I've been meaning to write down some funny things that Emily says. She comes up with some doozies! I always wonder what's going on in her little mind, and what things must seem like to her. It's easy to forget that the world is still full of wonder and amazing things. It's pretty neat getting to explore it again with her.
Sometimes we'll be driving down the road, and she'll call out an object that she sees because it's so amazing. So amazing!! Lately, it's been a particular pond we see driving home from daycare, or any kind of truck or tractor we happen to drive by. "Mama, I saw a tracor!" (She's not aware of that second "t" in tractor yet.) She also loves pointing out a flock of geese that are spending some time near our house before they fly south for the winter. "Geese! Geese says honk honk!"
Here's a short list of some of Emily's funnies. I'm sure I'll be adding to this as time goes by.
- "I can't even...!" - this is usually saved for moments of exasperation, like when she climbs up on our bar-height kitchen chairs and can't figure out how to get back down. "I can't even get down from here!" I'm not sure where the "even" part of it came from, but it makes me giggle.
- "Maybe, but I don't think so." - This is typically reserved for when I'm telling her that it's bed time, or bath time, or time to do anything that she doesn't necessarily want to do.
- "I'll tell Grandma." - This gem pops out of her mouth during any type of disagreement. I won't give her a cookie, I put her in timeout, I called her an endearing name like "sweetie" and she disagrees that that's her name. Which leads to...
- "No, I Emily!" - Pretty much anytime I use a cute or sweet nickname for her such as sweetie, sweetheart, love, baby, or even just Em, she corrects me. Oh that's right, that's your name! I'm only, you know, the person that gave it to you!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Long Run Recap (or my run full of fail)
For those of you who are not in the running "know", when you're training for any kind of race of distance then you incorporate "long runs" into your training schedule. You don't go out and run 13 miles every time because a) that would be super boring and b) you'd do more harm than good on your body. Running long distances takes a toll on your muscle fibers, hydration level, and personally: my feet! So right now my training schedule looks kind of like this:
Mon: rest
Tues: hill repeats 3miles
Wed: rest
Thurs: 5 easy miles
Fri: fartleks or 4miles at 5K pace
Sat: rest
Sun: long run
Ok, before I go on, I'm sure you're thinking "fart whats?". A fartlek is a Swedish term for "speed play"; basically sprints with no time or distance to them. Run fast from this mailbox to that tree, go back to normal pace, and repeat.
This weekend I was slated to do 9 miles. I got myself ready, geared up, and set out for my run. I was going on a similar route that I did last weekend, so I knew I just had to do a little more at the end to bump up to 9 miles. Things were going really well, until I decided that I wanted to add the extra distance in the middle of my run rather than at the end. So I got to a good place to do so, pull out my phone to check my mileage with my handy app, and noticed with dismay that it only said 2.10 miles when I knew I was right around the 4 mile point. Also, by the map, I wasn't even where I should be. Except that I knew where I was (duh, right?), so clearly my phone was wrong and had lost the GPS signal somewhere along the way.
Ok, no biggie right? I knew how to get home and all, so it's not like I was lost. But I do sure rely on that little lady in my phone to tell me what mile I'm at and my pace. At that point, I decided "ok, we'll just make this about running. Not about times, let's just run."
Luckily, I still run with my watch/fancy-pants heart rate monitor, so I knew when it was snack time. Another tidbit here: most trainers/runners/crazy athletes advise that you take in 30-60 grams of carbs after 60 minutes of exercise to refuel what you've burned. I like to eat these little energy chews around 45 minutes so I don't hit a wall of exhaustion before it's too late. I'm also wearing gloves on most runs now because it's pretty dang cold here. In my fumbling to get my gloves off and stored in my pack, then get my chews out to eat, I drop the bag of chews. Thank goodness that they didn't spill all over the place, but what a PITA to have to stop and backtrack! So, I run the two steps back to pick them up, and continue on my way.
After that, things were going pretty well until about mile 7. Nature started calling around then - pretty loudly. Now, my route is pretty rural, and on other routes I have been forced to "use the woods" so to speak. However, although this route is rural, there are still plenty of homes and people. I really didn't want my 15 minutes of fame to look like this lady. I kept going, because really, what other choice do I have? But I'm on the lookout now, when lo and behold: a McDonald's! I completely forgot that the last 2 miles brings me back into civilization and runs right behind a McDonald's. So I happily stopped to use their facilities. I always carry a couple of bucks on me just in case restrooms are for paying customers only, but they were so busy in the Sunday morning need-my-McFatty-food rush that no one noticed me. Well, no employees anyway.
The rest of my run was uneventful, thankfully, although I had to guesstimate my actual time and distance. I think I ran about a 9:10 pace, which is ok with me. It's funny how some runs can be right on and all the stars align for you, and some can be like this. Ultimately though, I did it. There's no regrets on that part.
Mon: rest
Tues: hill repeats 3miles
Wed: rest
Thurs: 5 easy miles
Fri: fartleks or 4miles at 5K pace
Sat: rest
Sun: long run
Ok, before I go on, I'm sure you're thinking "fart whats?". A fartlek is a Swedish term for "speed play"; basically sprints with no time or distance to them. Run fast from this mailbox to that tree, go back to normal pace, and repeat.
This weekend I was slated to do 9 miles. I got myself ready, geared up, and set out for my run. I was going on a similar route that I did last weekend, so I knew I just had to do a little more at the end to bump up to 9 miles. Things were going really well, until I decided that I wanted to add the extra distance in the middle of my run rather than at the end. So I got to a good place to do so, pull out my phone to check my mileage with my handy app, and noticed with dismay that it only said 2.10 miles when I knew I was right around the 4 mile point. Also, by the map, I wasn't even where I should be. Except that I knew where I was (duh, right?), so clearly my phone was wrong and had lost the GPS signal somewhere along the way.
Ok, no biggie right? I knew how to get home and all, so it's not like I was lost. But I do sure rely on that little lady in my phone to tell me what mile I'm at and my pace. At that point, I decided "ok, we'll just make this about running. Not about times, let's just run."
Luckily, I still run with my watch/fancy-pants heart rate monitor, so I knew when it was snack time. Another tidbit here: most trainers/runners/crazy athletes advise that you take in 30-60 grams of carbs after 60 minutes of exercise to refuel what you've burned. I like to eat these little energy chews around 45 minutes so I don't hit a wall of exhaustion before it's too late. I'm also wearing gloves on most runs now because it's pretty dang cold here. In my fumbling to get my gloves off and stored in my pack, then get my chews out to eat, I drop the bag of chews. Thank goodness that they didn't spill all over the place, but what a PITA to have to stop and backtrack! So, I run the two steps back to pick them up, and continue on my way.
After that, things were going pretty well until about mile 7. Nature started calling around then - pretty loudly. Now, my route is pretty rural, and on other routes I have been forced to "use the woods" so to speak. However, although this route is rural, there are still plenty of homes and people. I really didn't want my 15 minutes of fame to look like this lady. I kept going, because really, what other choice do I have? But I'm on the lookout now, when lo and behold: a McDonald's! I completely forgot that the last 2 miles brings me back into civilization and runs right behind a McDonald's. So I happily stopped to use their facilities. I always carry a couple of bucks on me just in case restrooms are for paying customers only, but they were so busy in the Sunday morning need-my-McFatty-food rush that no one noticed me. Well, no employees anyway.
The rest of my run was uneventful, thankfully, although I had to guesstimate my actual time and distance. I think I ran about a 9:10 pace, which is ok with me. It's funny how some runs can be right on and all the stars align for you, and some can be like this. Ultimately though, I did it. There's no regrets on that part.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween deja vue
You know, it's ironic that I've been thinking of bringing my blog back to life, and the day that I decide to do so is exactly 2 years from my last post. Funny how things work out, right? So I will give you a brief update to catch things up.
The last time I posted, Emily was just 3 months old and celebrating her first Halloween. Now, she is a darling 2 year old full of sugar, spice, and plenty of vinegar to jazz things up a bit. Here she is in her first costume as Tinkerbell
This is the first time we'll be taking her trick-o-treating, so it should be a fun night!
Both Travis and I have new jobs, which we are so very thankful for. He works from home and is saving a ton of money on gas. My commute to work is about 6 minutes if I hit the stop light, so I can't complain there either. We still live in the same house, so all things considered, life is just going on like normal.
The biggest change in my life so far is running. Running? Why yes, running. Who would have thought? I started running when Emily was about 6 months old to get back in shape and lose the baby weight. I started with the Couch 2 5K program. What an amazing training tool! I promise you that if you attempt it, and really stick with it, it works! I ran my first 5K in July of 2012 with a time of 30 minutes and some seconds. Last winter I stayed indoors on my treadmill for the most part, but came out swinging this Spring.
This year, I decided to run a 10K. That was really my main goal. The same race that I did last July has a 10K race as well, so I figured that was doable. I used the same C25K website to get a training plan to boost up to 10K. It was going swimmingly! Here's a picture of me near the finish line this year:
So, somewhere along the way, a crazy idea crept into my head. Well, I guess a half crazy idea. I thought to myself, "Self, if you can run a 10K by July, surely you can run a half-marathon by October." Then before common sense took over, I had already signed up for the WhistleStop Half-Marathon. Registration was paid, hotel room booked, shabang! Then it really sunk in - oh crap.
However, after a long and grueling summer of long runs, 5am runs, rainy runs, windy runs, blisters and bloody feet (tmi, I know), the half-marathon weekend had arrived. It was a long, grueling race. Not really, but it sure felt like it. The nice thing about this race is it's all flat, and the weather was very cool. I kept that jacket on the whole time and was completely comfortable. Temperature wise at least. My feet hurt, my legs started to feel like lead around mile 10, and my mental game was starting to slip towards the end there. But guess what!? I did it! My goal time was 2 hours even, and I finished in 2:03. Not to shabby!
Of course, while I was running, thoughts of never, ever, running a half marathon are going through my head. But there's this crazy thing that happens: Runners High. My goal time was attainable, and due to some silly things, I missed it. But I don't want to wait until next year to prove that I can hit 2 hours! So, before good sense prevailed again, I'd gone and signed up for the Polar Dash. A 14 mile half-marathon on January 1st. Why yes, it is outside. Why yes again, I do live in Minnesota. Crazy indeed!
The last time I posted, Emily was just 3 months old and celebrating her first Halloween. Now, she is a darling 2 year old full of sugar, spice, and plenty of vinegar to jazz things up a bit. Here she is in her first costume as Tinkerbell
 |
| No, my name is Emily. But Tinkerbell is cool too. |
Both Travis and I have new jobs, which we are so very thankful for. He works from home and is saving a ton of money on gas. My commute to work is about 6 minutes if I hit the stop light, so I can't complain there either. We still live in the same house, so all things considered, life is just going on like normal.
The biggest change in my life so far is running. Running? Why yes, running. Who would have thought? I started running when Emily was about 6 months old to get back in shape and lose the baby weight. I started with the Couch 2 5K program. What an amazing training tool! I promise you that if you attempt it, and really stick with it, it works! I ran my first 5K in July of 2012 with a time of 30 minutes and some seconds. Last winter I stayed indoors on my treadmill for the most part, but came out swinging this Spring.
This year, I decided to run a 10K. That was really my main goal. The same race that I did last July has a 10K race as well, so I figured that was doable. I used the same C25K website to get a training plan to boost up to 10K. It was going swimmingly! Here's a picture of me near the finish line this year:
 |
| I don't always smile and wave at the camera, but when I do I like to make dorky faces as well. |
However, after a long and grueling summer of long runs, 5am runs, rainy runs, windy runs, blisters and bloody feet (tmi, I know), the half-marathon weekend had arrived. It was a long, grueling race. Not really, but it sure felt like it. The nice thing about this race is it's all flat, and the weather was very cool. I kept that jacket on the whole time and was completely comfortable. Temperature wise at least. My feet hurt, my legs started to feel like lead around mile 10, and my mental game was starting to slip towards the end there. But guess what!? I did it! My goal time was 2 hours even, and I finished in 2:03. Not to shabby!
 |
| Here I am with my finishers medal, exhausted and ready for a long nap. |
So hang in there for some interesting winter weather stories (I've already got some), and general life stories about my little life here in the cold Northern tundra....
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Here's the thing...
I'm busy, all the time. But I promise an updated post tomorrow. Here's how I spend my day, in picture format, to tide you over:
First there's a little playing and laughing:
Then Emily says "Come on Mom, let's get real. Feed me!"
Then we do a little tummy time, which either frightens or delights Emily. We're not to sure yet.
We have a few more bottles, and try to get in a few more cute picture ops. Lesson #1 in taking baby pictures: try not to use the flash...
"Whoa Mom! Are you trying to blind me!?!"Then after a long hard day, we all curl up for bed time.
The End!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Happy Fall!
It's official, Fall is here! The weather is much cooler, all the leaves have changed and are starting to fall off the trees. That means eventually Travis is going to have to get out there soon and bag them up!
Fall is my absolute favorite season. I'm such a geek for pumpkins, candy apples, hot apple cider, corn mazes. You name it. So last weekend we decided to take Emily to the pumpkin patch. I know she won't remember it, blah blah blah, but we have to start family traditions at some time!
So we went for about a half hour :o) They had a corn maze, a hay ride, a little petting zoo, and lots and lots of pumpkins. Of course, you had to pay for it all, so we decided to wait until next year for that stuff. We took pictures with the pumpkins, walked around and watched everyone else, and enjoyed a hot cup of apple cider.
You can't really see it, but Emily and I are holding a tiny pumpkin - just her size!
We tried to do a photo op with her sitting against the pumpkins, but she wasn't having any of that! Those pumpkins are scary! She was happy as long as I was holding her and she could see what everyone else was doing. Any time I attempted to sit her with a pumpkin, big or small, the waterworks started! Oh well, at least I'm trying to create some good family memories!
Fall is my absolute favorite season. I'm such a geek for pumpkins, candy apples, hot apple cider, corn mazes. You name it. So last weekend we decided to take Emily to the pumpkin patch. I know she won't remember it, blah blah blah, but we have to start family traditions at some time!
So we went for about a half hour :o) They had a corn maze, a hay ride, a little petting zoo, and lots and lots of pumpkins. Of course, you had to pay for it all, so we decided to wait until next year for that stuff. We took pictures with the pumpkins, walked around and watched everyone else, and enjoyed a hot cup of apple cider.
You can't really see it, but Emily and I are holding a tiny pumpkin - just her size!We tried to do a photo op with her sitting against the pumpkins, but she wasn't having any of that! Those pumpkins are scary! She was happy as long as I was holding her and she could see what everyone else was doing. Any time I attempted to sit her with a pumpkin, big or small, the waterworks started! Oh well, at least I'm trying to create some good family memories!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Two Months!
Here we are, just chugging along past two months old! Some things we've accomplished this month:
-smiling all the time, recognizing mom and dad
-a half laugh. Not quite a full thing, more of a "har!"
-the start of babbling
-sleeping through the night consistently! Usually between 9:30-6. Mom loves this!
-we started daycare this month. Mom hates it, but you seem to be doing just fine.
-you're still drinking 4oz bottles, but I have a feeling we'll be bumping that up to 5 in a few days.
She's getting so big! We have our official 2 month appointment this Friday so she'll get weighed (yay!) and her first set of shots (boo!). Emily has also started flirting with rolling over. I think she might go back to stomach first because she's started to do this:
"Just hanging out on my side!" The TV is behind her, and it is quite tempting apparently. But then she can see it sideways so she stops and lays on her side. Well, she'll get there!
In non baby news, I'm back to work full swing and will be seeing clients again starting November 1st. We just heard that the national exam is being held in December, which allows representatives to qualify for direct pay from Social Security. Our company doesn't let reps go to hearings unless they've passed the exam, because trying to bill clients once their awarded is just a big headache. This way we get our fee directly from SSA with out any issues. So it's study time! I've got study materials, and the other junior reps have started a study group so that we can all work together.
The best news? The test is being held in St. Louis! Ok, well New York and L.A., as well, but that's not quite as exciting. Hopefully we'll go to St. Louis since that's the closest city to us. Then maybe I can get a visit in!
Other than that, not much is going on in baby land. The weather is turning cooler, the trees are changing, and it's officially my favorite season. Happy Fall!
-smiling all the time, recognizing mom and dad
-a half laugh. Not quite a full thing, more of a "har!"
-the start of babbling
-sleeping through the night consistently! Usually between 9:30-6. Mom loves this!
-we started daycare this month. Mom hates it, but you seem to be doing just fine.
-you're still drinking 4oz bottles, but I have a feeling we'll be bumping that up to 5 in a few days.
She's getting so big! We have our official 2 month appointment this Friday so she'll get weighed (yay!) and her first set of shots (boo!). Emily has also started flirting with rolling over. I think she might go back to stomach first because she's started to do this:
"Just hanging out on my side!" The TV is behind her, and it is quite tempting apparently. But then she can see it sideways so she stops and lays on her side. Well, she'll get there!In non baby news, I'm back to work full swing and will be seeing clients again starting November 1st. We just heard that the national exam is being held in December, which allows representatives to qualify for direct pay from Social Security. Our company doesn't let reps go to hearings unless they've passed the exam, because trying to bill clients once their awarded is just a big headache. This way we get our fee directly from SSA with out any issues. So it's study time! I've got study materials, and the other junior reps have started a study group so that we can all work together.
The best news? The test is being held in St. Louis! Ok, well New York and L.A., as well, but that's not quite as exciting. Hopefully we'll go to St. Louis since that's the closest city to us. Then maybe I can get a visit in!
Other than that, not much is going on in baby land. The weather is turning cooler, the trees are changing, and it's officially my favorite season. Happy Fall!
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