Well, I made it! I not only survived (my main goal), but I also made it in much less time than I predicted. Overall, the experience was fun! It was not the easiest, but I actually loved it, and can't wait for next year's duathlon. Crazy, I know.
So here's what happened.....
We got there early enough to set up our transition areas, complete with towels (after researching what to have at the transition area, even though we didn't use them), bike gloves, extra water bottle (just in case), etc. This small race of 123 was mainly serious athletes, with fancy bikes, and all the appropriate gear. A little intimidating. I'm not a "serious" biker, so I didn't have the clip shoes. Running shoes all the way, baby. I'm pretty sure the lack of shoe changing shaved vital seconds off of my transition time. Sure. That's what I was worried about.
After setting up, warming up, stretching, visiting the porta-potty, checking the course map, it was time to go listen to the rules. As we are listening, I realize, "Crap, they're going to start us right now!" I thought we had more time, and I didn't have my gum. I know that sounds weird, but I can't run without gum. It keeps my mouth from getting too dry. It's my thing. So I didn't have time, but I figured it's only a 1.2 mile run, and then I can get it from my bike bag. And Amanda asks me to throw some on her towel. That added those vital seconds back on after I had shaved them off with the shoe thing.
Run 1 (11:21)
The first run was probably the hardest part of the whole thing, honestly. I don't know if it is because that first mile is always the hardest, or if I was pushing it a little harder than normal, since I knew I would be able to get on my bike soon. (In case you haven't noticed, the bike is my comfort zone.) I ran it in 11:21, which meant that my pace was 9:27/mile. Which is pretty freaking good for me!
Transition 1
I transitioned to my bike pretty clumsily, what with the gum, the awkwardness of trying to put on a helmet and gloves hurriedly, and the ridiculous way I get on a bike. So that transition took me 1:06.
Bike (1:16:37)
I was still pretty out of breath when I got going on the bike, which was unfortunate, since the route is pretty much uphill for the first 2 miles or so. Within that first 2 miles is the dreadful Mrs. Humke, the hill I've had nightmares about. It was tough, but I just kept trucking. My strategy was to keep saying to myself, "Just make it to that flower. Now make it to that tree. Now that stick." I had to break it up into chunks, no matter how small (we're talking like 2-3 feet here). I drank over half of my water in that first loop (of 2), and almost none the rest of the ride. I didn't want to be all sloshy when it came to the second run.
The second loop was SO much easier, and seemed to go much faster than the first. We encountered this feeling in our training also. So glad it felt that way on race day, too! I actually watched as this big, buff dude WALKED his bike up Humke hill! I couldn't believe it! There were a couple other girls walking it too, but he just floored me. So I felt awesome crawling up that hill ON MY BIKE. Amanda had a buddy on her bike. One of the sag support kids just drove his truck alongside of her bike for the last half of the course! He kept her occupied with conversation! The last few miles of the biking ended with rain. We had overcast skies all morning, and this light rain felt pretty great, except when I was flying downhill, scared of slipping. I have a history of worrying about rain while on a bicycle. I had one girl in my sights, in a blue shirt, that I just had to overtake. I always pick out one person to get in front of, and she was mine. I got her at the end of the bike ride, finally. My toes went numb half-way through the biking. This happened to me on RAGBRAI too. Anyone know what that's all about? The biking portion came to an end, after 1:16:37, and I knew I had to run. Ugh.
Transition 2
I jumped off my bike awkwardly, and ran it to my rack, took a swig of water, threw my helmet off, and took off running. Then I realized I had no idea which way to go. Luckily, some other people didn't know either, and they yelled at the girl for clarification. I got around the transition fence and realized that I was still wearing my gloves. So I ripped them off and threw them over the fence. And they are still there. Or in the garbage. Forgot all about them. But it's okay, because I needed new ones anyway. This is nothing compared to what Amanda forgot. She got past the girl at the gate, after also asking which way to go, and got to the ladies at the water station before they yelled, "Hey, you're still wearing your helmet!" Oh, I would have paid good money to see her running with her special helmet on!! We can only hope one of the photographers there got it! I did this transition in much less time, 0:39.
Run 2 (37:49)
Of course, by this time, the rain had stopped. I would have loved a little sprinkle. For the first time, after doing all of our brick workouts in training, I actually felt no pain when starting to run. (Other than the numb toes, which went away after running a bit.) My legs felt ready to run, instead of like jello! I got started around the pond, when I saw Amanda across the water. She and I were yelling at each other, calling our distress signals, and I'm sure people thought "those girls in the coral shirts have a serious problem." By the way, we got a lot of compliments on our shirts. I hadn't seen Amanda in a while, so I was glad to see that she was not already done. But Terry was, of course! I was just determined to take it slow so that I could run the whole thing, and to not be last. Once I got going, I felt pretty good. It just felt like I was out for a leisurely run. That might have had something to do with the fact that I was all by myself in what felt like the wilderness, but was really an industrial park. For a while I wondered if I was on the right path. Then Ms. Blue Shirt caught up to me. We ended up running and chatting the last mile and a half together. It was a good distraction. When I could finally see the lights and the finish line in the distance, I picked up the pace. Amanda had walked back to cheer me on, yelling "Red-Winged Blackbirds," knowing my fear would make me run faster. The finish line was on a downhill slant, so I booked it! I was shocked to see that I finished it in 2:07:20. I was fourth to last. Yep, out of 123 people, I came in 120th. I ran the second run in 37.49, with a pace of 12:37.
So....after all that....I learned that 4 weeks of training was fine, but 2 weeks on the bike was not. Next year, I will try to start at least 8 weeks out. The brick workouts really helped us get used to running and biking at the same time. I am just happy that I didn't have to walk any of it. So next year, I will try to improve my time. Hopefully I will have a new bike, and not Joel's mom's 8+ year old bike. I will say my energy was a little sapped by the second loop on the bike, so maybe there is something I could do for that...gels, etc. It would be nice if more people heard about this race so that there were more amateurs out there. I will post our pictures in the next post.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Duathlon!
It's here. Tomorrow is the longest, hardest race I will have ever tried!
1.2 mile run. 17 mile bike. 5K run.
It's here.
Amanda and I have spent the week preparing ourselves with bike rides and runs, and familiarizing ourselves with the course. We've researched all the right things to do before the big day. We biked the full 17 miles on Wednesday, with a short run afterward. And then our legs fell off. Or at least it felt like it. So Thursday was our day of recovery. We have our awesome race shirts decorated with slightly amateurish, yet awesome puffy paint. We have our Duathlete Bondi Bands ready to go.
I read that it is more important to get a good night's sleep 2 days before, rather than the night before. (Apparently no one sleeps well before an important race anyway...imagine that!) Last night, I thought that would not be a problem. Wrong. I woke up at 3:30 am, and could not fall asleep until after 6:30. I just tossed and turned pretty much the whole time.
I read that it is more important to get a good night's sleep 2 days before, rather than the night before. (Apparently no one sleeps well before an important race anyway...imagine that!) Last night, I thought that would not be a problem. Wrong. I woke up at 3:30 am, and could not fall asleep until after 6:30. I just tossed and turned pretty much the whole time.
At some point during the night, I had a dream about a neighbor named Mrs. Humke. In the dream, she was mean, and I did not like her. That's all I remembered about her upon waking. I do not have a neighbor named Mrs. Humke. However, the name of the road with the horrible hill I will be facing tomorrow......Humke Road. This realization made me giggle as I was waking up. I can't make this stuff up. Apparently, I have personified the scary hill into a really mean old lady. Is there a hidden meaning there? Or a really obvious meaning??
Today we went for a short run on the course to loosen up the legs, and then spent the ride home yawning. I hope we have more energy in the morning! I am spending the night eating baked mostacciolli and watching old movies. Morning will come fast, so I'm going to try to make up for that Mrs. Humke dream fiasco with an early bedtime!
Today we went for a short run on the course to loosen up the legs, and then spent the ride home yawning. I hope we have more energy in the morning! I am spending the night eating baked mostacciolli and watching old movies. Morning will come fast, so I'm going to try to make up for that Mrs. Humke dream fiasco with an early bedtime!
Since Joel is in Las Vegas, we will be short on cheerleaders. So if you want to come out and see the spectacle, we should be done between 10 and 11 am. Race info here. You'll here from me tomorrow, after my long nap, about how it went! IF I survive.........
Also, this is a shout-out to Terry, Amanda's boyfriend, who's spending his birthday tomorrow competing also! Happy Birthday Ter-Bear!!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Alone.
After running 3.2 miles by myself today, I realized a few things:
1) This is really boring.
2) It's not so bad running without music.
3) My new "real" running shoes are amazing.
4) I really like running in the heat.
1) This summer, I have been doing all of of my running with Amanda. If it weren't for her, I would not be running at all this year! Last summer, I focused on biking for RAGBRAI, and this year, I'm just lazy. This duathlon was just the thing we needed to get going. However, I still struggle with getting out the door to run, even with Amanda hounding me! But once we get out there, I'm glad I'm there. We talk. Or, she talks. I pant. Occasionally I talk. We talk about the upcoming school year, as she just landed her first teaching job. We talk about food. We talk about the job we used to share. I even asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding on one of our runs. She cheers me on, when I just want to flip her off. So running by myself?? Boring.
2) When I did run alone in the past, I always had to do so with my iPod. Today and Friday night proved that I don't need to. I have always had difficulty breathing (which I know I need to see a doctor about) and running alone and without music helps me concentrate on controlling my breathing. I can hear my foot fall too, and can tell when I'm getting sloppy and lazy and need to pick it up. Not as easy with Micheal Jackson blaring in my ears. No offense, MJ.
3) I just bought my first pair of "real" running shoes this weekend from The Shoe Shack. I got the fitting and all that good stuff. A little different from the shoe department at Kohls. It was worth every penny. My nasty old shoes were not doing my apparently very high arches any favors. They only had 3 pairs that would work for my feet. The Brooks pair that I got are like running on air! I love them. I vow to never go back to Kohls for my running shoes. Sandals, yes. Important shoes, no.
4) It was HOT today. But, man, it felt good to sweat like that for 40 minutes! I love it. Sweating in my un-air-conditioned car on the way to the grocery store, hate. Sweating while working out, love. There is a difference, and today's run felt great.
This week's training will be a few small runs and tackling that monster hill on the bike a few more times. Getting good night's sleep Thursday and Friday. I just read that your sleep 2 nights before a big race is more important than the night before. Also eating carbs the 2 nights prior is apparently important for energy the day of the race. I'm learning so much. And sleep and pasta? I can handle that training.
1) This is really boring.
2) It's not so bad running without music.
3) My new "real" running shoes are amazing.
4) I really like running in the heat.
1) This summer, I have been doing all of of my running with Amanda. If it weren't for her, I would not be running at all this year! Last summer, I focused on biking for RAGBRAI, and this year, I'm just lazy. This duathlon was just the thing we needed to get going. However, I still struggle with getting out the door to run, even with Amanda hounding me! But once we get out there, I'm glad I'm there. We talk. Or, she talks. I pant. Occasionally I talk. We talk about the upcoming school year, as she just landed her first teaching job. We talk about food. We talk about the job we used to share. I even asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding on one of our runs. She cheers me on, when I just want to flip her off. So running by myself?? Boring.
2) When I did run alone in the past, I always had to do so with my iPod. Today and Friday night proved that I don't need to. I have always had difficulty breathing (which I know I need to see a doctor about) and running alone and without music helps me concentrate on controlling my breathing. I can hear my foot fall too, and can tell when I'm getting sloppy and lazy and need to pick it up. Not as easy with Micheal Jackson blaring in my ears. No offense, MJ.
3) I just bought my first pair of "real" running shoes this weekend from The Shoe Shack. I got the fitting and all that good stuff. A little different from the shoe department at Kohls. It was worth every penny. My nasty old shoes were not doing my apparently very high arches any favors. They only had 3 pairs that would work for my feet. The Brooks pair that I got are like running on air! I love them. I vow to never go back to Kohls for my running shoes. Sandals, yes. Important shoes, no.
4) It was HOT today. But, man, it felt good to sweat like that for 40 minutes! I love it. Sweating in my un-air-conditioned car on the way to the grocery store, hate. Sweating while working out, love. There is a difference, and today's run felt great.
This week's training will be a few small runs and tackling that monster hill on the bike a few more times. Getting good night's sleep Thursday and Friday. I just read that your sleep 2 nights before a big race is more important than the night before. Also eating carbs the 2 nights prior is apparently important for energy the day of the race. I'm learning so much. And sleep and pasta? I can handle that training.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Stockton Independence Day 5K
I have avoided writing about races until they happen, since my 10K fiasco. I talked it up all over town, and then when Amanda got sick and called me that morning, I said, "Well, I'm not running it by myself!" In shame, I have refused to talk up any races until I am positive I'm doing them and/or have already completed them!
So this race was not mentioned until the day of! Since I have done quite a few races, with my previous goal being only to run the whole thing, I figured I can start thinking about improving my time. I actually have not run a 5K race in over a year, but I figured with all the running I've been doing this year, I might do pretty well.
I set an easy goal...run it in under 35 minutes. I used to run 5Ks in between 35 and 36 minutes. Amanda said it wasn't too hilly.
Liar.
It was ridiculously hot, so hot that I took two cups at the water stations, one to sip and one to dump on my head. I ran through every sprinkler set up, which was nice! It reminded me of RAGBRAI, when I would cut people off to get to the kids with the sprinklers. Never had that on a race. I felt like after mile one (always my slowest) I was going at a decent pace. Then the little hills kicked in. They slowed me WAY down in that heat.
I kept trucking, despite the obscene number of annoying little kids and stupid girls with their Bump-It hairdos walking/running and still staying ahead of me. GRRR. Have I mentioned that bugs me? But, I get in sight of the finish, and I start pushing it as hard as I can. (I never do this too early, after it backfired on me, and I had to do another little loop and I had nothing left.) I pass cute little Bump-It Girl in all my sweaty glory, and then I see the clock. Ugh. 35:45. It's not under 35, but I certainly can't get over 36. Faster. 35:50. Move those legs. 35:55. I'm not going to make it. 36:02. I cross the line and mutter "Damn it." And I thought, "Woah this is weird." I've never cared about my time before. Certainly, I've never been disappointed at the end of a race. I'm usually just thrilled I ran the whole thing, and didn't die. So, after discussing with Joel and Amanda, I think we are going to try some interval training and start timing our runs at the track. I've been running for 2 years. I should be getting faster. Also, I decided I need to get my breathing checked out by a real doctor. Hopefully this ideas will help me improve. Any other ideas for getting faster at 5Ks?
P.S. I would be Lazy Girl if I didn't comment on the food situation at this race. Great spread. For a $15 race?! Watermelon, oranges, bagels, other stuff I blocked out as I was staring at the people making snow cones. That's right. Snow cones. Brilliant. Why doesn't every race have delicious sugary ice at the end?? I might have run faster if I knew THAT was waiting for me!
So this race was not mentioned until the day of! Since I have done quite a few races, with my previous goal being only to run the whole thing, I figured I can start thinking about improving my time. I actually have not run a 5K race in over a year, but I figured with all the running I've been doing this year, I might do pretty well.
I set an easy goal...run it in under 35 minutes. I used to run 5Ks in between 35 and 36 minutes. Amanda said it wasn't too hilly.
Liar.
It was ridiculously hot, so hot that I took two cups at the water stations, one to sip and one to dump on my head. I ran through every sprinkler set up, which was nice! It reminded me of RAGBRAI, when I would cut people off to get to the kids with the sprinklers. Never had that on a race. I felt like after mile one (always my slowest) I was going at a decent pace. Then the little hills kicked in. They slowed me WAY down in that heat.
I kept trucking, despite the obscene number of annoying little kids and stupid girls with their Bump-It hairdos walking/running and still staying ahead of me. GRRR. Have I mentioned that bugs me? But, I get in sight of the finish, and I start pushing it as hard as I can. (I never do this too early, after it backfired on me, and I had to do another little loop and I had nothing left.) I pass cute little Bump-It Girl in all my sweaty glory, and then I see the clock. Ugh. 35:45. It's not under 35, but I certainly can't get over 36. Faster. 35:50. Move those legs. 35:55. I'm not going to make it. 36:02. I cross the line and mutter "Damn it." And I thought, "Woah this is weird." I've never cared about my time before. Certainly, I've never been disappointed at the end of a race. I'm usually just thrilled I ran the whole thing, and didn't die. So, after discussing with Joel and Amanda, I think we are going to try some interval training and start timing our runs at the track. I've been running for 2 years. I should be getting faster. Also, I decided I need to get my breathing checked out by a real doctor. Hopefully this ideas will help me improve. Any other ideas for getting faster at 5Ks?
P.S. I would be Lazy Girl if I didn't comment on the food situation at this race. Great spread. For a $15 race?! Watermelon, oranges, bagels, other stuff I blocked out as I was staring at the people making snow cones. That's right. Snow cones. Brilliant. Why doesn't every race have delicious sugary ice at the end?? I might have run faster if I knew THAT was waiting for me!
Bird Is The Word.
I am competing (if you can call it that) in the Dubuque Duathlon in about a week. I have been running like crazy, with Amanda forcing me every day. She says we are increasing our time spent running each week, but it feels like every day. One day it's, "Let's run for 35 minutes this week." The next DAY it's up to 40. She's trying for 45, but I'm throwing a fit. I am feeling surprisingly confident in my running abilities now, since we have been killing it this summer!
Even more surprising....my difficulty biking a portion of the course today. Biking has always been easier for me. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I only just picked up my bike 2 days ago, after ditching it in the front yard the second I finished RAGBRAI last year. It still needed to be repaired from its terrible RAGBRAI injury. Amanda and I went for a nice 20 miler that night, and I felt good, despite my horribly painful bike butt.
Today was a different story. We started out with a quick one-mile run around part of the course, and then biked one of the two loops on the course, and finished with another (much less quick) one-mile run.
First run = fast, felt good.
Bike = ugh.
Second run = double ugh.
We had driven the bike course the day before and knew what we were up against. This monster of a hill, right off the bat. I think I had nightmares about this hill last night. And sure enough, it lived up to my perceptions. It. Was. Awful. Even Amanda, who is in WAY better shape, agreed! But we eventually made it up. At a snail's pace. God, I hope there are other amateurs at this race, or I will be very discouraged. The rest of the course was kind of fun. Lots of little ups and downs. The downs were very fun!
And then came the bird.
Here I am, minding my business, huffing along on my bike, when I hear/feel a flutter upon my head. That's right. A freaking bird landed/beat upon my helmet! For several seconds. I screamed and swatted at it, and it flew away, but not far. Now, I'm not a big fan of these aggressive red-wing blackbirds, ever since another one lunged/squawked at me as I was finishing up a run too close to its nest a few weeks ago. But this was too much. Needless to say, every chirp or squawk I heard after this was followed by the assumption that I was being attacked again. It was not a peaceful rest of the ride. What the hell, birds? Does exercising Andrea just look like a meal to these birds? Are they kind of like vultures, just waiting for me to give up? Did my black helmet peering up at him look like another bird taunting him? And lastly, do they make bird repellent I could spray before my next ride/run? Too much.
I guess we'll see what attacks me next time.
The running after biking was weird. Usually, I take that jello-leg feeling right to the couch, but this time, I had to start running. What?! Weird. Then slow. Then really slow. This is going to be really hard.
Even more surprising....my difficulty biking a portion of the course today. Biking has always been easier for me. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I only just picked up my bike 2 days ago, after ditching it in the front yard the second I finished RAGBRAI last year. It still needed to be repaired from its terrible RAGBRAI injury. Amanda and I went for a nice 20 miler that night, and I felt good, despite my horribly painful bike butt.
Today was a different story. We started out with a quick one-mile run around part of the course, and then biked one of the two loops on the course, and finished with another (much less quick) one-mile run.
First run = fast, felt good.
Bike = ugh.
Second run = double ugh.
We had driven the bike course the day before and knew what we were up against. This monster of a hill, right off the bat. I think I had nightmares about this hill last night. And sure enough, it lived up to my perceptions. It. Was. Awful. Even Amanda, who is in WAY better shape, agreed! But we eventually made it up. At a snail's pace. God, I hope there are other amateurs at this race, or I will be very discouraged. The rest of the course was kind of fun. Lots of little ups and downs. The downs were very fun!
And then came the bird.
Here I am, minding my business, huffing along on my bike, when I hear/feel a flutter upon my head. That's right. A freaking bird landed/beat upon my helmet! For several seconds. I screamed and swatted at it, and it flew away, but not far. Now, I'm not a big fan of these aggressive red-wing blackbirds, ever since another one lunged/squawked at me as I was finishing up a run too close to its nest a few weeks ago. But this was too much. Needless to say, every chirp or squawk I heard after this was followed by the assumption that I was being attacked again. It was not a peaceful rest of the ride. What the hell, birds? Does exercising Andrea just look like a meal to these birds? Are they kind of like vultures, just waiting for me to give up? Did my black helmet peering up at him look like another bird taunting him? And lastly, do they make bird repellent I could spray before my next ride/run? Too much.
I guess we'll see what attacks me next time.
The running after biking was weird. Usually, I take that jello-leg feeling right to the couch, but this time, I had to start running. What?! Weird. Then slow. Then really slow. This is going to be really hard.
Friday, May 6, 2011
I'm Back?
Wow. This is another one of those decisions I have to make about my fidelity to something. I suck at something, so do I give up, or do I try harder to succeed?
What am I talking about?
(1)This dang blog.
(2)Running.
(3) SO many other things in my career that I will not bore you with!
Well, after a 6 month break from this blog (and nearly that long from running), I've decided I'm back in. Well, to be completely honest, good ol' Amanda made the running decision FOR me. As for the writing about the running....I really enjoy writing, and if I'm going to start doing something I hate again, I might as well pair it with something I love. Running always gives me something to write about. Last summer, I often thought up what I would write about, mid-run. I mean, complete sentences, even paragraphs, would form in my head. I would have to head straight to the computer instead of stretching so I wouldn't lose it! Hmmmm.....maybe that's part of the problem.
I would ideally wait until summer to start up this blog again, with the end of this crazy school year as a first-time classroom teacher hanging over my head. However, tomorrow is a big day, so I'll take the time.
For some stupid reason, I am running my first 10K. I was thinking that a 10K would be a good goal for me to work toward, perhaps in the fall, after a summer of getting in shape. That sounds smart, right? Enter Amanda, aka the devil. "No, there's a 10K on Mother's Day weekend. You can do it. It's all flat and it's at the Heritage Trail (a packed gravel trail). You can do it. You can do it." So here I am, a few runs in this year, in worse shape than last year, and I'm running a 10K at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Seriously. What is wrong with me?
Normally, my goals with shorter races are pretty simple. Run. The whole time.
That's it. I have not previously been at a place where I felt I needed to worry about my time.
For this race, my goal is even simpler. I don't even care if I have to walk this one time. I cannot stress how badly out of shape I am. So my goal for tomorrow?
Don't die.
What am I talking about?
(1)This dang blog.
(2)Running.
(3) SO many other things in my career that I will not bore you with!
Well, after a 6 month break from this blog (and nearly that long from running), I've decided I'm back in. Well, to be completely honest, good ol' Amanda made the running decision FOR me. As for the writing about the running....I really enjoy writing, and if I'm going to start doing something I hate again, I might as well pair it with something I love. Running always gives me something to write about. Last summer, I often thought up what I would write about, mid-run. I mean, complete sentences, even paragraphs, would form in my head. I would have to head straight to the computer instead of stretching so I wouldn't lose it! Hmmmm.....maybe that's part of the problem.
I would ideally wait until summer to start up this blog again, with the end of this crazy school year as a first-time classroom teacher hanging over my head. However, tomorrow is a big day, so I'll take the time.
For some stupid reason, I am running my first 10K. I was thinking that a 10K would be a good goal for me to work toward, perhaps in the fall, after a summer of getting in shape. That sounds smart, right? Enter Amanda, aka the devil. "No, there's a 10K on Mother's Day weekend. You can do it. It's all flat and it's at the Heritage Trail (a packed gravel trail). You can do it. You can do it." So here I am, a few runs in this year, in worse shape than last year, and I'm running a 10K at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Seriously. What is wrong with me?
Normally, my goals with shorter races are pretty simple. Run. The whole time.
That's it. I have not previously been at a place where I felt I needed to worry about my time.
For this race, my goal is even simpler. I don't even care if I have to walk this one time. I cannot stress how badly out of shape I am. So my goal for tomorrow?
Don't die.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thankful IV
After a long, boring Saturday spent working at home, I thought I should search my soul for something I am thankful for today.
Enough said!
Day 4 of Thankful Andrea: November 13
I am thankful for Annie!
Enough said!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thankful III
I really wanted to write a regular post for once, since I am really trying to be non-lazy this week! But I am committed to this 29 days of thanks thing. So I guess I will combine the two.
I am (somewhat) thankful for the ability to run. While I find myself really hating running, I can't help but think that a little over a year ago, I never thought I could be a runner. I started gasping for life with any minimal amount of exercise. I had diagnosed myself with exercise-induced asthma. The treatment for my self-diagnosis: Don't exercise.
Little did I know, I COULD run. I could run with a friend. I could run by myself. I could run 5Ks!! By March, I could run an 8K!!! Crazy.
But still this summer and fall, I find myself really not wanting to run. I think RAGBRAI ruined me on running for a while. Biking is so much more enjoyable for me, and the amount of biking I did before and during RAGBRAI left little time or motivation to run.
I am now forcing myself to run in hopes that it will become habit again. As I was struggling through my run tonight, thinking about a what to write in my next post, I thought about this thankfulness idea. We recently received an email at school, asking for the teachers to make cards with their class for a soldier who has lost both of his legs while serving his country. Wow. What on earth am I complaining about when I have to drag my butt off the couch to go for a run. That soldier would probably love the chance to run. Or the chance to complain about a run, because his world is not encumbered by anything else. Perspective, here, Lazy Girl!
On day 3 of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful that I CAN run.
Day 3 of Thankful Andrea: November 9
I am (somewhat) thankful for the ability to run. While I find myself really hating running, I can't help but think that a little over a year ago, I never thought I could be a runner. I started gasping for life with any minimal amount of exercise. I had diagnosed myself with exercise-induced asthma. The treatment for my self-diagnosis: Don't exercise.Little did I know, I COULD run. I could run with a friend. I could run by myself. I could run 5Ks!! By March, I could run an 8K!!! Crazy.
But still this summer and fall, I find myself really not wanting to run. I think RAGBRAI ruined me on running for a while. Biking is so much more enjoyable for me, and the amount of biking I did before and during RAGBRAI left little time or motivation to run.
I am now forcing myself to run in hopes that it will become habit again. As I was struggling through my run tonight, thinking about a what to write in my next post, I thought about this thankfulness idea. We recently received an email at school, asking for the teachers to make cards with their class for a soldier who has lost both of his legs while serving his country. Wow. What on earth am I complaining about when I have to drag my butt off the couch to go for a run. That soldier would probably love the chance to run. Or the chance to complain about a run, because his world is not encumbered by anything else. Perspective, here, Lazy Girl!
On day 3 of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful that I CAN run.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thankful II
After a very long, exhausting week, I find thankfulness difficult. However, this makes me think it would be a good time to dig deep to find some thanks!
Day 2 of Thankful Andrea: November 5
I am thankful for fall. It is my favorite season, for several reasons.
1) All my favorite colors signify fall. Purple, red, brown, gold....now that I think of it, most of my house is decorated fall-ishly.
2) Sweatshirts and jeans. That's it. Love it. I hate that I had to get my winter coat out this week. My denial of the approach of winter is coming to an end.
3) Crunchy leaves that have that certain fall-y smell.
4) It's just so darn pretty. Dubuque Bluffs. That's all I'm going to say.
Summer's great, but I am always ready for beautiful, comfortable fall. Spring....new life and all that, okay, I get the appeal. But I mainly see rain and mud as the symbol of spring. And I don't even want to talk about winter. Winter is something I really have to work hard to get through every year. I do not like winter. But fall.........that's where it's at!
On day 2 of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful that I live in a region where I can really enjoy the best season there is.
Day 2 of Thankful Andrea: November 5I am thankful for fall. It is my favorite season, for several reasons.
1) All my favorite colors signify fall. Purple, red, brown, gold....now that I think of it, most of my house is decorated fall-ishly.
2) Sweatshirts and jeans. That's it. Love it. I hate that I had to get my winter coat out this week. My denial of the approach of winter is coming to an end.
3) Crunchy leaves that have that certain fall-y smell.
4) It's just so darn pretty. Dubuque Bluffs. That's all I'm going to say.
Summer's great, but I am always ready for beautiful, comfortable fall. Spring....new life and all that, okay, I get the appeal. But I mainly see rain and mud as the symbol of spring. And I don't even want to talk about winter. Winter is something I really have to work hard to get through every year. I do not like winter. But fall.........that's where it's at!
On day 2 of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful that I live in a region where I can really enjoy the best season there is.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thankful
Since this Thanksgiving is extra special this year (it is also my 29th birthday), I have decided to write everyday about the things that I am thankful for. 29 thanks for all 29 years of my existence! This is my attempt to be more introspective. I must warn....I am not so good at this self-contemplation, so don't be surprised if I end up discussing my thanks for things like pizza.
Here goes.....
I am thankful to live in a place where I can vote. I am the second person to tell you that I am not involved enough in politics. (The first would be my friend Beth, who is pretty well-informed in her politics, and who yells at me all the time about it.) I have had a really hard time trying to get involved this year. I want to learn more, especially being a teacher. But, man. I can't handle the negativity that has overtaken the political world. It's almost enough to keep you away from the polls. And actually research is showing that young people (am I still included in that demographic?) are not voting because of the negativity surrounding the political races. And I get that. But still, today I walked into the church down the street from my house in order to cast my ballot on something I knew much less about than Beth. As I walked in the door, I saw my sister, Wendy, sitting at a ballot box, so intently reading her ballot that she could not hear me saying her name. I was three feet away from her. As I was sitting down at my box, with an enormous piece of paper with a lot of names I did not know, I heard the elderly volunteers voicing their hope that they would get 300 people by 3:00. They seemed to think it was not going to happen.
After turning in my ballot, I thought about the importance of what I just did. Granted, it was not as huge as picking out our president. However, if the people living without the "basic" right to vote, were given the chance, they would FILL that church basement today. They ALL would be concentrating as hard as my sister was. Just to have their voices heard. What a gift we have! Yes, our system is FAR from perfect. Really far. But who are we to say "hmmmm....this right I've been given.....the one so many people around the world wish they had....that people fought for us to have.....Nah, no thanks, I'm gonna sit at home and complain about that very right."
Wow. This was deep for Andrea. Ask Beth. Who knew this midterm election would spark this attitude, and this 29 days of thankfulness? I'm thinking maybe it's time to start learning some politics!
On day one of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful for the right to vote.
Here goes.....
Day 1 of Thankful Andrea: November 2
I am thankful to live in a place where I can vote. I am the second person to tell you that I am not involved enough in politics. (The first would be my friend Beth, who is pretty well-informed in her politics, and who yells at me all the time about it.) I have had a really hard time trying to get involved this year. I want to learn more, especially being a teacher. But, man. I can't handle the negativity that has overtaken the political world. It's almost enough to keep you away from the polls. And actually research is showing that young people (am I still included in that demographic?) are not voting because of the negativity surrounding the political races. And I get that. But still, today I walked into the church down the street from my house in order to cast my ballot on something I knew much less about than Beth. As I walked in the door, I saw my sister, Wendy, sitting at a ballot box, so intently reading her ballot that she could not hear me saying her name. I was three feet away from her. As I was sitting down at my box, with an enormous piece of paper with a lot of names I did not know, I heard the elderly volunteers voicing their hope that they would get 300 people by 3:00. They seemed to think it was not going to happen.
After turning in my ballot, I thought about the importance of what I just did. Granted, it was not as huge as picking out our president. However, if the people living without the "basic" right to vote, were given the chance, they would FILL that church basement today. They ALL would be concentrating as hard as my sister was. Just to have their voices heard. What a gift we have! Yes, our system is FAR from perfect. Really far. But who are we to say "hmmmm....this right I've been given.....the one so many people around the world wish they had....that people fought for us to have.....Nah, no thanks, I'm gonna sit at home and complain about that very right."
Wow. This was deep for Andrea. Ask Beth. Who knew this midterm election would spark this attitude, and this 29 days of thankfulness? I'm thinking maybe it's time to start learning some politics!
On day one of Thankful Andrea, I am thankful for the right to vote.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Day 8-10
Since I have been out of town all weekend, I could not finish up my 10 Day Blogging Challenge. So here are the last 3 days....And I am GLAD that it is over! It was too hard to commit to blogging for 10 days in a row, and I'm not entirely sure anyone even read them!
Day 8:
Three Turn-Ons
1. An original sense of humor
2. Passion for life
3. Genuine-ness (Is that a word?)
Day 9:
Two Words That Describe My Life Right Now
Two Words That Describe My Life Right Now
1. Hectic
2. Happy
Day 10:
One Confession
One Confession
1. I love Lady Gaga. She is a total freak, but I still love her. There, I said it.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 7
Four turn-offs
1. Loud chewers/People who talk with their mouth full : Become self-aware. You are grossing me out.
2. Passive-aggressive people : Just come out with what is bothering you. Don't use your Facebook status as your sounding board. Talk to a live person.
3. Closed-minded people : There are other people and other perspectives than only yours.
4. Close-talkers : Get out of my bubble.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 6
Five People Who Mean a Lot to Me
I can't possibly limit this list to 5 people in my life that are important to me, for a few reasons. One - those who mean a lot to me already know who they are. Two - I don't want to accidentally leave anyone out, and end up in a blog-induced friendship-killer. Three - this way is more fun.
1. Michael Jackson
I'm still really upset about his death. There. I said it. And I'm not kidding. Despite whatever controversy surrounded him in the 90s, he is still an AMAZING talent. And I'm sad that he died. Listening to almost any MJ song has a unique ability to lift me from any funk I might have been in. Soon I'm "woo"-ing right along with him, and all my troubles melt away. Okay, that's a little melo-dramatic, but I do believe his songs have healing powers. Just ask my dog, Annie. If she hears me singing Smooth Criminal, she will come running from her bed, ears perked, suddenly in a very happy mood, almost as if she wants to dance. Now, some might say that it's just the continual repetition of her name, but I respectfully disagree.
Annie Are You Ok
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
Annie Are You Ok
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
Annie Are You Ok
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
You've Been Hit By
You've Been Hit By-
A Smooth Criminal
2. Phoebe Buffay
1. Michael JacksonI'm still really upset about his death. There. I said it. And I'm not kidding. Despite whatever controversy surrounded him in the 90s, he is still an AMAZING talent. And I'm sad that he died. Listening to almost any MJ song has a unique ability to lift me from any funk I might have been in. Soon I'm "woo"-ing right along with him, and all my troubles melt away. Okay, that's a little melo-dramatic, but I do believe his songs have healing powers. Just ask my dog, Annie. If she hears me singing Smooth Criminal, she will come running from her bed, ears perked, suddenly in a very happy mood, almost as if she wants to dance. Now, some might say that it's just the continual repetition of her name, but I respectfully disagree.
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
Annie Are You Ok
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
Annie Are You Ok
So, Annie Are You Ok
Are You Ok Annie
You've Been Hit By
You've Been Hit By-
A Smooth Criminal
2. Phoebe BuffayShe's a child at heart, who is all for animal rights, doesn't care what others think of her (and her music), and believes in reincarnation. She seems so innocent, yet could probably kill you with the knife in her shoe. She hates all things corporate (including Pottery Barn). Phoebe is selfless, even when it comes to her uterus. She's an independent woman, even after getting married and becoming Princess Consuela Bananahammock. She cries when flowers die.
I mean, come on. How could you NOT love Phoebe and everything she stands for?
3. Will Ferrell
You gotta laugh. Life is boring without laughter. Which is why I will watch Elf year-round, not just at Christmas.
4. Liz Lemon
5. Elaine Benes
Alright, now I'm just on a sitcom kick. Elaine Benes is the coolest. I love her knock-you-over "Get OUT" shove, her sweet dance moves, and how her only friends are men. I love her huge, poufy hair and her dresses that just scream "90s." I love how she'll dump a guy if he smokes, if he's not sponge-worthy, or if he's a face painter.
She loves big salads. I love big salads. She can be catty. I can be catty. We both realize the importance of an exclamation mark!!! Another imaginary friendship? I think soooo.
So this post took a weird turn, but I had fun watching all the youtube clips! I hope you have fun watching them too!
I mean, come on. How could you NOT love Phoebe and everything she stands for?
3. Will FerrellVery few people make me laugh as much as Will Ferrell. Old School may just be one of my all-time favorite movies. I have been known to quote from this movie frequently, especially with one old friend in particular. A trip to the Olive Garden cannot go without a Ferrell quote.
I also loved him on SNL, particularly as George W. Bush. Love this hunting clip with Bush Sr. The antlers crack me up! He has an ability to make me laugh, without being overly ridiculous. Elf is another of my favorites, and it would NOT have been nearly as hilarious without Will Ferrell.You gotta laugh. Life is boring without laughter. Which is why I will watch Elf year-round, not just at Christmas.
4. Liz LemonAnother quirky fictional character I can't help but love. If she was real, Liz, Phoebe, and I would be best friends, I'm sure. She's a nerd, she loves to eat, especially when under stress, and she wears cool glasses. She is funny. She sticks to her guns. She's had some crazy relationships, including a boyfriend who ended up on "To Catch A Predator." So, I figure she'd have some great stories. Also, Liz Lemon's sad pathetic-ness would have to make me look better!
There ain't no party like a Liz Lemon party 'cause a Liz Lemon party is mandatory!
5. Elaine BenesAlright, now I'm just on a sitcom kick. Elaine Benes is the coolest. I love her knock-you-over "Get OUT" shove, her sweet dance moves, and how her only friends are men. I love her huge, poufy hair and her dresses that just scream "90s." I love how she'll dump a guy if he smokes, if he's not sponge-worthy, or if he's a face painter.
She loves big salads. I love big salads. She can be catty. I can be catty. We both realize the importance of an exclamation mark!!! Another imaginary friendship? I think soooo.
So this post took a weird turn, but I had fun watching all the youtube clips! I hope you have fun watching them too!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 5
Day 5
Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done
I will only focus on things I wish I could change now, because I don't think it does any good to regret the things you've done. Occasionally, I find myself doing just that, especially when it comes to my decision to take five years off of college after my first year. I can't help but think I might have a secure job by now. I would have been in college at the same time as all my friends. But I would not have had the crazy experiences I did, or made the friends I did while working in daycare, or gone to 4 different colleges, only to find the one in my hometown that fit me perfectly, and gave me almost everything I need to be the teacher I am right now. I definitely would not have had the opportunity to teach in Ecuador. I would NOT be who I am right now.
So there, regret. Suck it.
So.....6 things I wish I could change....
1. I wish I could change my singing voice. So that I actually have one.
2. I wish I could wink with both eyes. That's right.
3. I wish I could whistle.
4. I wish I could make good pancakes like Joel does.
5. I wish I wasn't so afraid of water, whether deep end of a pool, or a natural body.
6. I wish my kitchen was no longer pear-green. Joooeeelll.......
I know it also doesn't do much good to wish I could change such silly things, but I'm not dishing out any more deep stuff today!
I will only focus on things I wish I could change now, because I don't think it does any good to regret the things you've done. Occasionally, I find myself doing just that, especially when it comes to my decision to take five years off of college after my first year. I can't help but think I might have a secure job by now. I would have been in college at the same time as all my friends. But I would not have had the crazy experiences I did, or made the friends I did while working in daycare, or gone to 4 different colleges, only to find the one in my hometown that fit me perfectly, and gave me almost everything I need to be the teacher I am right now. I definitely would not have had the opportunity to teach in Ecuador. I would NOT be who I am right now.
So there, regret. Suck it.
So.....6 things I wish I could change....
1. I wish I could change my singing voice. So that I actually have one.
2. I wish I could wink with both eyes. That's right.
3. I wish I could whistle.
4. I wish I could make good pancakes like Joel does.
5. I wish I wasn't so afraid of water, whether deep end of a pool, or a natural body.
6. I wish my kitchen was no longer pear-green. Joooeeelll.......
I know it also doesn't do much good to wish I could change such silly things, but I'm not dishing out any more deep stuff today!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Day 4
Day 4
Seven things that cross your mind a lot
1. I'm hungry.
2. I'm tired.
3. I should go for a run today.
4. I can't believe I STILL didn't go for a run this week/month. (Do you notice a theme here?)
5. I love my job. But I can't wait to have a full-time classroom position. And insurance.
6. What would it be like to move somewhere else for a while? Since the teaching job market is not great here, the thought of moving somewhere else is exciting, yet almost too scary to consider! Hopefully things shape up here, and it won't come up again this year!
7. What should I be for our movie themed Halloween party this year? If anyone has any ideas, I NEED them! What was I thinking, with a theme this year?!
2. I'm tired.
3. I should go for a run today.
4. I can't believe I STILL didn't go for a run this week/month. (Do you notice a theme here?)
5. I love my job. But I can't wait to have a full-time classroom position. And insurance.
6. What would it be like to move somewhere else for a while? Since the teaching job market is not great here, the thought of moving somewhere else is exciting, yet almost too scary to consider! Hopefully things shape up here, and it won't come up again this year!
7. What should I be for our movie themed Halloween party this year? If anyone has any ideas, I NEED them! What was I thinking, with a theme this year?!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Day Three
Day Three
Eight things I couldn't live without (in no particular order)
Eight things I couldn't live without (in no particular order)
1. All the people I love
2. Pizza
3. Teaching
4. My favorite TV shows
5. Sarcasm
6. A heartbeat
7. Can't breathe, snorting, crying, almost pee-my-pants laughter
8. Pie. On that note, follow our new Pie League blog here. It's coming along.
2. Pizza
3. Teaching
4. My favorite TV shows
5. Sarcasm
6. A heartbeat
7. Can't breathe, snorting, crying, almost pee-my-pants laughter
8. Pie. On that note, follow our new Pie League blog here. It's coming along.
Day Two
Day Two
Nine things about yourself
Nine things about yourself
1. I recently fell in love with cilantro.
2. I have just started another blog with my friend Beth, about our adventures in Pie League. Call this a shameless plug.
3. I have always wanted to look like Sandra Bullock.
4. I want to adopt at least one child, from an Asian country.
5. I had to have surgery 2 years ago, to reconnect the nerves in my hand, after falling while holding a glass bottle. I will never have all of the feeling back in my right index finger.
6. My biggest pet peeve is people who chew loudly. I seriously cannot handle it.
7. I'm intrigued by Buddhism.
8. I cry when I fall down. Like a small child. And when I get stung by bees.
9. I wish I liked red wine.
2. I have just started another blog with my friend Beth, about our adventures in Pie League. Call this a shameless plug.
3. I have always wanted to look like Sandra Bullock.
4. I want to adopt at least one child, from an Asian country.
5. I had to have surgery 2 years ago, to reconnect the nerves in my hand, after falling while holding a glass bottle. I will never have all of the feeling back in my right index finger.
6. My biggest pet peeve is people who chew loudly. I seriously cannot handle it.
7. I'm intrigued by Buddhism.
8. I cry when I fall down. Like a small child. And when I get stung by bees.
9. I wish I liked red wine.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
10 Day Challenge: Day 1
I am stealing this idea from several other blogs I have read recently, in an attempt to get myself in the habit of writing again. A Ten Day Blogging Challenge! Pretty ambitious for me, but we'll see if I can stick to it! I'm hoping this will be a fun challenge, and not a drag, since I've seen a few other bloggers quit midway through the challenge. And that sounds more like me. Especially since I did not write that essay I posted about a few weeks ago. Back to school time is not a good time to start writing an essay due in several weeks, especially when the contest opened up in June. In my defense, I didn't know about it until September. I do really want to try a similar writing contest, so if you come across one, shoot it my way!
Anyway....
Here are the rules....Feel free to play along if you have a blog, or leave a comment with your own thoughts on each day's topics!
Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.
Day 1
Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Beware: This is a random mix of funny and very serious things to say. Very random.
1. Fall TV Producer People:
Thank you for bringing all my favorite TV shows into my life: The Office, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, It's Always Sunny, and more shows that are quickly filling up my DVR.
2. Short Jen:
You are tremendously talented and your gallery opening is going to be amazing.
3. Winter: Stay away. I only like fall. Just stay away.
4. Joel:
You are awesome. I never say that. But you are awesome.
5. Jim and Pam Halpert:
You are not as funny since you got married.
6. Today Show people, especially Matt Lauer:
Thank you for being my only source of news and the thing that makes me almost cry every morning as I'm putting on my makeup.
7. Bedbugs:
Stay away from our little part of the country please. You gross me out.
8. My Clarke College instructors, especially Joyce:
I am so thankful for the experience I had at Clarke, and I would not have made it through it all without you. I will never forget it.
9. My dad: I miss you.
10. My friends: Thank you for making me laugh and cry all at the same time. I'm so glad this crazy group of weirdos somehow found each other! You're the best and I love you!
Anyway....
Here are the rules....Feel free to play along if you have a blog, or leave a comment with your own thoughts on each day's topics!
Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.
Day 1
Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Beware: This is a random mix of funny and very serious things to say. Very random.
1. Fall TV Producer People:
Thank you for bringing all my favorite TV shows into my life: The Office, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, It's Always Sunny, and more shows that are quickly filling up my DVR.
2. Short Jen:
You are tremendously talented and your gallery opening is going to be amazing.
3. Winter: Stay away. I only like fall. Just stay away.
4. Joel:
You are awesome. I never say that. But you are awesome.
5. Jim and Pam Halpert:
You are not as funny since you got married.
6. Today Show people, especially Matt Lauer:
Thank you for being my only source of news and the thing that makes me almost cry every morning as I'm putting on my makeup.
7. Bedbugs:
Stay away from our little part of the country please. You gross me out.
8. My Clarke College instructors, especially Joyce:
I am so thankful for the experience I had at Clarke, and I would not have made it through it all without you. I will never forget it.
9. My dad: I miss you.
10. My friends: Thank you for making me laugh and cry all at the same time. I'm so glad this crazy group of weirdos somehow found each other! You're the best and I love you!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lazy Girl Returns
While I have not been running (except a 5K on Labor Day) and not biking (since RAGBRAI!!) I haven't been completely lazy!
I will start with that 5K. My best friend, who NEVER thought she could run, ran her FIRST 5K!!! She did the Couch to 5K program, which I (and I'm guessing she) would recommend to everyone. I ran the whole thing with her, and I'm glad I did because we provided each other with some comedic relief as we quietly cursed the girl run/walking in a backpack, a little like Dora. I only ran twice in the months before. I saved all my training miles for the race. Why waste the miles training, right? Just use them all during the race, right? Wrong. I had joint issues in my leg for weeks afterward. But Beth KILLED the race and I was so happy for her!
Back to school.....
Isn't my dump truck cute? Since my 3 "roommates" are mostly all teaching reading, I made this construction display, with Joel's toolboxes, hardhats, and my "reading tools!" Our room has been deemed the "party room," since we are having so much fun working together. Off to a great start for this school year!
Geocaching.....
So much fun, if it's not super-hot, you're not being eaten alive by mosquitoes, you're not super-crabby, and your Iphone has a decent geocaching app that doesn't send you all over the place! I do want to do this again, because it was very exciting when we finally did find a cache. I just need more preferable geocaching conditions. Nerds. I know.
I had given up and walked away, when Joel finally found it after a half-hour of searching.
Look how happy!
Pie League.....
My friend Beth and I have started Thursday night Pie League, while the men are in their bowling league. It has been a fun, frustrating (for me, the worst baker ever), exciting adventure. We are in the process of starting a blog to document our trials and errors (ohhh the errors!).
Cooking....
I have been getting very adventurous in my cooking endeavors lately. I am not usually a great cook either. The kitchen is not my friend. Once, I made such horrible pancakes (yes, instant pancakes) that our dog wouldn't even eat them. And she eats everything! However, I have discovered a fantastic website with recipes using lots of fresh produce. We have never eaten so many local vegetables! And it turns out.....I CAN COOK!!! Who knew? I will be posting the pictures of all the amazing meals we have made this month, just because they're so darn pretty!
I will start with that 5K. My best friend, who NEVER thought she could run, ran her FIRST 5K!!! She did the Couch to 5K program, which I (and I'm guessing she) would recommend to everyone. I ran the whole thing with her, and I'm glad I did because we provided each other with some comedic relief as we quietly cursed the girl run/walking in a backpack, a little like Dora. I only ran twice in the months before. I saved all my training miles for the race. Why waste the miles training, right? Just use them all during the race, right? Wrong. I had joint issues in my leg for weeks afterward. But Beth KILLED the race and I was so happy for her!
And I haven't run since.
And we have another 5K next weekend.
And I need to run. Or exercise. Post-RAGBRAI Andrea sucks!
I need motivation. Someone send me some motivation, please.
And we have another 5K next weekend.
And I need to run. Or exercise. Post-RAGBRAI Andrea sucks!
I need motivation. Someone send me some motivation, please.
Non-Lazy Adventures.....
Back to school.....
Isn't my dump truck cute? Since my 3 "roommates" are mostly all teaching reading, I made this construction display, with Joel's toolboxes, hardhats, and my "reading tools!" Our room has been deemed the "party room," since we are having so much fun working together. Off to a great start for this school year!
Geocaching.....So much fun, if it's not super-hot, you're not being eaten alive by mosquitoes, you're not super-crabby, and your Iphone has a decent geocaching app that doesn't send you all over the place! I do want to do this again, because it was very exciting when we finally did find a cache. I just need more preferable geocaching conditions. Nerds. I know.
I had given up and walked away, when Joel finally found it after a half-hour of searching.Look how happy!
Pie League.....
My friend Beth and I have started Thursday night Pie League, while the men are in their bowling league. It has been a fun, frustrating (for me, the worst baker ever), exciting adventure. We are in the process of starting a blog to document our trials and errors (ohhh the errors!).
Cooking....
I have been getting very adventurous in my cooking endeavors lately. I am not usually a great cook either. The kitchen is not my friend. Once, I made such horrible pancakes (yes, instant pancakes) that our dog wouldn't even eat them. And she eats everything! However, I have discovered a fantastic website with recipes using lots of fresh produce. We have never eaten so many local vegetables! And it turns out.....I CAN COOK!!! Who knew? I will be posting the pictures of all the amazing meals we have made this month, just because they're so darn pretty!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Looking For Advice
I came across this writing contest on my Facebook page, since I am a fan of Real Simple magazine. Now, I realize I have NO chance of winning this thing, but thought it might be a fun, bucket-list type thing to try! Plus, I have been told by a few people that I should expand my blog into something more substantial. (The suggestion has actually been to write a book, but I definitely don't have enough interesting material for that!)
So, if my good friends out there would check out the contest on the link above and let me know what YOU think would be worthy material, I would be grateful. The theme is "I never thought I'd....." Real Simple is looking for something more original than the experience of having a baby or getting married. I'm in luck there!
What do you think? Running? RAGBRAI? A specific race/time that I have written about? I think the more specific and focused, the better!
Why am I asking YOU for input? I don't know what other people want to read. I'm still a little surprised people are still enjoying Lazy Girl. This is true Lazy Girl acting here....asking someone else to do the brainstorming!
Please comment on my blog page. To do so, become a follower by clicking on "Follow," and follow the directions. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give! Or if you think NOTHING I have written is interesting enough to write an essay, than feel free to comment on that. I'm not that sensitive.
So, if my good friends out there would check out the contest on the link above and let me know what YOU think would be worthy material, I would be grateful. The theme is "I never thought I'd....." Real Simple is looking for something more original than the experience of having a baby or getting married. I'm in luck there!
What do you think? Running? RAGBRAI? A specific race/time that I have written about? I think the more specific and focused, the better!
Why am I asking YOU for input? I don't know what other people want to read. I'm still a little surprised people are still enjoying Lazy Girl. This is true Lazy Girl acting here....asking someone else to do the brainstorming!
Please comment on my blog page. To do so, become a follower by clicking on "Follow," and follow the directions. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give! Or if you think NOTHING I have written is interesting enough to write an essay, than feel free to comment on that. I'm not that sensitive.
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