Confirmed

I had my gender confirmation ultrasound today. Yep…it’s all there and still a boy. I was so excited to see the lil guy. There he was in all his glory kicking up his legs like he already didn’t have enough room, if that is a sign to come…oh good grief. Thankfully I can’t feel him yet because he was going at it. All the excitement may have been from the vanilla chi latte I had this morning. Whoo hoo…caffeine! I’ll post the pix shortly.

I was relieved to see him again moving around, from his profile it showed his full lips, piggy nose like mine and his brother. Beautiful…simply beautiful.

A friend of mine had her baby January 15th; she is the first of four of us that work together to ‘shoot one out’ as someone referred to it the other day. A few of us went to see her yesterday. That was the littlest 9lb baby I’ve ever seen. Of course I’m used to a 42 pound baby…well…boy. Luke was precious. I just wanted to eat him up.

Our new washer and dryer were delivered yesterday. Thanks hon…but I’ve noticed an interesting trend…my hubby has now become obsessed with doing laundry. He was mumbling something about knocking down walls and redesigning the laundry room last night. I left him alone with his obsessing. He is most likely having blue prints drawn up as I type. I’m not crazy…he can keep on…keeping on.

Week 16

Ready to hear the baby’s heartbeat again.

This weekend was very productive for the family. Saturday morning the hubby spent some time with the boy so I could get my home office in order. It’s been a pit for the last 6 months. In cleaning up I found my comforter from when I was in my apartment which is in perfectly good shape we just didn’t have a place for it…well now we do. I converted the futon into a bed and readied it for sleeping, complete with comforter, which gave me more room in the closet to ‘hide’ stuff as the hubby puts it. Having this available will help on those nights when I can’t sleep, i.e. the hubby is snoring to loud. Also when the baby comes I reckon I’ll spend the first few months up there so the hubby can get quality sleep to go into work and when we start trading sleep days someone will get some good rest in our bed. Bottom line…YAY! Big accomplishment!

The organization bug hit hubby as well as he cleaned out both pantries which is perfect since he again accuses me of ‘hiding’ things. This way he knows where everything is. Saturday night we had sushi…well…I had fake sushi but I tell myself it is the real thing so I won’t crave it so bad. It was good and I topped it off with raspberry zingers.

Sunday the boy and I headed down south to meet some friends at the Bayou Animal Park in Alvin. I never knew this existed. It is an animal park where the animal roam free and you get to feed them from the tram. As soon as we pulled into the park in our car we were attached by an ostrich, some Emu’s and a couple of Lama’s. I stopped to let some dear pass and an Ostrich came up and started pecking on my window. The Llama was on the other side trying to get our attention…it was really quite a scene.

After lunch we boarded a tram with our feed. The trip lasted about 30 minutes and the kids really enjoyed it. We saw all kinds of animals Lemurs, Ostrichs, Llamas, Deer, Zonkey, Rhino, I got to pet a Longhorn and a Camel. We also saw Zebras, Bison, 10 ft Alligator (which I did not pet) and various other animals. It was really nice, a bit pricey and probably only worth going a couple of times a year (Fall and Spring). I would go back. The kids were tired (except for mine).

The hubby stayed home and cleaned out the laundry room…we are getting a new washing machine and dryer delivered on Tuesday and that room was just another pit. The hubby surprised me last week by asking me to come take a look a few W/D and he said he didn’t like the fact it takes me more than two days to do a weeks worth of laundry and it was only going to worse with the little one so why not. He takes care of me. I can’t EVEN explain how much I loathe to do laundry. Well…let’s say I loathe doing more than three loads of laundry with more still waiting.

I have an ultrasound on Thursday. I am very much anticipating this appointment as we will be able to hear and see the baby. I guess because I’m bigger than last time and not yet feeling him regularly I’m getting ansy. I just want that reassurance everything is ok. Like I said last week I am still naucous and my boobs still hurt so I tell myself that’s something. I think I feel flutters every now and again but nothing regular and I don’t know if that is my mind wanting to think it is the baby moving or it really is. I think too much sometimes.

The boy is doing pretty good. We are getting better with the tantrums but he is very strong-willed and still wants to do what he wants first then he will ‘consider’ what you are asking. I don’t want to use excuses but he is three and we are seeing progress. Good days and bad days.

I also think he is warming up to the realization he is having a brother and not a sister. He did start saying good night to ‘baby Sage’ this weekend and kissing my belly. It took him a few weeks to understand it is a boy named Sage in there instead of a girl named Sydney.

The hubby is talking to the baby as well. Since my belly is becoming more pronounced it is something he can’t help but see every time he looks at me. He is happy just a lot to do between now and then. We’re an excellent team and we’ll get there.

More on Thursday after my doctor appmt.

OOOH…I think I felt him move a couple of times…he LOVES cherry limades I’m suspecting.

Week 15

I’m feeling better this week as far as the pregnancy goes. I seem to have a bit more energy and my appetite has allowed me to consume healthy foods instead of junk. That’s a good sign. I’ve been feeling flutters at night off and on. For whatever reason concern is in the back of my head, I think it is because I am feeling good that I’m wondering if I’m still pregnant. I haven’t felt the flutters in a couple of days but other than that I have other reason to feel that way. I must just have to have something to worry about. I have read that it is normal to have those feelings. I have an ultrasound on Thursday so I am very much looking forward to that and I’m going to my OB on Friday. I’m sure all is well as I didn’t take my nausea meds last night and I felt nauseous this morning and almost spewed a couple of times.

I think we have settled on a name…Sage Logan. There is not a big selection of S names but I think the hubby did good as he came up with that combination. We are a family of 4’s now.

We’ve started our list of stuff to get done. Mostly organizing rooms right now, not really having anything specifically to do with the baby but it is prep work. Man…I would love to hire a personal organizer to come in and do all of it for me. I just don’t have the motivation to do anything. Today…I want to sleep badly.

California 2007

Nothing exciting happened getting ready or going to the airport. We were shocked to see it as crowded as it was. Our place left at 7:45a. I didn’t really know that many people flew the day after Christmas…the airport was packed.

The boy was excited as it was his first plane ride. He did great. Of course it wasn’t as relaxing for me as past plane rides but we made it…relatively unscathed. Thank god for portable DVD players. That helped tremendously.

We arrived in San Diego around 9:30ish, got our car and we were off to the hubby’s sister’s house to meet up with Nana, Papa, Mema and the cousins for breakfast. I was tired but it was very nice to see everyone and the kids immediately bonded. Stef offered to watch Seth while we went and checked in at the hotel and took a little nap. It was heavenly. So…this is what it is like to have family help. I so want to move to San Diego.

Thursday we went to Lego.land and everyone else in the city had the same plan. It was relatively crowded but it wasn’t unbearable. The hubby took lots of pictures and it was really cool to see what they can do with Le.go’s. It was a long day but finally we made it back to the hotel for a nap. Thankfully it was only 5 minutes away. That night we had dinner at Mema’s. It was nice…again the kids entertained each other and we adults got to talk. I had a nice conversation with the hubby’s mom. She’s a great lady.

Friday found us at Nana and Papa’s house for Christmas. We started with stockings, broke for breakfast and finished 8 hours later with the packages. Holy cow…talk about tired…I stared feeling icky by the end of the day. We ended up eating dinner at Claim Jumper. Do not recommend. Gnasty food and I paid for it about 1:30 in the morning when I saw it again…

Saturday I stayed in bed all day. I felt like ASS…like an asses ass. It was bad. Lack of sleep, no appetite, which is not good when you are pregnant…especially when you are pregnant cause the baby wants his food regardless. So I was forced to go to the store they had in the lobby and picked up Pringles and peanut M&M’s and a Diet Dr. Pepper. Hubby and the boy went to the hubby’s longtime friends house for brunch. I was sorry I missed it…but like I said…ASS.

It was nice of the hubby though to give me the day to recover. He spent the day with Stef then went over to Mema’s and they decided it would be good for the boy to have his first sleep over. And he did magnificently. Went to bed on time, stayed in his bed all night, woke up happy, had breakfast. Man…I wish we were in San Diego.

Sunday we went to pick the boy up then met the fam for brunch before heading out to the Aquarium. We had fun but the boy was grumpy and so was mommy. I started feeling worse and decided we all needed naps. I woke from my nap with a fever so the hubby took the boy to Mema’s for dinner to give me some more recovery time. Dinner didn’t settle right with the boy because at 2 am I was calling the front desk telling them soiled sheets were in the hallway and could they send up more. Also…doing laundry at time in the morning was stellar as well.

Needless to stay I didn’t recover very well and the boy did. It had to have been the vodka in the spaghetti sauce he had at Mema’s. Nice…Monday the hubby went to pick up Stef and they picked up some movies for me along with medicine my doctor’s office finally authorized. It was heavenly. The Waitress was a good movie, don’t waste your time with The Ex and there was one more I don’t remember what it was…forgettable obviously. But it was better than what was showing on tv. Happy new year everyone!

Tuesday we went to Balboa Park with Nana, Papa and Stef. It was really nice and finally I felt good. I still had my cold but the medicine was definitely helping to keep me going. That night we called Mema and asked if she would watch the boy so the hubby and I could go out for sushi with Stef. SHE SAID YES. Again…why don’t we live in San Diego again?

We ate at Sushi on the Rocks it was nice and pretty good stuff. Of course I could only order the cooked stuff which wasn’t as good as the real stuff in my opinion but it was WAY better than nothing as I have been craving it forever. We had great conversation and I really think Stef and I had an great chance to bond. It was really nice and I’m glad we did it.

Wednesday we had breakfast at Mema’s then took the kids to Moonlight beach. A beach the hubby hung out on as a kid. It was really nice and the boy loved the ocean. It was his first beach experience and even though the water was cold he played and played and got wet and laughed and loved every bit of it. I got such joy seeing him have his first experience. What a boy.

Wednesday night we went over to Stef’s for pizza and Nana and Papa joined us. They surprised us with a cake and an anniversary card. It was very thoughtful of them all. We were leaving the next day and wow…we were all ready to go home. I loved San Diego, would love to live there but man…home is home and it was time to get back.

Thursday was a long day. It started out very nice. It was our fourth anniversary. Happy anniversary baby. We started off to the airport and settled in for the ride home. Thankfully it was an hour less than going there so that helped. The boy did great, better than on the way out there and he actually managed to fall and stay asleep during landing. Crazy kid. We did it…our first family vacation via plane…in the books.

Christmas 2007

The holidays are here and I am not sure if it because we are leaving, being pregnant or the stuff going on with the hubby and I but I am just not in the holiday spirit. I didn’t want to put the Christmas tree up and I probably wouldn’t have if we didn’t have a three year old that would have been very disappointed.

Thankfully the hubby took care of most of the stuff for the boy. I did help with some internet shopping for his niece and nephew, the only way to go. We scaled WAY back on the boy this year but still manage to get a ton of stuff…nothing like living vicariously through your child…lol. We had tamales for dinner. We are left the day after Christmas so we didn’t want to cook a big ole meal. It was very tasty.

Christmas morning found us up and around about 7:45…late by the boy’s standards. He is usually up and around before 7. Thanks son. We opened stocking stuffers first which took over an hour. WOW! Then we had breakfast. The hubby made his French toast and I made bacon…REAL bacon. YUM-O!

With our bellies full we went commenced opening of packages. As much as we scaled back we still managed to overwhelm the boy. LOL. Whatever…this will be his last Christmas by himself so let him have fun. I gave the hubby a poster of the boy I made with different pictures taken throughout the year, an automatic wine chiller, a couple of work out shirts and best of all…drum roll please…IT’s A BOY! That’s right. I bought a boy outfit and wrapped it up. He was a bit freaked out because he really had his mind set on a girl. I had a few days to wrap my head around because I too thought it was a girl. Oh…and when we told the boy…not happy. “I don’t like boys…”. So…we will ease into that one. The hubby got me some great stuff…one that stands out was a Coach purse and wallet…uhm…WE WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO BUY GIFTS! It was awesome and they are beautiful. He is always very generous and thoughtful when it comes to gifts.

We packed the rest of the day, only to stop for tamales for dinner. We wanted something low key since we were heading out for 9 days at the butt crack of dawn. And so our trip begins…

Someone Wanted to Say Hi!

I love reading other people’s blog about their pregnancy week by week and I told myself I would be diligent in documenting my next pregnancy. Well…here I am week 15 and I’m just now starting. So…here I begin.

The hubby and I decided to try and have another baby. We have one son who is now 3 so we thought it was time. We didn’t really start trying until September when I bought an ovulation kit and dear hubby was right on target! A couple of weeks later and bam…two lines…looks like we’re pregnant.

I went to see my OB at 8 weeks for pregnancy confirmation. I was very nervous for some reason and nauseous plus the hubby and I were going through some stuff. But…we’re working on it and I’m not going to go into detail about that.

First of all I LOVE my OB. She is everything a doctor should be...personable, sympathetic, cute, knowledgeable and just an overall good person. She radiates goodness. She is only a few years older than me and it is comforting to know she has done it all…four times to be exact and she knows exactly what I’m going through.

The doc did an ultrasound and there the baby was…heartbeat a blazin. The doc said she thought it may be a girl based on the heartbeat (188). Oh man…the hubby was ecstatic. That’s exactly what he wanted to hear. I told her about my nausea and feeling tired…really tired. I just don’t remember feeling this way with my first…even though I know every pregnancy is different. The doc confirmed that ‘her ladies’ (I love that she calls them that) on their second pregnancy ‘FEEL’ everything much more than the first time. More tired, more pains…more everything. So…I must be doing it right…I guess.

Because of my age…a ripe old 35…I’m considered higher risk for a baby born with downs or cystic fibrosis and any another number of abnormalities so the doc recommended we get a neural translucency test and blood work done to analyze the growth and health of the baby and we also get an early opportunity to find out the sex of the baby through blood work. I spoke to a few co-workers that had the same test done for various reasons and they assured me it was non evasive and very helpful…just as the doc had explained so…we did it.

At 12 weeks, Dec 20th, I went in for the neural translucency test. The baby wanted to say “Hi” as shown in the pic. Everything looks good via ultrasound…everything is where it should be, all 10 fingers and toes. Now we wait for the blood work. They are going to expedite the gender testing to get us results prior to Christmas. YAY…I think I won’t tell the hubby and let him open his present on Christmas morning.

The next day I had my monthly OB appointment. I did the fun stuff that normally happens at the once of year checkup. The beauty is the doc is fast and friendly and it’s over before it begins. We listened to the heartbeat and she was happy to hear the US went well. I had more blood draws and that freakin tech butchered my arm. Gotta love when they are in the middle of getting blood from your vein and they turn the needle almost sideways. “oops” was what she said…really…oops…that’s all you can come up with. Now I have I nice purplish veiny marks on my right arm…for the next couple of weeks.

I got a call from Wendy, the lady who said she would call me about the sex of the baby around 3p and…well…I can’t tell you now…the hubby doesn’t even know yet. So I am going to the store and buy and outfit to wrap up as a gift and let the hubby find out Christmas morning. Man…it’s going to be hard to keep to myself.

I picked the boy up from school and we went to my Granny’s house to do our Christmas. We are leaving for California on the 26th and because of family tension we try to keep a low profile around the holidays. My Aunt from Tennessee is in town and I wanted to make sure we all spent some time together before we/she left.

I had told my Granny about the baby a few weeks ago but asked her to keep it to herself. I haven’t figured out a way to tell my parents since I haven’t spoken to them in a year and a half and going on six months of not speaking with my sister. I still haven’t figured it out…I guess I need to talk to my counselor about that one.

I decided to go ahead and tell my Aunt, Papa and Uncle and I showed them the US pic. They thought it was great but I hated not telling them what it was…since I knew...but I desperately wanted to tell the hubby first. We all had a great visit, I was so happy my Aunt got to see the boy and we were able to see Granny and Papa before the holidays. They all know about the issue between my parents and are supportive and hopeful we will all work it out. Ya know…I hope so too.

Starting over...Again.

I mentioned in my last post that taking a few minutes to read a few my running blogs really motivated me to make time for me and running. So...I just did.

I ran today. Ran 1 and walked 1. I didn't have high expectations, I just wanted to get my sea legs out there. Luckily I was able to do a majority of the run under some shade on the 800 meter trail at work. While I was walking I took a moment to stroll down memory lane. This is where it all began last year, mainly because I was intimidated by the long track. I worked up to four miles before I thought myself worthy to run with the big dogs...then I smoked it and got up to 11 miles on the long track. Not to mention that training led to finishing a half marathon.

I took those first steps today again, onto something bigger. Over all it felt great. I'm planning on Yoga tomorrow so I can get a good stretch and if the boy stays in his bed through the night tonight I plan to get an early morning workout as well.

Here's to first steps...

Hello...anybody out there...?

(crickets chirping)

Yes, I'm still alive and well. There seems to be too much to do and not enough time to do it. So...what have I done...stopped bloggin and runnin. Two of the things that I really like and are all mine. Sad.

So, I have some free time today and I thought I would catch up on what I've been missing for the last few months. NO...I don't really have free time I'm just taking it! So there.

Nothing truly exciting to report. Launching a shuttle every two months is really testing our resources and my sanity and I think every woman I know is pregnant.

I'll try and make more time next week. I need to get back in the saddle with running...it's funny blogging today and reading others blogs has really got me motivated. Just what I need.

Have a great weekend...make your hotel reservations now as to escape the wrath of Dean. Duh Duh Duhn....EEEEEEE.

From the beginning...of May

The fam took a our first family vacation to Seaworld May 04-06th. The trip was great. We went to the Riverwalk, Seaworld and Splashtown. I will update the boy’s blog with with the details. It wasn’t too relaxing but the time spent bonding as a family was priceless.

No running…

Mothers’s Day was great. I now have yet another Gar.min product. The hubby bought me a GPS for the car. Where has this been all my life. I even brought it to Florida with me…don't leave home without it. We visited Granny and PaPa, they become ten years younger when they are around the boy. We had a great time.

Still no running…

Memorial Weekend was sort of eventful. We had a bachelor/bachelorette party on Friday for our neighbors that are getting married on the 2nd. Us crazy couples stayed out til the break of 10:30. Oh and there was just three couples out of 7. Rockin good time. Actually...the timing was just bad…graduations and family plans took precedence, but we managed to salvage dinner.

The rest of the weekend was a wash…literally. We were planning on going to Lake Livingston Monday but the weather kept us inside. It was unfortunate…I was really looking forward to getting my jet skiing on. Someother time.

Even more no running…

We had a date! The hubby and I went to see Spam.alot on Saturday. It was our anniversary present from January. The love of my life even thought to book the restaurant where we had our first official date where we both left feeling the other wasn't interested. I guess we were wrong.

We got all gussied up and we actually got to be grownups for a night. Oh and the boy told us before the babysitter got there that he was not going to cry. OH my gosh...he may not be crying but I sure am. Slow down boy...you are growing up too fast.

Dinner was ok, the conversation was better and the show was outstanding. The hubby and I watched some of Monty Python and The Holy Grail a couple of weekends before but we didn't finish it (he knows it verbatim), I was glad I did see what I did because I had an idea of what to expect. But oh my gosh I still was surprised at the quality. I know...I know...it's a Broad.way performance but it was superb. I laughed till a cried..."BEEELOOOW me" Yeah...it looses something in print but man was that freakin funny.

No running…but planning to…

Sunday I left for Florida and that is where I am today. Drum roll please….

I RAN!

Thank you…thank you. I ran about 1.5 miles on Sunday and then walked back up the beach to the hotel. It was outstanding. Everything still worked…legs…check…breathing…check. Why had I waited so long?? I didn’t time myself because it wasn’t about that. Just revelled in the fact I was actually doing it and remembered that I want to do it more...and often.

The week has kept us busy, are portion of "stuff" was handed over for packing yesterday and our schedule has opened up considerably. Today we didn’t come into until 2p so we took advantage of a team building exercise this morning in the form of jet skiing. Oh man…did I mention how much I love to jet ski? I’ve GOT to talk to the hubby about getting one.

We ended up renting one two seater for an hour. The other two people I was with had not ridden before. I have to give it to the one that road with me, she stayed on pretty good, I only lost her twice. I wish I could bottle that adrenaline rush.

We just attending a launch briefing and everything looks great for tomorrow. No vehicle issues and weather seems to be cooperating. Everyone send good weather vibes to Florida about 6:38p your time tomorrow.

Planning to run in the AM…

We have another light day tomorrow…our “official” day will start around 12:30 in order to prep for the weather briefing at 3 then it’s “go for main engines” at 6:38.

Speaking of the hubby, he has been quite the trooper this week taking care of the boy. I am so lucky to have the support from him so I can come to Florida once a year for a couple of weeks. I’m trying to coax them into coming with me next time.

That’s all I got for now…thanks for all those still checking my blog I really appreciate the encouragement!

Have a great weekend!

I'm still here for those of you wondering. I had to post this because I refuse to go an entire month without posting something. I'm in FL next week...I will be able to catch up then.

BTW...no running. I'm kicking myself however and dadgummit I'm bringing my stuff with me and I am dragging my but out to run...even if it is just one measley mile.

Making up for lost time...

I've been too busy to post lately...I had some catching up to do before it got out of control...enjoy.

Birthday - April 30th, 2007

Another year in the books…looking back…I must say it was a pretty good year. I’m happy, healthy and loving life.

I decided to take the day off. The hubby couldn’t swing it since we are taking Friday off to go to Sa.n An.tonio. I was fine with that…I slept until 11a, had some breakfast then went shopping. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day…shopping!

I wasn’t feeling 100% before shopping and hit a wall and felt 35%. I decided to take a nap because the 13 hours I slept the night before were evidently we not enough. The hubby came home and I had dropped to 25% feeling well. Great!!!

After the boy came home we opened presents. The hubby’s Dad and Debbie sent a very nice card and some money. The hubby’s Mom and sister sent me some stuff from Old Navy. The hubby…are you sitting down…got me the GAR.MIN Forer.unner 305!! Snoopy Dance. The boy gave me a CD with MP3 of a TON of running songs. I’m sure he had help from Dad but…you never know.

I took some painkillers (not the drink) and started feeling much better.

The boys sang happy birthday and the boy got his piece of birthday cake. My man and I had sushi for dinner and had cake while watch ‘The Bac.helor’. It was a great day. (I can’t wait to run with my new Gar.min.)

Flamingo – April 28th, 2007

Tonight is Flamingo night. I believe I have mentioned this awhile back but for those who don’t know I’ll bring you up to speed.

Back in December of 2005 we had just moved into our neighborhood and one of the neighbors had a get together. I had mentioned that I had read an article about a cul de sac that had flamingo parties and wherever the flamingo landed that person would host the next party. Evidently the story stuck because the following day a flamingo was in our yard. Now that you are up to speed…

After a long sabbatical, 5 months, the flamingo reemerged a few weeks ago and boy did we get our party on. Kevin, Pam and Jane hosted a crawfish boil. It was a beautiful night so we spent the evening eating crawfish by the spool (spa/pool). One of our new neighbors, from the north side of the street, joined us. Us south siders don’t really get along with the north side...because they don’t represent. We’re not haters so we let them join in. We did take notice that they left early. It was their first one so we will let it slide.

As the evening progressed the topic of conversation seemed to have centered around the hubby and I. How we met, Russia and Finland...whether or next kid will be a boy or girl. Then…it happened. Kevin sat behind me and put his feet on my shoulders. Oh no you just didn’t…

That was all they needed and it was like vultures on a carcass. Needless to say someone has some very interesting pictures of me upside down in a chair and two of our neighbors, each with a leg in hand, one sucking one of my toes and the other massaging my other foot. GROSS. I am so the anti-foot fetish.

I had my fill around 1a…plus we’re paying premium baby sitting fees. I told the hubby to stick around and that I was going home. I think he stumbled into bed around 3a.

Needless to say he was hurting pretty bad on Sunday. We have the best neighbors ever! Except they need to stay away from my freakin feet!

Bayou Bash Relay

Hey…look at me…getting up before dawn to go to a race. As I am getting ready evidently the boy came and got in our bed, an unfortunate habit that started a week or so ago. As I come out of the bathroom I tiptoe out of the bedroom hoping to go unnoticed. Thank God for noise makers.

I make it…out of the house. According to hubby about three minutes after I left the boy figured out I was gone and he was not pleased.

I’m on my way out the door and I’m driving out to Be.ar Cre.ek Pa.rk. Funny thing…I have driven out to that park practically every weekend for 20 years. This is the first time I am returning in almost 10 years…with a different sport. A bit of nostalgia makes the ride a bit shorter. Ya know…10 years ago there was construction too. Good grief.

I get to the race…a bit later than I wanted. I make it just in time to be apart of my first official Strider picture. I then proceed to search the crowd for someone I don’t even know. I’m walking around…”Alma…Alma…does anyone know Alma…have you seen Alma?”. I’m starting to get a bit anxious because we are 10 minutes from start and I haven’t found my team.

Thankfully, I run into Steve with his clipboard and he directs me to where two of my teammates, Lisa and Janet are waiting for Alma. I run to the potty where of course there is a line and get back and Alma has arrived. Alma is running first, Lisa…second, me third and Janet fourth.

The Strider Die Chicks did ok 1:19:59…I of course have not trained and a Lisa and Janet were coming back from injuries. I’m not complaining I managed a 10:30 pace which is good for me who has not consistently trained since January. My teammates were lovely and I can't wait to see them again at another event.

The post race activities we ok…I didn’t stick around for much. The pizza had run out and I couldn’t make myself eat ice cream and cake that early. Seriously…pizza, ice cream and cake.

I did get a chance to meet follow bloggers June and Vic. I introduced myself as Sandy and blank faces were staring back at me…Reddaisy…the blog. OH…recognition at last. It was good to chat with them for a bit.

I had a great time. I really enjoyed getting out and running again.

Jim.my Buf.fet - April 21th 2007

I am no longer a “Buf.fet Vir.gin”. Oh my gosh what a good time! Here is a link to Hubby's blog detialing his personal experience. (He's a much better writer than I am...DON'T JUDGE ME!). With painkillers in hand we proceeded over to the tailgating lots. I’ve seen my share of tailgating for football games but for a concert! This was quite an experience, one that you can’t just read about…you so have to be there.

Almost immediately we ran into our neighbors Paul and Suzette. We didn’t even know they were going to be there.

We walked…and talked. I caught a guy checking me out so I went up to him and said hi. The hubby thought I knew him and wondered why I didn’t introduce him. I told him I didn’t know him…he was like…ok. LOL

A girl on crutches stopped us and asked what we were drinking “Are you drinking milk?”. Of course we are…on a warm day such as this…nothing like 64 ounces of milk to quench your thirst! Uh...mam…it’s a painkiller. What’s in a painkiller you ask…Orange juice, Pineapple juice, coconut milk and rum. YUM-O

We begin to make our way in to Min.ute Mai.d and the hubby and I stop off at the bathrooms. Well…the hubby does and I am stuck in a line halfway around Min.ute Ma.id Park. The hubby grabs my hand and says lets go...the guys bathroom is practically empty and the stalls are definitely empty. I think about it for a sec and I have had just enough to drink to agree. I put my hand over my eyes and go for it. The hubby guides me to the bathroom and I do my business tell him I’m opening the door…with my hands covering my eyes…he guides me back out and bam…it’s like nothing every happened. Apparently I got a few grins from guys coming in the bathroom. It was all good.

We get to our seats ON THE FIELD. It was awesome. We were located shallow centerfield. I had my nachos….gotta have me some nachos at the ballfield. Yeah…I paid for it later but it was worth it.

Rob.ert Ea.rl Ke.en came out and he was great. I haven’t seen him in about 6 years. I was a hootin and a hollerin…genuinely annoying the lady in front of me with the screaming. I apologized to the couple next to me and told them I’m a screamer and they welcomed to the family. Evidently the lady in front of me didn’t welcome…she kept giving me dirty looks every time I belted one out. So…I laid off a bit. REK ended up in true form with “The Road Goes on Forever” and it seems like the park erupted. FUN!

Jimmy was great…come to find out we were the opening concert of his summer tour. You wouldn’t have known it. It was awesome sharing the experience with the hubby.

We decided next year we were going to purchase tailgating tickets and make it a “flamingo” experience. Here’s to next year!

April 20th 2007

I am sitting in mis.sion con.trol manning my console and a neighboring colleague receives a phone call. There is a gunman in building 44 and 5 shots have been fired. I assumed security detained the gunman almost immediately so I didn’t think much more of it. Other than…are you freakin kidding me!

The same colleague receives another phone call and evidently there is a hostage situation, this is before the story breaks on the news. Shortly thereafter, on the loud speaker, a voice tells us to stay put and no one is aloud to leave the building. The building is not on official lockdown but we are not to leave until further notice. I immediately call the hubby to let him know what is going on and in the wake of the Vir.ginia Te.ch tragedy he is VERY concerned. I try to let him know I am fine and in no danger.

The news brakes nationally and the phone calls start coming in. I receive a phone call from a frantic mom that lives in Ohio, her daughter is to relieve me within an hour. I assure her that her daughter is ok and I make a phone call back to the office to make sure she calls her mom, they were all in the conference room watching the news.

At about 4 O’clock “the voice” comes back on the loud speaker and tells us we can now leave the building. So…I’m walking out to my car helicopters are in mass overhead and police are blocking off the parking lot that my car just happens to be in...adjacent to building 44. Because I had a clear view of the building from where I was standing, with many others, and there was something about being in proximity to a building that may or may not still have a gunman inside that didn’t sit well with me so I went the other direction and headed back to my office on the other side of campus. I made a couple more phone calls along the way to pass on info that I was fine.

I make it to my building and it was decided that I take my friend Jodie’s car home…since I live 45 minutes away it takes more of an effort to “borrow” a car. I’m about halfway home and the new reports the gunman has taken his life and the “real story” starts in unfold.

One of my neighbors came to check on me to see if I was ok.

Did I know the shooter…no.

Did I know the victim? Only in name and I attended a few meetings that he attended also.

How do I feel about what happened? It is hard to say. This world scares me. People scare me. The unknown scares me. But I have faith on my side. That faith is what allows me to get out of bed each morning, send my son to school, see the hubby off to work and finally have the courage to pull out of the driveway every morning. If I live my life in fear then “they”, “it” or whomever will have won and dadgummit…I choose to live.

Finally…I ran! Yay freakin me! Monday I ran 2.5 miles. I really didn’t time myself since I was attempting to take it easy since it’s been a couple of months since I ran. The weather was perfect and the legs felt good. I had to tell myself to slow down a couple of times because everything felt too good.

I had sushi for lunch and it seems I had a bit too much wasabi because my chest started burning about halfway through. Or was it the lack of cardio trainig in two months? I'll blame the wasabi. It really worked out to running 2 and working .5. I’m happy with that.

I also managed a quick run on Tuesday…hey look at me! Two days in a row. It was raining so I ran on the dreadmill. And it lived up to the name…every 2 miles of it. My legs were feeling a bit heavy the day before and I didn’t want to go crazy. Plus I saw my life pass before me when I was so engrossed in the handover ceremony aboard ISS that I tripped and nearly fell flat on my face. I’m such a spaz. The guy next to me even asked me if I was ok. I’m planning on keeping it to 2 – 2.5 this week and getting back on track with 3 to 4 next week. I should be good to go for the relay on the 28th.

Congrats to all the Striders that braved the weather in Boston. You are awesome.

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the event that took place at Virg.inia Te.ch on Monday. 33 people didn’t come home on Monday; a statement that resonates rather frequently in my mind throughout the day. Figure out how we can use this tragedy to make the world a better place for the future. Pass it on…

New Do!

Ok…so I blew my challenge last week. When I had initiated that challenge I forgot I had a hair appointment the next day. And I went from this…




to this sassy thing!



Totally worth it!

The rest of the week gave way to a bevy of working late to make up hours from said hair appointment, a court date from an expected run for the boarder and I’m not talking Mexico or Canada. Finally, the day I actually had time I went to the trails, opened the back of my car only to find a lonely pair of running shoes. The hubby had taken my running bag out of the car the weekend before and I didn’t know it. I always have my running stuff…just in case I get that sudden burst of energy to pull over whenever and wherever to bust out a few miles. Yeah right…I haven’t busted out to do any kind of running since February. So I went shopping instead.

So…today I made a conscious effort to get the bag in my car…and I’m running dadgummit!

The weekend was the perfect weekend. We managed family time, couple time and some time apart…perfect.

On Saturday we went to a BBQ at my boss’s house. I have worked here for almost 8 years now and this was the first of its kind; It was ok. The weather could have been better. I made the hubby go so he could put names to the faces that I have complained about over the years. It was pretty uneventful, the ones that showed he knew plus he spent most of his time chasing around the boy.

Sunday, the boy actually let me sleep until 9 and he and I spent the morning together running errands. The hubby planted our Queen palms. YAY…they are so beautiful. No more picking them up when the wind gusts above 5 miles an hour. I worked on the curtains in the bedroom and the hubby had already hung up or new print while I was gone. It looks so good. A few finishing more touches and we’re done.

We had the babysitter come over for a couple of hours to watch the boy as a precursor for next Saturday when the hubby and I are going to see Jim.my Buf.fet. The hubby and I had a nice evening relaxing. We went to a sports bar for a couple of drinks. We arrived just at the end of the NAS.CAR race and a group of ‘necks were in the corner cheering and shouting at the TV. The hubby’s mouth dropped in awe. “I’ve never seen the likes.” Oh sweetie…I proceeded to give him a crash course in Neckcar. I can say these things as I am a 3 time Daytona 500 attendee and I have my pictures with several drivers. That was a past life…so I’ll leave it where it belongs. We finished up with our favorite…Sushi.

In conversation during our date...I totally suggested that the hubby go with the babysitter to see Bi.g D and the Ki.ds Tab.le playing at the Ware.house tonight. When I came back from bizarro world...oh my gosh...I just said you could go out with our babysitter. That is not my final answer. He just laughed. Alhtough I trust him immensly it would look really bad! He didn't even bite.

I’m looking forward to this week…being over. This coming weekend is gonna be supa dupa fun!

Good luck to those running in Boston this morning…that is some crazy weather.

Conversation held in the bathroom last night as the hubby and I are getting ready for bed:

Hubby: “So…am I taking the boy in the morning?”
Me: “Yes…I’m on console. Didn’t we…wait…we only negotiated Friday.”
Hubby: “You’re not taking him in the morning?”
Me: “I’m on console”
Hubby: “So…I’m taking him tomorrow and picking up and taking on Friday.”
Me: “Yes…does that work for you?”
Hubby: “I guess…”

Feeling guilty:
Me: “Ok…I’ll take him on Friday.”
Hubby: “No.”

Still feeling guilty:
Me: “Ok…I’ll take him on tomorrow and be a bit late.”
Hubby: “No.”

A couple of seconds later:
Hubby: “Get your boobs off me.”

Pause
Hubby “Get your vagina and your boobs off me…I’m tired.”

Then we spit the toothpaste out of our mouths.

I can’t believe I let last week get away from me without blogging. Well, actually I can. There just hasn’t been that much going on and I haven’t been that motivated to write. I didn’t get a chance to run last week because I had to work extra hours at work since I took Good Friday off. The boy’s school was closed so I took the opportunity to potty train him. I won’t go into detail here…but if you are interested you can read The Boy’s blog.

I had planned on running today however I am recovering from a heck of a stomach bug I got yesterday. I have absolutely no energy today. I can’t imagine why…I am almost sure the negative calories I had yesterday and the 300 calories I’ve made myself eat today may have something to do with it. I’m getting there. I have to since I have a race I need to be ready for in a few weeks. Thankfully it is only 2.5…definitely something I can still manage.

Challenge…tomorrow…I blog about actually running instead of why I didn’t!