then home and had vsh kids (9 of them)
over from 12:30-4. Very fun for all, I think. Then husband home
early - we barbecued, did salad, and mashed potatoes. Cleaned
kitchen, folded laundry, etc.
Saturday morning got Al to SAT, then home to walk dog. Did short walk
because of rain, then to Gold's for 5k. Back under 40 minute 5k -
yay. Then home and puttering around house with girls and husband.
Spent day at home, with boy over to visit Al. Left at 3:45 to do
spaghetti feed in Snoqualmie with the girls. Home from that by 6:30.
Quiet evening home with husband. Al was babysitting for old neighbors
and was home late.

June 2-3

2009-06-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

June 2 - stayed home other than to run kids to and from school.
Accomplished some, but house is still a wreck. Tuesday afternoon put
away more laundry, prepped dinner, swept front porch, and cleaned
cobwebs from around front door, window, and walls around front porch,
vacuumed upstairs, dealt with piles of papers on kitchen counter and
kitchen table, then went to deliver Popsicles at school. Afternoon
with girls was in backyard with sprinkler and swingset while I watered
garden and rockery. Dinner, cleanup, etc. Finally hammered out plans
for car retrieval and Alabama trip.
June 3 - woke up late (6:30) and tired, and knees sore. Hmmm
Got girls to school and decided to skip class because of knees and
tired. This is I think the first time I've skipped class. Came home
and walked dog (2.5 miles), then puttered around house. Picked up
girls at school, then had beach playdate with Sam and Dannen. Home
from beach, then hit grocery store and take out Chinese for dinner.
Played a while in backyard, watered, cleanup, then collapse 90 degrees
today.
Momentous items from June 3 - talked to Shoshone County Assessor and
he lowered assessed property value from outlandish $80,000 to
$53,000. Only about 7 or 8 times its true value :)
Boy's mom emailed Al, asking if she wanted to join them on their trip
to California this summer. Hmmm...
Bama once more flipped out over car retrieval plans. Aaargh. Super
aargh.
I'm very much tired of the fight. Constant fight, either with Bama or
Al.
Really not a fun day politically, but oh well.
But ... one highlight of the day was the meeting of the minds with
Sam's mom over AP versus stupid Running Start. Sometimes when I begin
to question if I'm doing right and thinking right I am blessed by
others and their totally unsolicited commentary.

May 31-June 1

2009-06-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday I got up and walked dog short loop - only 2.5 miles. Came home
and cleaned up, then ran to pick Al up at Skyline from Relay for Life
at 8 a.m. Dropped her at home, then went to lululemon for a workout
class with mbt's. Class was physically fine. Tough, but okay. I
kept up with the marathoners and the hard core people ( who all were
working pretty hard) in the class, which, for me, is pretty
fantastic. What wasn't fantastic was how I was treated by the
teacher. I guess I don't look hardcore enough. Still looking like an
out of shape fat chick. Oh well, am slowly getting there.
Came home and puttered around house with kids. Weeded, watered,
planted last plants in garden, pushed kids on swings, etc. Cooked
dinner, cleaned up, and attempted an early bedtime - I think around
10:30 or so.
Monday got up at 5:30, walked dog, then got girls to school, then went
to class. Yippee! Home from class, attempted to clean house for a
few minutes, then got girls at school, went to swimming, grocery
store, then home. Got dinner made (cornbread, chicken, salad), then
normal evening routine ...
Ali was at Spanish club til 9:30 - attempted to get to bed early, but
once more failed at that.

Tuesday morning

2009-06-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

June 2.
I skipped all activities and went into hermit mode in order to attempt
to catch up on my disaster of a house.
I'm listing what I've done in order to feel better about my morning,
because right now the house still looks pretty darn bad.
Cleaned bathrooms, cleaned kitchen, weeded front flower beds, 2 loads
of laundry put away, cleaned entryway, sewed one blankie, paid cell
bill, did banking, swiffered floors, unpacked toy bag from cabin,
cleaned out area under kitchen sink, cleaned dog stuff in yard. Washed all windows on lower level, which the dog subsequently licked. Am
now off to pick up M at bus.

May 24-29

2009-05-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday and Monday - walked dog 2 loops (4.5 miles) each day with Karen
and her dog. We played on beach, had Karen and Steve and kids, and
Brian and Laura over for dinner, and just basically played both days.
Came home Monday to another run-in with Al and the Bama.
Tuesday worked in M's classroom, then walked dog (2.5 miles), then met
M at bus, hit treadmill at Gold's (5k), then grocery store, then
picked up girls, then home. Made anniversary dinner - French onion
soup, green salad, crab dip, creme brûlée. Ate, cleaned kitchen,
etc. Nice evening with husband.
Wednesday got girls up and off to school. Went to yoga, then home to
walk dog. Picked up girls, then came home and attacked their
bedrooms. Picked Al up at school at 3:45 - she showed up at 4:15 -
they had to make a detour on their run due to bear sighting. Then
went to Red Robin for dinner. House stuff, then bed.
Thursday woke up early to walk dog before girls woke up. Got girls up
and off to school, then ended up "wasting" day - good day socially and
mentally, but house was still awful.
Friday got up early - did 5:30 church class, then got M to bus.
Walked dog with E in stroller (2.9 miles), then home for playdate with
Isabella. Picked M up at bus, then monster playdate here and Siri's
house.
Ok led up 5k packets at 4, then home, play outside, dinner, cleanup, etc
Al had kids over for relay for life - they left at 10.
Saturday - coffee, dressed, then Issy 5k, then home, Al to fundraiser,
then errands with girls - haircuts, shoes, grocery store, farmers
market for plants. Home, then beach with girls. Dinner of leftovers,
then girls to bed, cleanup and bed wishfully early, but really after 10.

May 21-23

2009-05-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

Thursday got girls up and off to school. The Bama had borrowed my car
while hers was in the shop and when hers was fixed, I had her leave my
car at the shop for them to do oil change and other small things. My
car was finished so Thursday's walk consisted of walking into Issaquah
from my house to pick up the car. It only took about 45 minutes and
it is pretty empowering to realize that I can do such things. Picked
up car, then came home to meet M at bus. Got her to vsh, then did 4
mile loop with Marcy and her dogs. Picked up girls from vsh, then
picked up car tabs, ran to bank, got teriyaki take out, then home to
play in back yard. Cleaned and packed for island trip, entire evening
was periodically interrupted by nastiness with Al over weekend and
packing. Had 2 large margaritas, then bed.
Friday morning was rough. All 3 girls were tired and unmotivated to
get ready for school. Got M off to school (after much daydreaming -
her, and much hollering - me), then did Target run, then Costco run,
then quick grocery run before M's bus brought her home.
Got M at bus stop, made brownies for Al's fundraiser, and finished
last minute house and packing for island. Went to get Al's bags and
they weren't packed so I quickly grabbed clothes for her, packed car,
grabbed girls, and left. Dropped off brownies and Al's clothes at
Amy's house, then picked up husband at in-laws' house and hit the
road. Arrived at cabin around 9. Unpacked, got girls to bed, then
bed for us.
Saturday got up and got breakfast for girls, then did 2x around island
(4.25 miles) with dog. Got myself cleaned up, then hit the beach with
the girls. There was a super low tide so we were able to go way out
on the beach all around the island. We spent a good part of the day
on the beach, then home for girls to have a nap. I started to read,
but was happily interrupted by visit from friend. Yay. We spent
afternoon chatting on the deck. Dinner was at Captain Scooter's, then
s'mores on the campfire. I drank a bit too much - 2 margaritas, 2
mojitos, and a greyhound - from about 2pm til 9 pm. So was very much
sick all night. How absolutely stupid of me. I so know better. After
campfire, got girls to bed, then I went to bed. Or at least attempted
to ...

May 20 and 21

2009-05-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

Got girls up and ready for school. Al was running late so we had to
go back home to pick her up after running M to bus stop. Ran by bank
to get money for Al on way to get Al and E to school. Got everyone to
school, then got to do yoga class. Home from yoga to walk dog (1.75
miles), then got M from bus. M went ice skating with McKinley and E
napped from 1:15-3:30. I attempted to clean upstairs and downstairs
during that time. Played outside with girls, then got dinner ready.
Husband came home and I left him with girls to go run errands. Went
to Aaron Brothers to get girls' pictures framed, then went to Bel
Square to Wiliams-Sonoma to pick up Bbq items for husband for Fathers
Day / anniversary. Home at 9 to Al tirade about facebook postings and
the ensuing firestorm. Laundry, then bed.

May 13-19

2009-05-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

It would be so nice to have the time daily to write this. I'm
catching up from last Wednesday.
Wednesday, got the girls to school, Ali with a starbucks giftcard for
herself and Emily pre-AP English test. Went to yoga class, came home,
walked dog (2.5 miles). Got M at bus, then home for rest of day.
Cleaned, cooked, etc.
Thursday got girls to school, then home to walk in neighborhood. Did
6 miles, then to bus to pick up M. Took her to vsh, then walked the
railroad tracks trail with dog. Another 6 miles. Dog got 12 miles.
Yay. Picked up girls at school, then ran to Bel Square for dinner for
girls, then off to Inglemoor HS for Al's track meet. Home at 8:30.
Got girls bathed and in to bed.
Friday morning got M to school then walked to school with E in
stroller for school program. Came home, met M at bus stop, then did
playdate hosted here and at park, then off to costco to sell carseat.
Grocery store trip after costco was interrupted by call from Al,
letting me know that boy had shown up unannounced and was at house.
Raced home, played outside, dinner, cleanup, and bed.
Saturday I walked dog (4 miles) with neighbor, then ran quick errands
(drycleaners, etc.) before picking Al up after slumber party. Home,
playdate at park with M, playdate at home with Isabella, then took
husband to pick up his new toy, grocery store, and home. Play,
dinner, cleanup, bed.
Sunday walked dog (4 miles), went to new church, then to mall with M
and E. Al was at old church with boy, and spent afternoon at his
house. At mall had sushi / teriyaki for lunch, then got bike shorts
for girls, 2 pr. yoga shorts for me, and some smaller summer clothes
for me. Yippee. From mall, picked up Al in almost Caenation, then
home. Played outside, turned sprinkler on to run through, bad dinner
of omelette and baked potato, cleaned up, bed.
Monday I went to church workout 5:30 class, then home to get girls
ready for school. Did car switch with the Bama, then home to walk dog
(4 miles) and clean house. Tackled 1/2 of Al's shower. Not fun. Got
M at bus stop, got E from vsh, picked up dog and cat food from pet
store, got smoothies, then off to swimming lessons. Grocery store
(leftover from Friday's failed attempt), dinner, cleanup, made vsh
snack for Tuesday, bed.
Tuesday got up, made berry salad for vsh snack to go with muffins.
Got girls up and ready for school. Got all girls delivered to
schools, went to get a waxing. Home to walk dog (2.5 miles), then met
M at bus stop. After getting her to vsh, I went to Gold's, did my 5k
(40:06 - ouch), then ran errands. Target for bare necessities (tp,
sunscreen, toothpaste, razors, etc). Picked up girls at vsh, came
home, husband worked more on kitchen so we were solo for dinner (yay -
easy salad and sandwich). Cleaned up, laundry, floors, etc.
Stretched and then bed.

May 8 - May 12

2009-05-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Friday got up and got Al and M off to school. Al took AP US History test up by boy's high school so spent the rest of the day fighting with her about boy logistics. Really not fun.
Spent morning with E, puttering around house. Got M from bus, fed girls lunch, then got ready for "playdate". Playdate involved running up to Kirkland to get run packet with another mom and kids, then back home to play in backyard and house. More fireworks with Al over the phone over boy. Both grandmas came over to deal with kids. Husband and I went out to Pearl restaurant. Very good restaurant. Rough day and night.
Saturday woke up and ran with dog and neighbor - 3 miles. Then came home, cleaned up, then puzzles, keys, etc. with girls. Took off to Costco, Lowes, grocery store to gather Mothers Day fixins, and dropped off flower basket to mother in law. Home and playdate at park with neighbor. Then flu really hit hard and I collapsed at about 5. Husband ordered pizza and got girls to bed. More fights with Al over boy.
Still sick Sunday morning, but got up and ran Kirkland 5k. Without any food since Friday night, and not too much water, and STUPID HILLS, I did a 39:50. Not great, but okay considering the factors.
Came home, cleaned up, and basically had quiet day. Did barbecue just for us, Bama dropped a pie over and ended up having dinner with us. Quiet evening, then bed.
Monday hit the ground running ...
Got girls up and ready for field trip to Aquarium. Carpool kid was dropped off, then another mom and her little boy came over to ride to Aquarium with us. Did Aquarium, then Spaghetti Factory as part of field trip. Home to pick up swimsuits and towels for swim lessons, dropped off field trip carpool boy at his house, then to swim lessons. Home, dinner, clean up , and bed.
Tuesday got all girls to school with lunches, then off to M's classroom to volunteer. Home at 11 to walk dog (3 miles), then met M at bus, and took her to vsh. Did 3.5 miles on treadmill, then did quick grocery run, bank run, picked up girls.
Picked up cruddy furniture from evil two-faced, lying, fat, lazy-ass, pedicured and fully bon-bonned witch who talked on phone while I was loading 6 foot table into back of Suburban. Ran the glass topped table out to Bama's house in North Bend. With girls in car. Not a fun trip. I truly hope that all this running around after garbage is worth it to her.
Then home, dinner, cleaned kitchen, and lazy evening. Will fold laundry, etc. tomorrow. Should probably go back to triscuit / applesauce / cheese stick diet. Flu still hasn't passed completely. Aargh.

May 7

2009-05-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Got up and got little girls dressed and ready for school. Al slept in because of many late nights of AP prep. Got girls and dog loaded into car, then missed bus because Al was slow. Took M to school, where Al walked her in. Then got E to school, then Al to school. Back to M's school for the Mother's Day Tea. Left the Tea with M in tow - I guess when there's a Mother's Day Tea, the rest of the school day is cancelled. Must be nice.
M and I walked dog on short walk (1.8 miles), then I got M to vsh, then I ran to gym to run on treadmill (3.5 miles - the 5k portion was 39:42, not great, but getting better). After gym, ran errands (bank, mailed pkg #2 to Grandma,etc.) then picked up girls at 2:45, then home. M had a playdate from 3:30-5. E and I worked on Grandma Sharon's birthday present. We went to get M from playdate, then home for dinner. Husband went out with in-laws tonight to celebrate Grandma Sharon's birthday. I stayed home with kids. Long story, but I'm not upset about staying home. The consequences of a late night dinner on a 4 and 6 year old are not worth the going out.
Bama called and we fussed over renter from hell situation. This woman is a royal B and is just putting my mom through the ringer over the stupidest stuff. And my mom is killing herself to cater to her. Aargh.
Cleaned kitchen, am staring at a pile of laundry that needs to be folded and put away which I should probably do. Or maybe swiffer the floors, or go tackle the disaster that is my bedroom ...

Wednesday

2009-05-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Got up, got girls to school, then to yoga. Home to walk / run dog
2.25 miles, then met M at bus. Picked up E at vsh, then grocery
store, then home. Worked on computer while girls had a 'nap'. Did
French stuff on computer (set up contract and curriculum), and worked
on recipe obligations from last week.
Bama came over and brought pie. We all sat around and ate pie, then
fight with Al over phone issues, then folded laundry, did floors,
cleaned kitchen, stretched, did more computer stuff, conversed with
husband, and bed.

May 1-5

2009-05-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday night was solo. Husband was at motorcycle class. Hit
grocery store, then home and fed girls dinber, then off to track meet
for Al
Friday ran with Julie, dog, and E in double stroller. We did 2.7
miles. Then to store to get supplies for playdate. Met M and Maren
at bus, fed them sandwiches and apples, then took them to zoo. $50
admission plus $20 for Popsicles. And stupid parking was $5 I think.
Home from zoo at 5. Dropped Maren off, then prepared house and food
for mom night - 5 guests and lots of food. Lots of leftovers.
Saturday was also solo because of husband's class. Got up, got Al to
SAT, then ran through Starbucks drive thru for scones for the girls as
bribery for getting them up and out so early. Stayed home, then
friend from high school came over with her 3 girls. We had a late,
simple lunch, then the girls played and did beads. Boy came over for
Al and stayed from 2-7 when I kicked him out. Quiet evening at home.
Went to bed early, but M got sick and was up all night vomiting, which
means that I was also up all night.
Sunday was also solo. M felt better so we went out running around.
Signed up for runs at footzone, then hit mall for lunch and getting
glasses fixed. Ran to bead store to get clasps for necklaces and
bracelets for Mothers Day, then home. Husband was home so I left
girls with him so I could walk dog. It was a very slow, tired 3.7
miles. Then I went to Target, Costco, and PCC (for yogurt). Home,
dinner, girls to bed, clean up, and bed. Another late night.
Monday got girls to school, got house clean for day, went to 90 minute
yoga class, then home to walk dog. Only did 2.7 miles due to time.
Met M at bus stop, picked up E, then home for a while, then swimming.
After lessons, came home, got dinner ready, worked on keys with M,
then went to church meeting after girls went to bed. Home past 10,
and bed much later. Another stupid late night.
Tuesday got girls up and off to school, went to 60 minute yoga class,
came home to walk dog. Did 3 miles with him, then off to bus stop to
pick up M. Got M to vsh, then went to Gold's to treadmill 5k. I was
able to run over a mile without walking. First time ever. Yippee.
Did some banking, sent out Mothers Day pkg to Alabama, got gas for the
car, picked up kids, home, worked on mothers day projects with
them,dinner, clean up, finished up the mothers day necklaces (put
clasps on the finished necklaces), and bed at hopefully an early
hour. It's 9:20 already. Aaargh.

May 1

2009-05-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

Got up and got Al and M to school. After bus stop, I got E in
stroller, grabbed dog and neighbor and ran /walked 3 miles. Returned
home and cleaned and prepped for tonight's shindig. Ran to bank and
store, then met M and buddy at bus. Fed them quick lunch of
sandwiches and apples, then off to zoo. Home at 5, handed girls off
to husband, then finished prep for tonight. Girls night at our house,
clean up and bed now after I go upstairs. Am solo parent for rest of
weekend.

April 29 and 30

2009-04-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday got the girls up and off to school. Went to 90 minute yoga
class, then home to walk dog 2.9 miles. Got girls from schools, then
went into bad mommy mode and put on a movie for girls so I could clean
house. Cleaned, then we played outside for rest of afternoon until
time for Al's interview. Took al to interview, then took girls to
teriyaki for dinner. Got the girls ice cream (the bribe for no fussing
while we ran Al around), then grocery store for bare necessities for
lunches. Then home, bed for girls, cleanup, then bed for me (past
11pm).
Thursday got girls to school, then walked dog 6.411 miles with
neighbors. Picked up M at bus stop, then took her to vsh. Then home
to clean until time to pick girls up at vsh. Picked girls up, then
grocery run. Home and dinner for girls, then off to track meet. Home
at 7:30. Got girls cleaned up and in bed, tackled laundry, etc. And
now bed at 10:35.

2009-04-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Am awfully tired and discouraged. Would really like a few days to
just get feet under me in terms of house, organization, etc. While
still keeping on top of exercise and walking dog. Dog is insane and
very bad when not walked. I am very cranky if no endorphins. Life is
requiring much more than wine or drugs could compensate.

April 28

2009-04-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Got up and girls up and to school. Worked in M's classroom until
11:15. Then home and quick walk with dog. 2.8 miles. Picked up M at
bus stop and got her to vsh. Stopped at Target for new ($10)
headphones, then to gym for 5k on treadmill. Also did leg lift
machine which works lower abs. Did 60, but had to slow down around 40
because arms were slipping due to ick sweat factor.
Went home and cleaned up, cleaned out Suburban in order to haul stuff,
then off to vsh to get girls, then off to bad, evil lady's house to
pick up stuff for the Bama. Hauled it out to North Bend, dumped it
off, went through Starbucks drive-thru for cookies for girls and
frappuccino for me. Then to high school to pick up Al and buddies
from track. Home and made salad and baked potatoes for dinner.
Cleaned kitchen, swept floors, did laundry, and ordered bare minimum
groceries from Amazon while drinking glass of Pinot grigio with
husband. Am now to bed and not at all looking forward to early start
Wednesday. Will accomplish attitude adjustment while sleeping

April 27

2009-04-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Got up and got 2 oldest to school. Ran to store to pick up snack for
vsh, then dropped off E and snack at vsh. I had planned to skip yoga
to help a friend who subsequently cancelled. Returned home and walked
dog 4 miles. Should have done more, but got caught up in stupid
neighborhood politics.
Picked up M at bus, picked up E at vsh, then home to play in yard.
Ended up skipping swimming because we were super late and would have
had to leave early because of Al's interview. Monster little kid
meltdown because of skipping swimming, then saved by neighbor with 6
year old in need of playdate. Played there, then home to do dinner,
laundry, etc. Very thankful for the seemingly small blessings that
saved my day and my sanity today :)

April 25 and 26

2009-04-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

I actually got to sleep in until 8 a.m. Did puzzles with girls, girls
painted, we went down to beach, I set up computer at clubhouse for Al,
girls went sailing with husband, walked the trails in search of the
island skeleton, basic good island day. Did 3 trips to boat for
lifejackets. Otherwise very lazy day. Nachos for lunch, grilled
chicken, asparagus, onion, squash, and zucchini, and salad for
dinner. Then made mistake of making cookies.
Sunday got up at 7:30, got breakfast for girls, got cleaned up and did
4 miles with dog. Then home and puttered around cabin. Played on
beach, packed up, and left island around 3. Drove home, unpacked, got
kids to bed and was in bed by 9:30

Through April 25

2009-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Monday was my first day back into regular schedule after 2 weeks of
kids on Spring Break.
Monday I got all kids off to school with lunches in backpacks. Went
to 90 minute class, then home to walk dog 2.8 miles. Picked up girls,
puttered at home for a while, then swimming, home, dinner, cleanup,
and bed.
Tuesday was rough. I got kids to school, then off to work in
classroom. After that I walked dog only 2 miles. Then got kids to
vsh, then me to gym - only 2.25 miles on treadmill. I was completely
wiped out. Got girls from school, spent an hour at DOL with Ali, then
bad Mexican food with Bama, got girls home, cleaned up, then bed late
(after Bama-caused meltdown)
Wednesday got girls to school, did 90 minute class, then walked dog 2
miles, got girls and spent afternoon attempting to clean house. M had
playdate from 4-5:15, during which time I made dinner and attempted to
tidy more. Dinner, girls cleaned up and bed. Kitchen, laundry folded
and put away, then bed.
Thursday got girls to school, ran quick errand for teacher, then
home. Walked with Lisa and Lee 3/4 of Lakemont - 6 miles. Then home,
got lunch for Al, picked up M at bus stop and got her to vsh, then
dropped lunch off at school for Al. Walked with Marcy and Kristina -2
miles. Picked up girls, went to West Seattle for track meet ( until
7:30), then dinner at Oddfellows with Justin and David. Home very
late, but it was good for girls to be out in a good place in a good
environment. Home, girls cleaned up, and girls to bed. I got things
ready for island.
Friday - got Al and M off to school, then spent day getting house
ready and packed for island. Left at 5:45, after Al got home from
track, showered and packed.
Sandwiches and apples on the road for dinner. Arrived at cabin around
9.

Verse o' the Day

2009-04-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, and always excelling
in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor
is not in vain". 1 Corinthians 15:58
Any work that we are given should be treated as such.

"Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let
all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13,14

Sunday

2009-04-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

Got girls up and dressed. Got to new church, then to Target to pick
up playdough and other things. Realized that I'd left my wallet in my
coat so had no way to pay. Returned home, made lunch for girls,
cleaned yard, played outside, then walked dog 3.5 miles. Played some
more with kids. Got wallet, returned to target, made dinner while
kids played, then bed for them, clean up for me, and bed for me.
Decent day.

April 18

2009-04-18T22:19:00.001-07:00

Stayed up late with 2 generations of slumber party last night. Was awakened by the resident woodpecker tapping on our chimney at 7. Little kids woke up at about 7:15. Teenagers slept until 9 or so. Played checkers, did puzzles, etc. with little kids after breakfast until sleepover ended. Got dressed, got M and E dressed, then ran out to North Bend to take care of Bama's cats. Home at 12:45, then light lunch (edemame, cheese stick, tortilla) and nap for all girls. Even teenager. While they slept, I washed floors, cleaned bathrooms, went through outgrown clothes, and did a ton of laundry and cleaning. Girls got up, we played outside, got dinner in them, played a few rounds of go-fish, then I headed to airport to pick up Bama. Took dog with me so Al wouldn't have to stay downstairs with him. Got home from airport, got girls to bed, cleaned kitchen, stretched, folded laundry, and changed bed. je me couche maintenant. bonne nuit

Fwd: [no fajita smoke] Past Two Weeks

2009-04-17T23:47:00.001-07:00

Friday, April 3, we had the family birthday celebration for one of my daughters. We started the day with playdates for the kids, then I cleaned and prepped for the family birthday dinner. Dinner was fine and good. I cleaned up afterwards and was in bed before midnight.
Got up Saturday morning, walked the dog (4 miles), went to the gym (5k on the treadmill), then hit the grocery store for vacation groceries. Came home and packed (clothes for kids and myself, toys, food, and other supplies),and left for vacation to the cabin.
Cabin was great. Spent lots of time on the beach, playing with the kids, doing puzzles and projects. Not too much time was spent in front of the tv, which was fantastic. Was a bit sleep deprived because spent nights between snoring husband and dog snoring in his crate. Came home Wednesday mid-day. We stopped to get batteries for golfcart, then at Gymboree and Stride-Rite outlets for kid clothes and shoes. Kids swimsuits, tennis shoes, sandals, and pj's are taken care of.
Got home and started on pile of laundry and housework that had been put off during vacation.
Thursday the kids actually had a full day of school. I ran around chasing after stuff. It was a totally wasted day, but at least my efforts put a lot of "windmills" to rest. No more chasing after or fighting those efforts. I did get to walk the dog, and I got to do my 5k at the gym. Played outside after picking up girls at school.
On Friday, I got up at 4 a.m. to take my mom to the airport. Instead of coming home, I went straight to the gym (5k on the treadmill), stopped at PCC for breakfast treats for the girls, then came home and walked the dog. Husband watched girls until 11 a.m. so I spent morning working on rockery, prepping my raised beds in the garden, and planting lettuces, spinaches, cucumbers (which I later found out was way too early), squash, zucchini, basil, dill, cilantro, and moving some of my strawberry plants. I then took over "kid duty" for rest of the day. We went to the mall. I got underwear, undershirts,socks, and 3 spring / summer outfits for M, and a quick American Eagle run for Al for a few basics. Came home, cooked dinner, cleaned, etc. Got girls to bed, puttered around, and collapsed into bed, but stayed up until Al got home from playdate with Justin and Emily.
Saturday did Easter egg hunt in neighborhood, helped with clean up, then hit North Bend to take care of cats. Also hit outlets for Easter dresses for girls. And Target for Easter prep. There was not one piece of Easter candy at Target so went to Boehm's. More expensive candy, but I bought less which kept Easter sugar overdose in check. Came home and dyed Easter eggs with girls. Then cooked, cleaned, etc. Al was out at Sandya's party so I stayed up until she got home.
Easter Sunday I couldn't move - life and my lack of stretching caught up with me. My lower back was completely thrashed. Husband got up with girls and did Easter egg hunt with them in the house. I got up around 8:30 and we spent relatively quiet day at home until Easter dinner at in-laws' house. Al went to church with boy, then out to lunch and was home at 2:30. Dog was not walked. Left Easter dinner early because my back pain was too much. How wild is that? Came home, went to bed, and spent a long, sleepless night. Not fun.
Monday got oldest two off to school, then out to North Bend to take care of cats. Then E and I went to doctor appointment to check out back issue. After doctor appt, went to Target to get prescriptions filled. While I was waiting the hour to get the prescriptions filled, Al called. She and a friend had gone out to lunch, and friend got a flat tire in same shopping complex as Target. I got my meds, took girls back to high school, then home for rest of day. Husband took girls to swimming to keep me from having to be in car, then sitting during lessons. Yay. Dinner, cleaning, etc, then bed. Husband went out to dinner with friend so I was solo parent for rest of evening. Got girls to bed and asleep, then I tried to sleep. Soma is a great muscle relaxant for me, but I took the pill at 6pm and was still wide awake at 8:30, listening to my history of the Papacy. Not exactly a subject matter that would keep one wide awake. Finally fell asleep around 9:30.
Tuesday I got A and M to school, then watched another mom's little boy so she could work in M's classroom for me. I wasn't in any shape yet to be in a classroom. I'm working for her next week. It's not like she just subbed for me, but we traded. And she needed someone to watch her little boy so we could trade. Her little boy and E got along really well. Yay. After playdate ran errands (groceries, birthday present), then went to birthday party for one of M's classmates. Fantastic party and great time, but rough on a school night. Home late, got girls to bed, cleaned, etc. and crashed.
Wednesday got M and A to school, then watched another mom's baby so she could work in classroom. Her mother in law was undergoing cancer surgery so this mom had no one to take care of the baby so she could volunteer in classroom. This baby is the easiest baby I've ever played with. And E was completely occupied playing with her. It was a totally easy morning. After school, went to North Bend, took care of cats, then hit grocery store, and Costco. Once home we went to the park, then home to play and ride bikes in the cul-de-sac. Dinner, clean-up and bed. After a couple glasses of wine and 2 lemon drops. Rough afternoon in the cul-de-sac with long time neighbor - Al's words coming back to haunt me.
Thursday got A and M to school, then ran to North Bend to take care of cats. Home and tried to walk dog with E in stroller. Not the wisest idea with the current back issue. Only did maybe a mile. Then got M at bus stop and devoted rest of day to whatever girls wanted to do. We ended up playing in backyard (where I got to pull weeds, replant strawberries, trim bushes, and move bricks), then in cul-de-sac, then off to park. Home, dinner, etc. Husband had a last minute dinner mtg so we were solo again. Al got a ride home from track meet from beloved neighbor boy. And another mom called (total blessing!!!) to figure out how all the kids were getting home from last night's meet. So I didn't have to get girls up at 9 to go pick Al up from track meet. Yay.
Today (Friday) has been the day of many playdates. I got A and M to school, then had Isabella over for playdate with E. Before playdate, I turned on tv for E and spent 1 hour cleaning the disaster of a house. Playdate was great. Got M at bus stop, took Isabella home, then got ready for playdate #2. Violet and little sister were here from 1-3. And we spent the entire time playing outside. It was great.
Got Al's library books together, returned them, then went to Carnation to pick up boy and bring him here for Al's date. On way home picked up donuts for breakfast, ran to PCC to get strawberries and yogurt, and Starbucks to get coffee beans. Ordered pizza to go with salad. Then the kids descended on the house :)
M is having first sleepover with neighbor. Al is also having "study" sleepover. Post date-night with boy and movie night with friends. Hence $60 of pizza, salad, donuts, strawberries, etc.
M's sleepover - did pizza, watched Bolt, manicures, and now they're in bed, supposedly sleeping.
Al's sleepover. They're home from date night, now girls are watching movie.
I'm scrambling, overwhelmed, and wondering what normal moms do and take on. I just want to get my feet underneath me. Or maybe I'm just tired, grouchy and whining.

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Posted By tendres to no fajita smoke at 4/17/2009 10:08:00 PM