Stress Made Me Do It...not me someone else

Heard this on the radio this morning.

Teacher gone crazy. Couldn't take her student playing with her braid in class, so she cut it off! OMG!! If I were the mother, I would of gone crazy. The mother wants the teacher to lose her job...rightfully so. You should have a little more patience than that.

Being a teacher can be a challenge, but seriously enough to cut the students hair? Really?

As for our potential new life in the ever so balmy state of Minnesota.... is still up for some SERIOUS debate.

Life Changing...Should I or Not?

It's been 6 weeks since hubby lost his job. He has had some great networking opportunities and even had a job interview. Well the one and only job interview turned into 2 interviews and then an offer! Yeah! RIGHT!

There is only ONE HUGE problem, this opportunity for him will have us moving to a new state. That is so scary for me. How do you make a life decision like that? How will my kids react? Can I leave my career and family for this really great opportunity? I have so many thoughts right now, I can't even explain how I am feeling.

With all of this, I still need to take photos of my kids and just maybe there will be a Happy New Year card instead of a Christmas one. I've been so bad at that lately....photo taking opportunities that is.

Need Some New Wheels or Skis?

Oh the weather outside is about to turn frightful and I am in denial. So, don't let it snow, no snow, NO SNOW!!!

I would be EXCITED for this if I didn't have big travel plans. I've had these conference plans since September. I am going to Chicago for a 2 day conference with a super good friend and teacher.

They are predicting 6-12 inches of snow for my area. I really don't want to drive in this kind of stuff. It would take about 90 minutes to drive on a normal day....I can't imagine with this kind of snow. I'll just wait and see what happens.

We are staying in a hotel, doing some shopping, going out to dinner, and chatting. Oh, I can't forget learning new things too.

Then, after the snow hits, we will be slammed with yucky COLD temps. Like highs in the teens. Welcome to winter and it hasn't officially began!

NO more...MUST have WILL power

I need to stop eating chocolate. Lately I can't get enough of the stuff. I crave it constantly! I need to have self control and STOP!!! Dark chocolate is my new found favorite.

I ran the Turkey 10K race last Thursday. It was COLD, RAINY, and WINDY here in Wisconsin. I finished it and beat my time last year by 45 seconds!! That's a start. I want to run the Jingle Race this weekend, but the weather is suppose to just suck. I want to beat my PR time for a 5K and beat my arch rival too! He is driving me nuts!!

Maybe Santa will bring me a crystal ball for Christmas. I really want to know what our family's future will be.....

I also need to take pictures for Christmas and this blog! UGH!!!

A Bouquet of Things

I haven't updated my photos on my blog in forever. That is my goal this weekend. I am going to put some recent photos of the family on here. I've been such a slacker.

I could blame Facebook since I am on that darn thing every night. I like to read people's updates and am addicted to Bejeweled Blitz and Farmville. My husband thinks I am a nut when I tell him I have to farm or I will lose my crops and money.

Oldest daughter is headed to New Moon tonight. To be completely honest, I don't have a huge desire to see it. I had a rough time getting through the book. Maybe I should give it another try.

I am excited to run the Turkey Day run in my town. I am doing the 10K (6.2 miles). My only goal is to beat my time from last year. I am also signing up to do another half marathon in May. I hope training inside most of the winter isn't that horrible. I just HATE running on a treadmill. I went and did it yesterday and I felt like 25 minutes was an hour.

I've been so into wine lately. Thanks to Hairbows and Guitar Picks for her weekly wine post. I am already looking forward to having some this evening.

Cheers to a great weekend!

This Stuff Is the Bomb!!

This stuff is the best popcorn EVER in a bag! I picked some up at Walmart about a month ago and now I am addicted to this stuff. Just looking at this bag is making me hungry for it. Not only is there the Kettlecorn flavor, but there are other spicier flavors.

I can sit down and eat half the bag without realizing it. I don't even bother looking at the calories of this stuff. I figure I work out enough it doesn't matter. In fact, I ate the last of it last night....looks like I'll be stopping in at Wally World tonight for a little fix before I watch 90210 tonight.

Sisters, Well Almost

A day at the park. It was like Indian Summer around here this weekend. My sister tookher daughterand my youngest to have some fun. She took the most precious pictures of these 2 girls. They are best cousins. Her slideshow had me in tears. These girls are like sisters. That is why we just can't move away.

Keeping the Faith

On my way into work this morning I knew I should of turned off the song "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. I was crying like a nut! It made me think of our current situation and the mountain my husband is climbing right now to do what is needed for our family. He is doing such a phenomenal job getting his resume up to date. I read it over and I would hire him. The things I didn't know about his career came to light when I read the information. Wow, is what I have to say! The things he has accomplished in his career over the last 20 years are amazing!

I need to do the same because that mountain may be something I have to climb and I will keep the faith and keep climbing.

There is an interview on the horizon...next week in fact, but all I have to say is I will climb that mountain later! :)

Darn...the tears may come again!

Too Bad Life Isn't Always A Box of Chocolates

Life is full of curve balls. However, when one is thrown at you and you aren't expecting it, it can be a whole new ball game.

With this curve ball comes uncertainty, change in lifestyle and what you are used too. It can have other changes like moving from family and friends.

You have to go where this new game starts. It may be close to home or not.

Yesterday, my hubby lost his job. It was a horrible day. I felt like I was kicked in the gut.

Today, I am okay. I have a better outlook. I am ready to go through this journey with him by supporting things that may come to him. If this takes us to a new place, so be it and it will be okay.

I don't mind change, change can be good, maybe this was a sign from up above. I am ready and will stay strong for him and our kids.

So I guess this means no more shoe shopping for a while! :)

Why no Warranties

Almost 3 years ago I went through a surgery that has made my life wonderful. Now I am hoping this surgery comes with a warranty.

After having 3 children and having very, very quick deliveries with all 3, my inner self was a little messed up. Not my mind, my bladder. Those easy deliveries left me crossing my legs when I sneezed or coughed. Running was a joke because I would literally pee on myself. I couldn't do jumping jacks or any type of jumping because I would be in the bathroom all the time. So I decided to have surgery to correct this problem. I had a TVT done. (trans-vaginal taping) Best thing ever...I could run, jump, cough, sneeze, etc and no issues! I was so happy.

Now...three years later, I am noticing some things that I felt before. I have to cross my legs when I sneeze. When I am running down hills, I feel like I am going to leak everywhere. I am feeling that pressure to go all the time...it sucks!!

I am hoping my doctor says, Oh yes it comes with a warranty and I'll just correct this for free. That is what I am wishing and hoping, but in reality I know that WILL not be the case and I will be forever paying medical bills.

I won't give up my passion, that is completely out of the question. I love running and I really can't give up the occasional sneeze so I guess I will find out when I go to the doctor sometime this month and see what he says.

Thinking this Thursday

Thursday Thoughts

• My teenage daughter knows more about make-up brands than I do. What ever happened to 13 year olds buying Wet and Wild or Cover Girl. Not her, she likes to go to Sephora and buy make-up from there. Way to go Aunt Laurie!
• Have we gone overboard with H1N1? I now have a 1/2 gallon jug of hand sanitzer on my desk and every day we wipe down. Maybe I should have my children strip down in the garage when they get home and put fresh clothes on. BECAUSE I love love love doing laundry. (sarcasm there) Maybe I will wear a mask and gloves to school tomorrow.
• What happened to Fall this year? After today, there will be no leaves left on these trees. It is so windy and rainy out, I won't be able to get some good photos of the kids. And I've worn my winter coat already....what's up with that? I guess we didn't have a summer...so Fall is out....maybe winter will be fall and we can skip right to summer!
• I wish my kids liked to go to haunted houses or do haunted hayrides. That idea is out of the question in this house.
• Learning to love parking garages for exercise. One of my classes I take (new fitness place) is we go to this parking garage and run up and down and down and up and up and down, etc for like 30 minutes! That is the best workout ever. We also then do the stairs too! Thank goodness this parking garage is not busy and seriously there is only a handful of cars in this almost ghost like structure.
• Glad it's Thursday because I am mighty "Thirsty!" Thursday shows are great and I am so looking forward to either a glass of wine or a Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss.

Dilemma

For any of you that have been reading this blog for a while know that I am an exercise fanatic. I run, bike, go to classes, weight lift, etc. We are members at the Y and really have liked it there. There is a indoor track, workout equipment, classes, a new pool that will be ready for use in a matter of months, and discounts for sports for the kids.

This is my dilemma......I have been going to the same work out class for about 4 years. The instructor I have is amazing. She is powerful, motivating, and knowledgeable in exercise. I've met a lot of great friends by going to this class, they really have become like a family. We talk, sweat, and motivate each other.

The dilemma is this...my instructor has left the Y and has opened her own gym. I HAD to join this gym because HELL I can't walk away from this. It's like having your own personal Jillian in your face. I LOVE IT! Hubby thinks I am nuts because we DON'T NEED another membership to pay for. I've tried to explain my reasoning for wanting to do this. When I found out she was leaving the Y to open her own place, I was very stressed about it. The opening special was 99.00 for 3 months of unlimited classes. So I did it. It really isn't a gym, more like a dance hall with equipment and room to do step classes, Zumba, aerobics, yoga, etc.

This is how I am going to justify it.

• Limit my shopping obsession and only buy needs, not wants. For example I LOVE SHOES! I am even going to return a beautiful pair of heels because of this. Not the hot red ones that I already wore, but a whole different pair. They are really cute too. Damn
• Plan dinner at least 5 out of the 7 days a week. ( Hubby does this...because I usually leave during dinner to go to class)
• I am really not that high maintenance when it comes to my hair, so I can't go there.
• Do my own pedicures.
• Limited Shopping ( I think I said that already)

I will go to the Y and use the track, pool, and equipment. I may even check out the new instructors.

What would you do?

Crazy for TV

Don't you just hate it when you finally get the time to settle in to watch one of your favorite TV shows that you DVRed and you go to the list and IT IS NOT THERE!

Hubby says to me, it is not real life Tam. It may not be real life, but I just wanted to take a break from it all and be in some sort of fantasy.

This has happened twice to me within a week. Either that, maybe my kids deleted it by mistake. Who knows, but I missed last weeks 90210 and Private Practice. I did find a new show that I like and watched that instead. It is called The Good Wife. Anyone else see that one?

Here is a list of my shows that I just have to watch. ( Or my fantasy away from it all)

• 90210 (very good this season. Glad I stuck with that show.)
• Melrose Place ( it is okay, getting better each week, but don't like the character of Violet or who knows, maybe it is the actress)
• Desperate Housewives (so far a great season. )
• The Housewives of Atlanta (that NeNe cracks me up)
• Grey's Anatomy (hooked for sure)
• Private Practice (love it!)
• Ugly Betty (back on this Friday...funny...could be doomed because it is on Fridays)
• Survivor (some crazy people on this season...Shambo and Russ)
• Amazing Race ( I would love to do this show)
• The Biggest Loser ( Jillian is a machine)
• Cougartown (I laugh out loud on that one..funny stuff)

I am sure I have more...but this is enough for now. I can't keep up with my life, let alone all of this TV too. What are your shows?

Hello Monday!

I played nurse today. I put on latex gloves and yes oh yes I cleaned up puke. I had all eyes on me for 10 minutes while one of my students decided to puke on his desk. Oh Hell....I about lost it in front of everyone. Hope the little guy feels better and hopefully it was just school lunch that he ate and nothing else.

Glad my daughter's birthday party was able to be part of the dating game. Oh yes, one of her friend's now has a new boyfriend. They met at the party and started "going out". And to top it all off, I took 4 teenagers to the mall yesterday. Oh yes I was part of this couples thing at the mall yesterday. My daughter and her friend and 2 boys. Maybe that is why I need to dye my hair more often. I swear those gray hairs are coming out very quickly.

What happened to Fall in Wisconsin. I think Mother Nature skipped that season and now we have winter all of a sudden. I had to pull out the winter wear this weekend. Crazy stuff. Wasn't ready to start running with my full gear on quite yet, but oh well.

I watched the Chicago Marathon yesterday and saw the winner. Oh Wow...he ran 26.2 miles in like 2 hours and 4 minutes. That's nuts! A good friend of mine ran it as well. She finished and I am so proud of her and her husband. It was a cold fall morning in Chi-town for sure. She finished in 4 hours and 2 minutes and he was shortly after her. All of this has got me thinking....

This has been one crazy day!

Birthday Success

I need a nap! The party was great. The kids loved the scavenger hunt! You could hear them screaming throughout the neighborhood. They danced, wrestled, and even played Spin the Bottle. Thanks goodness there was no kissing. They would spin it and say who they would kiss and laugh like crazy!
A decorated the whole basement with her friends. They did a great job! I am a very PROUD parent of a 13 year old. :)

I had to use a tealight candle because I forgot birthday candles.

No sharing her wish, even though all the girls were wondering.

A group photo! Minimal drama...it all worked great.

The Big Night

Tonight is the big party for A who turned 13 yesterday. She cleaned the entire house all by herself. She has a bunch of friends coming over to help decorate. She is very excited about this party.

I am a little nervous about drama that can happen with these teenagers...It is a boy/girl party.

We are sending them on a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood tonight. I think that will be so much fun!

I do have to say that I have received more apples, notes, cookies, vegetables from gardens , and stickers from my students this year than I have EVER gotten before. They must really love me or something. OR as hubby would say I have them snowed.

Let the party madness begin! Photos to come soon.

So NOT a Slow Ride

I've been so crazy busy that I can't even read my favorite blogs or blog myself.

I get to work and BAM, I don't slow down. I get home and run here, there, and everywhere. I work out, go to soccer games, do household chores, and by the time I want to read blogs, I am so tired, I say maybe tomorrow.

And the cycle of craziness starts all over again. I do think that this weekend I may catch up. It's suppose to be rainy and COLD here. So just maybe I will have time.

However, I want to go furniture shopping! We are going out to celebrate hubby's birthday. And just maybe go to an apple orchard or something like that.

I have caught a few glimpses of my fav's, but as soon as I want to comment, the craziness leads me astray.

Until later....and I regain organization and control...Have a great weekend.

Harvest Moon Results Are In

B and I did our Harvest Moon 5 K tonight! This 10 year old did an amazing job. He ran his first 5K race in 25:11. I am so proud of him. He beat his Mom and I couldn't be happier...seriously happy for him!
My time was 26:44. We both came in 4th place in our age group. Jumping around like crazy before the race!

Getting ready to run together!

B's friends...they rocked it out too!

Ready to go home...boy I look like HELL!! :)

I am ready to beat my time. I am...I will! Just like my shirt says...Stronger....Better...Faster!

Sunday! Oh No Almost Monday!

Where oh where did my weekend go? I feel like I've blinked and poof it's gone!

I spent the majority of my day at the soccer field watching all 3 of my kids play today. I was gone for 4 1/2 hours. Then had to grocery shop, fold laundry, make some sort of dinner, and pick up the clutter that my lovely children seem to forget to put away!

This week Wednesday I am running a 5K race called Harvest Moon. My son B is doing it with me. I am scared he will beat me! He is ten and he did his 3 miles today in about 27 minutes. He is amazing! I did a 3 miler today in about 26:33. It will be a fun run to do. After the 13.1 miles last week, 3 miles seemed so quick!

It also seems every time hubby heads up to Green Bay for a Packer game, they lose. I think he jinxes the team or something. Now I have to hear all the Bears fans around here rub it in! Yea in a very sarcastic kind of way. :) Living on the Illinois border...there is a huge Chicago team fan base. At least the Brewers swept the Astros. That really doesn't matter because they are not going to make the play offs, but it was a great weekend for Prince Fielder who broke an RBI record.

Mighty Chicago

Today was the day! My very first half marathon. I ran 13.1 miles! I finished the race and felt proud. I do have to say today was HOT! It hasn't been this warm in the midwest like this all summer. I trained all summer in the low humidity, cloud cover, and 60 degree temps. Mother Nature wanted summer heat today. Not a cloud in the sky, the humidity was high and it was mighty warm. Oh and no breeze and we were running along Lake Michigan in Chicago.

It was a crowded race. I checked my results and 14, 821 people finished this race. 18,000 signed up, but either didn't finish or show up. It really never seemed to thin out, but that was motivation for me to keep going. I already know that I am going to sign up to do another one next spring. I want to beat my time so badly!

This is the breakdown....

• Overall placement was 8959/14821
• Gender placement was 4419/8613
• Division placement 429/817
• Chip time: 2 hours 22 minutes

I would of liked to do ALOT better, but the water stations were crazy and so was the heat!

One of my sisters wasn't running and she was taking photos at the finish.

Giving it all I had. I could see the finish!

Our group that finished this today. My sister and her husband(far left) me and my hubby in the middle, and our two great and best friends on the right!

This Is It

The weekend I have been training my a$$ off for is finally here!! It is the weekend of the Chicago Half Marathon. I am mighty nervous, but I know Ican do it. The weather looks good. I feel good. And I am hoping the lines at the Port o Pots are not too long. I think the nerves will get the best of me before the start time.

I am doing this with my husband, sister, brother in law, and 2 very good friends!

I will hopefully post on Monday to share some pics and times.

Have a cold one for me this weekend!!

Time Flies

This is my soon to be teenager. The party planning is in the works. I think we are using the first two photos for her invites....what do you think?

Gotta love her aviator sunglasses!

First day of school last Tuesday. Finally, downloaded some of the pictures.

I have a 5th grader, 2nd grader, and 7th grader this year! Time sure does fly by.

I have 4 1/2 days until the half marathon!! I am foregoing my cute heels this week so save my feet. I can't wait to wear the red shoes I bought last month.

Firsts

Some firsts to share...

• Oldest daughter shared with me that she is probally going to get her period and that I need to show her how to use a tampon.
• My half-marathon is coming up in 9 days and I am getting really nervous.
• First time to have students in my class with such old fashioned names like....Linda and a Barbara ( they are 7 years old) Hard to do...I want to call Linda..Lin...and Barbara...Babs.
• All 3 kids are in soccer....between all 3...5 practices a week.
• Eating dinner last night at 7:30 because we didn't get home from all the practices until then.
• That's it....I think!

New Language and a Question

Our school and I think most schools ask this on the registration or other forms you fill out, is "What language is spoken at home?"

We get a survey back that says English. On the next line where is says "Is there a second language spoken at home?" The reply was Yes, Urban Street Jive.


What the heck is that all about? Should I take a class in that now too? That made me laugh, especially knowing it was from the man who at parent conferenes wore a hat that said "Beaver Diver!"



If you find bathroom issues disgusting or topics, please do not read below. (Just warning you that is all)


Question of the Day on the radio station was, "Do you use the bathroom with the door open or closed while at home?"

I pee all the time with the door open. I don't think anything of it, until I forget that my kids have friends over and OMG... they are coming down the hall. lol

According to the radio, most men find it disgusting that their significant other would do that. What do you do or think? I think it is okay to pee with the door open if I am alone in the house or my husband is home. I close it for the "double d" (dropping a deuce), but for a quick pee...who cares.

Party Ideas for A Soon to Be Teenager???

There will be a teenager in my house very soon. My oldest daughter will be 13 in 5 weeks! We are planning on having a party for her and we are allowing her to have a boy/girl party.

The only concerns I have are what should I have planned for this? I know I will have food and music. Do I need to have other things planned for teenagers to do? I was thinking of having a bon-fire outside. We also have Guitar Hero, an electronic dart board, and a nice fooz ball table.

Any one out there have experience with this? I am trying to think back to my first boy/girl party and the only thing that comes to mind is Spin the Bottle!

A Crazy First Impression

Last night was our Back to School night. I get to meet the kids I will have in my class and the parents as well. It is a great night! However, I probally looked like a real shlub because for the first hour I had to hold a tissue on my lip because it was bleeding like crazy. The blood would not stop for anything.

Fifteen minutes before I freshened up my make-up, made sure my dress looked fine, brushed my hair and noticed that I had this white thing on my lip. I popped it...yes I did. And all hell broke loose on my mouth.

I felt like a complete idiot. " Hi Mr. and Mrs. "blank" I am your child's new teacher. I should probally have you put on a mask and oh, here is a bottle of hand sanitizer because I am bleeding all over the place.

It took an hour...I swear. At least half of the students and their families think I am normal and the other half, well, I hope they come to school soon and realize I am not a complete goof ball.

Oh and I put out a bowl of lifesaver mints...that was a hit with the families.

Some Words

These 2 kids have been together since the day they were born. My daughter E and her buddy CD ( C-Dog!) We live next door to eachother, go on vacations together, and sit outside on the patio and chat, and do ALOT together. Their family is now part of our family.

They are the best of friends and sometimes they are like brother and sister and fight and tease eachother. Now these two wonderful kids will be in the same second grade class this year. All I have to say is Good Luck to the teacher and hopefully these two don't cause TOO much trouble.

Work and Wine

I have been SO busy! I need to catch up on blogging, facebooking, laundry, and getting my kids ready to get up EARLY!

In a nutshell...went camping last week (final vacation for the summer) and went back to work on Monday! It's crazy!

I already miss my lazy days of reading, beaching, facebooking, shopping, and getting my runs in for the half marathon.

Now, I have to fit in my runs in the evenings after working and strategically planning my drive because there is CONSTRUCTION EVERYWHERE!!

I will adjust, I always do. It's hard every year to get back in the swing, but I manage. I just like to complain a bit about it.

Here is a family photo from our camping trip. We took our kids to a winery...it was raining out. They loved it! They thought it was cool to see all the grapes growing. And I found some good wine too.

WW~ A Day at Miller Park

The Sausage Race...starting line.

My daughter E, my niece, and me.

B~ Go Brew Crew

The girls all ready to watch the game!

It's The Final Countdown

It's the Final Countdown! Yes, my lazy days of summer are soon coming to a close. It is back to school time for me and the kids. I report Monday and the kids go back on Sept. 1st. However, I have already had an action packed few days and leaving tomorrow for a 5 day camping trip before Monday comes.

Took the kids to Chicago on the train. We went to Navy Pier, splashed in the fountains, watched the jets for the upcoming air show, went to Millennium Park, took the water taxi, and left the 2 younger girls (they love to dress like twins...they are cousins) in Chicago for the weekend with my youngest sister who SPOILED the heck out of them....that is for another post.

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I Did it Again

I stewed all weekend on my new hair color and cut. I needed to change something...I wasn't that thrilled. I was, but I wasn't at the same time. So I added a little red to it and got it cut some more! What do you think? Now...I have it pulled back in the front. I have to style it yet. But I totally love it. This isn't the best photo of me. I do not take good pics at all.

Bird Dog Goes Hunting and a Storm Too

Sunday photo highlights.

This dog was chomping at the bit to catch this bird...she was staring her down. It was a baby bird...could hardly fly. So B took the bird to a safe place before Zena had a chance to get it.

The baby bird...we noticed a bunch of them near our house. However, this one made it to safety, Zena got another one.

Then the skies were turning mighty ominous. Heat and Humidity will do that.

I thought that was a cool picture. The rain storm blew in and out very quickly...no damage. Thank goodness because there were some neighboring communities that lost power and had down trees.

This is how it all ended.....

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I tried out my new running skirt and I loved it. I felt so feminine! I think I am going to wear it for the half marathon.

Amazing Shoes

Yesterday while taking the girls Back to School shopping, I had one of those OMG moments in the shoe department. I walked into Kohl's not really looking for anything for me and it was like a flash of light and a magnetic force steered me to the most amazing shoes. I immediately fell in love with these shoes!

I couldn't pass them up no matter what the cost and they were costly at least to me for shoes. They were on sale for 49.99 and after my 20% Friends and Family, I figured it was well worth it. I can not wait to wear these to my first day of school. I may wait until the second day because I am not use to wearing shoes like this in the summer. My daughters did not like them at all. What do you think? Be honest, I can take it. No matter what it made my trip to Kohl's so worth it.

Oh, and I found a cute Adidas running skirt and top....I am going to try it out tomorrow for my short run. I am on schedule to do an 11 mile run this week sometime. I completed 10 on Friday...all I can say is WOW!

Who's That Girl?

I took a chance on something that took me years to get up the nerve to do. I had the same long hair since the birth of my youngest daughter. I may have gotten it cut, but nothing that anyone would really notice. So....yesterday after feeling like I needed a change this is what I did.

I chopped my hair and colored it VERY dark. I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror. What do you think...and be honest. My oldest daughter told me I look bad and she doesn't like the short hair on me. Hubby says it looks fine and the color matches my eyebrows. My son looked at me and says "Did you color your hair?" I said, "No, Why?" He accepted it, then I said Yes I colored it. Didn't want to make him think he was nuts. Youngest liked it too.

Oh Get Over the Feeling

Some of you may already know this, but I am training for my first half marathon that is scheduled for Sept. 13th in Chicago. I printed out a training plan and have been following it pretty religiously. However, lately I have been feeling like this whole thing is becoming more of task that I HAVE to do, rather than running for pleasure and exercise.

I go to bed at night thinking of the miles I must run in the morning. What route I should take and what time is the best to go...blah blah blah.

Is this a normal feeling when training for something this big (at least this is HUGE to me) running 13.1 miles use to be so far out there, I could of never imagined, but now I know that

soon it will be here and I will be fine and I will do it, but first I need to get over this love/hate thing I have going on.

This is a photo at the expo for the Trek Tri I did in July...I was happy and ready and that is where I want to be again!

Sidenote...As a runner do you feel like certain drivers don't care if you are there or not? Like they look at you like you are taking up there road and they have ALL the rights? I feel like I am very considerate when I run...I run facing traffic, I get over when there is a car approaching. I even run on the gravel. I AM SO CONSIDERATE! This morning this crazy woman pointed at me and told me to move over...I was as far over as anyone could get on the road. I was practically running into people's mailboxes. What is wrong with people? I even think half the time they don't see me because they are too busy texting, talking, or whatever. I guess I need to start wearing blaze orange on the roads!

FB addiction

My name is Tammy and I am a Bejeweled Blitz addict!!

I am nuts about that game on Facebook! I can't get enough of it. It drives me crazy! Anyone else?

Monday's Madness

I remember when my oldest daughter was starting school for the first time. I would get excited for her to pick out her supplies, shoes, and outfits. I use to dive right into her folders and read EVERYTHING!! Needless to say things have changed ALOT!

I received her packet from school a couple weeks ago...hardly looked at it. ( Bad Mom)

Took the kids Back to School shopping and I couldn't wait to be done with buying all of these supplies. Took the girls to get some new outfits....let me just say I am a sucker when it comes to cute clothes for girls. My son...well, he doesn't care what he gets. He hates shopping.

We are on our last few weeks of vacation and I want to get so much done. I can't believe I start work in 3 weeks. It has hardly felt like summer around here. It has been very cool. We have our nice days, but we really haven't had any summer heat. I probally used my air a handful of times. I think today maybe one of those times.


*** The Half Marathon in Chicago is in 40 days! I am getting excited and nervous all at the same time. I never thought I would be able to run that much. But after all of this training, I know that I will be able to run 13.1 miles. It won't be easy, but I will do it.
Yesterday I ran 9.5 miles and today I hurt a little. Next weekend will be a goal of 10 + miles. I have some smaller runs scheduled during the week. Hubby is now doing the half too. He is doing so awesome. ***

My running pace for that distance is about 9:30-9:40pace. So when I do another 5K race at the end of Sept., I should be able to kick some serious a$$!! I believe I could do an 8-81/2 minute mile pace.

This post if full of random thoughts...sorry about that. :)

WW and Some Words Too

Flowers along the hiking trails.

Saw this snake while fishing along the shore.

Hiked down to see the natural spring water fall. It is so beautiful. The water is always ice cold.

Hiking, Biking, and Bald Eagles

Went on vacation last week to a beautiful State Park in Wisconsin...Governor Dodge. We love coming to this park because there is so much to see and do.



We fished and caught 20 or more "keepers" fried them up and everyone but me ate it. There is a wonderful swimming beach where you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and just swim.

There are numerous trails to hike and bike on. I did my 8 mile run on the Military Ridge Trail. It was an awesome run! Gotta train for that half marathon which is quickly approaching.



One thing that is great about camping is having a few cocktails around the fire or when there are driving rains for 5 hours straight...drinking a few beers is how to pass the time. Thank goodness for a camper that has a DVD player...phew! The kids were entertained for a while. We had 2 days of terrible rains in the afternoon...like 5 or 6 hours of rain and it was a very COLD rain. I was bundled up like it was October or something.

There were a lot of nice days too. The days we biked were great. My youngest even did an 8 mile ride one day. She told me she was in training for a triathlon in August. She is so funny.

I will post some more pics tomorrow. I have a couple of pics I wanted to save for Wordless Wednesday. The kids outside of the natural spring house.

This girl loves to pose for me. I love her teeth and how they are coming in so nicely!

A day at the beach...playing football...that is hubby and E in the background.

I saw some bald eagles flying around the lake...wish I could of gotten a closer shot. I do have others, so we will see. They are such beautiful birds. Maybe if you click on it, it will be larger.

***Side note*** My youngest 2 kids are on vacation this week with their cousins. Looks like Teenage girl and I will be doing some bonding. I just hope she doesn't convince me to break the bank. :)