It seems this has been a winter of sickness for me so far. The past 2 years I have barely been sick but this time around I'm picking up everything and not able to kick it. I call it 'Life with a 1 year old in daycare.' Last week I was tired and achey. The Thursday morning OSB run, which I lead every week, was not my best effort. But on purpose as I wasn't going to push super hard when not feeling all that great when it was also 45 degrees and raining. Yup, but guess what, OSBers are hardcore and 7 others met me out there.
Saturday's long run didn't feel well, but I got to run with Michele and she kept my mind off of my body so the 70min went fast. Then I ended up bailing on a friend for a bike ride on Sunday because I was feeling very dizzy. Which has now turned into the world's worst sinus headache. Yes, I have the worst ever sinus headache in the world. Because it hurts like a bee-yotch and I said so.
All was not lost, because I still got to enjoy a great dinner out with my girls on Sunday. We try and do at least one a month, and I really look forward to them.
Work has been crazy busy. Busy enough that a couple of times I've had to get back online after Logan goes to bed. I certainly don't like having to do that, but it's better to be busy than not.
And I've also disabled anonymous commenters, something I should've done a long time ago. But seriously, you're going to go all preachy on me about giving my kid vaccines and not even leave your name? Lame. Put on your big girl or boy pants and don't hide if what you have to say is so worthwhile. Because instead I just think you're a regular old internet troll.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Training Stuff
This past weekend had much of the eastern US crowing about the gorgeous weather. If you're in Florida, yeah, we get it, it's warm and sunny. YOU ARE IN FLORIDA (my facebook feed is full of beach pictures from people who live there; where you at in August when it's sweltering, huh? huh?) Anyways, it's not supposed to be 77 degrees in NC in January, but oh yes, it was and we had an awesome bike ride. 50 miles! With a 10min run after! We had a nice group of OSB'ers and friends and I realized that boy do we talk a lot. At the store stop I'm sure people thought we were pretty obnoxious (but fun, probably wished they were with us), and someone else told us they heard us before they saw us when they passed by.
Speaking of Florida, I'll be heading to the Sunshine State in early February to participate in my high school's inaugural Alumni/Parent track meet. They just built a sweet rubber track and I thought it would be fun to go down there and run on it. Like many of you who ran track in high school, we had a cement track with lots of cracks and grass growing in parts of many lanes. And as is typical for this type of 'event' there are pretty much no details. I know that the running events start at 11am, but that's about it. I'm not even sure what running events there will be. Hopefully, they have some real events and not just the softball throw, standing broad jump and 8x50yd relay. I'd like to run a mile and try and break 6:00. I think I can do that, but who really knows. I haven't been on a track in a long time and certainly am not training for that type of race.
My mom graciously told me I could borrow her car if I needed to, probably to see friends or what have you, but really I don't have many friends down there at all. You think you're close to people in high school but then you go off to college and make much closer friends. Although I feel like I am close to my college girls, we are all spread out so I hardly get to see them. I'm most close to the people I see in my everyday life, which is about right.
And now some Logan updates. Cute as a button, exerting what I like to call his strong personality, getting more curls, and saying sort of words or at least sounds that are words that we understand what he means. He recently had a reaction to the MMR vaccine which is no big deal (we know this now, after the fact). He woke up covered in spots on Saturday morning and we thought it was the chicken pox. They were worse Sunday morning but then slowly faded. After googling lots, and seeing symptoms that matched exactly, I'm 99.9% sure that it was a rash from the MMR. Too bad our pediatrician over the phone and the doctor at Urgent Care couldn't confirm. They went away Sunday afternoon and the spots were the only side affect.
Speaking of Florida, I'll be heading to the Sunshine State in early February to participate in my high school's inaugural Alumni/Parent track meet. They just built a sweet rubber track and I thought it would be fun to go down there and run on it. Like many of you who ran track in high school, we had a cement track with lots of cracks and grass growing in parts of many lanes. And as is typical for this type of 'event' there are pretty much no details. I know that the running events start at 11am, but that's about it. I'm not even sure what running events there will be. Hopefully, they have some real events and not just the softball throw, standing broad jump and 8x50yd relay. I'd like to run a mile and try and break 6:00. I think I can do that, but who really knows. I haven't been on a track in a long time and certainly am not training for that type of race.
My mom graciously told me I could borrow her car if I needed to, probably to see friends or what have you, but really I don't have many friends down there at all. You think you're close to people in high school but then you go off to college and make much closer friends. Although I feel like I am close to my college girls, we are all spread out so I hardly get to see them. I'm most close to the people I see in my everyday life, which is about right.
And now some Logan updates. Cute as a button, exerting what I like to call his strong personality, getting more curls, and saying sort of words or at least sounds that are words that we understand what he means. He recently had a reaction to the MMR vaccine which is no big deal (we know this now, after the fact). He woke up covered in spots on Saturday morning and we thought it was the chicken pox. They were worse Sunday morning but then slowly faded. After googling lots, and seeing symptoms that matched exactly, I'm 99.9% sure that it was a rash from the MMR. Too bad our pediatrician over the phone and the doctor at Urgent Care couldn't confirm. They went away Sunday afternoon and the spots were the only side affect.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happenings
This one could be all over the place.
Christmas was fun. Much like orphan Thanksgiving, we had orphan Christmas. Friends who also stayed in town with no family came over and I cooked them all lasagna and Marty made meatballs. They said it was good - not sure if they were being nice or it really was good. I am not much of a cook. I don't have a picture of this because they are all on Marty's phone.
Stuff happened in between Christmas and New Years, but nothing of note since I can't remember. I was sort of sick that entire time - no flu or anything just cold/underweather very tired sick. Also, I keep seeing people talking about getting the flu but they're better 24 hours later -- that's not the flu, people. The flu lasts a long time, and even when you're over it, you're still really tired. I always get a flu shot since it's free at work and I figure it's better than not getting a flu shot. Even though I realize a strain could come up that's not in the shot. I've had the flu once in my life and I NEVER want to get it again.
Anyways, we were lucky to score a babysitter for NYE which is a very hard thing to do. But honestly, if you are a babysitter this seems like the dream job. Logan was already asleep before she came over so she got paid to watch tv. I was so glad she agreed to it, though, because my bff #1 (only because I met her first) was having a NYE party, then moving to Maryland. I couldn't miss it and I couldn't dip out early which is the norm for us.
I've been getting in some consistent training over the past few weeks. Nothing earth shattering, but 2 swims, 2 bikes, and 3-4 runs a week. Plus some TRX for strength training. I now have 2 races planned for the spring : Sampson County Super Sprint and Belews Lake.
Logan had his 1 year checkup (even though he's almost 13 months). He weighs just over 21lbs so still not a big guy. His height is pretty standard, I think it was around 65-70%. I got a good picture of his belly the other day - he is so funny with skinny arms and legs and a giant pot belly.
And one more thing. GO IRISH!!! This has been a long time coming for us Notre Dame fans.
Christmas was fun. Much like orphan Thanksgiving, we had orphan Christmas. Friends who also stayed in town with no family came over and I cooked them all lasagna and Marty made meatballs. They said it was good - not sure if they were being nice or it really was good. I am not much of a cook. I don't have a picture of this because they are all on Marty's phone.
Stuff happened in between Christmas and New Years, but nothing of note since I can't remember. I was sort of sick that entire time - no flu or anything just cold/underweather very tired sick. Also, I keep seeing people talking about getting the flu but they're better 24 hours later -- that's not the flu, people. The flu lasts a long time, and even when you're over it, you're still really tired. I always get a flu shot since it's free at work and I figure it's better than not getting a flu shot. Even though I realize a strain could come up that's not in the shot. I've had the flu once in my life and I NEVER want to get it again.
Anyways, we were lucky to score a babysitter for NYE which is a very hard thing to do. But honestly, if you are a babysitter this seems like the dream job. Logan was already asleep before she came over so she got paid to watch tv. I was so glad she agreed to it, though, because my bff #1 (only because I met her first) was having a NYE party, then moving to Maryland. I couldn't miss it and I couldn't dip out early which is the norm for us.
I've been getting in some consistent training over the past few weeks. Nothing earth shattering, but 2 swims, 2 bikes, and 3-4 runs a week. Plus some TRX for strength training. I now have 2 races planned for the spring : Sampson County Super Sprint and Belews Lake.
Logan had his 1 year checkup (even though he's almost 13 months). He weighs just over 21lbs so still not a big guy. His height is pretty standard, I think it was around 65-70%. I got a good picture of his belly the other day - he is so funny with skinny arms and legs and a giant pot belly.
Also, I can see how some people may have to get rid of the family dog when they have a little one if the dog isn't totally nice. Logan can literally be all over Tassie but she doesn't have a mean bone in her body so it's totally fine. He'll walk up to her and try to stick his hands in her mouth and try and sit on her. When he pets her it is usually very gentle which is great. But she has so much patience with him. This picture was not staged.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2012 Reading List
AKA I have the mental capacity of a 12 year old girl.
I love reading, but purely for enjoyment. I love easy fiction, a good story, things that take my mind off of everyday life. So looking at other people's reading lists I do feel a little, shall we say, dumb? I did not read one book this past year in an effort to better myself. Nope. I read because I like books. Mostly teen post-apocalyptic books. At least I can say that you won't see 50 Shades of Grey on this list (only because I read it when it was fanfiction - #cringe #nerdalert #terriblywritten). Without further adieu...
I love reading, but purely for enjoyment. I love easy fiction, a good story, things that take my mind off of everyday life. So looking at other people's reading lists I do feel a little, shall we say, dumb? I did not read one book this past year in an effort to better myself. Nope. I read because I like books. Mostly teen post-apocalyptic books. At least I can say that you won't see 50 Shades of Grey on this list (only because I read it when it was fanfiction - #cringe #nerdalert #terriblywritten). Without further adieu...
- Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
- Reached - Ally Condie
- Outpost - Ann Aguirre
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
- Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
- Insurgent - Veronica Roth
- The Fault in our Stars - John Green (if you haven't read this book, stop what you're doing right now and start THIS!!!)
- Delirium - Lauren Oliver
- Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver
- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (I wanted to read it again before I saw the movie. I actually the read the entire trilogy several years ago).
- Looking for Alaska - John Green
- Legend - Marie Lu
- The Help - Kathryn Stockett
- Bossypants - Tina Fey
- Daughter of Smoke & Bone - Laini Taylor
- Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Photo Dump
Several weeks ago Bobby (of Kari and Bobby) took pictures of our family at the Raleigh Art Museum. Kari was the photo director and we got a bunch of great shots. Here are a few (not all great, but with some stories behind them)
Go to Marty's blog to see Logan's first encounter with a cupcake on his birthday. Turns out he takes after his momma here.
We had a little birthday party for Logan on Saturday. He ate MORE cake and some wrapping paper. It rocks being 1.
Logan also saw Santa for the first time last week. The photographer got one quick picture of him before he started crying. I don't know why we do this to our kids!
This kid is also very nosy. Whenever we go out to eat, he is turned all around trying to check everyone and everything out. Here's his typical look:
And finally, we did a Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday night (thanks mom for watching Logan!). It was mandatory dress up so I went as an angel (because, duh) and Marty went as an Elf, because it's the closest thing to Lord of the Rings and he knows how I feel about Orlando Bloom (yum yum).
 |
| Damn you, Pinterest! There were so many cute picture ideas. I tried to recreate one here, but we only got like 3 shots before Logan stood up, fell over backwards, and refused to get back in the tub. Oh well. |
 |
| In all of these the only thing I kept thinking was, 'I can't open my eyes, too sunny!' |
 |
| It really was impossible to get all of us together in one shot. Tassie, quit hiding. |
 |
| Another silly Pinterest idea that totally didn't pan out. Logan just liked to walk around with the frame. Again, oh well. |
 |
| I have to admit, I really liked this one. |
 |
| FREEDOM! |
 |
| Kari and Bobby cropped this one and framed it for us. I love it. Shortly after, Logan headed over to those lights in the bottom left corner, tripped, and face planted on top of one. That was the end of picture day. |
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Happy Birthday, Logan! |
We had a little birthday party for Logan on Saturday. He ate MORE cake and some wrapping paper. It rocks being 1.
 | |||
| Who's this guy stealing my thunder? |
Logan also saw Santa for the first time last week. The photographer got one quick picture of him before he started crying. I don't know why we do this to our kids!
This kid is also very nosy. Whenever we go out to eat, he is turned all around trying to check everyone and everything out. Here's his typical look:
And finally, we did a Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday night (thanks mom for watching Logan!). It was mandatory dress up so I went as an angel (because, duh) and Marty went as an Elf, because it's the closest thing to Lord of the Rings and he knows how I feel about Orlando Bloom (yum yum).
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Logan is 1!
Tomorrow is Logan's birthday! I was having a lot of nostalgic moments the past few days remembering the time leading up to his birth. It really felt like a ticking time bomb inside of me - I knew it was going to happen but the when was so up in the air. My official due date was December 15.
On December 9 (Friday), my boss said something along the lines of "We'll take a look at that on Monday." My coworker scoffed, "Bri won't be here Monday." She said I just looked like I wasn't going to make it that long (she's good). That night we went to a farewell party for Steffan and Jen who were moving to Germany. I remember feeling like a giant whale.
December 10 - went for a swim at TAC. Really felt like a whale. Very high probability I had a contraction in the water.
December 11 - sometime in the afternoon Logan decided it was time to get the show on the road. That's what they tell you in the labor/birthing class, that the child decides when labor starts. We had one last dinner out that evening at The Mellow Mushroom, where I even ordered dessert with just a short pause to get through a minor contraction. Here's one of the very last belly shot pictures we took:
December 12 - Logan was born at 1:44pm. Happy birthday, baby!
On December 9 (Friday), my boss said something along the lines of "We'll take a look at that on Monday." My coworker scoffed, "Bri won't be here Monday." She said I just looked like I wasn't going to make it that long (she's good). That night we went to a farewell party for Steffan and Jen who were moving to Germany. I remember feeling like a giant whale.
December 10 - went for a swim at TAC. Really felt like a whale. Very high probability I had a contraction in the water.
December 11 - sometime in the afternoon Logan decided it was time to get the show on the road. That's what they tell you in the labor/birthing class, that the child decides when labor starts. We had one last dinner out that evening at The Mellow Mushroom, where I even ordered dessert with just a short pause to get through a minor contraction. Here's one of the very last belly shot pictures we took:
December 12 - Logan was born at 1:44pm. Happy birthday, baby!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Kiawah Half Marathon Race Report
When I signed up for this race back in June, I really thought I would be in better shape. I thought for sure I would break 1:30 and was even thinking I could be closer to 1:28. But throughout the rest of the year my run training was very inconsistent for one reason or another and frankly the mileage was just not high enough. I knew going in that running a 1:30 was probably not going to happen based on all of my long run paces, but I figured I would still try for it. As Kari put it, "a sub 1:30 was ambitious...not absurd, but ambitious" She was so right on. And so you can just skip to the ending, I ran a 1:31:10.
There were 8 of us traveling down to Kiawah Island, South Carolina together. 7 wimmins and 1 dude. It was a fun crew. And that is sort of an understatement. We (and when I say we I mean Heidi and Michele) drove the 6 or so hours straight to packet pickup. I had been waiting for this day for a long time because Kari had registered me and had written in a secret nickname for my bib number. She refused to tell me and with her I was never quite certain what might show up on there. She teased me saying things like "Suckit" "Nice to beat you" "I'm pretty good at winning" but when it was said and done the stupid bib number just said "Bri" You could hear the screech from across the room when Kari saw that what she had written wasn't on there and I was also disappointed. ESPECIALLY when she told me that she had written "Logan's Mom"
Pre-race antics ensued which included lots of outfit, food, poop, compression, etc discussions. Then we went to sleep and the talk continued throughout the morning until the start. Although some topics were continued and thoroughly covered througout the weekend.
8am start - me and Mayhew lined up several rows back but not that far back for the amount of people we had to weave through the first mile. We both didn't really have any business gunning for a 1:30 but we did it anyways. First mile was right on (or close enough), the next 3 were just below which gave us a nice cushion. Kari backed off after that and I was left to my own devices. Miles 5-9 were held nicely and I still had a bit of cushion for the sub 1:30. Then mile 10 happened and it was gone. The last 3 miles were typical of most people's half marathon races I imagine. I felt like I slowed down to a jog but it actually wasn't horrible. Just that little bit slower felt a lot better and I don't have the mental capacity to push through the hurt at this point. For me that comes with being in better shape. Some girl passed me at mile 13 and I was all set to let her go before I yelled at myself and put in a great sprint for the last 30 yards. Go me. Final time: 1:31:10.
We watched the rest of the crew finish, including our two marathoners before relaxing in the afternoon and getting ready to have a night on the town in Charleston. What a great city! We had a delicious meal at a brewery and plenty of alcohol. Some of us had more than others. Half the group stayed out very late for more shenanigans and took an hour cab ride back to Kiawah.
There were 8 of us traveling down to Kiawah Island, South Carolina together. 7 wimmins and 1 dude. It was a fun crew. And that is sort of an understatement. We (and when I say we I mean Heidi and Michele) drove the 6 or so hours straight to packet pickup. I had been waiting for this day for a long time because Kari had registered me and had written in a secret nickname for my bib number. She refused to tell me and with her I was never quite certain what might show up on there. She teased me saying things like "Suckit" "Nice to beat you" "I'm pretty good at winning" but when it was said and done the stupid bib number just said "Bri" You could hear the screech from across the room when Kari saw that what she had written wasn't on there and I was also disappointed. ESPECIALLY when she told me that she had written "Logan's Mom"
Pre-race antics ensued which included lots of outfit, food, poop, compression, etc discussions. Then we went to sleep and the talk continued throughout the morning until the start. Although some topics were continued and thoroughly covered througout the weekend.
8am start - me and Mayhew lined up several rows back but not that far back for the amount of people we had to weave through the first mile. We both didn't really have any business gunning for a 1:30 but we did it anyways. First mile was right on (or close enough), the next 3 were just below which gave us a nice cushion. Kari backed off after that and I was left to my own devices. Miles 5-9 were held nicely and I still had a bit of cushion for the sub 1:30. Then mile 10 happened and it was gone. The last 3 miles were typical of most people's half marathon races I imagine. I felt like I slowed down to a jog but it actually wasn't horrible. Just that little bit slower felt a lot better and I don't have the mental capacity to push through the hurt at this point. For me that comes with being in better shape. Some girl passed me at mile 13 and I was all set to let her go before I yelled at myself and put in a great sprint for the last 30 yards. Go me. Final time: 1:31:10.
We watched the rest of the crew finish, including our two marathoners before relaxing in the afternoon and getting ready to have a night on the town in Charleston. What a great city! We had a delicious meal at a brewery and plenty of alcohol. Some of us had more than others. Half the group stayed out very late for more shenanigans and took an hour cab ride back to Kiawah.
 |
| Frank for the win |
 |
| The blogger finishing |
 |
| Post race beer and food |
 |
| Post dinner in Charleston. I'm posing Glamour Shots style. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)