WTF

I can't believe that I will be not doing any physical activity for about 3 weeks. I think I will go crazy. I absolutely love running and doing all kinds of exercise.

I went to the Dr. today to get a hernia checked. I need surgery to repair this. This really sucks. I had tears in my eyes as the Dr. was explaining this to me. He must of thought I was a real nut job. I think all of this stems from childbirth. I was reading these pamphlets and after I gave birth to all of my lovely 3, some things never went back to where there were suppose to go. That is also why I had another surgery before. Oh well...never said childbirth was easy. It was for me until now.

So I scheduled it as soon as possible. So in about 10 days or so, I will be on light duty. I still am so upset about this. I should say...great I can relax, but I really can't. I love to be on the move.

I can go back to running and working out in 3 weeks. But no core workouts for 2 months. Great...looks like Summer Shandy may go straight to my gut afterall. Until the night before surgery, I will be working out like a crazy person.

Cheap Labor

Putting the kids to work- for the basketball court that is being poured this weekend. EG helping in her dress and all. She was willing to use her muscles to help out her Dad. Great job B!

A Day with Miller~Brewery that is...

I have lived in Wisconsin all of my life and never once took a tour of the Miller Brewing Company. I've done Leinenkugels and Old Style(Lacrosse, WI... a long time ago), but never Miller. So after running the 5K at Miller Park home of the Milwaukee Brewers it only seemed fitting to head on over to the Brewery for some beer. A celebration of a hard workout.

We got our tickets and our tour began. It started with a 10 minute video...very good I might add, except for the weasels behind us who were whooping it up at 11:00 am and seeming like they were 15 and not legal to drink (they had wristbands)...but you never know. Okay the video has ended and off to see the plant. Wouldn't you know it...cleaning day, nothing going on in the factory...what a bummer. Would of liked to see the bottles and cans being fed through at a very fast rate. We saw the warehouse of beer and it was more beer in one room than I ever saw.

John and Tammy

Cari and Pat( EC that is)

I was waiting for the best part...the samples. We finally got to the first stop at a pub on campus called Miller Inn. We were seated at a table with a small bag of pretzels waiting and a glass of Miller Lite. That was the best Miller Lite I ever tasted. I was parched and hungry. I wanted another bag of pretzels. ( Now remember I haven't eaten anything after the race and I puked as well.)

Cheers to a great time!

The Fearsome Foursome...watch out!

The last stop was the Miller Beer Garden across the street where 2 more samples of our choosing were waiting. I chose Leinenkugels Honey Weiss and Miller Lite. I wasn't too experimental. I was parched and wanted to have what I know and what I would like. Needless to say I got drunk off of 3 beer samples...not full 12 oz, but samples. I was ready to party....I felt great...wanted more drinks...and even talked about going bar hopping. (It wasn't even quite noon) I knew I had to eat. We stopped for lunch at a local pub, ate, and realized I am not 21 anymore and am exhausted. By the time we drove home (45 minutes) I felt like I was hung over. It was only 2pm at this point. So, for the rest of the day I laid around and realized once again I AM NOT 21.

Great Day! Thanks to EC for being the DD in the new Sequoia...as Miller says...Drink Responsibly!!

Hannah in 3D

Do I need to say anymore? The countdown began long ago...tonight is the big night. Hannah in 3D...Alyssa and Paige all ready for the concert.

Sausage Race

It all started at 6am today. Maybe a little last night too. ( I get race anxiety and usually can't sleep...I get all nervous) Anyways, I did another 5 K race today. It was the best time...until I realized I am not 21 anymore.

Today my friends, husband, and I signed up to do the Sausage Race in Milwaukee. It is through the Milwaukee Brewers and their charities. For anyone who does not know...there are 5 types of sausages that race on Miller Park each home game. So funny...anyways they raced in the 5K today too.

We got to the ball park around 8:30 am...put on our timing chip, bib number, got the music ready, and waited to start the big race. It was about 2,500 people. There was a group of walkers, but mostly runners. Thank goodness I got a front row spot...a timing chip...however, no timing mat at the beginning...only the end...how goofy is that.

The girls are ready to go...Heidi, Cari, Tammy.

It is time to go...I took off like a shot...thought I could hang with all those young kids and serious looking runners (that includes my bffs) anyways I did my first mile at 7:40. I thought if I keep up this speed it will be a miracle. The only thing was the sun was so HOT and it was 80 degrees already. I had to slow down a little because I was getting beat already. I approach mile 2 and am feeling so hot...thank goodness a little relief...we got to run into Miller Park and run in from right field..run around the outside of the field and exit out. That was way cool to run where some of my favorite Brewers play...Ryan Braun, JJ Hardy, Corey Hart, Prince Fielder, I was so in awww that seriously I wanted to walk just to have it last a little bit longer. But dah you are in a race...no walking allowed.

The last mile felt like forever. I knew it was almost done when I saw the tent and heard all the cheers. I finished the race in 28 minutes and 20 seconds. I placed 19th in my age group out of 126. I was pretty proud of that. I do hope to improve and I WILL. I crossed the finish , was looking for someone I knew and OMG are you serious? I felt that sensation in my mouth...the watering feeling...the feeling of you guessed it...I puked. Thank goodness there were some bushes close by. I felt much better. I only wanted water at this point...not the hot dog that they were giving out. So I drank my water and felt okay. We had a great morning...changed out of the sweaty clothes and took advantage of NO KIDS for a while kind of deal. We decided to head on over to the Miller Brewery for a tour. This is where I know I realized I am not 21... next story.

What a race...who is that guy to the right? He snuck in...

John, Tammy, Mr. Sausage, Pat (EC), Cari, Heidi


Great run bud...fishing tomorrow!

Blogmania

I am very new to the "blog" world. My sister has been doing it for a couple of years now and I've always read hers. So, I started my own this month. I am trying to figure out how do to many of the things you can add to it to make it interesting and fun. I am hoping I even have more than just my family reading it. During this process I started clicking on other people's blogs and you could say now that I am addicted to all of this. I have a lot of time on my hands now...summer vacation...I am a second grade teacher. However, only 4 weeks left and back to work I go. (poor me). Back to my thoughts...I've really enjoyed reading many of them out there. I can't get enough of it. So thanks to all of the bloggers out there who make my summer reading easy and for making time seem to slip away without realizing that I have someone shouting "Mom, Mom," Oh...I do have kids. Until next time...

My Shadow

I must be completely bored today or at least my dog is. You could say Zena is my shadow. I get up...she gets up and follows me. No matter where I am....in the kitchen...walking to the office...doing laundry...cleaning...or going into the bathroom...she is always there. In fact I almost stepped on her today when I opened the bathroom door ...she was right there waiting for me. If I got up now from the computer she would follow me. I just love her. She is a 3-year old Springer Spaniel. Here she is...

It runs in the family.... (my mom always closes her eyes for pics)

She looks so sad in this picture.

Buggin' Out

I have to rant a little about something that is driving me crazy. It is the Japanese Beetle. They are the most disgusting bug. They have made a home in my yard and have eaten most of the leaves on my trees. The other night my husband sprayed the trees and shrubs in hopes that these pesty little creatures will be gone. Sure they died...the ones on the trees that is. So today I am sitting out enjoying a beautiful summer morning and wouldn't you know it...those nasty little bugs have invaded once more. What is it going to take to get rid of these things.?

As I am downloading some music...I feel this crawling sensation on my head and you guessed it...Japanese Beetle. I can't take it. They are driving me nuts. I have to figure out a way to get rid of these creatures so I can once again enjoy my lovely yard and not worry about these insects taking over. HELP!!

This is the culprit. So gross....

What Else???

I have an obsession to stay in shape. I exercise a lot, eat healthy, take vitamins, and other things to make sure that I stay in good condition. I eat chicken so much that my friends think I may grow feathers. I've even started eating yogurt again ( I use to gag at the thought)...but now I actually enjoy it. I decided that I should get a physical by my family doctor. I haven't had one in a while...I am 40...I should check to make sure I am good working order. I visit the OBGYN once a year, but that's it.


Yesterday I went to my family doctor for a physical appointment. I get checked in by the nurse who asks me some basic questions...any concerns...anything new you want to discuss with the doctor? I decided I should be very honest and say yes....I've noticed I have this lump near my groin. For some reason I feel ashamed to say that...I think I may have a hernia. Now, you have to understand this year I've had a lot of things go wrong with me spite doing everything right for myself. I developed Plantar Fasciitis ( severe foot pain)...I got that under control and feel good about that. I pulled a muscle in my hip and thought I could have bursitis...I thought how can I possibly have anything else wrong...


So the doctor comes in (a woman) she is very nice, but very hard to understand. Very thick foreign accent...so I have to really pay close attention to what she is saying to me. She is asking me all kinds of questions...medical histories, etc. However, I felt this was the most embarrasing part...do you smoke? no...yuck do you drink alcohol? I answered yes...socially. How much is socially? How many drinks do you have? What do you drink? I felt like I was being drilled by my parents when I was 16 or something. I couldn't be that honest...and tell her my love for Summer Shandy... or gin and tonic...or a good wine bender now and again...so I lied just a little and said weekends and just a couple of beers. Phew...that is over.


She examines me...all good. She gets to looking at my legs and probally thinks I am being beat or something. I have war wounds all over my legs...burns from the campfire...rope burns from
my exercise class, shaved off a wart by mistake, and many others. She was making some weird sounds like...ooh..ummm...I can only imagine what she was thinking.


Now it is time to check the groin...I do have a hernia....omg what else can go wrong with me. She tells me I have to get it checked and get it removed. Another surgery...another recovery...time off exercise...that will drive me nuts!!! I will do something...can't sit still. Thank goodness it won't happen for a little while. I still have some 5k times I want to beat. Another thing...at least this time my ailgments don't end with an "is."

It's All About Shoes

If there is one thing I love about shopping....is always finding the cutest shoes. Even though we are still in the middle of summer, it is never too soon to start thinking about the upcoming season. I am a teacher, so I like to say I am looking for great Back to School buys. I always get teased about how many pairs of shoes I have. I think a cute pair of shoes will make any outfit look great.

So, yesterday I went shopping (really to buy sheets), but I had to make a stop in the shoe department. I found the cutest shoes...I had to have them. They are a black peep toe with a really cute heel and some buckly looking straps on the front. Here they are....I just love them and can't wait to wear them to school.

Along with me loving shoes is my 6 year old daughter. Everytime we go shopping we have to stop in the shoe department. My husband thinks I've created a monster when it comes to her shopping habits. She always wants to look at shoes and usually will talk me into buying them. So, I took the opportunity to really see what I've created and OMG...it is crazy. Check it out.

A cute pair we bought yesterday. Cute wedge heel.

Fun flats. Hannah Montana brand from Target. So cute.

Ridiculous...I know. This isn't all of them either.

Emma wanted to pose for this. She loves her shoes.

Splish Splash I Should of Taken a Bath

We have gone camping many times and usually we have the best weather. There has only been a few times it has really rained. This past week, the forecast was chance of rain everyday. The weather was hot and humid. Thank goodness for an air conditioned camper! Just as the big boys were going to take the young boys on a fishing adventure, it started to rain. Just a little at first and then the flood gates opened and it rained and rained and rained. So the boys took full advantage of the situation and found their fun after all. They danced and played in the rain. They should of grabbed a bottle of soap and took a shower. Remember when we would of done something like that? To be a kid again and have such fun with the weather. They didn't complain...they probally wished it would of lasted just a little bit longer.

Sam (my nephew) opening up for a drink.

Brandon and Sam bustin' a move.

Brandon jumping for joy! (Yes, he eats!!)

Brandon having a silly moment.

Brandon and Sam...should of taken a shower!

Fishing Frenzy

Whenever we vacation, it is always about fishing. The kids beg to do it all day and in the evening. So this past week, we went for a 5 day camping vacation with the intention of fishing as much as possible. (The rain prevented us a bit..look for the next story) To prepare for this, my husband purchased a blow up boat that can hold 800 lbs and can have a motor on it . Since we have a camper we would prefer not to tow a boat behind that. So we opted to purchase a boat so that we can fish for something other than the "biscuit" you catch on shore. Everyone took turns in the boat (don't want to have too many kids with hooks in it at a time). Yikes!

However, the boat was a great plan after all. It brought pleasure to all the kids and the grown boys as well. We caught some fish other than the little ones along the shore. Had enough to clean and eat for dinner one night. Everyone but me...I don't do fish eating at all!!

The shore brought luck as well. I was reeling in blue gill like crazy, the only thing with me, is I like to fish, but to bait it or take the fish off is well not my favorite. I try, but I have a lot of work to do in that area. So, I usually ask my daughters or son for help. Emma (our youngest) will run at the chance to take the fish off of any ones line. She would rather do that, than fish herself. Alyssa is an expert too. Brandon likes to get tangled at any opportunity and drives his Dad crazy. Oh well....until we catch the big one.

Emma caught the first fish of the trip.
To small to keep... had to throw it back. It swallowed the hook.





It took a bit, but it got put back in the lake.

Race Day Sunday

It all started at 4:30 am on Sunday morning. First of all it was so hard to sleep on Saturday night. The anticipation of the next day. I was a wreck. Don't ask me why because I've done this before. I guess I really wanted to make sure I improved my time from last year. Last year I did the triathlon in about 1 hour 47 minutes.

We all arrived at the transition area around 5:45 am. We had approx. 45 minutes to eat, drink, set up our area before we needed to head down to the start line. We head down to the starting line by the beach. The event kicked off at 7:00 am. I started at 7:48 am in the water and off we go. I was very proud that I was able to do the front crawl across the lake. I was getting hit and kicked along the way. When your wave has at least 50 or more people in it, it is pretty easy to get bumped along the way.

I made my way out of the lake and to my bike. ( I didn't get lost!) I found it, but as I was at my towel, I had a brain funk....what to do? Should I put on my shoes first or shorts? I swear that took 30 seconds before I realized... Tammy GET GOING you need to beat your time. I head off out for the 12.4 mile bike ride. I felt great....what??? wind??? are you kidding me??? Yes, wind was a HUGE factor again. It was even worse than last year. The wind was a very gusty 20-30 mph. (the forecastors got that wrong). So needless to say...the bike time for me stayed about the same as I did last year (46 minutes).

Finally the run...I was very proud that I ran the whole thing. Last year I was too hot and tired and I needed to walk. This year no walking. I felt great. The first mile was the hardest. I felt some leg cramping, but I persisted. I picked up a little time on the last mile. It was great. The best is when you are getting near the end and you hear all the shouts and yells from the crowd. The excitement of finally finishing something so amazing.

I did it!! I finished my second triathlon and I beat my time from last year! I did it in

1 hour and 38 minutes. In my age category I placed 145 out of a field of 521. Not too bad. I have a new goal for next year...beat my time and do it by 1 hour 30 minutes.

Congratulations to Cari and Tricia for both beating their times from last year. I am so proud of both of you. Until next year ladies...or if not sooner for another??

Exiting the transition area for the bike ride.

I am running in to the finish. I am in the white shirt

and pink shorts.

Tammy, Cari, and Tricia...we did it!!

For the love of Summer Shandy! Cheers!

"Tri" iffic Weekend

Wow! What a weekend. It was so much fun getting ready for the Danskin Triathlon on Sunday. Saturday I went to the expo with my sister Tricia, my friend Cari, and our daughters.

The girls with their bag of goodies.
Getting marked for the event. I always think this looks so official and cool. We grabbed as much free stuff our bags could hold and even bought some fun stuff too.

We are ready for Sunday!

My Love for Shandy~ Summer Shandy

I love summer and warm sun. I love to have a cold beer on a hot summer day. It is driving me crazy that I am not having my favorite beverage. I am competing this weekend and you would think I am some sort of alcoholic or something. I've been craving beer all day. (you can't have it, so you want it even more)

This is how my love affair with Summer Shandy began.... One warm night last summer John came home with a 6 pack of Shandy. Here is a beer we should try...okay I thought..I'm game for it. I love beer. I like Miller Lite, Bud Light, and other domestic type beers. Then I tried Leinenkugels Summer Shandy ( a subtle lemon beer with good flavor..wish I would explain it better) I would have to say it is my most favorite beer. Instead of 6 packs~it's cases of the stuff. I've had Miller Chill and the Bud Light Lime, but nothing holds a candle to my Summer Shandy. I even toured the Leinenkugel's brewery last summer and used all free beer tokens on the Shandy. It is a seasonal beer so when September comes I just have to live without until Spring when it rolls out again.

Needless to say I will be enjoying my Shandy on Sunday right after the triathlon. (as soon as I cross the finish line) I made sure John stocked the fridge. Cheers to summer and Summer Shandy!

I love this beer! If you haven't tried it, it is a must.

Tri Madness

This is it. The weekend of the triathlon. I've been in serious training mode now for 3 or more months. Hours of swimming, biking, and running. I've improved my swimming by actually doing the front crawl. (I did the breast stroke last year...very slow) I've practiced my breathing and think now I have it down to a science. The biking is the same ole thing. I've always been a biker, so that comes easy to me. The only factor for me is wind speed and by the looks of things...wind will not be an issue. Finally, the run. That was always the hardest for me, but all of the 5K races and endless hours of training, I should be good to go. My only goal is to improve my time from last year and not get lost coming out of the water and freak out when I can't find my bike. (There are about 4,000 of them). I found a way to make my bike stand out...lots of balloons and neon signs!

My husband is rejoicing because this is it...( or at least he thinks it is :) sorry honey...I am ADDICTED! He is a real understanding...since he sees me very minimally during my training season. Hopefully he has a Summer Shandy waiting for me at the finish line. Can't wait to share pictures of me (hopefully I don't look like I'm going to puke...just huge smiles).

Until Sunday....

A Hairy Situation

For the longest time I've been bugging my husband John about his furry chest. I would ask could I shave it? How about a wax? He would always say never. I guess I bugged him long enough because to my surprise last week he shaved it all off! My dream of having a smooth chest to rub came true! Tell me what you think? Do you like the hairy chest or the smooth look?

John before the big shave. John after...(needs to work on the tan lines)

Northwoods Getaway

Brandon hoping for his first catch of the trip. Emma casting... caught a sunfish.

Alyssa waiting for the big fish. (Crazy canoe girl)

The Fourth of July weekend led us up to the North Woods of Wisconsin. As I was told it was bear country. My fears of camping amongst the bears was a bit frightning. So before the trip I was given a gift...a bear bell. A what you ask...it is a basic bell that is suppose to scare off bears. I knew at that point I would be okay(not really, but whatever). Wouldn't you know it, I forgot it(being 40 of course).

This is the bear bell.

I guess I will remember it next time.

It was a great weekend...no bear sightings...maybe just sounds. It was a great time. We fished, canoed, biked, ran, swam, and of course drank some summer drinks. My favorite is Summer Shandy by Leinenkugels. LOVE IT!

I wished I would of brought my camera on the canoe. It was a real trip in all sense of that word~ a trip. I was put in the canoe with my 11 year old daughter who really thinks she is almost adult like. She was a real motivator. She was out for blood that day (not the kind that mosquitoes want ). She wanted to be the first one to the Michigan border. We did finish first after her constant yelling at me on how to paddle a canoe. At one point I wanted to tip it just for fun. From what I understand it was a real comedy show.

Obsession of the Fittest

I love to exercise. My husband thinks I am obsessed about it. I wouldn't argue because if I miss a day or two I start to pace and get very antsy. I do all kinds of things to stay in tip top shape. I attend classes at the Y, bike, swim, run, and do weights. I've always been into doing those things until last year, I decided I would step it up a notch and sign up for 5K races and OMG even a triathlon. I competed and completed my first triathlon in July 2007. It was the Danskin all women one. I was so proud of my accomplishment that I think at that point I was hooked. I love the competition and feeling the adrenaline pumping through my body.

I completed two other 5K races last Fall and knew that the year I turned 40...watch out! Once you turn 40, you head into a whole new bracket for racing... the older but not golden group. On June 28th I ran in a local 5K race and came in third in my age group! I was so pumped. I made my family wait around for my medal of honor. (you had to be present to win...how dumb) Anyways, this weekend is the Danskin triathlon once again. I've trained and have learned through experience. I will succeed. I most likely won't be taking home a trophy, but once again the obsession will linger on for years and years to come.

Danskin triathlon July 2007...My best friend Cari and I.

I am running to the finish on June 28, 2008. I am way to the right.




My 3rd place medal.

Happy Birthday

Cheers Girls!

Tammy and hubby John

Yummy cake

What??? You are here for me?Surprise!

I turned 40 this year. I had such anxiety about this day for a year. I didn't want it to come and really was in complete denial. I told all of my family and friends I wanted to pretend this day never happened and just go on. No parties, well wishes, etc. I thought I was safe because my big day fell over Easter weekend this year. I stayed home on my day...lounged around with my family...no big deal. Phew I thought...I am 40 and the day came and went. (so I thought)



I was very fooled...my wonderful husband, family, and best of friends gave me the best surprise party ever. I had no idea because it was 2 weeks after the fact. I was so surprised...I never saw it coming. It was a great party. I couldn't believe how many people actually were there. I am blessed to have such great people in my life. Thanks to everyone who made me see that 40 is just a number and it is all up hill from here.