A look back and a look forward

2011 has truly been a whirlwind of a year ... I had to take a peek back at my 2011 resolutions.

http://loveandlabs.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

Well, I did OK on some parts.

1. I did keep running ~ 428 ish miles this year and I ran two half's with a new PR of 2:09, a 5 miler, 5k, and 10k too.

2. Simplify/less stress.  Hmmmm, not so sure if I accomplished this one.

3. Something just for me.  Does President of the Junior League count?  The bikram yoga or photography classes sure didn't happen.

4. Job that I love.  Still trying - have a good contract job now, but it will end in Feb. sigh.  Maybe I'm not meant to work ... too bad that income thing gets in the way.

5.  Better mommy/wife/friend - I think I'm batting about a 50/50 here and it depends on the day.

I think the word busy sums up 2011.  I truly don't know what happened to the month of November and I keep trying to remind myself to slow down, breathe, and enjoy, but it doesn't always happen.

Our overall job situation was iffy.  And stressful.  And frustrating.  Hopeful for new beginnings in 2012 on that part.

So, looking ahead to 2012.

Running Goals

1. Run a marathon.  Ok, so there it is. In print.  On the internet.  Here goes nothing.

2. Run a 2:05 half marathon.

Can I just repeat #'s 2-5 for this year?

Possibly add a "figure out what the heck to do with this blog" resolution.  Running? Toddlers? I don't talk as much about love or Labradors anymore.  The big dogs are still around and still enjoying snacking off low tables, cleaning the floors after dinner, sunbaths, and belly rubs.

Looking forward to continuing to declutter/de-Christmasfy the house.  I have 4 trash bags ready to take to the Bargain Box thrift store and hoping to tackle the tree and decorations tomorrow.

So, here's to 2012!  Happy New Year!  Bring on 2012.

Cheating

Kelly tagged me recently and the deal is that you had to list 11 random facts, answer 11 questions, and then make up 11 questions, and tag 11 people.  Well, reading all of that wore me out, so I am cheating a bit and will just answer the questions she asked.

11 questions I am asking you!

1.  What is your favorite food? Oh so many. Cheese, salmon, a good salad, crabcakes, twice-baked potatoes, steak, flourless chocolate cake, e Can I just answer yes to this question?

2.  Coke or Pepsi? Really neither - I rarely drink sodas.  When I do, it would probably be a diet Coke. 

3.  Where did you go on your FIRST airplane ride? When I was in 2nd grade or so, to Cleveland, OH for my cousin's wedding.

4.  Favorite Christmas/Holiday tradition? Attending our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, then driving through a local neighborhood to see their amazing Christmas lights.

5.  What's your favorite Christmas song? Silent Night and Joy to the World

6.  Are you a morning or night person? Morning person, but more by habit, force, and coffee.

7.  If you work, and went to college, is your profession in the same field as your major? Actually, yes.

8.  What is your favorite state you have visited or lived in? Why? 

9.  If you won $1000 from a scratch off lottery ticket, what would you do with it? I would love to say something fun, but that $1000 would go to the regular ol' monthly bills.

10.  What's your stress reliever? RUNNING

11.  What was your first car? VW Rabbit nicknamed "Bucky" since I learned to drive a stick using it.

Old school

Long story, but my cousin recently shipped us an artificial tree that she was no longer using.  We are "real tree" people, so I knew that we wouldn't use it this year, since we had already put up our tree, so I planned to store it.

My parents arrived and we decided that it might be pretty to put it up in our living room, especially since you can see that room from our street.

Mom pulled out the old school colored lights (small and large) and went to town.

We didn't use any ornaments, but the tree just gives off a soft glow.

Sigh. I really do love this time of year ... just wish that we all had time to slow down and enjoy it - a lesson I am trying to learn.

Testing, Testing ...

This morning, we were in our usual routine of guzzling coffee, helping dress children, packing lunches, a little screaming and negotiation, brushing hair and teeth, etc.

I was helping Libby get dressed when Maddy walked in the room, carrying something pink.

"Mommy, what's this?" she asked.

I looked down and said, "Well, that would be a pregnancy test."

"I like it. It's pink."

I told her to take it to Daddy.

Pause for about 10 seconds and in walked Hubby with a strange look on his face.

"Surprise!" I yelled and he may have mumbled something about an immaculate conception, but that's a post for another day.

Yes, I would be the nerd who saved my pregnancy test(s) from when I found out I was pregnant with Maddy and Libby. I promise, honey. Double pinky swear promise.

I will say that Maddy's timing is impressive. This week, four years ago, I took that exact test and was shocked and amazed to look down and see a pink plus sign.

Day 27

I am thankful for a mug of hot coffee to wrap my hands around and sip whilst reading all the lovely blogs.

Days 24 and 25

Thankful for Words with Friends and painting with friends.

Day 23

Thankful for
half - day workdays
surprise visitors at work
pumpkin spice cookies
cranberry relish
wine
dinner with hubby
good movies
Thanksgiving

Day 2 1 and 22

After venting about my girls, they can also break my heart. Last night, I arrived home after a meeting and they were still awake. I went upstairs to "re-tuck" them in. I was heading out of the room when Libby said, "Mama ... you didn't give me a hug, and a kiss, and a wiggle."

Just turn that knife in my heart, honey.

So, I am thankful for daughters that remind me to give hugs, kisses, and wiggles (eskimo kisses).

I am also thankful for the ability to run. It keeps me sane and healthy.

Day 20

Today, I am thankful for wine as a coping mechanism to deal with two grumpy three-year-olds who in the last hour have told me:

I cannot walk.

I can't get up (off the potty). My feet are too itchy.

I don't want to wash my hands.

I can't wash my hands.

I don't like to wash my hands.

They are now in bed, about 30 minutes early, but not asleep, and that is OK with me. I think we all needed a break from each other. Whew.

Days, Um 15 - 19

Ok, so one of my friends gently reminded me that I am waaaayyy behind on my days of thankfulness, so I will try to wrap up my week.

Thankful for a new half marathon PR - 2:09:46. I didn't see that one coming, so it really made me proud.

Thankful that I had the ability to hear Dee Dee Myers speak on why women should rule the world. In a room of nearly 1,000 women and a handful of squirming men, it was a very inspiring luncheon, with a few aha moments along the way.

Thankful for coffee this week. On rainy days, it makes me feel cozy.

Thankful for friends who help me keep it real. Fo' real tho.

Thankful that our JLG magazine, The Evergreene hit mailboxes yesterday ... a week earlier than scheduled and that it is truly full of great articles.

Day 14

Thankful that I have a husband who cooks and tries to do so healthfully.

Hubby found a new recipe for Rocco's "almost" General Tso's chicken and made it for dinner. Yummy, healthy, and spicy!!

Day 13

I am thankful for swings in our backyard. Not the toddler kind, but the rope swing that hangs from a limb about 100 feet up.

Lets just say that thirty-something year olds aren't too old to swing.

Day Twelve

Thankful for another beautiful fall day ... same as it was six years ago.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

Day Eleven

Playing catch up ... maybe that should be the thankful theme.

Thankful for little people who claim that they are thankful for each other.

And leave me treats, like the uneaten end of their banana.

Sigh.

Day Ten

I am thankful that every autumn I have the view of this beautiful Japanese Maple in my backyard.

Day Nine

Thankful for Jimmy John's on days that I forget to pack a lunch. In a matter of minutes, they delivered a yummy Veggie sandwich. Next time, I will be thankful for remembering to order extra avocado spread. It's the little things, people.

Day Eight

Thankful for the ability to run four miles in the morning and wear high heeled boots to work.

Day 7

Today, I am thankful for ...

• windows that open when doors are closed.
• my new leopard three-quarter-length sleeve jacket
• figuring out new settings on my Garmin, Garmina.

Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6

Day 4 - Thankful for a fun trip to Savannah and a much needed, adult dinner out complete with good food, good wine, and good conversation!

Day 5 - Thankful for a new half marathon PR in Savannah ~ 2:11 and some change. I know I'm not winning any races, but to be able to hold some speedy for me times, and pass the 2:15 pace group, it felt pretty amazing.

Day 6 - Thankful to great friends ... those that will run with you and those that drive two hours to see you for about four.

Day 3

Thankful for Libby, when asked what she is thankful for replied, "Mama, Maddy, and Daddy."