Running Fool

This week I have really been concentrating on my running in the evenings. I decided that I needed to give myself a little push. When I started running back in the summer, everything about it was a challenge. I started at a 5.0 speed on the treadmill. And it was hard. My friend Jana, told me I needed to try to run about a 10 minute mile. It was hard. Seriously hard. So, I kept pushing and ended up getting shinsplints and couldn't do the midnight run, which I had planned for my first 5K. So, I let it slide to back burner. Maybe running wasn't for me. After a few weeks, the thoughts started creeping back. I could do this. But would I push myself? So, I looked around for a 5K to push me towards my goal. I found one. So, back on the treadmill I hopped. I realized that I was a little angry with myself. I wasn't pushing the way I needed to. I was content to get on the treadmill, do a 5 minute warm up, and then run on and off for the next 15 minutes. That isn't going to cut it. So, I decided that I was going to see what I could do. First, I started with just upping my base run from 5.5 to 6.0. And it felt so good. A lot easier. Which to me, was a little strange. So, 6.0 felt so good, I decided to see what 6.5 felt like. Even better. So, I started lengthening my time from 20 minutes on the treadmill from start to finish to 22. Not much, but since I had increased my speed, it was. Monday night, I was trucking along, at my 6.0 speed and alternating between the walking and running, since my lung capacity isn't that great and I felt it.

It was a rush like I have never felt before. Just pure energy sizzling through my body. I was sweaty and breathing hard, but my body felt alive. Then I realized it. THIS is why people become addicted to running. So, I decided to increase my speed up to 7.0, just to see if I could do it. I could handle at least a minute of that and then I could cool down. It was like my legs had a mind of their own, there was no pain in my body and it felt so good to be running like that.

Last night, I increased my total time to 30 minutes and I alternated between 6.5 and walking and 7.0 and walking. I try to run those speeds for 2 minutes and then walk for 1 minute. I feel like my legs could handle the distance but my lungs can't. So, I need to work on increasing my lung capacity. Also, I am getting some serious blisters on my big toes. Any suggestions? I think my feet sweat a lot and I am wearing thin socks, so that could be the problem. Also, does anyone have a favorite sports bra? I love my Nike ones, but I have to wear two. But that could just be a curse of the big bubbies. Is there any gear you can't live without? Since I am officially addicted now, I need all the gadgets.

I never thought I would be one of those people.

Easily Entertained

It's going to be one of those days. I can tell. It's going to be extremely hard to keep the princesses entertained. Luckily, I am armed with my iMac and a narcissistic 3 year old.









Yes, we are in our pajamas. Don't judge me, Earl.

Implanted... but not the kind you are thinking

I went to the doctor yesterday and had the Implanon implanted into my arm. It is a birth control implant that lasts for 3 years. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty pumped about it. The numbers are good for it, it is progesterone based, so I can continue to breast feed Claire, and I don't have to worry about taking a pill everyday, which I ALWAYS forget. Seriously... I have a daily alarm to remind me to take my Concerta. So, I get there yesterday and get back into the room and the nurse brings the tray with all the goodies. I looked it over, you know, seeing if I noticed anything from my nursing school days. I saw that it was a sterile procedure. And then I spotted it. The label. Implanon. I read over the outside of it. Then, I turned it over. *GASP* I shouldn't have done that. The needle was enormous!



This picture doesn't really do it justice as to HOW BIG the needle actually is. Dr. F came in and I quickly told her what I had done. She said, "Oh no! You shouldn't have done that. Don't worry, we numb you up first!" But... numbing "bee stings" freaking hurt too. It didn't take long and I honestly didn't feel anything after that, but when the doctor hands to a prescription for Darvocet, it doesn't ease your mind that it isn't going to hurt later.

As I was getting ready for bed, I took off my bandage to check how big the hole was, and look what I found!

Look at that bruise!!! Look at the size of the hole in my arm!! It looks a little worse this morning, but it doesn't hurt. And I can feel the implant in my arm, which feels a lot like Trixie's microchip that we had implanted in her.

Oh well, at least I don't have any worries about bringing another red headed princess into our family until we are FOR SURE ready. 'Cause, let's face it, I'm not sure my mental state can handle it.

Vetoed

Last night, I got vetoed. By the entire family. You see, Claire needed some pajamas that fit. So, we headed to Old Navy after a dinner with Jo-Jo/Tray-Tray. While we were there, I noticed that they had their Christmas pajamas. I figured we probably needed to go ahead and get those. So, I went in search. I found the cutest pair. They were pink and red and green and said Peace On Earth on the shirt. I thought, "My girls HAD to have them." I showed them to John, he said, "I like those other ones better."

The red and green ones. The ones that looked like boy pajamas. So, I went to the big dog. The head honcho. Addison. I said, "Addison, which pajamas do you like better?" I had my fingers crossed that my little angel would side with me. "Uhh.. I like these." She pointed to the red and greens ones. I started searching and hoping that they wouldn't have their sizes and we would have to get the ones that I liked better. Nope. Luck was not on my side. So, I thought I would go to the little dog. Claire. My baby who ALWAYS picks the right accessories.( Yes, I let her choose which socks to wear. She always picks the ones I want her to. Don't judge me, Earl.) She was too memorized by the doggie slippers. I finally got her to pay attention, and she picked the red and green ones. UGH.

Don't get me wrong, these are very cute and look extremely comfy. But.. I liked the other ones!!





One day, when the girls are old enough to understand, I will explain to them, why, as redheads, they shouldn't wear red. They should go with green for Christmas.

And one day, I won't care what my husband's opinion is on their clothes.

Turning Over A New Leaf

Everyone once in a while, I will get in a funk.

A funk of, "I'm a momma now, so no need to be cute." And.. frankly. I hate that I do it. There is no reason for me to dress all "maw maw" just because I have two children. I am 25 years old. I do not have one foot in the grave. The first step, was the new hair. I feel younger and good about myself. The second step, was some skinny jeans. The thirds step, was some super awesome boots. So, I feel cute again. I feel like a cute 25 year old, who happens to have two children. After all, how am I to teach them all about fashion, if I am not fashionable myself? I mean, I already have a love relationship with make-up and there is no sense that I can't get my relationship with fashion back. So, I am welcoming my fashion sense back with open arms.

*I have missed you!!*

On a completely different note, I have decided to cut the crap and sign up for my first 5K. I am sick of not completing this goal. I said I was going to do it after I had Addison. That was 3 years ago! So, it is December 12th. My best friend Jana is suppose to be running with me, so, it should be good times. Even if all we get is a free shirt and some good times together.

I have also decided that since I am running this 5K, there is no reason I can't start training for a half-marathon in February. So, I will definitely need some encouragement there. Because, let's face it, I just started running 4 months ago, and I haven't been all that devoted. But, I am sick of not accomplishing these things that I want to do. It's now or never. Maybe I started running and push myself to run for the wrong reasons( hello? Awesome legs? Yes, please!) My goal is to lose at least 10 lbs. I would love to lose 20 lbs, but I'm just not sure if it's in the cards, so I am not going to push it. But I think 10 lbs is totally doable.

Wish me the best of luck!

Halloween... A Week Later...

Hey Internets! I'm back! My house isn't up to par, but the girls clothes are sorted and organized and their closets look awesome! Another dose of good news... Addison is almost potty trained. Hallelujah!

Anyway, here are the pictures of Halloween. Friday, Addison had "trunk or treat" at school and she wanted to be Snow White, instead of Tinkerbell. Luckily, we had a Snow White costume, so it was no problem. She was a adorable!











This is Addison and her best friend Claire. Claire was Belle and Addison was Snow White. They are so cute together. They watch out for each other and are so sweet!


Here is John, Addison, and Claire trick or treating at the first house... MeMac and Poppys!



MeMac and Tink

Uncle Jay and Claire... how adorable is she?!!?



All-in-all, it was a fantastic Halloween(unless your Sarah, of course!).

Don't worry, I have still been stalking your blogs. I appreciate all of the support about the messiest that is my house. It is a work in progress!
Feels good to be back!

I'm over here... under this pile of crap.

I am a firm believer in "real life" blogging. I don't like to sugar coat anything. But... at the same time, I have a little pride. I wouldn't want unexpected company to come over to a messy house. Even if it is my parents or John's parents. I would feel judged at my inability to keep my house clean, which, with two children, is close to impossible. There are certain areas that are generally more cluttered than others. And since we don't have a play room, it's normally the living room. I would love to be able to build or buy a house that could have me a dedicated home office and the girls a play room. That would give us a LOT more room and generally, less clutter. But.. since I am being honest. Here are some pictures of what my house looks like at the moment, and why I probably won't be around much this week.

I know. I haven't done a Halloween post and I PROMISE I will... but this has to come first.




And this...



and this...
















Sorry, Folks. Hope I didn't scare ya off!! Please come back when my house is clean and more organized.