December Eve

It's December!!!  Well, almost.  The temperatures are plummeting.  And the snow should soon be falling.  I'm not too thrilled about the temps dropping.  Or the snow really.  My work week just started so having the crummy weather start now kind of sucks.  I'll be doubling up on the long underwear for the rest of the week.

December means I have one more month to make good on my New Years Resolutions from this year.  I'd say I've done pretty good this year.  The garage problem is probably the biggest mess that went unaddressed.  It's better than it was but no where near organized.  I think the only day it will be clean is the day we move out.

For the rest of the month I'm going to focus on eating healthy and limiting my sweets intake.  And by limiting, I don't mean avoid.  Moderation is key.  No binge eating.  And if I keep on my training schedule, I should be up to running six miles by the end of the year!!  Six!!  Yes, that is a big deal to me!!

Crayon Cars

Moxon and I finally got around to making crayon cars yesterday!!  I pulled out the massive bag of crayons that Brent and I peeled months ago and Mox and I started sorting them into colors and breaking them.  He enjoyed the breaking part more than the sorting.  He was karate chopping crayons and showing his awesome strength by busting up more than one at a time.

Once we sorted and chopped we filled up our various chosen cars with our favorite color combinations.  We popped the tray into the oven at 200 degrees and waited.  And watched.  And waited.  And added more crayons to fill up the cars as the wax melted.  We ran out of crayons.  I think we had ten 24ct boxes worth. 

It took longer for the crayons to melt than I thought.  It was probably an hour or so before the lumps were all smooth and I took them out to cool.  I think Moxon will be happy with his cars.  He got picked up before they were cooled all the way so Auntie Worm will have to give them to him the next we hang out.

Odd observation - crayon boxes favor darker colors, which is sad because I thought the brighter colors made for cooler looking crayon cars.  The all green car was Moxon's favorite to create.  Here's the final product!!

Peddling to nowhere

Eating popcorn and twizzlers for lunch left me feeling sluggish the rest of the day.  I had white chicken chili for dinner but that settle heavy for me as well.  I decided I needed to get moving before I called it a night and rode 45 minutes on the recumbent bike.

Peddling to nowhere is kind of relaxing.  I don't have to look out for traffic or be prepared for inclement weather.  I position myself so I have the best view of the television.  I use a bar stool to hold my water and the remote.  And Brinkley Miles finds entertainment in walking circles around while I peddle.

Right now I don't have batteries in the bike because they died.  They don't last long.  I was going to go to Sears and buy the AC adapter thing for it but Brent said he has one that will fit it.  He just needs to unbury it from wherever it is hiding.  So for now I just peddle.  I don't know how far I've gone or how fast but I do know I did more than I was doing this time last year.  I'll take progress in any form.

I'm scheduled for a three mile run tomorrow.  I'm thinking I'll head out as soon as I get back from the dentist's office as that may be the warmest part of the day.

Good night, all!

Moxon Monday

My scrapbooking day went really well.  Not only did I make progress on my Washington D.C. photos but I got to watch almost an entire season of The West Wing.  And day is a good day when I get to watch that much The West Wing.  

Brinkley and I took a break half way through the scrap day and went for a run.  We did three miles.  It was a good run - the weather was nice and the trail was mostly deserted.  I think my iMapMyRun app goofed a little bit somehow.  It showed that I ran 3.5 miles in 36 minutes.  I ran the same loop last week and it was 3.12 miles in 36 minutes.  I have no idea how it measured 3.5 miles.  I wish it were true and I ran a 10:30 minute/mile.  Someday.

Today has started out successful as well.  I made a dentist appointment and eye doctor appointment.  The dentist appointment isn't a cleaning but to check on a brown spot and some soreness.  The last time I had my teeth cleaned it didn't sound promising for a few teeth on my bottom right side.  I'm cursed with bad teeth no matter how much I brush or floss.  It's frustrating.

I have chicken in the crock pot.  This will provide dinner through the week.  I'm not sure yet how I'm going to use the chicken but at least it will be cooked and ready.

Moxon and I are headed to see the Muppets movie pretty soon.  He thinks it's hilarious that we get to have popcorn for lunch.  And if he doesn't fall asleep on the way home, we may even make crayon cars...finally!

Thoughts at bedtime

I have a purring cat on my left and a snoring dog on my right. Friends is playing on my bedroom television and the wind chimes on my patio are playing a breezy tune.

I'm exhausted but find myself fighting off sleep. I have no idea why. The first few nights after Brent leaves are always like this.

Gosh, the wind is strong and those wind chimes are LOUD. I'm sure my neighbors live them. Ah, who cares what my neighbors think.

It's cold in here but I don't want to unbury myself from the sheets and the animals to turn up the heat. I also forgot to turn of the work radio so calls are still echoing through the condo.

One more day until Scrapbook Sunday! I need to keep working on my Washington D.C. scrapbook.

Black Friday

When the alarm went off at 5:20 this morning, I doubted my own sanity.  I was warm and cozy in bed with a warm and soft dog snuggled up next to me.  I turned off my alarm and flopped back down in bed.  I probably would have dozed off but my phone started buzzing.  It was my mom calling.

5:20 would have been sleeping in her for her.  She had already hit a couple of stores and stood in line at JcPenny's for an hour to checkout.  I assured her I was up and was going to head off to Home Depot.  My plan was simple...Home Depot for batteries, Walgreen's for sparkling grape juice, JoAnn's for yarn, and Petsmart for dog food, treats, and toys.

Home Depot went smoothly.  I parked right up front, walked in and grabbed some batteries, paid, and was back in my car within five minutes.  As I pulled out of the lot I was telling myself I could be back in bed my 7:15 at this rate.

I pulled into the parking lot of Walgreens and the store was dark.  They don't do Black Friday hours I learned.  I just assumed they would be open like every other crazy store.  This was a minor wrinkle in my plan.  I headed off to JoAnn's.  The doorbuster sales started at 6 and it was 6:05.  I pulled in the parking lot of yet another dark store!!!  I was mad.  It turned out our local JoAnn's is liquidating before moving locations so they were not doing Black Friday.

I decided to check out Michaels in order to kill some time before Petsmart opened.  As I started looking at stuff, I realized I would need the magical 25% off entire purchase coupon to make anything really worthy of great deal status.  My mom came to the rescue.  She was off at another store but being the boy scout shopper, she was prepared with all of the ads in her car.  She delivered the coupon and got some scrapbooking goodies and some yarn (not as good of a deal as JoAnn's but I needed it for a Christmas craft).

I stopped at Walgreens following Michaels.  They were finally open.  They didn't have any of my sparkling grape juice that I wanted but I did grab a few other things and used the in-store Register Rewards to my benefit.  For $14 I got 2 toothpastes, 2 18pks of black Goodie hair bands, 2 deodorants, a Thermacare pain heat patch, 2 coffee creamers, 3 rolls of paper towels, AND a personal humidifier.  I kicked butt at Walgreen's.

Petsmart was the last stop and it turned out great too.  I got two big bags of Brinkley food, six bags of dog treats, and four cans of dog food for $55... which is less than I would have paid for 2 bags of food any other time of the year.  Brinkley definitely scored big on Black Friday.  We will be set for a while in the dog department.  Maybe I can finally make some headway on preparing homemade food for him...something I haven't given up on!

And now, I'm off to bed.  It was a crazy hectic day at work.  I'm glad I only have to work one more day this week.

Thanksgiving 2011

I am thankful for...

... jujistu.  I was overweight, shy, and lacking self defense skills when I walked in the door back in January.  I’m not as overweight now and feel empowered by what skills I have learned.  I’ll ignore the current rib problem and say I look forward to the long process of earning my black belt.

... good pilots.  Brent takes six flights and travels at least 3200 miles to get to and from work every two weeks.  I traveled multiple times this year, as did some of my friends and family.  We all made it safely.  I think that deserves a special shoutout on a day of thanks!

... Greyrock.  I cursed the trail as I gasped for breath and struggled to keep my feet beneath me.  It broke me to my core and made me so angry with myself that I did something about it.  Seven months later and twenty pounds lighter, I kicked ass hiking to the top!  CONQUERED IT!  I will never forget that.  I will always be thankful for that brutal dose of reality!

... the ability to run.  I may not be fast and I may not run twenty miles at a time but I can run.  And I do my best each time.  It helps me get my thoughts in order or to clear my mind completely.  And it gives me quality time with Mr. Miles.  Get it? Miles.  Yup, that’s how he got his middle name.  I’m glad we’re finally living up to it.

... blogging.  And blogs.  Who needs newspapers when blogs are way more entertaining.  And inspiring.  

... Moxon and Moxon days. Movie dates, pool fun, donut runs, playing guys, spending Auntie Worm’s money at Build-A-Bear, and lunches with Grandma... I’ve enjoyed every second with you, kid.  Please stop growing up.

... our zipline guides at Tree Frog Canopy Tours.  I appreciate your knowledge and for not letting me or Brent plummet to the earth while zipping through your lovely course.

... Heidi and Bryn.  Scrabble, starbucks, scrapbooking ... I’m grateful everyday to have the two of you as my friends.  You are my sisters plain and simple.  I love you both and am so excited for what the future holds for all of us!

... The West Wing.  As I’m enjoying my annual viewing of the Thanksgiving episode, Shibboleth, I’m reminded just how amazing this show was and how much it feels like I’m spending time with family each time I watch it.  Everyone needs a timeless show, The West Wing is mine.

... FCPD.  I continue to be impressed on a daily basis by the men and women that I work with.  Their dedication and compassion are inspiring.  I'm thankful for being able to work for such an exceptional organization and grateful for the security and benefits the job has provided me.

... Daniel Allen.  He’s a long lost relative who was killed much too young in the fields of France in 1918.  His story is buried in newspapers and archives and my search to uncover it has been a humbling endeavor.  It reminds me of how much I love history, archives, research, and writing.

... My mom, dad, brothers, and sister-in-law.  Simple put - they are everything a family should be and more!!  For reals.  Your family would be jealous of mine, trust me. 

... Brent.  I’m going to repeat myself but only because it still applies ... I don't give a flying goose fart on a muggy day, he's still the one that makes me forget how to climb a fence. (Two romantic comedy references at once - score! The fact that he'll get it - double score!)  

... Milo the Cat and Brinkley Miles.  I spend more time with you two than anyone else.  Your company warms my heart and I love you endlessly.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!  

Website frustrations

Why is it so dang hard to use my domain on blogger?? Pain in the ass!!

Sooo very frustrated!

A Good, Fast Run

My run in a nutshell. I'm not fast, never have been. But this was my fastest 5k run ever! This even includes a potty break for Mr. Miles. That would put me at about 34 minutes!!!

The 5k race times I've had are in the 38's so this makes me happy!!

I'd spent most of the day checking the weather waiting for the temps to reach the 50s. My patience paid off - it was a good run! I needed a good run!!

Guess What I Did

So last week about this time I decided it would be a good idea to sign up for a half marathon.  It’s the first Sunday in May.  I’ve got plenty of time to get to where I need to be - if I can survive some Winter running.

I’ve already drawn up a training schedule to get me that far, slowly and safely.  No stress fractures this go around!  I’m excited but terribly nervous too.  I should be okay though - I’ve got 6 hours to finish the race.  My first half marathon I did in 2 hours and 40 minutes so even if this one includes some walking I will still finish in time!!

The race goes down the Poudre Canyon, a route a know very well.  It goes right by my childhood neighborhood, elementary school, and junior high school.  It will finish in downtown Ft. Fun! 

I’m very much looking forward to it!  I’m also looking forward to losing some weight while training.

On a different note...I get my braces off on Monday.  Hallelujah!  And I’m seriously considering going to the doctor on Monday or Tuesday to have my chest looked at.  I’ve had a sharp, shooting pain in my right upper chest for the past eight months or so.  It comes and goes but it is getting so bad that most of my day is uncomfortable and painful.  I’m pretty sure it came from a certain fall in jujitsu that I remember very vividly.  We shall see - it’s definitely not getting better.  Cross your fingers for me!

Controlled Chaos

The last week has flown by.  It seems like it’s been controlled chaos.  At least I hope it’s been controlled chaos.  Running has been sporadic.  I’ve hit the gym a few times and ran on the treadmill.  I have a plan in place to help me get to running more miles, which means more fitness!! Yah!  I still am aiming to fit back into some jeans packed away in the garage.  I will get there!  One mile at a time.

My brother was in town for the last few weeks.  We had lots of fun hunting!!  I shot a nice buck and got a lot of meat for my freezer!!  Brinkley will appreciate my effort too - he’s getting some deer meat dog treats for Christmas!!  All of my running and hiking this summer paid off - the hike up the mountain in my awesome hiking boots was the easiest hike during deer season that I’ve ever had.  

We’ll see how all of my work helps me snowshoeing skills next weekend.  Brent and I are planning on going to Rocky Mountain National Park next Monday or Tuesday for some snowshoeing.  And some ornament shopping - we’ve have to get our yearly ornament before Christmas arrives!

We celebrated Thanksgiving last Sunday.  One of many.  We’ll eat more turkey on Sunday with Brent’s family.  Brent will leave right before turkey day so he will have had his proper home Thanksgiving.  It’s all about compromising.  Or doubling up.  It’s crazy to think that next time he’s home it will be Christmas time!!

Well, I’m off to get ready for bed.  I have a two mile run waiting for me in the morning.  And then it’s back to work.  

Tuesday Tidbits

•   Christmas is just around the corner.  I’ve already linked to a few items that caught my eye.  Lense shotglasses??  How cool are those!!  Anywho, more random goodness for you, Mom.  :-)  And if you’re not my mom, check out this awesome stuff and feel free to send them my way if you’re feeling generous.  I promise I’ve been good this year.

1. This, please.  Castle and the gang year round.  Yes, please!
2. These, pretty please.  It’s close to snowshoeing time and I’m getting excited!!!!

•   Brinkley and I are ready for Brent to come home.  Sort of.  I have a few more piles of stuff to clean up.  That was the deal - I clean up my messes before he comes home.  He cleans up his messes before he leaves home.  I need to learn not to makes such big messes - it would save me some cleaning. 

•   In relation to the above, I need more closet space.  It’s overflowing.  And it now being Winter does not help.  Laundry is the task I despise the most so I have a HUGE pile of unfolded clean clothes at the bottom of my closet.  It’s ridiculous.

•   It’s official - my work schedule will not change for the next year!  Woohoo!  I love the schedule I have now and hope that does not change for many years.  I love being able to putz around in the morning and start the day at my own speed.  I think Brinkley likes that too!

•   I’m taking this Saturday off of work.  Four day weekend!!  I’m not sure what we’ll do but I’m excited for some days of nothingness ... because I’m so overworked.  HA!

•   I went to jujitsu on Tuesday.  And as usual, it’s the second day that hurts the most.  I can barely move today.  Oh, the soreness.  I’ve decided at the rate I go to class, I should be an orange belt by this time next year.  Oy! 

Bits and More Bits

•  Brinkley and I are not getting along lately.  He’s been acting out for attention like a deprived teenager.  I took him out for a quick potty break, no leash, and he started running around ignoring me.  Again.  That’s twice in a week.  No more freedom for him.  He’s also been chewing on his feet too.  He’s going stir crazy while we’re stuck inside with no running.  He’s been eating like a pig lately too.  Maybe he is stocking up for a long, cold winter?

• The Castle episode on Monday was amazing!  I can’t get over how good it was.  I’ve watched it online once and on OnDemand twice.  I wish I had someone who watched it and obsessed over it like I do.  It’s The West Wing and Gilmore Girls all over again.  Great television must be shared, darn it!

• Brent’s hitch in Alaska this time has sucked.  Not for him, for me.  We’ve talked maybe twice for all of two minutes.  I did get an awesome package from him, which was a pleasant surprise in the middle of the week.  Brent sent Brink and Me some Anchorage Harley goodies!!  

• Brinkley is laying next to me at the desk.  His ears smell.  So, all of the eating and laziness as caused his ear funkiness to flare up.  Awesome.  I guess I’ll be cleaning ears tonight.

•   My toe is feeling a little better.  I can walk okay but sometimes if I bend it just right or hit something, it hurts a lot!  The bruising has almost gone away, which is good.  It was ugly!!

•   I rode the recumbent bike this morning for 50 minutes while watching Body of Proof.  It was nice to be moving but it definitely wasn’t the same workout as running.  I miss running.  It’s pathetic how much.  I’ll never take it for granted again.  Sniff, sniff.

•   I still have a huge bag of apples to use up.  I may make some more apple butter as it turned out great and it used up about 25 apples.  Mmm, apple butter.  I think I need to grab me a snack.

•   My desk is still a disaster.  I should put caution tape around it and set up camp elsewhere.  I’m not sure what my problem is when it comes to keeping it clean.  It’s the impossible.  Although, I can sit here and not have to move because I little bit of everything in reach.  Dog toy, check.  Hat, check.  DVDs, check.  Batteries, check.  Dryer lint sheet, check.  Socks, check.

November

The Halloween decorations have already been replaced with Thanksgiving decorations!  Ok, I lie.  That will take place at some point today.  Along with all the stuff that I should have done yesterday but didn’t.  

I enjoyed a full day of absolute nothingness.  I watched Gilmore Girls and Dancing With The Stars, and Castle.  That was my day.  It was wonderful.  I slept until noon and didn’t leave the house or get out of my pajamas.  I needed it.  

As for today, I have some research on deck for Waiting on Daniel, a desk to clean, bills to pay, dry-cleaning to pick-up, groceries to buy, and laundry to wash.  I have a huge mess in the kitchen.  Brinkley needs his ears cleaned and a bath.

It’s going to be a good month, I can feel it.  Or is that just the cold?!  Hmmm.  Either way, I’ll try to make the most of it.