Blah, Blah, Blah

My rambling Thursday thoughts ...

• I have become slightly obsessed with making smoothies. I'm back on ol' WW, and for 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 a banana, and 1/2 cup ice, it's only 2 points and yummy ... plus, it's dairy and fruit! Yes, I realize that it's 34 degrees outside, but I seriously want one everyday. I feel like I should be adding protein powder, or whey powder, or something to it. Do any of you use protein powder? I know it would make it a little more filling.
• I'm trying a new Cooking Light recipe tonight ... slow cooker meatloaf . It smells really good. I'm just hoping that I didn't screw it up by using cremini mushrooms instead of shiitake.
• Our schools have been closed for 4 days due to the snow that we had on Monday. I think everyone is a little stir crazy and ready for kiddos to get back to a normal schedule. Even Libby has been asking if she was going to get to see one of her classmates today.
• I realize that when I'm driving the huge double-seater shopping cart at the grocery, I look very large and in charge. I promise you that I'm not trying to run you over. Yes, that is directed at you, woman in the soup aisle with the big 1980's eyeglasses.
• My running shoes miss me, or they miss running. I've been working out nearly every day, but have only run 4 miles in the last 2 weeks. I'm hoping to change that soon.

This will be mine

Not the good cheekbones, but my very own Warrior Dash helmet! Hubby and I, along with another couple we know signed up last night. Laura C will also participating in her 3rd, so I know it will be a party.

Oh my gosh.

Am I crazy? Probably.

Will this be something I'm proud to tell my Grand kids about? Most definitely.

Have I figured out how I'm training for this? No idea.

Am I thinking about the many places I can wear this helmet? Of course.

Am I excited? Hell, yeah.

Mysteries

I'm still trying to figure out how the Goldfish are lasting so much longer than they did before.

Hmmm, maybe I really was eating half the box for lunch and not admitting it to myself.

I, Susan D. haven't had one yummy goldfish cracker in nearly 5 days. I can count the little achievements, right?

Ok, so I lied.

That 5 pounds that I said I wasn't going to worry about? Well, that was a lie.

I do want to lose a few pounds and be more healthy (through the cleaner eating, running, exercise, etc.)

Will I stress if I never have a flat stomach again? No. I'll just keep pulling my jeans up over my twin-skin and know that it will be OK.

Hubby has joined a weight loss challenge with some friends, so if one of us is going to be watching what we eat; it's just as easy for both of us.

Plus, I was already paying for my Weight Watchers online membership, I decided to log back into today and use it.

So far, so good. The first day is always hard and it took every smidgen of self control that I had not to eat Maddy and Libby's leftover goldfish. (I didn't.) Hubby and I also did the P90X DVD tonight which was a hard, but good workout.

So, here's to coming clean about my lie-filled resolutions.

Self-service

Maddy and Libby have recently discovered that they can move the stool around the kitchen to access the sink and counters. Not sure why they have just now figured it out, but it has been somewhat entertaining to watch.

For dinner tonight? Why, they served themselves bananas. Peeled them and ate about 1.5 a piece. The other night? Cherry tomatoes, right out of the bowl. I guess it could be worse. They've also learned to open the refrigerator and have been able to climb enough to reach the higher shelves. Cold macaroni and cheese, grapes, and yogurt have been their choices. Oh and they did grab spoons, too.

It also seems that they wait until I am in the middle of something else - fixing dinner, or grabbing laundry so I'm not paying full attention when they strike. I think outsmarting Mama is their daily job, too.

We have definitely hit the stage of picky eating. Yesterday, I made a pasta salad with sauteed olives, carrots, broccoli, and zucchini, with cheese. Not even one bite and both of them said "No like it." The yogurt at Panera for lunch? "No like it. Mommy eat it."

I know this is a stage and if they eat bananas for dinner, they'll be OK.

Looking ahead

It's still hard for me to believe that 2011 is almost here. That's a common theme around here, because I can never believe the girls are as old as they are. I think that means I'm getting old.

I have pretty much repeated my resolutions from 2009 in 2010, so I think it's time to write some new ones.

2010 was a tough year for me in many ways. Mom found out that she had breast cancer, Hubby lost his job, and I lost my job. But, even with all the uncertainty, when I look back I do have good memories. Mom handled breast cancer like a champ. Hubby got a new job, and well, I'm still looking and trying to take advantage of this time while I can. Plus, we had another year with Maddy and Libby and it's been wonderful, stressful, funny, and enjoyable all at the same time. Watching them grow into full blown toddlers has been amazing to say the least. The verbal skills and their personalities are definitely shining through.

So, for 2011, I hope to ...

1. Keep running. I ran 4 half marathons and walked a 60 mile/3 day event in 2010. 820 miles for the year, give or take a few. I had hoped to be a little closer to 1,000, but I'll take it. I also hoped to run a 5th half marathon, but I just didn't quite make it. I don't think I'm going to make a goal of a specific number of races, but just try to run consistently and finish at least run 2 halfs.

2. Simplify/Less Stress. If the house is trashed; it's ok. If I don't have the perfect outfit; it's ok. If I never lose this extra 5 pounds; it's ok. If my to-do list isn't finished; that's ok, too. I do want to simplify my eating - cleaner, healthier, easier. I want to simplify our house - get rid of the clutter, and enjoy our home, finally do some projects that I have envisioned. I want my daughters to have a simpler life - do they really need every toy out there? I want them to have the experiences and remember the important stuff.

3. Do something for me. I'm not sure what this will be. An art class? A writing class? Bikram yoga, again? Finally figure out the manual setting on my camera? But something just for me.

4. Find a job that I love. Amen to this one. Right now, I'm feeling a little stressed to find a job. But, I really don't want to take just anything. I want to feel great about it and find somewhere that can be fulfilling to me and that I can contribute to the success of the company and make a difference.

5. Be a better Mom/Wife/Friend. Oh, I think this one needs a lot of work. Hubby and I need to plan date nights and actually take time to talk. I need to have more patience with Maddy and Libby. I need to be the friend that picks up the phone more.

So, on that note ... Happy New Year, my friends. Hubby and I enjoyed a home cooked meal with our daughters (even though all we heard was "I don't like it"), but it was a nice dinner, nonetheless. I'm going to pour another class of cab and wish in 2011.

Looking for...

Anyone know who else makes a similar product? This one is now unavailable. Here is the link.

Pottery Barn Kids has a few that are similar, but I really like the more simplistic design of this one. Once we moved in the cute kitchen, all I feel like I'm staring at are two big blank walls, oh and 9,000 pieces of Melissa and Doug food.

I thought it would be cute to have somewhere to display Maddy and Libby's artwork from school, along with photos. Or, I could hang the front loader frames that are easy to change out.

Or the clipboard look. Hmmm. As seen here. I kind of love this look.

Christmas 2010

Excuse the blurriness. Excitedness = not stopping to stand still for a photo.

Merry Christmas!

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house; not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The girls were both napping, and Hubby was out; buying a few presents that we had forgotten about. The dogs were at camp, frolicking around, and Susan D. was baking

and eating gum drops.

Merry, Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Just remembering

I hope that I will always remember mornings with my girls like the one I had today.

We were supposed to be meeting up with friends for Story Time with Mrs. Claus and lunch following. Unfortunately, one of my friend's daughters was sick, so they had to cancel. Since we were ready to go, we headed over to Barnes & Noble.

There were quite a few people there, mainly a couple of years older, but we sat down and waited. They weren't perfect, but they managed to sit still and listen for most of the time. Maddy had spotted an Elmo with book so as soon as Mrs. Claus was finished, we made a bee line to look at it.

Not that we need anymore Elmo's or books, but it really was cute - the book has 3 Christmas songs, plus it had an Elmo. I told the girls that they could pick out one book as a special treat. Maddy obviously had her choice and Libby found a set of Corduroy books.

We checked out, held hands in the parking lot without fussing, and headed over to pick up bread to make french toast casserole. They nibbled on cookie samples and were enthralled by the bakery. We walked down a few shops and had lunch at Subway. They were so good and ate their lunches, told me they were "careful" when holding their milk. They did pull a few bags of chips down that I had to replace, but other than that, I couldn't have asked for much better.

I guess it's these days that you want to remember forever when you can look at your children and just smile. They were so cute and sweet, and other shoppers said hello and asked about them. This is so much better than days with hitting, biting, screaming, or crying and it just seems like there have been a lot of those lately. Those are the days that I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing as a parent. Today was one of those days that I'm like "Yeah, I can handle this. I took two 2.5 year olds out in public to several places and didn't need my husband or a friend with me to do it. Go me."

Santa 2010

So, this pretty much sums up what we thought of Santa this year.

Oh well, there's always next year.

Overheard

Hubby and I were reading books to Maddy and Libby before their nap today. Hubby was reading one called "Who Do You Love." It shows different animals and who they love. The bees love their majesty, the Queen; Bunnies love all of their baby bunnies; The Owl asks "Whoo, whoo, whoo do you love?"

Hubby asked Libby who she loved and she loudly and confidently replied "Meee!"

Gotta love it and I secretly wish that she will feel that way forever.

On my list

Does it mean I am officially old if I want one of these?

But, but, but it's a Bissell Sweep & Steam and you can clean tile and hardwood floors with it. Plus, it vacuums and steams at the same time?

Anyone out there own one? Love it, like it, hate it?

I think I want it.

Snow Day

Snow day fun =

PBS overload ~ Sesame Street, Curious George, Super Why, and The Cat in the Hat. How much TV is bad for 2 year olds again?

PJ wearing.

Finding a reindeer craft for the preschool Holiday party next week.

Tracing and cutting out 12 pair of hands on red paper for the reindeer craft.

Hanging and unhanging ornaments on the tree.

Coloring with crayons, block stacking, book reading.

Taking all of the silverware out of the drawer and lining it up the floor. No, that one wasn't Mama approved.

Junior League work ~ strategic planning and survey questions.

Thinking about how a 4 mile run from yesterday has made my quads sore.

Receiving lots of Christmas cards in the mail!

Relaxing with the movie, Leap Day while the girls were napping.

Pretzel Crisps, Granny Smith Apples, and Extra Sharp Cabot cheddar for lunch.

Oh, productive stuff like house-cleaning, job hunting, or that stuff? Nah, but I did find out about and applied for an interesting job opportunity this week.

While a relaxing day, here's hoping for no more snow days and no delays for tomorrow.

You know that CoverGirl lip gloss that's supposed to stay on for 8 hours? The one that never stays on for more than 30 minutes?

Did you know that on 2 1/2 year old children, it will stay on until you take it off, just like the ad says.

This is what happens when I go upstairs to get dressed and forget that my purse is within reach. 2 glosses and 2 Burt Bees chapsticks were out and plentifully applied. Thank goodness not on the upholstery, carpet, etc.

Luckily, a little eye makeup remover and a baby wipe took it off enough not to get funny stares at the grocery store.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Obviously, I can't count

Hubby's 40th birthday is next week and I ordered a cake for a dinner that we had last night.

4 candles x 10. We told him he had to blow them out that many times.

I thought we would have 12 for dinner, so I ordered a cake to feed 12-16, but ended up with 9 for dinner, but I think only 6 had cake (losers).

So, do you know what that means? I'm left with a truck-load of yummy cake.


If this stays in the house, this may be my downfall.
Cake, anyone?

Trying to get back on the horse

After a couple of friends who read my blog, and even Hubby started asking me why I haven't been blogging, I figured it was time to check in.


I'm still here ... just haven't been writing. I didn't really mean to take a break, but it just happened.


I'll blame it on travel-work stuff-holiday preparations-cold/sinus thing-writers block-reading a good book-telling Maddy and Libby "don't touch that" multiple times a day, etc.


So, what is on my mind?

It's December 9 and I still can't find the candles for our windows.

My tree is half-decorated. Partly to keep ornaments out of two year old hands, but partly because the boxes are still in the basement.

I'm making a soup with Velveeta for dinner and I had to ask where it was at the grocery. It's not refrigerated and that kind of grossed me out. What is Velveeta, because it sure as heck isn't cheese.

Fifth half marathon for the year isn't gonna happen. The above cold/sinus thing has kept me from running since Thanksgiving, so I'm giving myself an extension and trying to run 5 within 12 months. My goal, my rules.

My cousin sent Maddy and Libby a Jingle Bell Elmo and I have heard Jingle Bells via Elmo about 10,000,000 times a day.

It is freezing here in NC. It snowed on Saturday and the snow is still lingering. It's just unheard of for here.

I am loving all of the holiday crafts that M&L are making in preschool. Mitten shaped paper ornaments, popsicle stick stars with paint and glitter, red poinsettias. Cute.

Oh, and did I mention that I lost my job? Yeah, not I what I needed/wanted/expected to happen, but I'm wrapping up a final project and will be finished by Christmas. I try to keep things happy and full of rainbows and sunshine here, but I just feel like it's not being truthful if I don't mention it. My new mantras include "everything happens for a reason, put on your big girl panties and deal with it, and don't forget to take those happy pills."

But, life does go on ... Hubby and I celebrated 5 years of wedded bliss in November, we are healthy, our children are healthy, I enjoyed a much-needed girls trip to New Orleans the weekend after I found out about the layoff, and I do believe that everything will work out.

So, that's it in a nutshell.

And just so I'm keeping this full of rainbows and glitter ...

"Keep your face to the sunshine, and you cannot see the shadows." - Helen Keller

Predictable

Predictable is boring, right? Or does it mean stability?

How much unpredictability can a person endure before they crave the comfort of knowing what is going to happen tomorrow.

Does the person who works in a factory knitting socks enjoy the fact that they know their job will be the same day in, day out ... or do they loathe having to make the same stitch, in the same color, hour after hour, day after day.

2010 has definitely been a year of unpredictability and let's just say that the planner in me has had about enough. I'm definitely seeking stability, oh, but with flexibility and a little creativity thrown in for good measure.

Sigh.

NYC Recap

We had a great mini-vacation to NYC that involved 26.2 miles of running (Hubby) and a lot of eating (me).

Hubby ran the marathon for the second year in a row with a time in 4:07. His goal was under 4 hours, but I thought he did a great job and shaved over 20 minutes off his time last year. I watched from Central Park and had a blast watching the elite runners finish, as well as seeing Bobby Flay red-faced and serious on the course, along with thousands of other finishers. So inspiring.

Pre-race

Just being a spectator and not a runner of this marathon, I will say that they seem to have theiract together ... everything from the Expo to the race day logistics seems smooth, especiallywith 45,000 runners and 2.5 million spectators. The only issue I had were that the text messages I was supposed to receive updating me to Hubby's whereabouts didn't come as timely as I had hoped.

Post-race

We decided to rent an apartment this year and I have to say, that was a big thumbs up in our book. Not only were we convenient to pretty much everything (57th Avenue and 6th), it was less expensive, roomier, and we had a doorman. Of course, it came with a few drawbacks ... on the first night, we couldn't get the key to work in the lock and it took us forever to get someone tohelp. We also had to wait for 3 hours for the super to check a suspicious non-flushing toilet. But, all in all, I was happy with our decision and would do it again.

Here I am showing how small the kitchen was, but it was perfect for our needs. I could touch from cabinet to cabinet. Not what you'd want to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, but again ... perfect for most New Yorkers.

We did some of the typical New York sightseeing/touristy things ... MoMA, Magnolia Bakery (ehhh - wasn't that impressed), boat cruise around the city, Top of the Rock, caught a show(Promises, Promises), ate NYC pizza (Joe's and John's ... I may be slightly partial to Joe's), window shopping on 5th Avenue, crazy taxi rides, etc. One must do for me is to buy the City Pass ... we did this last year and also this year. The City Pass that gives you tickets to all the major museums, Empire State Building,etc. It's so worth the price even if you don't use every ticket.

Statue of Liberty from our cruise.

We also found a great tour in Greenwich Village called the Foods of NY Food Tour. They host several different tours around the city, but this one was perfect. A three hour tour filled with historical tidbits, and 6 different samples of Greenwich Village hole in the wall restaurants and bakeries. I really loved Greenwich ... so much more quiet, laid-back, arty, and unique. I would definitely like to spend more time in this area again. You can see where my eating marathon took place!

Holy Cannoli from Rocco's

Holy macaroni and cheese from Home.

Holy big chocolate chip and oatmeal cookie from Milk & Cookies.

My favorites ... hmmm, almost all of them. I would definitely have to say Home Restaurant (we decided to go back for lunch the following day), Milk & Cookies Bakery, Rocco's Bakery, Amy's Breads plus these rice/risotto balls from an Italian specialties shop. Oh my gosh.

Did I tell you that the day after our food tour, we walked from 57th street to 12th? Holy food coma. We spent some time in Chelsea, visited the Chelsea Market and the High Line Park. While High Line isn't the prettiest park in the world (read: manicured), it was a great idea to take a train trestle and turn it into a 1.5 mile walking trail above the city. It's still under construction, but made for some pretty neat vantage points above the city streets. It's a little bit gritty, but it's nice to see something turned around in positive way.

Cool street view

Flowers and bricks.

So, here's my long-winded recap and if you're still reading, thank you.

See you next week!