Livin' a Little Life

It's finally Friday

2012-02-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

I'm super happy it's Friday and I have Sunday off!! We were suppose to get a huge snowstorm today and I can still see grass, there is a little snow on my driveway, but nothing major. Because we were suppose to get a huge snowstorm of heavy wet snow, kev and I decided to run at the gym on the treadmills. I really, really, really don't like the treadmill. It's terrible, horrible and sooooooooooo boring. I want to be outside. So we met at the gym and got on the treadmill. I am constantly looking at the time, at the pace, going faster, going slower and basically bored out of my mind. The treadmills face the outside where it was NOT snowing, where I could HAVE been running. At mile 4, Kev said 3 more. I was like NO WAY! I can't run 3 more miles on this *#&^%@$ treadmill. She said quoted me the quote I linked on fb yesterday about "can't". "Fine", I said "I won't run 7 miles on this treadmill. I think she was ignoring me and kept running. So I walked and I ran, and back and forth, at mile six I was on the edge. I was miserable and angry and wanted no part of running on the treadmill. So pulled off my ipod and told her I wasn't running anymore, and that my training called for only 6 miles today. She said fine and kept going and so did I. I did the stupid 7 miles on the *&^%$^ treadmill. And now it's over. Then I came home and Dad came for lunch and fixed my washer and life was good again.

Training Tuesday, I mean Thursday

2012-02-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

I am in week 7 of my training plan created by the fantastic Amanda. Last week I ran 15.2 miles, I was scheduled to run 18. However on Sunday night I got the throw up sickness. Sunday is my normal rest day, and then Monday ended up being a rest day too. I did walk about 2.5 miles on Tuesday with Kelli, I wanted to run, but I had no food for 2 days and didn't think I could make it. Wednesday and Thursday I had good strong runs. It was cold and windy but I felt strong. On Friday kev and I ran 6.2 miles. It is the Vergennes Day 10k run and it is hard. Beside the Mad Marathon course, it is the hardest run that I have done. It is up over Route 66 (Buck Mountain). It was a good run, we did walk a little bit almost to the top and then ran the rest. I was happy with it, but I am going to continue to run this course until I can run up and over that darn mountain. Saturday was a rest day. It should not have been, but I worked and was exhausted when I got home. I've moved my long run day to Friday usually so I can run with kev, and not have to run by myself.
I didn't get into the VCM half marathon relay. It makes me sad, I know that I can try to buy a bib or run in the 3-5 person relay with my work, but I am not sure what I am going to do. I did register for a half on April 14, here in VT that closed out in 15.5 hours, they've opened a 2nd wave this morning at 6 am and as of a few hours ago it was 2/3 full. Go Vermont runners!!

Tell-all Tuesday

2012-02-22T09:33:00.001-05:00

So...I know it's actually Wednesday and I am running out of time literally. I need to go for a run so I can get back and get ready for work. Blogger has been a pain to me since yesterday. I wasn't able to write a blog, then I investigated and realized that I had to download Google chrome to be able to write blogs. Hmmm, maybe you hadn't realized that I am not super technical, and that we need a new computer since the one we have is OLD. We bought it before I went back to grad school in 2007, but since it still works, why buy a new one?? We've been thinking about since especially since Travey is doing a lot of work from home and he's on the computer a lot when I want to blog. Shouldn't blogging come before his work?? probably not.
So... I do want to call your attention to another blog where I was featured in a purposeful running series. I'm famous in a small town, (right Miranda?)
Laura's Blog check it out!
I will post my training of last week, hopefully tonight after work, the sun is shining and I want to get out for that run! However I will leave you with some pictures that I've taken this past week.

Valentine's from Travey and Quinn

Messy desk (need organization)

Another day of messiness

Yummy package I received from Pamela, running cookies, Lush stuff and a Valentine from Marley

After running shot

Another after running shot

So I had big plans to blog last week, but everything was getting in my way.

Super Quick Sunday Morning

2012-02-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

I know February has been less than steller for blogging. I have lots of great ideas and thoughts they just don't make it from my head to the computer. This past week, I was sick with the throw up flu, called in sick to work Monday. My washer broke, it no longer spins out. I put a plea on FB and the best comment I got was "call your father", from Mom. Yesterday Dad and Travey tore it apart and the part was ordered. Thankful we don't have to buy a new one. We ran out of coffee one morning, that's a tragedy! I worked 2 extra shifts at work for comp time later on. And I got my long run in on Friday morning and it wiped me out. I didn't get into VCM BOO!! Not sure what I am going to do about that. I'm headed to work for the next two days and I have lots to think about, going to be planning my race season. While, email, fb and other sites are blocked at work, I can look at race schedules! And I can read your blogs just not comment, because I can't log into blogger :)
I even have taken some pictures to post... Next week will be great...or better.
Happy Sunday

Training Tuesday X Two

2012-02-14T08:56:00.000-05:00

So I was reminded about my lack of blogging last week. It was busy, internet issues and the week just got away from me. So here are two weeks worth of training for you!
Week one in February, nothing special 13.3 miles. I haven't been getting in all of my training runs, for some reason or another. It's been cold, stuff's been going on. You know all the excuses. I did run my first 4 mile race. I think it's funny to say that when I've run 3 half marathons, or the fact that I've never ran a 10k race. I will this year.
The second week I went skating, a new activity. I've done it before and I'm not a huge fan, because I am not good at it. It hurts my feet. I did bikram both weeks. I'm going to take a little break from it. I'm not loving it these days. I went to another yoga class with my mom at a studio I first started going to yoga to. It was good. I guess I'm still looking...
I ran a total of 10 miles, but I did get my long run of 6 miles in on Friday afternoon because we knew Saturday was going to be soooo cold. I ran with kev. It was great. We did some individual therapy while running, the perfect run.

kev and i in DC a couple years ago

I am recommiting to my plan, however yesterday was suppose to be a 3 mile run, but since I had the stomach bug/flu that's been going around, I didn't get it in. Although all my trips to the bathroom may have added up, maybe I should have worn a pedometer. I did even run at times when I thought that I wasn't going to make it. I will get outside and at least walk, but I am feeling like a brand new person today!

Polar Cap 4 mile race

2012-02-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

So here I am over a week since blogging, and a week since this race.
Last Saturday I ran the Polar Cap 4 mile race in Lake George NY. You all know how I LOVE Lake George. How it's my favorite part of the summer. Well this race took place in the town/village of Lake George at the southern end of the lake. My parents decided they would come to the race and watch me!! YAY! They've never come to see me race before mainly because it's usually warm summer when I race and they are on the Lake when it's warm and sunny. My mom reminded me that she did do a local 5k turkey trot with me once 5+ years ago, when I would run some, walk some. So DQ and GQ came and Travey too.
We got to the school where the race was to start, picked up my bib, with no shirt inside. Note to self, don't wait until the last minute to sign up because not everyone gets a shirt UGH!
Dad looked at the race course and decided that they would head out and stand where they could see me twice as we did a loop. They headed out and I saw ajh and her friend, chatted with them. We were comparing how many layers we were wearing. It was a sunny but chilly day. According to ajh it was super warm compared to previous years. After chatting with them I saw my other friend kev, Carie and Jaime. Kev had convince Carie to run with us as Carie lives in NY close to where the race was being held.
So after waiting a LONG time in line for the bathroom. My one complaint about this race would be the only opening the one stall bathroom. We made it to the race start on time. Some people did not. And we were off. I felt good running. It was my first 4 mile race so I knew there was an automatic PR. I had a secret goal for the time I wanted to finish. I missed the mile 1 marker, I saw my family twice. The second time I threw them my gloves as my body had done a great job of warming up. I had to stop and tie my show UGH, and then it came undone again. I kept running. Mile 3 had a monster hill. Several people passed me going up that. (I need to run some big hills in my training) but I passed them back on the way down and the flats. At the 3 mile mark they were yelling out the times. I was super happy because I knew that if I kept running I would make my secret goal. It was also faster than any of the 5k times I've had recently. So thank you to Amanda's help and training plan I am getting faster!! I finished the race felt good, changed my clothes and went to lunch with the fam! All in all a good day and February's race is done. There's a 5k in March that I've done for at least the last 3 years that it fairly close by.

Me, Carie, Kev and Jaime

on the course

What? It's February already, Yikes! My January goals recap

2012-02-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

So here it is February 2, I just heard that the groundhog saw his shadow (or didn't) whatever, there's going to be six more weeks of winter. Really who knew? If it's "winter" like yesterday 40 degrees, I'll take it!!
So for my recap of January with my 2012 goals
Fitness Goals

1. Run a race every month. Done, ran First Run on January 1

2. Try a new activity/class every month. Done as well, Indoor rock climbing with the family. I so want to do it again!!

3. Run a 1000 miles (for the year) and track my mileage. Done as far as tracking, and I did 50 miles for the month, so I need to bump that up if I am going to reach my goal. I mean I am going to reach my goal!

4. Bikram yoga 3x/month. Also done, did 4 this month. I was a hot sweaty mess!

5. Get back to personal goal weight. Working on it

6. Attend 1 WW meeting a month. Didn't do, I will do this month!

Personal (other) Goals

1. Be on time. For the most part I am doing well with this. I was about 5 minutes late for staff meeting yesterday (because I went for a run and had to shower etc, really I waited until the last minute to run).

2. Try a new recipe a month. Did it. I made a new beef stew recipe that got rave reviews from Travey (he even helped make it). I made beer bread that the family loved! I made a Mexican Pasta, that was yum-o. And while it's not a "new" recipe, I've never made it, it's a WW trick, Angel Food cake mix with a can of crushed pineapple, mix and bake 30 minutes, let cool and top with cool whip. I brought it to a friend's house, it was a hit.

3. Declutter and Simplify This is a work in progress, I have brought several bags of clothes to the consignment shop, I brought old broken jewelry to sell the gold/silver, I've traded several books on http://www.paperbackswap.com/, and I've sold a few things on a local garagesale site. It will continue to be a work in progress.

4. Create a budget and stick to it. working, working, working. I have been doing a great job of sticking to my grocery shopping budget. I've been bringing cash and only using that. I did have to put back a bag of chips (for Travey) because I was $2 over the amount of cash I had last week. (Sorry honey)

5. Pay off hospital bills. Again a work in progress.

6. Worry less about things out of my control Always a work in progress!!

7. Read books I have on my shelves. Done well with this, this month I read
    1. The Hostage by Susan Wiggs
    2. Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson
    3. Promises to Keep by Jane Green
    4. The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
    5. When she Woke by Hillary Jordan (for book club not already on my shelf)

So there is my January recap. I really like that it keeps me focused on what I want to happen. I do better when I have a goal or several and I revisit them often, and post them for you all to see and hold me accountable.
Some photos from January, you may or may not have seen

When my lawn was a skating rink

The ymmy VT Maple Syrup I won

Travey and I on NYE (probably wasn't after midnight but oh well)

Travey decided to shave his head when I went for a run, apparently he missed a spot

Hot sweaty mess after a run

We got snow, it didn't last

Quinnster rock climbing

Training Tuesday

2012-02-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know it's Wednesday and almost Thursday, but I could give you a bunch of excuses why I didn't post yesterday. But I'm not going to it just didn't happen.
So it wasn't a steller week for my training, but that's ok. I ran a total of 13 miles for the week.
Sunday1/22 Rest day (if you count 16 hours of work rest)
Monday 1/23 Bikram
Tuesday 1/24 3.5 miles hilly route
Wednesday nothing not a planned rest day, but a rest day
Thursday 1/26 3.5 miles same hilly route
Friday 1/27 oops rest day again (Thursday was suppose to be a rest day)
Saturday 1/28 6 miles hilly route, then flat route, felt good. This week has been better, and I have a race coming up on Saturday a 4 miler.
Tomorrow I will recap January with my goals.

Ha! You want to know more about me!!!!

2012-01-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

So....I got tagged again. Yay! So now I get to talk more about me!!

Here are the rules:

1. Post these rules

2. Post 11 things about yourself

3. Answer the questions that the tagger posted

4. Tag 11 people

Ok...

1. I have only been running a few years and only regularly for about a year. I've ran 3 half marathons, and lots of 5k's but never a 10k.

2. I've lived in VT most of my life except the 4 years I was at Plymouth State in NH, and 2 other years that I lived in NH after college.

3. I LOVE the color pink. Maybe you already know that. I have a pink kitchen aid mixer that I received for a bridal shower present.

4. I only wear comfy shoes, I need comfort!! I usually wear dansko clogs in the winter and otherwise I wear flip flops. The LL Bean ones are the most comfy. I have about 6 pairs.

5. I am a sock snob. I love smartwool, I wear them all the time (when I'm not wearing flip flops). I even wear the running socks. I do have a few pairs of non smartwool for emergencies.

6. I only watch tv thru the DVR. I dislike commercials. If I am home when a show i want to watch is on, I wait 10 minutes to start watching it so I can ff the commercials.

7. I prefer 8+ hours of sleep. It doesn't always happen, but it's good when it does.

8. My favorite all-time movie is Good Will Hunting, it's followed by Top Gun.

9. Speaking of Top Gun, I had a HUGE crush on Tom Cruise in college, you know the late 80's early 90's Tom Cruise. I had a cardboard life size cut out of him on my wall in college (ok so that was 1997-98) it was from Jerry Maguire.

10. I could probably be a vegetarian if it wasn't for bacon and the fact that my husband thinks meat should accompany EVERY meal.

11. My running is better when I have something to train for.

Answers to Amanda's questions

1.What is your earliest childhood memory?

My earliest memory is having a pet duck. I named her Donna. My dad was mowing hay in the spring and ran over the nest. He brought me the duck and I kept here for the summer. We let her go in the fall, they told me she flew away, I'm still not convinced.
2. What is your biggest fear?

I'm afraid of birds and heights,
3. What is something you dream of doing but you know it is just that, a dream?

Being rich? Or just having enough money that I don't ever have to worry about it.
4. If you had a million bucks to give to a charity or a person, who or what would you give it to?

The pay off Christa's debt fund? No, I would put it where it could cure cancer
5. If you knew, without a doubt, the world was ending on 12/12/12 what the heck would you do for the next 11 months?

I would travel, travel, travel
6. If you could be someone else for one week, who would you be and why?

Candace from Cupcake Wars
7. If someone offered you the car of your dreams (for me the BMW X5 3 series) to drive for free, gas and insurance paid as well, BUT you had to have one of those crazy advertisement car wraps for something completely stupid, all over it, would you do it?

YES
8.What is your biggest pet peeve?

Rudeness9. If you left the house in the morning without ________________, your day would be ruined.

Nothing really, but I get annoyed when I forget to bring my water bottle because I hate buying water, and being w/out my phone is annoying10.True confession: How many days in a row have you gone without showering? And how many of those days involved a good, sweaty run/workout?

Probably 3 while camping, so no sweaty workouts but sweaty camping stuff11. How much do you love ME for tagging you and asking you these ridiculous questions?

HA! lots

My questions:

1. Do you prefer sweet or salty?

2. Do you make your bed everyday?

3. What is your dream job?

4. Do you wash your workout clothes after every workout?

5. What is the oldest thing you have in your wardrobe that you still wear and how old is is?

6. Do you use LOL?

7. Do you think talking on the phone in the grocery store is rude?

8. What do you think about not allowing headphones to be worn during races?

9. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Would you stay where you are?

10. Do you like to sign up for giveaways on blogs?

11. What food could you never give up?

And now I tag

Done

Versatile Blogger Award

2012-01-26T12:03:00.001-05:00

I was tagged twice for the Versatile Blogger Award.

The rules are I share 7 things about myself and then tag 15 people. Not sure about the tagging 15...

1. I have huge anxiety about a lot of things. I am always anxious before a race, starting a new job, something new coming up. I will have anxiety dreams where all the scenerios will play out in my dream. It makes for not a great night of sleep.

2. I am a 6 and a half year cancer survivor!!! I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29 on October 20, 2005. I had just met Travis 2 weeks before and we were married on October 20, 2007.

3. I love coffee. Especially flavored Green Mountain Coffee. My favorite is French Vanilla, followed by Vermont Country Blend, Golden French Toast, Island Coconut, Caramel Vanilla Cream. I never drank coffee until Travis and I started dating. I loved the smell, but not the flavor.

4. I love to read. I've been in a book club Fridays at Seven for several 3 (?) years now. This month we are reading When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. One of my goals is to read all the books on my bookshelf that I haven't read yet. There are plenty.

5. My favorite food is pizza. I could seriously eat pizza every day. I make it at home usually since we live too far away from everywhere to get delivery and take out is cold when we get here. My favorite to make is BBQ chicken pizza, it's pretty darn good I think.

6. I am a procrastinator, seriously..How long ago did I get tagged for this? It took me 4 days to get my house vacuumed. I work well under pressure, Is that a good thing?

7. I have an awesome family. I am loving my new job, but bummed that I can no longer participate in Sunday family dinner night. I am thankful for not having to work Tuesday nights so I can participate in Spaghetti night. Every Tuesday at my parent's house. It rocks! Family pics to enjoy

B my sil and I

Me and my grandma

me and Travey

me, B, Nortie (my bro) and my mom

Mom, Nortie, Dad, Me (at Nortie & B's Wedding)

Training Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:23:00.000-05:00

Or this week it should be called, "where's your training slacker?"
So this past week wasn't as productive as the previous one.
So my total running miles was 11.5. Yeah, not what I would have liked, or what was on my schedule. I was on target until Friday. I did 4x400's on Tuesday on the treadmill as my road was a skating rink. I did 3 miles on the treadmill on Wednesday, I went to Bikram on Thursday, Friday I was pretty excited to run, went outside and started out and thought "H to the No" I don't want to do this. I did a mile with my Mokey-love he wanted to go, dropped him off at home and headed back out for another mile, was totally miserable and said, "Running, I'm just not that into you (today)", went back to my house, shower and proceeded to drink hot chocolate. When I thought back on it, I was sore from Bikram, a good sore (?) but sore. I did help the soreness out with a night with good friends, wine and a hot tub. I know how to recover.
So things brings us to Saturday. My long run day. Yeah, it didn't happen. Nope not even a short run, too bad. I did not run even one little 400.
Sunday the day of rest, also the day that begins my 32 hour stretch of work in 37 hours. I did many trips up and down the stairs at work, that has to count for something. Once I even went up 4 flights of stairs, basement to the third floor carrying laundry, and that was my rest day.
I switched my schedule around a little and went to bikram on Monday instead of doing a 3 mile run, and today on Tuesday, I went for a 3.5 mile run in the mud (January thaw?) and did Fartleks (changing up my pace during my run fast slow etc.. BTW Amanda thanks for explaining what Fartleks are and sorry to report that there are no houses with flamingos here, there is an alpaca farm tho..
So that's my training tuesday, I am going to get my runs in this week and have a 4 mile race coming up on February 4th, I've never done a 4 mile race so you know what that means????PR!!

Three things (oops 4 things) on a Thursday

2012-01-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

1. I am trying to get use to my new schedule. I love my new job, and I'm working on loving my new schedule of 3 days of work, 4 days off. I mean I love my 4 days off, but I need to be more productive on my 4 days off. I've been sleeping in, and then wasting a lot of time. First (which is totally not wasting time) is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading and commenting on blogs. I love that part of my morning. Productive yes.. Then I start searching the web, and that is where the time gets away from me. I need to start being more productive. Like right now my bathroom needs to be cleaned and the house needs to be vacuumed and I need to leave in 2 hours. But here I am telling you all about it. It will get done. I work well under pressure. I've already done a load of laundry, made the bed and did the dishes, good right??
2. On the topic of reading blogs, there are many which won't come up, I click on it I start to read the first few lines and then the screen goes blank. Is anyone else having that problem. It's super annoying.
3. I am going to Bikram today. Yay!!! I missed last week. I also have to meet with HR to go over my benefits at my new job which includes a discounted gym membership. Yay!!! No more fancy math to get my #x400's. They have a track.
4. I've been on track with simplifying my life (getting rid of stuff) I donated 2 bags of clothes to the consignment shop, and listed several thing on a local fb garage sale site. Travey noticed that I put one of his coats on there. He's had it for probably 4 years and has worn it maybe 4 times and not in the last 3 years. He has 2 other warmer coats which he likes better. I told him I would give him the cash when it sells.

men's size large anytakers? $15

Training Tuesday

2012-01-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this week's Training Tuesday!!
My first week of training for the April 14 half marathon is completed! Yay me. And the funny thing is I can't even register for it until February 15. Ha!
So, last week I completed all of my runs with a total of 17.6 miles for the week, I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but the week before I had 5.9 miles. I'm working my way back up. I had 2 rest days, one could have been a yoga day (Thursday), but I had a doctors appointment and the weather was bad and I just didn't make it. No excuses. I didn't go.
I did my "long" run on the treadmill 5 miles at about a 12 min mile. I never promised to be fast:)
The other 4 runs were outside in Vermont, in January.
My two runs this week have been inside on the older than dirt treadmill that was free. My gym membership that is heavily discounted thru my new job starts in February. So I had to do some fancy math again today for my 4x400's on the treadmill because it was raining today and my lovely .25 mile track (dirt road) was a skating rink, and I don't have skates....And my treadmill doesn't count time or mileage (older than dirt remember) so I had to use my ipod stop watch and NIKE fit and do the best I could. I did about 3.5 miles, and followed with a 45 second plank. I will be at Bikram on Thursday, no excuses!

My sweatiness after the treadmill in my cold basement

Let me tell you what's been going on this week......

2012-01-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday (I know I am slow to get recaps done, I'm a busy girl) we went indoor rockclimbing. My mom has been talking about us all going as a family for a while now. We never managed it so she bought us all gift certificates for Christmas, except for my preggo SIL, she went with the Quinnster but didn't climb. I had never been, so this counts as trying a new activity each month of my goals here. Since I will be working Sunday's we decided to go on Saturday and then go to eat at Applebees after since it is next door. I was really nervous. I've never done it, I've done the belaying part with the kiddos at the school where I did my internship, but not climbed myself. The guy gave us a lesson, on belaying and watched each of us belay, and friends of my parent's who climb regularly were there too. Travey and Nortie had been before and my mom had gone once. Dad and I were newbies.
It was awesome, and humbling at the same time. I couldn't do it all, I struggled on some, we all did. But it was so much fun!

Travey climbing

focus Christa focus

Belaying mom

Almost to the top!

Dad, Mom and their friends

Mom and I

B watching Quinnster

Auntie helping Q climb on the ceiling in the kids room

Nortie climing high!

Sunday I started my new training plan for my halfs. You can read about that on Training Tuesday. Sunday was also family dinner night at my house, I Travey and I made beef stew, beer bread, salad and chocolate chip cookies. It was all delicious. Since we are a competitive family who likes any kind of games, competitions etc.. We ended up having a plank competition.

Dad the ultimate winner almost 2 minutes

Nortie 2nd place

Q just being Q

Wednesday I started my new job, it was mostly meetings, Sunday is my first long day.
Thursday we got some snow here, and it says we are suppose to get more today, but nothing yet....

My backyard

Training Tuesday!

2012-01-10T16:48:00.000-05:00

So it begins....(No not my new job, that starts tomorrow). This week I started training for my half marathons. Yup, that's plural. My goal is 5 this year. Can you say motivated and perhaps crazy. The first one I am running is April 14 Half Unplugged, the second which is May 6, Middlebury Maple Half, I am also running in the Rock N Roll Half in Providence RI in August, I hope to get into the Vermont City Marathon Relay (It's a lottery) and one more more others.
Anyway, back to training. My friend via blogging Amanda is a newly certified running coach and she designed a training plan for me for my half marathons. The plan is for me to PR in the Middlebury Maple, that would make it my A race. My training plan started on Sunday which was a rest day, to work into my new work schedule when I have to work on Sunday, however I didn't work this Sunday and I had already did a run (go me!) before I got the plan so I traded a run on Sunday for rest on Monday, and today I had to do 3x400 @ a bit faster than a 5k pace 9:30 min/mile. Now normally I just run and not very fast, but I really want to do this. So I first had to look up what a 400 is, ha! I'm serious. I didn't want to ask and sound like I didn't know what I was talking about. Then since I don't have a treadmill, or a garmin I had to do more creative thinking. I do have a flat road in front of my house so I got on http://www.walkjogrun.net/ and mapped out a quarter mile or a 400. Then how do I figure out how fast I am going with out a garmin.......So more math and calculator needed, and just an FYI my parents decided only one kid would get the math skills in the family congratulations Nortie you got em! So I figured I would want my 400 (quarter mile) to be about 2 minutes 30 something seconds. So on my ipod (I so need more technology) I started the stop watch and I knew how far I needed to run and I went. My first was 2:02 which according to the pace calculator I found online was 8:10 min mile (what?), then the next two were 2:12 (8:51), and the 4th, because I had to get back to my starting point was 2:16 (9:07). I did this with a warm up and cool down and a jog of 400 in between, I think I did about 3 miles, again no garmin...I so ~~want~~ need a garmin. So I was faster than I thought, for this. The rest of my week has yoga, 2 three mile runs, one with a pace (great I'm not good at pacing obviously and a long easy 5 mile run. I'll let you know next Tuesday how it went. Thanks Amanda for the plan, so far it's great!!

Three Things Thursday

2012-01-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

1. I am feeling really focused on my "goals" for the year, I know it's only day 5 of January, but I feel like I'm making good lasting changes that will produce postive results. I made a yummy Mexican pasta last night, it was spicy! (new recipe), and I have another recipe to make for Sunday dinner, beer bread.
2. My new job starts next Wednesday. I'm excited to have a full time job once again. The hours will take time getting use to, but I know I am going to enjoy the 4 days off a week, and the full time paycheck to get us out of debt and into a house that we own!!
3. We still have no snow. Well we got a dusting today and it's cold, but no significant snow here in very western almost to Lake Champlain Vermont. It seems so strange to not have had a major snow storm. The one big snow storm happened while we were in sunny Florida!

Do you have snow?
How are you doing on your 2012 goals??

Winner, Winner!

2012-01-03T13:55:00.000-05:00

I won my third blog giveaway!! It was from The Run Down, the blog that run vermont hosts. Run Vermont is also the group that puts on the Vermont City Marathon, as well as other Vermont races. Check out their website!

Yup, I won Vermont maple syrup. 25 bottles of 1.7oz maple syrup. I am super excited!!!

2012 other goals

2012-01-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

1. Be on time
2. Try a new recipe once a month
3. Declutter and simplify
4. Create a budget and stick to it
5. Pay off hospital bills
6. Worry less about things out of my control
7. Read the books I have on my shelves that I haven't read
There you have it. I'll recap and revisit this and my fitness goals monthly

2012 Fitness Goals

2012-01-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

So I worked on my fitness goals for 2012 today.

1. Run a race every month
2.Try a new activity/class every month
3. Run 1000 miles (yikes) and track my mileage
4. Bikram yoga 3x/month
5. Get back to personal goal weight
6. Attend 1 WW meeting a month

Yup, really

First Run 5K, New Year's Day Virtual 5K

2012-01-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!
No, I didn't run 2 races this morning. I ran 1 5k and combined them:)
This was my first ever New Year's Day run, I have done several New Year's Day Yoga classes in the past, but my first run. It was awesome. I felt great, and was even able to finish fast. fyi fast is a relative term, I finished faster than I had run the rest of the race, I felt good and thought...."there are some people who I should be passing", and there were two women running in bright pink and black running tights and I thought I should pass them too, and I did.
And after that I won something!! No not an age group or anything like that, just a random prize due to my #15 bib. It was a $20 gift certificate to a women's sport store in Burlington. Yay me. I've done probably 50 races in my life and have NEVER won anything in the random prizes. All of my friends will win and never me. So as my facebook status said yesterday "Bring it 2012"!

With my virtual 5k bib

with my First Run 5k bib

Happy New Year! Please ignore the mess on my table.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

So in my previous post, I didn't mention Christmas.... Here's the Christmas recap.
We didn't have snow for Christmas, yes I live in Vermont, and no there wasn't any snow. (fyi, it's snowing now).
I had a wonderful Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with Travey's family, had a wonderful dinner and visit. We had Christmas morning at our house before heading to my parents. Travey and I exchanged stockings, we had our trip to Florida and are planning a couple purchases in January/February when my job (paychecks) start.

In front of the tree

Travey and his stocking

Our tree before packing up the presents to bring to Mom and Dad's

We went to my parent's to have Christmas morning there. My grandparents, parents, Nortie (bro), B (sister-in-law) and Quinnster (cutest nephew ever) were there as well. We opened presents, had a yummy brunch, drank mimosas, and watched movies. Quinn got the stomach bug, and they left early. We finished Christmas Night at Mark and Tracy's (Aunt & Uncle) where we celebrated more with yummy lasagna, cookies, Just Dance on the wii, and a huge puzzle.

Q got a sled for Christmas, he was looking for the key

John Deere is always welcome

Q and Papa watching Toy Story

Q before the stomach bug hit

And I recieved my second secret santa gift from Elizabeth. That is all I know from the address label, not sure if she has a blog or not, if so let me know, I'd love to check it out.

More 2011

2011-12-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

What else can I tell you about 2011?
It wasn't the "best year ever", I spent 12 months job searching, I start my new job January 11, 2012. Yay, I am super excited. In June I started working as a respite (sub) in 3 group homes and then right before Christmas, I got hired full time. Yay! I did continue to work for Weight Watchers, I will be continuing to lead one meeting a week. I can't give it all up, I do enjoy it. I also did a short long-term sub position as a school counselor for the month of October, which I totally enjoyed, and was sad to see it end. So not working full time was not great on the bank account as you can probably tell, looking forward to 2012 for that reason.
In August Travey started a new job, he loves it. The hours are much better and the compensation is better too.
In August I spent 4 days in the hospital (2 of those in ICU) with a blood clot. I now have to give myself a shot of blood thinner (Fragmin) daily. It's not so pleasant.   Hoping I can switch to something else in 2012. It made for a crappy month and the demise of my great running schedule. I wasn't able to run for a month and it's been sooo hard to get back into it. I know that I should run, I feel better when I run, both physically and mentally, but its the lacing up the shoes and getting out there that is a constant struggle for me. That being said, I have run twice this week with Elizabeth and it's been great.
I found out I am going to be an auntie again in May (of 2012), Quinnster is going to be a big brother to Peyton (or as he thinks it should be named Mickey Mouse).
We went on an awesome vacation, belated honeymoon, 4th anniversary trip to Florida with friends the week of Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time. Next time we fly not drive :)
We went camping for a week on Lake George, actually I was there for 10 days, the longest time ever. I LOVE camping on Lake George. I am looking forward to this summer's vacation in July.
I am working on my goals for 2012, I'd love to share them when I am finished.

2011 Recap part 1 races

2011-12-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Races I did
March:
Spring Fling 5k 3/26

brr it was cold with Jaime, Bec & Kelli

April
Otter Creek Mud Run 5k 4/10
May (Busy Month)
Middlebury Maple Half Marathon 5/1

with ajh before

with Fenick, Becky and Pamela after

Sunshine Run 5k 5/7

Lincoln Magic Mountain 5k 5/14

with Jaime and Becky after

Girls on the Run 5k 5/21

ran it with this sweet girl

Vermont City Marathon Relay 11ish miles last two legs 5/29

My relay team of Pam and Becca

June
Basin Harbor 5k 6/18 (No photos)
July
Mad Marathon half 7/10

Becky and I after

Koman Race for the Cure 7/23

Jaime and I before

October
Ripton Ridge Run 10/9
December
Santa 5k Run 12/4

So, in looking at these photos, I realize
1. I need to take more pictures
2. I wear A LOT of pink
3. I need new running attire!!
more 2011 recaps to come and what's up for 2012

It's Christmas Eve & Christmas Sock Exchange

2011-12-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I love Christmas and all things related to Christmas, especially Christmas Music, but not so much wrapping.
So I recieved my blog Christmas Sock exchange gift yesterday.

Danielle from http://www.missredrunner.blogspot.com/ was my sock exchange person. There was candy, cool socks, a scarf and gloves, nail polish and the coolest gift of all was the donation made to the Susan G. Koman in my name. Such a thoughtful gift, the Koman foundation has been good to me and to other breast cancer survivors. Thank you Danielle!!!
One of the coolest parts of the Secret Santa/sock/blog exchanges is to "meet" new bloggers. I took part in 2 exchanges and there for "met" new bloggers that I sent gifts to and those who've sent to me. So far they haven't been blogs that I currently followed, now I do.
It's still not a white Christmas here in my part of Vermont. There is a dusting of snow on the ground, but I can still see plenty of grass. I'm sure we will get our snow soon.
Merry Christmas
xoxo
Christa

The tree this morning with presents under it....

It's Christmas Eve, Eve

2011-12-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

Two days before Christmas and it's sort of snowing here in Vermont. When I was woken up by the phone at 3 something this morning (random # I don't know, no message) it was pouring rain, now it's sort of snowing. Yesterday was quite balmy as I picked up the last Christmas gifts. I am done Christmas, shopping almost done wrapping, and still need to do some grocery shopping, before that can happen, I need to decide what to make for tonight's appetizer and cocktails party and which recipe I will use for Christmas morning's brunch so I can purchase ingredients. I also have an overflowing pile of laundry, and a dining room table that I can't see the top of (not that we ever eat there). It's going to be a busy two days, and I have to work for a couple of hours today.
So my news is I got a job!!!! So, I suppose I need to change up the about me section on here as I am no longer job searching. I will be working full time at one of the residential homes that I've been a sub at since June. I am really excited. I work with a great staff and kiddos and I am happy to be a part of them.
I am really enjoying my coffee and the quiet this morning, before the craziness of the next few days begins.

Friday Free For-All

2011-12-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

Here's what's been happening this week.

1. I've been sick since last Monday like almost 2 weeks. I'm feeling better, but still cough at night. You can imagine how happy that makes Travis, especially when I'm sleeping and don't even know I am coughing.
2. Today I got my studded winter tires put on. I tried to go yesterday but they didn't have room for me. I wanted to go Tuesday but Mokey-love was sick too and I spent time at the Vets. So back to the tires, I had an appointment for 1:00, as I was getting ready to leave, I thought I should go to Bikram yoga too, the yoga studio is about a mile from where I was getting the tires changed. Yoga was at 2:30, I should have time right? Nope, I got in my car at 2:29, and when I got there there was no parking, so I turned around and headed home. Frustrated, nothing has gone right this week and I was really looking forward to going to yoga. I did stop at Lake Champlain Chocolates, yum-o. I bought some chocolate for the secret Santa's that I got.
3. So no yoga, what have I done for exercise?? Well I've been sick remember? I did run/walk with E on Wednesday, when I got home I was tired and then mapped my run and it was 5.9 miles, no wonder!
4. Kettlebell is over til January, there are drop in classes and I haven't managed to make it this week. I'm planning on next week. I did create my own kettlebell class and did it on Tuesday and was super sore for the next two days. That's good I suppose.
5. I finally got my Christmas cards today. I ordered from Snapfish and to get all the discounts I had them sent to me and if I had been smarter I would have made a list of how many I needed, now I have to order more. I'm having them printed and picking them up this time. UGH
6. I am not done Christmas shopping, but I'm not too worried, I'll finish.
7. Sunday I'm going to a cookie exchange. I am super excited to hang out with some girlfriends, and get cookies.
That's enough I suppose. Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

Santa 5k

2011-12-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

On Sunday December 4, I ran the first Santa 5k in Burlington VT. It was awesome. kev and I ran together. We were worried if we got separated, we'd never find each other in the sea of Santa's. It was a pretty easy run. It did go up Battery Hill which is tough, it's in VCM, and I know people struggle with it (it's mile 15 or so if you are doing the whole thing). The Santa suits were sooo funny. The sizes were women's, mens, and kids. When I opened the pants, Travey asked who was going to be in those with me. Luckily there was a string to pull them tight. There was a jacket and a belt. When kev picked up her suit they told her to wear her own belt as these were cheapo. Thankfully she passed the info on to me. As we ran the 3.1 miles there were many broken belts on the street. There was also a Santa hat and beard to wear. The cost was $30, but next year you can re-wear your Santa suit and only pay $15. WOO HOO.
There were over 1200 runners and walkers, and they had to close registration. As we were walking back to the car, they were announcing that there were not enough medals and if you didn't get yours you could get it later on. Medals for a 5k, so cool!! I really need a medal hanger now.
I've called it a run, because I wasn't racing it, I was running with Kev, chatting the whole time and not worrying about how fast I was going. I was just having fun!

Santa Christa

AJH, Kev and I

The Winter in Vermont Debate

2011-12-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

Things I don't like about Winter in Vermont
1. The cold, not 20 degrees cold, the below zero kind of cold, (I'm always cold, Travey says cuddling up to me is like cuddling with the air conditioner)
2. Wearing a coat. I don't like wearing a coat
3. Boots, I don't like winter boots, my feet are always cold. I bought an awesome pair of boots last Winter, that I loved and they ripped inside after 2 months, I was able to return them, but by February they didn't have anymore of that style I loved in stock, so I had to get another pair that sadly I don't love.
4. Gloves, enough said
5. The short hours of daylight we get in the middle of Winter
6. Driving in the snow, the people who drive 12 MPH during flurries and the ones who pass me going 65 MPH during a blizzard
7. Having to buy snow tires (see #6). It's especially nice that I bought new snow tires last year, and got a new car in May that requires different tires.
8. The slush that comes when the snow melts
9. The bottom of my pants getting wet, and dragging in the slush
10. Running in the cold (Again it's the bitter cold, below 20's with 20+MPH wind that I don't like
11. Shoveling snow
13. Cleaning the snow and/or Ice off my car after a storm (one ice storm took me over an hour to get into my car) We do have a garage now which is sooo nice
14. Getting in a cold car after walking to my car in the cold (Again the garage helps with that)
15. Not having a remote car starter, my car is standard
16. Ice in general

Things I like about Winter in Vermont
1. Christmas (It's was hard to believe Christmas was a month away when I was in 80 degree Florida)
2. Big snow storms when I don't have to drive in them, and I can be cozy in my house
3. Soup, I love soup and who really wants to eat hot soup when it's 75 degrees
4. Scarves, I like them better than coats and winter boots
5. Bright sunny days, makes the snow look pretty
6. Sitting by the fireplace/wood stove (always cold, remember)
7. Tax return time
8. Christmas trees that are local
9. The promise of Spring

What do you like or dislike about Winter where you live?

Florida part 2

2011-12-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

Hmmm...where did I leave off. I'm looking out my window and see snow as I type. We are not in Florida anymore..
So we hung around the condo, J had gone out for a bit, Kelli and I played Monopoly Deal and Travey drank beer. I do love vacation.
We went to dinner at Racks N Tails. Kelli had got a coupon off resturant.com and the menu looked good. We didn't know what kind of resturant it was, you may be able to guess from the name. Yup, it was sort of like Hooters. The food was great and we had a great time.

Outside the resturant

Oh No! The gator got Travey's leg!

Wednesday morning we (meaning Kelli and I) spent packing up and cleaning up the condo as we were heading to Ft. Lauderdale! The boys went to a beef Jerky outlet. This was after J had spent the early morning on the phone as VT had gotten a snowstorm and he plows snow. Ft. Meyers was sunny and 80 degrees. Our trip to Ft. Lauderdale was via Everglade City and a stop at Speedy's air boat tours. We had called ahead and made reservations. Good thing as it was closing early because of the Thanksgiving holiday. As we were waiting for the boat a guy on a bicycle came up to us, and mentioned our Vermont plates on the van. He asked where in Vermont we were from, Travey gave him a general "about an hour south of Burlington". Turns out this guy had lived in VT, retired from IBM and still had a daughter living in VT. I am always amazed at how small the world really is. Anyway the boat ride was super cool, and fun. Our captain was Walter and there was another couple on the boat with us. The best part was seeing an alligator of course.

The gator

Our boat (the people not looking at the camera are the other couple).

After the airboat ride we headed east towards Ft. Lauderdale. We stopped along the way to see more gators and the along the way saw the World's Smallest Post Office.

Smallest Post Office

Don't Harrass the gators!

Gator sooo close, Travey and J got out of the van. I did NOT!

We continued on to Ft. Lauderdale where we would stay the next two nights with Kelli's aunt and uncle, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner!! We arrived Wednesday night. Just to let you know I LOVE Ft. Lauderdale. We had dinner outside (again LOVE eating outside) and then went for a walk on the beach and the board walk. Thursday morning we went for a boat ride, saw HUGE boats and HUGE houses, saw the city and went out on the ocean. Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful, soooo much food. We later went for a walk on the beach, it was super windy and lots of waves. Not something we can do after turkey dinner in VT, well we can walk outside but most of the time we have to bundle up!!
The boys were suppose to go fishing in the morning, but the ocean was rough, so we headed on our way north about 8:30. To occupy myself, I (and I made everyone else) looked for licence plates, and timed us in every state, when we arrived and when we left the state. We stayed overnight in Rocky Mount NC, and left early Saturday morning for another fun filled day of driving. Our stops were limited to peeing, food and gas. We did stop in Maryland at the Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast and arrived home safe and sound, and (sick of being in the car) about 8 pm. It was a great trip, and Travey and I are already planning our next trip to Florida via an airplane :)

Before dinner

Love seeing Christmas and palm trees

Florida 2012 part I

2011-12-04T14:08:00.000-05:00

So here it is, the much awaited Florida blog, (I know you are all dying to hear about it and see pictures), it's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So we went on a much belated honeymoon/4 year anniversary trip to Florida, with friends. It was their 10 year anniversary trip and first trip away without their 3 kiddos. We decided to drive, as flights for the week of Thanksgiving were sooo expensive. What's 24+ hours in the car anyway. So Saturday morning at 4am Kelli and JD (I think that's what she calls him in her blog) picked us up, and we headed out. Highlights of the first hour, about 10 minutes into the trip a deer ran in front of us. We did not hit it, 10 minutes later a hitchhiker almost gets hit. I mean really who hitchhikes at 4:30 AM in ~~small~~ tiny town Vermont. We had to stop about a half hour in to get gas, because again tiny town Vermont doesn't have all night gas stations and due to van trouble the night before K&J didn't get gas. Our first big stop was in Hamburg (I think) PA. At the Carbellas store. Not a typo, in my family it's Carbellas. We wandered around there for a bit. Travey convinced us that because of my blood clot past, I needed to walk around a bit.

It was a huge store and lots of fun. On the road again. The boys were taking turns driving, Kelli drove for a while in Virginia, which is a REALLY big state when going down 81. We stopped in NC for dinner at the Outback in Statesville and realized how close we were to Charlotte where Becky lived for years and I had visited several times. On the road again, thru South Carolina and Georgia. I drove in the night, twice for about 2 hours each. I actually liked driving at night better, less traffic. I got us through Tampa FL and about an hour from Ft. Meyers (our destination). We arrived about 7:15 AM. Yay!!
We crashed for a while and Travey woke me up about 11. He smelled bacon, JD had gone to the Publix (I heart that store) and got breakfast foods. We ate, showered and headed out to Sanibel Island. It was so beautiful.

I heart Florida

On our way home from the beach, we stopped and got food for dinner and went and sat by the pool at the condo. We grilled dinner and all crashed early. Monday morning I got up earlyish (8:00) and went for a run around the community we were staying in I was happy to wear my new running skirt as it will be a while before I wear it at home. There was a nice breeze, but it was hot. I loved it. Kelli's mom and her husband own the condo in a retirement community so I ran by the golfers and the shuffleboard players. I stopped to watch bocci, FYI bocci in Florida is nothing like Island Bocci which we play while camping. We decided to go to Ft. Meyers beach for the afternoon after some morning shopping, as it was cloudy in the morning. The beach was awesome. I found 12 sand dollars in the ocean, I haven't decided what to do with them. I'm thinking of making a mobile to hang in my bathroom.

I love the garland and Happy Holidays with the palm trees

My view from laying on the beach. I love palm trees

Monday night we got a huge rain storm, we went shopping at SuperTarget. Do you non-Vermonters know that Vermont does not have one Target. The closest one to me is in NY about an hour and half away. Dislike, Dislike, Dislike! And we picked up pizza and brought it back to the condo to eat. I think Travey, Kelli and I played Monopoly after. It was a long game that Kelli eventually won. Tuesday morning Kelli and I both went for a run aruond the complex, later we split up, boys and girls we went and got pedicures and went to Bealls Outlet and they went to look at boots and to other Sporting Stores. We met up at the Miramar Outlets. Have you ever been there? They are awesome. They had a Vera Bradley outlet. I could have spent the rest of my vacation budget there. I ended up with a new purse and a wallet. Travey was sick of shopping and convinced me he needed a cocktail. We found a Mexican resturant and sat outside and have Coronas and chips and salsa.

Love = Palm Trees

We went back to the condo and layed by the pool for a while. We had plans to go out for dinner. So far, I love Florida.
To Be Continued.....

A Thankful Post

2011-11-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

This is much delayed, but I went to Florida for Thanksgiving, for a week and my computer access was limited (it was ok and I survived). I did have a little email and facebook access via Travey's iphone.
So, my thankful post....
I am thankful for my health. I've always felt healthy and strong, even when they told me I had breast cancer for the first time, I was 29, had just lost 50+ pounds, and I felt great. I was feeling healthy the second time when they found 2 spots on my pelvis bone 4 years later, and the next year I was training for a half marathon when they told me it had spread somemore. This past summer when the blood clot had me in the ICU for 4 days, I had felt good up until then. I thought I had pulled a muscle. So still now I am feeling healthy, at a higher weight than I know I should be, it's been so hard to get back on track since I was in the hospital. But I think I've got it. And I am digressing...My health is good, my tumor marker #'s are low, I feel good.
I am thankful for my wonderful husband. He's a rockstar! Our trip to Florida was a honeymoon (sort of), we got married 4 years ago and I had just started grad school and we were not able to go away, then when I finished school I didn't have a full time job so $$$ wasn't there, and I still don't have a full time job, but Travey got a new job and I have several part time jobs and we made it work this year. It was wonderful.

Ft. Lauderdale, Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my family. My family is really the best. I live about 20 minutes from my parents and 25-30 from my brother and sister in law and cutest nephew ever, (there's also a neice or nephew on the way) I am super excited!!!! We have Sunday dinner during non-boating season, we take turns between our house, my parent's and Nortie and B's house. It needs to be something pretty important to skip Sunday dinner. There is also spaghetti night on Tuesdays. It's at my parent's house and I think it deserves a post of it's own. It's dinner for family, friends, and anyone else who wants to come. It's been happening for the last 11 years. We camp/boat with my family during the summer too. I have awesome aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents too.

Sweet Simonds girls (cousins)

Family picture from Lake George this past summer

Quinnster "fixin" his car (acting like his daddy)

My bro, my dad, Uncle Gary and Uncle Dick at The David Stevens Memorial tournament in August 2011
We lost Uncle Dick last week, and we'll say goodbye to him tonight and tomorrow

I am thankful that I had a warm house to live in, enough food to eat and the freedom to make choices. I am thankful for my Mokey-love and the hearts that come out of his eyes when he looks up at you.
I am thankful that I can run, and be active. I am thankful that someone wants to read my blog, there are occasionally comments..

*A post about Florida with lots of photos to come,

Maybe, possibly, perhaps...My wish list for 2012

2011-11-18T13:36:00.001-05:00

January:
1/1/12 First Run Brrrrrr..Running in January in Vermont
February:
Nada any ideas?
March:
3/2012 (usually the last weekend of March)
RunVermont's Spring Fling 5k/10k

2009 (I think)

2011 (Brrrrrr)

April:
4/14/12 Half Marathon Unplugged; No Frills, No Hills
Never done this one before, it's close to home
May:
5/6/12 Middlebury Maple Run
Half Marathon, sooo close to home, love this race

2011

5/12/12 (?) Sunshine Run 5k walk/run
Have done it last two years

2011 finishing uphill

5/20/12 Champlain Bridge 5K
This is a new race, for the new bridge between VT and NY. Thanks to Darlene I found out about this. It's like 5 miles from my house. WOO HOO

5/27/12 Vermont City Marathon (half marathon)
The bummer is that for the half, you have to go into a lottery, last year we did the 3-5 person relay, and it was HOT!

2011

June:
Basin Harbor 5K

Run for Empowerment 5k/10k
(last year they were the same date BOO! I've done them both before)

6/24/12 Adirondack Distance Race 10 miler, I wanted to do it last year because it starts and ends in my favorite summertime place, Lake George.
July:
7/8/12 Mad Marathon (Half)
Did it last year, they say it's the "World's most beautiful race" I say it's the "Hardest freakin' race"

2011

7/12 Koman Race for the Cure, Manchester VT
August:
8/19/12 RocknRoll Providence RI Half Marathon
Yikes! Already registered

Vergennes Day 5k/10k end of August

That's all I have so far penciled in my book....
What are you doing in New England that I might want to do too??
Ummm apparently I love my pink running skirt, I apparently need new running skirts so I don't have to have all of my photos in the same skirt.
You'll be happy to know I just got a new one from Skirtsports, it's green and it was on sale...

It's Thursday!!

2011-11-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

And here are three things to talk about
1. The phone rings early in the morning. 6 AM. It's the house phone, no one calls the house phone, ever. Why do people ask "Did I wake you?" When it's obvious they did. And why do we always say "No". It was a farmer calling Travey, they couldn't find his business card with his cell #. Travey does sales and nutrition for a feed company, so if the farmers are out of feed....And farmers get up early, and Christa didn't have to be up at all, doesn't have to work until tonight. I was able to go back to sleep :)
2. 2012 races! I've read 2 blogs this morning (Catching up) that have blogged about their 2012 races. I've planned a little but not publically. I've chatted with my running buddies Kev and Buze, about it some, and late one night I actually registered for one for August 2012. As Kev said last night, it's almost a year away. But it was 11/11/11 and all Rock & Roll ones were $20 off and ajh and I had some fast and furious emails back and forth about signing up for the one is Providence RI, since it is the closest one to VT. Finally some time after 10 pm, I grabbed the mastercard and registered, and then thought, what did I do? So I've offically signed up for 1 race in 2012. I have more in mind, I'll let you know soon. ajh signed up too.

ajh and I at the Sunshine Run last May

3. On vacation next week. I am soooooooooooo excited. I do have a lot to do before it happens. But today and tomorrow are for getting ready.

Wordless Wednesday, the last month (or so) in pictures

2011-11-16T15:59:00.000-05:00

I found my camera, in a bag in the trunk of my car. The batteries were dead. I got new batteries, I uploaded my pictures. I need a iphone.

Raffle prizes at Cocktails Curing Cancer

Beautiful day in Ripton for Ripton Ridge Run

Kev and I, it was hot, and the photographer wasn't great...

Rainbow, taken from my back deck

Making Strides Against breast cancer, me walking up for the survivors

Survivors

At Making Strides

Pink bus

Quinn's birthday cake made by Kira

Beth (my sister-in-law) with her nephew Calab, and Lily, my cousin Laura's daughter

I think he likes his cake

Quinn being Quinn

Bathtime at Meme's

Calab the cutie

Three Things Thursday

2011-11-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

1. It's kind of weird to not be working 50+ hours a week. My ~~long term~~ short term sub position ended. Yesterday was the first day I didn't have to leave my house before 7. And today I only had a night WW meeting, so I was home til 4:00 pm. I have a long to-do list, but I made a pretty good dent in it. Including signing up for the Santa 5k, Burlington. Everyone has to wear a Santa suit. I'm pretty excited. I just hope the weather is nice.
2. The weather has been super nice. Yesterday while running outside, I got mud on my leg. My leg, because I was wearing capri's and a t-shirt. And I am wimpy when it comes to cold weather. Today I wore a winter hat, it was windy and chilly. Gotta love Vermont weather.
3. I got a new running skirt. from SkirtSport, on sale. On my upcoming vacation I'll be able to wear it, because it will be warm. I also got compression socks, my first pair. They are pink, obviously. And the real reason I got them was for the loooong car ride for vacation. Because of my blood clot this summer they recommended I wear compression socks for long car rides (like 24 hours long).
Bonus: I am a sock snob. I really only wear smartwool socks. I love them.

October Recap

2011-11-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I still have a blog, and yes I've rarely updated it in the month of October. And YES, I know you all are wanting to know how it's been Livin' a Little Life. So, I had a 17 day (short) Long-term sub position as a school counselor. I loved it!! I want more!! The commute was long about an hour, but it was worth it. I've applied to several more positions so crossing my fingers that something comes up soon!
I was still working at the residential homes. My part time job. I'm a substitute counselor. I really enjoy the job, I have worked in residential before full time, but I am not willing to give up my weekends and all my evenings to do it again. That is why I love the sub position. I fill in for the hours that I can and if I have something going on, I say "no". It is really a great fit for me, I think. And when I get a school counseling position, I can still be on the sub list.
I am still working for Weight Watchers. Again, another part time job. Again, I enjoy the job. I love the WW program, and I know it works.
October was not a great, or even good month for working out. It was pretty much non-existant. I did go to my kettlebell class every Wednesday. I LOVE it. Joel is awesome, and the fact that we work out to 90's music makes me love it even more. Kev and I think we are back at PSC, rockin' out to the 90's. I really want to sign up for another 90 day session when this is over. Maybe twice a week if my schedule permits.
Besides KBH class, I ran a very little bit. On October 9, we did the Ripton Ridge Run, it was HARD. Ripton is a tiny town that is in the mountains of VT. The weather was hot, not usual for October in Vermont. So the hot weather + not running + the ~~hills~~ mountains = a crappy run for Christa. I did have fun, and was glad I did it. The shirts are awesome, long sleeved, (I should take a picture), and the lunch was yummy :).
I also walked 5ish miles for the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk on October 16th in South Burlington. If you missed it the recap and photos are Here. It was fun, yet emotional, but I got to do it with some of my best girlfriends.
Hmmm..what else....
Travey and I went to NH to see his grandparents. It was fun, it snowed about 15 inches were we were. At home we got about an inch of snow that melted. I'm ok with not having snow yet. I want more fall!!
It was my anniversary on October 20, 4 years... Also October 20, marked 6 years of being a breast cancer survivor. I feel great, and my lab results are great.
November brings the start of the holiday season. I freaking love Christmas, the lights, the music, everything!!!!!!! We have a little vacation coming up this month. I am super excited. It's sort of a belated honeymoon. We never went on a honeymoon. We went to Maine for the weekend, (and got married), but I had started grad school in September and we weren't able to go away. We are going with great friends of ours who are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. All good things.
Life is slowing down a little for this month, I can breathe and sleep and run and blog more. All while seeking the perfect job...

Almost wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

We were in NH ovet the weekend. They got a lot of snow, and some of my friends are still out of power, since Saturday evening!!

Cutest nephew ever, (the big Monkey) and his little cousin.
Happy Wednesday!

Hello Saturday!

2011-10-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

Finally a day that I didn't have to get up at 5:00, and leave my house at 6:30, no alarm today....
The last three weeks have been crazy busy with my sub position, and the two other jobs. I haven't been running, I last ran 1 mile, last Sunday before going to a staff meeting for WW.
I have been going to my kettlebell class on Wednesdays. I love it. This past week it was all about the core. It was HARD. I thought I was going to be super sore and I wasn't. I was happy!
Last night I hosted book club. So it was a small showing, which is fine, and no one had actually finished the book, including me. I've only once not finished the book and I never finished that book Observatory Mansion, any one read it? This month the book was The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. He's from Vermont, and most of his books take place in VT and talk about towns and landmarks that really exist and that I know about. I've liked most of his books. So I haven't finished reading it, not enough hours in the day. But I am planning on finishing it, I have less than 100 nook pages left. So with 3 of us not finished the book and 2 others haven't read the book, we had basically a girls night, which was awesome. We did talk about book club in general and previous books we read, and who hosted which book etc.. The snacks were yummy and the wine was good, and the company was fantastic, what more could you ask for?
Snow?? So VT and other parts of New England got snow. I haven't seen it yet. (Thankfully). Which reminds me I need to find my gloves, my hands have been cold these last few days. Travey drove over Middlebury Gap, and saw snow, my bro and sister in law posted pictures of the Quinnster asking for a snow man with snow on the deck. I however haven't seen it and I am ok with that!!
My short-term sub position ends on Monday. I have loved being there and loved the opportunity to be a school counselor. I've applied for several other long term positions that have come up, so hopefully something works out. Keep your fingers crossed....I still do have my two other jobs that will keep me busy, and now I will catch up on housework and get back to running. I have 2 more 5k's I'd like to run this year.
I've been keeping up with most of your blogs, and seeing everyone's 2012 running plans, I've made mine. I have 4 half marathons that I want to do from April to July, and have talked about doing one more in Febuary with a friend somewhere warmer than VT. Anyone know of a good one??
Happy Weekend!!

Making Strides For Breast Cancer

2011-10-20T05:55:00.000-04:00

You all heard me talk about it. The walk was between 4.5 and 5 miles, there were conflicting stories. It was on Sunday October 16. The weather had been rainy all weekend, but it only sprinkled on us for about 30 seconds. It was warm, take off our coats, and cool put them back on. Put on your sunglasses, and then you really don't need them. And there was pink a lot of it!!
Kell, Hel and I arrived about 12:20, we had prime parking in the lot saved for Surviviors (me). I handed in the cash and checks I had and we quickly found our team sign. They were soon calling the survivors up. This is a very emotional ceremony. I don't like to be emotional. I fight it as long as I can, but this ceremony gets me every time. Thinking about it now causes me to get teared up. The field was wet, and muddy before the walk, and when everyone came back it was more muddy, like a mud pit. My friends pam, jeff and their daughter Marley came too. They drove up from NH to do the walk with us. I do have the best friends. Our team Little's Tatas and Friends raised over $3000. We spent a good part of the walk planning next year, and all the things we want to do.
Some photos from the event, I know there are more on my camara, if only I could find it....

Kell, me, Hel

Kel, me, Pam, Marley in stroller (Jeff walking behind)

Me and Kel and our sign

After the walk

Me and Hel with our sign

Thanks to everyone for your support and good thoughts!

Here I am!!!

2011-10-17T21:15:00.000-04:00

I'm still here, trying to keep my head above water and keep breathing. No VT didn't flood again, I'm just feeling ~~a little~~ a lot overwhelmed, especially last week, but things are getting smoother......
My job is great. I LOVE being a school counselor. I've been there seven days, and while it feels like a long time, things come up that I don't know the answer to. I hope after this short term sub position ends, that I will find something more permanant.
It feels like I was playing catch up all last week. Catch up on the house, the laundry, grocery shopping, reading blogs, returning calls, returning emails, seeing Travey, seeing my friends. This weekend helped a little. I got some rest, cleaned my house, saw my family, saw some friends, walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, (recap and photos to come soon).
My running is slacking, I'm super jealous of everyone who is running, when I see people running while I am driving (an hour commute each way), I wish I was them. I wish I was running. My goal this week is to run a little. A little so that I can finish the 10k I signed up for on Saturday. The good thing is that it's my first 10k, (2 half's and tons of 5k's, but never a 10k), so I will PR no matter what.
I look foward to blogging more and reading your blogs and catching up!!
more to come....

2011-10-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

So......I know you are all saying "where is Christa? and why hasn't she been blogging?" Well this is the deal friends...Last week, Monday I worked all day, too tired and lazy to blog. Besides, I had just told you all about my weekend.
Tuesday, ran in the AM felt great, thought that my running motivation was back.
Tuesday afternoon went for a walk with my friend Brandi and her cutie newborn Caden and her dog Koda, had a great walk, great weather, great company, didn't pay attention and Koda saw a cat. Got dragged by Koda, felt foolish but still had a good time.
Tuesday night finally made it to Spaghetti night, which was actually pot luck night (first Tuesday of the month is pot luck) made awesome scallop potatoes or is it scalloped? Travey thought they rocked!!
Wednesday, work and then Death by Kettlebell class. It kicked my butt. I loved it!! Oh yeah on Wednesday morning I got a phone call from a job that I applied to and to make a long story short, I had an interview for Thursday morning.
Thursday morning, interview at a school for a school counseling job. For those of you just joining me (slackers) I've been looking for a school counseling job since May....2010. It is a sub position, a sub for the long term sub who was subbing for the school counselor. They offered me the job, I accepted, and I started on Friday.
Thursday afternoon included a lot of phone calls, texts and emails, no... not to celebrate my new job, but to fill the WW meetings and time at the group homes so I could do my new job.
Friday, new job. I had a fantastic day. I loved it!!! I do have a longish commute, and I have to go to bed earlier, so I will continue the recap of my week soon.
FYI, I did a 5k on Sunday, time wasn't great, but I was back running, at least that is what I keep trying to tell myself and what Kev keeps telling me....
Finally a few October photos that I'd love to share (October 2005 ie..wedding)

Kev, helping me fix my hair

Love this picture of Travey, waiting on the beach for me

Dad, Mom, B, Nortie, Me, Travey

Cheers!!!!

I know you want to hear about my weekend!

2011-10-03T06:12:00.000-04:00

It's Monday. I had a great weekend, somehow it never seems long enough. I didn't run, I'm still lacking my motivation. However I realized I have a 5k to run next weekend. I better get moving this weekend. Also the MakingStrides for Breast Cancer is in 2 weeks. That's a five mile walk. And then I have a 10k the following week. October is going to be busy!
Friday night was the Cockails Curing Cancer event. It was AWESOME!! It really was. It was a great night of hanging out with friends and I think that everyone had a great time. The prizes were great, the food was great, the drinks, everything!! And my camera stayed in my bag the entire night. I was able to find some photos on fb of the event

Michele and I, pulling the names for raffle prizes. Travey is in the background with the green hat on.

Jean, myself and Michele again.
Don't we look hot? It was about 100 degrees in there

I had to work Saturday morning and I was exhausted!!!!! I got home and proceeded directly to my bedroom to find a pair of sweatpants (actually fleece pants) I don't have sweatpants and plant myself on the couch for the evening. I did manage to get up to make BBQ chicken pizza for dinner and pour a glass of wine, but other than that, the couch and I were buddies for the night. We caught up on all the tv we've DVRed in the past weeks. Survivor, Biggest Loser, Gossip Girl, The Good Wife, Two and a half Men, and went to bed early. Sunday I slept in, made breakfast and accomplished a lot on my to-do list, went to my parents house and had dinner that B made yummy macaroni and cheese with buffalo chicken. I had made chocolate chip cookies too, they are calling my name from the kitchen right now. I loooove sweets in the morning with my coffee. I'm working on my October goals today and will post them for you all to read. Life is good (well, getting better).
And finally as promised wedding photos from 4 years ago, because I love them.

My grandparents on the beach morning of the wedding

apparently something is funny

Pamela and me, because it's her birthday!

Happy Monday!!

Five things that are going thru my head on this Friday morning

2011-09-30T08:43:00.000-04:00

1) Cocktails Curing Cancer is tonight!! WOO HOO, super excited. It's a great fundraiser in a great community with a lot of community support. Yay Addison County!!!

A picture from Cocktails 2 years ago,
B my SIL, my mom, my Grandpa, my bro Nortie (he got all the tall genes) and me

2) My running.....yeah about that. I was set to go this morning, and my friend cancelled, sore from her Death by Kettlebell class. I totally understand. (I missed this week for my bro's birthday. I'll feel it this week.
3) It's the last day of September??? How the heck did that happen?? Where did September go? Which means tomorrow is October. I heart October!! October is when I am going to post all kinds of pictures from 4 years ago, when I married Travey.

sneak peek

4) Sometimes it takes seeing that someone else has it worse makes you put your own life into perspective, and realize that life isn't as bad as you think. I've been feeling pretty crappy about myself and that I haven't found my "dream" job, I am working two part time jobs that I love, however I want one job that I love and has a "regular" schedule. Anyway, feeling bad about myself, On Wedensday I lead my Weight Watchers meeting, felt like a superstar, it's an awesome group, and I stopped to get gas. I was pumping gas in my car and this guy on a bike pulls into the station and is digging through the garbages and pulling out the returnable bottles (in Vermont soda/beer bottles and cans can be redeemed for 5 cents). He had a bad tied to the back of his bike with bottles and cans and went to every garbage (because people often throw away their car garbage when they get gas). I tried not to look, but I couldn't help myself. I kept watching him and feeling horrible. I've been feeling bad about myself, and it took seeing this man collecting bottles for cash to realize that I don't have it so bad. I was pumping gas into my new (as of May) car, I can pay for the car, pay for the gas, I have a house to live in that we can afford, food in the refridgerator, a Mokey-love that we can feed, take care of and love, an awesome family. So as I drove off, I thought about all that I have and realized that I need to appreciate what I have and not be so concerned with what I don't have.

5)I'm signing up for a 10k in October to go along with the Ripton Ridge 5k, and the Making Strides for Breast Cancer 5 mile walk.
Happy Friday!!

Wordless Wednesday (ok it's posted on Thursday)

2011-09-29T08:49:00.000-04:00

Sunday night dinner, roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans

Early Monday morning, view off my back deck

Quinnster getting dessert

Dessert for our table

Happy Birthday Nortie!!

The dessert was delish!!

It's Just another Manic Monday

2011-09-26T06:11:00.000-04:00

So I'm feeling a little better today, more motivated, not so overwhelmed. I spent some time yesterday cleaning my office, the paperwork was getting out of control. I also caught up on the laundry, and roasted a chicken for dinner. It was delish, but when I thought about roasting it early in the week it was cool fall like weather, when I actually roasted it yesterday it was like 75 degrees and it made the house hotter. Love fall in VT, I'll take all the warm days I can get.
Today is a long day of work at Weight Watchers and the first day of the Dr. Oz, stuff. I'm still reading all the details, but you could win a million dollars!!! Check out Dr. Oz and then visit a Weight Watchers meeting to get started.
It's going to be a great week!! I just know it.

Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body." -Lynn Jennings

Motivation Needed Here!

2011-09-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

That's right, I need some motivation to get back on track. I need to get my ~~eating~~ snacking under control and back to running. I've run about once a week since I was given the go ahead to run again. Maybe twice. The problem is I have nothing that I am training for. I'm bummed that I didn't get to go to Rhode Island and run the Ocean's Half. I'm bummed I didn't go a cheer them on and run the 5k. I'm just here feeling sorry for myself. I thought September was going to be a great month and it hasn't been. I didn't get the job I wanted and my running/any exercise has been minimal at best. I've been working a lot at my part time job, but not the hours that I want, and I've missed every Tuesday family dinner night. UGH.
But tomorrow is a new day, and a new week and I am going to have a brand new attitude and the last week of September and October is going to be great. I do love October, it's the month I met Travey and the month I got married.
More positive posts to come.

A pic from when I was motivated!
May 2011 VCM

Random Thoughts on Thursday that actually got posted on Friday

2011-09-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

1. I got my first black eye on Sunday. I was playing hide and seek with super cute nephew Quinnster and made the mistake of hiding under the blanket. He jumped on the bed and I got a knee in the eye. He kept saying "Are you ok Auntie? Are you ok?"

What a sweet angel

2. I got a new vacuum. I freaking love it. Really. I can't believe that I am so excited about a vacuum. But it rocks. Bye Bye dog hair
3. I've been a single wife since Tuesday. Well till Thursday night about 10pm. Travey was in NY for work. The funny thing is I've been gone for work, visiting, camping, 4 nights in hospital and have not been here, but since we've lived together he'd only been gone 2 nights since he started his new job in August. Now he's been gone 3 nights. I'm glad he's back
4. I didn't get the job that I thought I had, I had the second interview and was feeling all good about it. No, someone else got it. My mom said there's something better out there waiting for me. I try to keep thinking that.
5. Cocktails Curing Cancer is next Friday night in Middlebury. Our guest list is full and we have a waiting list. Wowza!!
6. The Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk is October 16 (Happy Anniversary Mark and Tracy) in South Burlington. If you'd like to make a donation go HERE and make a donation. That would be wonderful. If you're local and would like to walk on my team same site to sign up.
7. My return to running has been less than steller. I feel fine running, it's just I got out of the habit of it. I need to make it a priority. All you WW members out there, you know that was the topic this week, making yourself a priority.

8. My goal is to blog everyday for a week. Keep on me!
9. Happy Friday!
10. I've been reading a lot, books by Susan Wiggs. There's a bunch that take place in the same town and have the same characters, I like that. We didn't have book club this month. BOO. I need some new books to read, suggestions??

Three Things Thursday

2011-09-15T08:52:00.000-04:00

1. Time, it seems there is never enough time to do everything I want/need to do. Work has been busy, I've had to turn down shifts, because I am already working somewhere else. I love what I do, but I'm still waiting for the job, the one that is regular, and not a fill in. That I know where and when I am working each week and I can make plans and know that I can fulfill them. The one where I know what my paycheck is going to be each week, so I can budget and plan and make a schedule and stick to it. Someday......
2. Insurance. Travey got a new job! He's liking it, there's a learning curve but I know he'll do great. He got an iphone for phone and I am envious. For real, I want one. We have to change insurances and it's a pain. I just got all of the info, and realized that my fragmin, the shot ~~I take every day~~, that I give my self in the stomach every morning needs prior approval. Prior approval so I get take the blood thinner to keep my blood from clotting and out of the hospital. UGH....
3. New class. I signed up for a class at Vintage Fit Studio. It's once a week and started last night. It was all about kettlebells last night. I am sore today, but a good sore. It will be every Wednesday night for the next 12 weeks. I lovingly refer to it as Death by Kettlebell, or Kettlebell Hell.
No new pictures to add...ummmm....nothing

Cocktails Curing Cancer and Making Strides for Breast Cancer

2011-09-11T13:39:00.000-04:00

SO...If you've been reading my blog all along, you know that I am a breast cancer survivor. It's been six years that I've been fighting this horrible disease that takes so many woman (and some men too) too early. I lost my Grandma Q in April 2003 to breast cancer just 2 years before I was diagnosed. I am walking in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer on October 16, 2011 in South Burlington, Vermont. I'm adding an email that I sent out to family and friends asking for their support in the form of walking and/or donating. Also there is an event Cocktails Curing Cancer that my friend Michele a young cancer survivor started and I've helped her with.

Hello Family and Friends,
The time is coming for Cocktails Curing Cancer, It is Friday September 30 from 5-8pm in at Two Brother's Lounge (Downstairs).

Tickets are a donation of $15 per person you can make the donation online at my Making Strides Team Page, and let me know that you did and I will put you on the guest list. If you'd like to pay by cash/check let me know, I'll get you on the guest list as well.

Here is the link to my page to make the donation and or to join my team Little's Tatas and Friends

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=7858577&pg=personal&fr_id=36187

If you are unable to attend Cocktails Curing Cancer and would like to make a donation and/or join my team and walk with us on October 16th, you can use the website as well.

Also if you have an idea/connection for a raffle prize for Cocktails Curing Cancer, I'd love to hear about it.

And finally attaching the flyer for Cocktails if you want to pass it on (includes all the details). You can contact me for details as well as Michele.

Hope to see you all there!! Thank you for the support

Christa

Three Things on a Thursday, short sweet fall edition

2011-09-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

1. Summer is over, I am not liking the shorter days. It's getting lighter later in the and darker earlier.
2. I love fall tho. I love Halloween, the leaves, the crisp air, fresh VT apples, cooler weather to run in, pumpkins, pumpkin spice coffee, all things pumpkin really...
3. The weather is definetly getting cooler, I heard high 40's on Saturday night. What?
bonus: Vermont is beautiful in the fall

Monday, Monday

2011-09-05T19:21:00.000-04:00

So, I've been a horrible blogger. My last entry was over 10 days ago. I was talking about the upcoming Hurricane Irene and we were all thinking, "It's Vermont, how much damage can it do". Well Irene proved to be damaging and deadly. Vermont was hit hard. If you haven't seen or heard about it, google it. It's bad. My little corner of Vermont was spared. We received wind and rain, there were mud puddles in my driveway and a few branches from the willow tree on my lawn. We lost power for an hour. We were and are fine.
August wasn't a good running month, because I ran 3 times before what I thought was a pulled muscle, actually turned out to be a blood clot in my right leg. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I now give myself a daily shot of Fragmin. It's not fun, but I'm able to do it with minimal bruising. So at my last check up, my doctor said I could start running again this week. My plan is tomorrow. He recommened I walk/run to start. I'm excited to run again, but scared of how sloooow I will be and how long it will take me to get back to where I was, Who am I kidding? I was slow before. I did 0 races in August, I'm looking to do a 5k in September to get me motivated again. Maybe a half in November if I can get back on track and soon!
We went camping for Labor Day weekend, I went Friday day with my parents, my bro, sister in law and cutest nephew ever came on Friday night and Travey came on Saturday as he had to work (his new job). We left Sunday afternoon as heavy rain and thunderstorms were predicted for Sunday night and Monday. We got the storms last night and rain today. I'm glad we decided to come home. That left today as a bonus day at home. We slept in, made breakfast, watched tv, I went grocery shopping (apparently with everyone else in the county) came home, made pizza for dinner and now have key lime bars baking for dessert, Yum!
A few pictures from camping this weekend.

Our tent, known as the Taj Mahal

Mom and Dad's boat

Campsite before Nortie & B came with their tent

Meme and Quinn feeding ducks

Quinnster on the go

B and Quinnster, he decided that he wanted to drink seltzer out of Auntie's cup all weekend

Travey and Nortie "cheers"

I have a crazy busy week coming up, and am looking forward to my first run in a month tomorrow.

Three Things on a Thursday

2011-08-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

1. Yesterday I walked 3 miles with my friend Kelli and two of her kiddos. One in the stroller and one on his bike. My legs aches a little, but otherwise I felt great. It was great to be active once again.

2. Tomorrow night we're going to see the movies to see The Help. Our bookclub read it last year, so for the first time, it's bookclub night out. Dinner and a movie. I'm super excited. I haven't been to the movies in sooo long.

3. Hurricane Irene?? So the forcast shows that Irene or at least the rain etc..is headed to VT on Sunday. Really we don't even have an ocean coastline here. hmmmm. All of my friends who do live on the east coast, I'm thinking of you.

and a bonus...I met my sister-in-law's sister's baby yesterday. His name is Calab and he's super cute!!

I'm feeding him, at one point he was "holding" the bottle, he's 9 days old

What's Up Wednesday!!

2011-08-24T09:15:00.000-04:00

So, my blogging has been a bit sparce, who knows why when I should have all kinds of time since I'm still on "no activity"...Major dislike!
So I am home and on the mend from my blood clot. I'm back to work, back to moving around pretty well, my leg is still a little sore from where the blood clot was. I have now given myself 5 shots (in the stomach) with the Fragmin (blood thinner). My bruises from the procedure are clearing up. Hopefully will be gone by next Friday when we go camping.
My two jobs are going well, Weight Watchers, well...I haven't worked since last Monday, but I have two meetings today. And the group homes are going well too. I've applied for 2 jobs this week!!
So no running since August 5, I ran 4 days in August, looking at my training schedule, today should be a 5-6 mile run and a longish run this weekend 8 or 9 miles. Huh...that's not happening since I can't run til Septemberish, after labor day. Major dislike!! I had planned on doing a half at the end of September, but after not running for 4ish weeks, and only having 3 to get ready, I think I am going to skip it. It's in Rhode Island, and I was going with some friends, so I am planning on still going and cheering on my friends!!
I'm going to look for some 5k's this fall, and possibly a 10k at the end of October in DC.
Didn't feel the earthquake yesterday, was at work in the group home, none of us felt it. Travey felt it at work tho..kinda feel like I was missing out:(

Since I feel like I should add a photo to entries, here's one of E and I last summer about this time. I need to upload the pictures on to the computer. I know, I'm slow.
Thanks for all the good thoughts for my recovery!

Winner of Bondi Band Giveaway!!

2011-08-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

As promised, I am home from the hospital and chose a winner for the bondi band giveaway.
I used random.org, there were only 10 comments on the entry, commenting on my fb page doesn't count:)
The winner is entry #2 kelli, she wanted me to pick her one out that has pink in it and promised to run with me.
Well, I'm out of comission for a few weeks, but I will pick you out a good one!

Message from FAHC

2011-08-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

For those of you who think FHAC is somewhere exotic, nope it's the hospital in Burlington. That pulled muscle I had for about a week, didn't get better with my rest, icing and elevation, so I called the doctor. I was expecting a referral to PT, and ended up in ICU. WHAT?? How does that happen?
My doctor thought maybe I had a stess fracture and sent me to get an x-ray and an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. X-ray came back clean, ultrasound showed a blood clot behind knee. My doc sent me to FAHC to see a vascular surgeon, I thought they'd give me some blood thinner and send me home. That was Tuesday and I'm still here. I know..
I had many tests and scans and a procedure inserting a something thru my groin into my artery that had the blood clot. I had to lay on my back and keep my leg still for about 36 hours until the clot cleared. And no food/drink for the first two days. Wednesday night I was put on a clear liquid diet, and just so you know my friends, pinot grigio does not count as a clear liquid on a hospital diet. I asked. I was in ICU will the clot was breaking up, it was the worst pain of my life, as it cleared on Wednesday night. i am now in a "regular" room and hoping to go home tomorrow, if i keep asking maybe they will get sick of me and send me home...
My mom brought me her lap top and I've spent the last 3 hours reading/commenting on blogs and being super jeleous of those able to run...
Tomorrow I will find out what/when my return to activity will be.
When I get home I will choose a winner to the bondi band giveaway so you still have a chance to enter.
Please send me good thin blood thoughts so I can go home and cuddle with Travey and hang with the Mokey-love

Three Things Thursday

2011-08-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

1. I am not embracing the not-running while I heal time. It makes me cranky and bored. I'm spending too much time doing nothing, and being jeleous when I read about everyone else's running. I did go for a short walk yesterday with the Mokey-love and I hobbled home. UGH
2. I'm a sock snob. I only wear Smartwool, but ~~I think~~ I am going to purchase some compression socks and maybe that will help my calf muscles heal faster, feel better.
3. It's fair time here in the AC. I'm going tomorrow with some girlfriends as my work plans changed (yay). I think I am going to try deep fried oreos. I've heard so much about them this week, I think I just have to do it.
4. (Bonus) enter my giveaway here

recent family reunion, two cousins and me

One more post, asking for help/advice

2011-08-10T09:10:00.001-04:00

On Saturday night, I injured myself and haven't been able to run. I was squatting by a campfire roasting a marshmellow for a s'more stood up and had shooting pain thru my right calf. It's been there ever since. I'm thinking a pulled muscle, I've been icing, it's getting a little better, but not great. I was thinking today it was better, but when I made two trips down the stairs doing laundry, I wanted to cry...
I haven't ran since Friday, and Travey says I'm getting cranky. Apparently not running in 5 days directly correlates with crankiness.
Can anyone help me out??

This is how I was squatting, I do this all the time, why now am I in pain?
I really just thought I needed to add a picture (this was Easter at my parent's)

Bondi Band Giveaway!!!

2011-08-10T08:50:00.001-04:00

Ok, As promised my first giveaway!! A bondi band. I first saw these on several blogs and tried to win. For the record, I have won 1 giveaway and I think I was the only person who entered :(
So I went on the bondi band website bondi band, checked them out and ordered a few. I loved them. My hair is long and usually pulled back when I run, but those little whispy bangs are always in my way. Plus the sweat wicking ones really help the sweat from dripping down my face into my eyes. I placed a second order because my Mom wanted one for when she works out.
I also got a few of the non sweatwicking headbands just to wear, (usually on the days before I shower). I've received tons of compliments when I wear one to work. They are fun!
Also they donate a portion of their profits to a charity each year. This year is Dana Farber in Boston. I went to Dana Farber for a second opinion when I was originally diagnosed in 2005. It was an awesome place.
So to win, be a follower and leave me a message, and check out their website and tell me which one you'd like, you get to pick the one you want:)
I'll pick a winner next Friday August 19.

Here I am wearing "One Hot Mess"

Here in VCM, I am wearing "Running for the Cure"

Koman Race for the Cure Recap

2011-08-07T10:59:00.000-04:00

On July 23rd was the Koman Race for the Cure in Manchester, VT. It took place at Hildene Meadows, a beautiful spot. Race day was HOT. We (Jaime Buze and I left about 6:30 am, it's an hour and half from my house. The ride down was fun, it's always fun to hang out with Buze. We arrived in plenty of time, to pick up our bibs and shirts, go back the the car. Ohh and if you are a survivor, you get awesome parking, because they send you a parking pass. So we were right up front. Then we walked around a bit, the race didn't start til 9:00. We hit up the porta-potties, a must before all races. In line I ran into Shannon, my cousin Matty's girlfriend, she was doing the 5k walk which would take place at 10.
We then checked out the Survivor's tent, got another bag of goodies, and grabbed a few snacks. The snack would become my downfall in just a short time. We made another trip to the car, so close by and dropped off the second bag. We were headed toward the start line and ran into my friend Michele, another survivor and her husband and kiddos. They had just arrived and forgot the parking pass and had to park far away. J. Buze and I jumped into the start line somewhere near the front. Too crowded to head to the back. Michele came and jumped in line with us. There were hundreds of runners!!
The race started, it was super hot, but I was feeling good, I had drank plenty of water the day before and this morning. I was running with J. Buze who is usually a little faster than me, (but who's not??) At the first mile, I checked my time, and was happy, then the cramp came on. I got a HUGE cramp under my ribs that took my breath away, I told J. Buze to go ahead, and I slowed down. It was hard to breathe, I kept running (barely) got some water at the stop, it wasn't going away. Everyone was passing me, I felt horrible but kept going. I finished the race, my worst time EVER. Still not sure what happened. I'm blaming the 1/2 of muffin that I ate in the Survivor's tent before the race.
We walked thru the big tent after the race, got out free Ben and Jerry's. (YAY, they weren't selling it like at Waitsfield). I had the Lemonade Sorbet, soooo good. We picked up some free goodies and headed back home. It was a fun day, minus the massive cramp they slooowed me down. I however had a great time, and as always it was a great event.

Running, I'm #35, dressed all in pink of course, Michele is #34, and J. Buze is on the side fixing her hair

J. Buze and I before the race
She's wearing the t-shirt given to all paticipants

5:30 AM running

2011-08-02T08:28:00.000-04:00

7:00 am (yesterday) I leave my house for work
10:35pm (yesterday) I get home from work (worked both jobs yesterday)
5:10 am alarm goes off, Travis asks if I'm running, I hit snooze and say yes
5:16 am alarm goes off again, I drag myself out of bed, head for the coffee
5:20 am Amanda at Five Miles Past Empty sends me a text that says "Good Morning!! Have a great run!
5:25 am Jaime Buze texts me "on my way"
5:33 am Jaime Buze text me "I'm here"
And we head out. The air is cool, it's nice, at the 1.5 mile turn around I start to see the sun coming over the mountains, and it's getting warmer. So much for the text I sent back to Amanda at 5:24 am "thanks! its chilly out this morning". No fall isn't coming, summer is so short here in VT, I don't want to think about fall.
I love being done with my run before 6:15, I catch up on blogs, read my email, do a load of laundry and watch a little DVRed TV. I make a yummy breakfast of toast with blueberry jelly made by my mom and dad. I make an omelette with fresh eggs from Kira's Koop, and a pepper from my mom's garden, mine are not ready yet, VT Cabot cheese and an onion (from Shaw's). Now I must get ready for work...

The sky, last week one morning before my 5:30 run

Mad Marathon Recap (Finally)

2011-07-27T09:35:00.000-04:00

On July 10, I ran the Mad Maraton Half Marathon. I was hesitant about running it, as I was spending ~~a week~~ 10 days camping right before the race. I came home on Monday and the race was Sunday. Also I knew this was going to be a hard race. Little did I know just how hard it was going to be. The elevation pic on the website showed hills, maybe I should have looked a little closer at the numbers on the elevation. It wasn't actually hills, it was MOUNTAINS! They advertised it as the most beautiful marathon. That was pretty accurate. It was beautiful, I saw so many people stopping their running to take pictures. The view from the top of the mountain was beautiful of course.
Kev and I decided to do this race, it was all her idea, I think....
We drove to Waitsfield the afternoon before, it's about an hour away still in VT, but on the otherside of the mountain. We went to the expo picked up our bibs, the expo was small. I bought some chewy things Stingers I think they were called. Yummy!
We were staying at a condo in the Sugarbush Village. It was fine, it's off season of course so it was pretty empty besides the runners staying there. We forgot to bring our bathing suits, bummer as there was a pool right there for us to use. We had dinner at American Flat Bread Pizza. YUM-O. I had never been to the one there only in Burlington and Middlebury.
The cable didn't work in the condo, Kev spent a while on the phone trying to get it to work, and then we just gave up and went to bed. We got up about 5:45, and got to the race before 7:00. It started at 7:30. There was plenty of parking, the lines for the porto-potty were pretty long, but we were able to get to the race start in plenty of time.
This was going to be my 3rd half marathon and my 2nd one this year!! The race started out well, flat-ish, and then the first mountain came Joslin Hill road. I've learned any road that has "hill" in the name is just plain hard. I had to walk some up the hill, a lot of people did. After a long hard up ~~hill~~ mountain, there was a nice downhill and flat, crossing a covered bridge, turn around and up the nice long downhill, and up and up and up. Somemore down and then up and up and up and up again. The last 4 or so miles were downhill/flat. That was nice. I finished the race, it was NOT a PR, well a PR in the it was my slowest time for a half.
The Good:
Cider donuts at the finish
the massages, we got in before the marathoners go we got massages
the beauty of the race
the finish (I dislike when races finish with an uphill, I mean really....)
The closeness to home (Kev's husband was like why are you staying in a condo 35 miles from home)
The Warren Store after the race
~~I ran into,~~ well she ran by me, a friend who runs that I haven't seen in a while
It was my 3rd half
The crowd support
The organization
The not so Good
The ~~hills~~ mountains
They said Ben and Jerry's at the end, it wasn't free, they were selling it Lame-o
There was 1 porto-potty on the course at like mile 10, I needed it before way before, that held me up for about 5 minutes as I had to wait in line
The ~~hills~~ mountains
As you can see the good out weighed the not so good. We decided we'd probably do it next year, better prepared.
check it out http://www.madmarathon.com/

Kev and I after the race, showing our medals

In the massage tent with Ann and fellow BC survivor, she was giving massages.

After in the condo waiting for the shower

Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure

2011-07-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

On Saturday July 23, I am running in the Koman Race for the Cure 5K, this will be my 3rd year running. It is an awesome race. The crowd support is awesome and as you cross the finish line they announce your name and say "Survivor".
I run this race for many reasons, because I am a survivor and a runner, because there are so many who cannot run, and because I know too many who've had to fight the same battle as me and those who've lost their fight with their battle way too soon.
Not only is this a race and a really fun time, it's a fundraiser. I've benefitted from the Koman foundation, I am a part of a group of women, who like me are fighting cancer. This group is special because all of the women in the group are Stage IV cancer survivors, this means the breast cancer has spread to other parts of their bodies, such as bones, liver, lungs, brain... There is no stage V. Stage IV is treatable, but not cureable. This group meets several times a year to do different fun activities and it's made possible by a grant from the Koman foundation.
So as I dislike solicitating money, I putting the link on here if you choose to make a donation or are in the area and would like to come run or walk with us, as Jaime, Jillian and Colby are doing.
click here to make a donation, or join my team
Thanks!! I so appreciate you checking out my page..
ps. be a follower all the cool kids are
pps. some photos from past Koman races

Travis and I 2009

Michele (survivor and friend) and I 2010

Survivors 2010

Running 2009

So I was tagged...Ask me anything

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

So AJH at agegroupsrock tagged me to put the question out to you all. Well actually the challenge out to you all to ask me anything and I will answer in a future post. Nothing (I think) if off limits...
Speaking of future posts, I have more pics of Lake George, recap of Mad Marathon half, Koman Race for the Cure coming up and a giveaway (I know, my first giveaway)!!
And a picture to leave you with...

Family picture at Lake George

Lake George Recap

2011-07-14T13:59:00.001-04:00

So, I've been home for 10 days from camping and I was gone for 10 days. Hmmm.
We went to Lake George and camped on Hatchet Island. We (meaning my family and friends) had the three campsites on the island, so we had our own private island. It was awesome to not have random people walking thru the campsites. Travey and I went down on Friday night (June 24), it was a crazy day trying to get everything ready, packing, grocery shopping taking Mokey to the spa but not before taking him to the vet to get his kennel cough shot. Finally we were on the road, it's about an hour drive to where my parents meet us with their boat. It started raining hard on our way, yet the sun was out before we left. Thankfully after we got there and ate dinner, the rain stopped and we were able to put up our tent, and start setting up the campsite. It was great to be on vacation.
Nortie, B and the Quinnster came on Saturday morning. Saturday's weather wasn't the best, but we still had fun. On Sunday my Mom had to go to Bolton Landing, as she needed to do some work on her laptop, so I went along to go for a run. I ran along Route 9, and did about 3 miles. It started raining on my way out, but it wasn't terrible. Travey had to leave Sunday night to go back to work, but would return on Friday. It was the longest we've been apart since we met in October 2005. I survived.
On Tuesday company came, my cousin Kira, came to stay with me for a few days. She's 6, almost 12, and the cake baker of the family. She brought us this. YUM!!

Safety first when it comes to eating cake

On Wednesday, more friends arrived, the other Travis came too, on Tuesday (I think). My brother decided that we should go on a hike, and picked out one that was close by. My dad dropped us off, it was Nortie, B, Jill, Colby (it was his 8th birthday), Kira and I. Jill and Colby only had sandals, but were willing to do the hike anyway. It was HARD, it was only about 6 miles round trip and it took us about 4 hours and we spent just a little time at the top. The view was beautiful, but it was getting late and we needed to get back down. We radioed from the top to have the boat come back and pick us up.

Nortie told us 1/2 way up that the hike was rated difficult

The old fire tower

Looking down on Lake George

Kira and Colby

We had a few days of really nice weather and besides the first weekend, only 1 storm. It was Sunday (7/3) morning, early when the thunder started. I got up and used the bathroom, before it started raining and as the thunder got closer, Travey and I decided to run for the big canopy before the rain came. We decided this about 4 minutes too late, as we were getting dressed the rain came. The kiddos, Quinnster, Aleah, Colby and the 8 months pregnant one were on the boat with my parents, and their parents. The rest of us, stayed under the big canopy, where we had food and coffee. The storm passed quickly and we dried everything out before we left on Monday.
Some of my time was spent reading, I read several books:
Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes
Live to Tell by Lisa Gardener
Stori Telling by Tori Spelling
That Camden Summer by LaVyrle Spencer
Other books I've recently read:
The Other Boylen Girl and The Boylen Inheritence by Philippa Gregory
Shutter Island By Dennis Lehane
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
We also went swimming, kayaked around the island, played bocci, ate s'mores, collected wood, and just had a great relaxing vacation. I'll leave you with some photos from the week.

Quinnster LOVES tractors

The boat

Jill and I eating breakfast

I'll add more pictures later, blogger is not being helpful to use.

Don't Stop!

2011-07-05T21:09:00.000-04:00

That is going to be my motto come Sunday when I am running the half marathon that I am totally not prepared for. Yikes! I need some advice, how long should my longest run this week be? Should I run every day up until then? And I have a super busy week, working at both jobs, an interview and a doctors appointment. And I need to find some shorts that are appropriate to wear to work since I cannot wear skirts/dresses, and it's too hot for jeans....
The good news is the last of my camping laundry is in the washer. WOO HOO

my new shirt from http://www.skinnyrunner.com/

another picture of my new shirt

So I am not good at taking pictures of myself. You'd laugh if you knew how long it look to take these, probably longer than the 5 mile run I did after

WOW, it's been 17 days since my last blog

2011-07-05T07:49:00.000-04:00

So....Why I haven't I blogged, where have I been? Beautiful Lake George for 11 days, and the week before that super busy, started my new job, well training, plus working my Weight Watchers job, and trying to get ready for the 11 days on Lake George. Updates to follow...Trying to catch up on reading blogs.
On another note, feeling soooo not ready for the Waitsfield Mad Marathon half on Sunday..

Saturday's List

2011-06-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

Things I don't want to do today
1. Weed the garden
2. vacuum
3. laundry
4.more laundry
5. clean the bathroom
Things I do want to do today
1. Sit on the deck in the sun
2. Read my book
3.Go to dinner with friends
Things I already did today
1. Ran a 5K with Buzeman and Kev and didn't win anything in the raffle
2. Drank coffee
3. Sat on deck in the sun reading my book
4. Texted my friend in NH, trying to convince her to move to VT and discussing what kinds of beer I like
5. Switched from coffee to ice water while sitting on the deck reading

Would it be stalkerish of me?

2011-06-17T11:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon when I was on my way to work, I saw someone running on my route. Well on one of the roads I run on. I NEVER see anyone walking or running on my routes. I see tractors, fuel trucks, four wheelers, dirt bikes, barking dogs, horses, more tractors and various farm equiptment, but not runners. Well I do see my neighbor once in a while run/walk by my house. She goes early and picks up garbage along the way. Thanks for keeping the road clean! But this was on the other road, part of the new route and it was a younger woman running. Would it be stalkerish of me to have stopped and asked her who she was, when she ran, and if she wanted to run with me? I was in the car at this time, not running? I didn't, she looked like she was running fast. I am not fast.

It's been a long week

2011-06-17T08:44:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week! Saturday night we went out to dinner with friends. We had made these plans a few weeks ago and planned on sitting and eating on the deck at this resturant, but it was cool and rainy June and we had to eat inside. I brought my camara to take pictures specifically for this and it stayed in my bag all night. Fail!
Sunday I ran on my new route the "5 mile block", and when I got just about as far away as I could be, it started raining, and then it started raining harder. I finished my run, and showered to warm up. It was early spring weather here in VT last weekend.
Tuesday I went to fill out the paperwork for my new job!!! WOO HOO!!! It's a part time per diem job, but it's something else besides Weight Watchers, which I will continue to do and it's in the right direction. I am still filling out applications and sending my info in for school counseling jobs.
Tuesday night was Kira's graduation. Kira is my God-daughter, and the youngest of three beautiful sisters. Her mom is Tracy, who's my dad's sister but a year and a half older than me. So Kira graduated sixth grade, there was 2 kiddos in her class. Small town, small school, her sister graduated a few years ago and she was the only one. I graduated from this same small school, but my class was HUGE 7 kids, and that was because 2 families moved in for sixth grade and it included 3 more kids.

Kira and I after graduation

Kirstyn and Quinnster before Q decided graduation wasn't fun

sisters Kaley, Kira and Kirstyn

Kaitlyn and Kira the graduating class (yes, they are dressed like they are going to the prom)

Wednesday afternoon Elizabeth and I went for a run. It was HOT! And I realized that I feel much better when I run in the morning. Hmmmm. We then went to young professionals, a group that meets once a month somewhere in the Middlebury area. This month we met at Lincoln Peak Winery. I love this place you can check out there website here.
And Thursday I went for a run and then hiked Snake Mountain with my mom and a friend. It's close by my house which is an added bonus, it's not too difficult and the view is amazing.

me, looking really cool with my bondi band that says Running for the Cure

Beautiful view

More view of Addison County

My mom and Ann

Me relaxing at the top, just finished lunch

What the top looks like

This weekend includes Kira's graduation party, a 5K race, dinner out with friends on Saturday night, and a day at the Lake on Sunday for Father's Day.

A few pictures of Lake George from when I was there on Memorial Day.
One last funny thing, I stopped at Dunkin Donuts on my way to work last night for a Iced Coffee, and I was walking back to my car and this SUV was parked next to me and a guy was getting his kids out of the car and he was like "don't touch that car" (meaning mine) when the kiddo asked "why?" He replied "it's so dirty, you don't want to get that all over you". Thanks buddy, I know my car is dirty. I live on a dirt road!! I don't wash my car daily, or nearly often enough.

Why I run..Warning super long post, but lots of photos you may or may not want to see.

2011-06-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

I never was a runner, or even liked running. In high school I played sports for a while and ran then, but never went running, just to run. Then I went to college and had a really good time! I started eating more, and drinking beer and the weight began to add up. I would randomly go to the gym, but nothing regularly. The weight gain continued after college and this is what I looked like.

You can notice my fat face and arm in the picture. The year is about 2000. In 2004 I decided to join Weight Watchers with my roommate at the time. It was a great experiece for me. At the time I was going to the gym regularly, would occasionally run on the treadmill for a few minutes at a time, but nothing major. In 2005, I was almost to my goal weight, and in really good shape. I had started to run some, but didn't think I could run a full mile or anything. In October 2005 two things happened that changed my life forever. The first was I met Travey. I was newly single from a long distance relationship, that I ended for no real good reason, just because I knew it wasn't right. We instantly connected, and I won't go in to more details because there was a lot of alcohol involved. The first thing he said to me was "Can I buy you a drink?"
The second thing that happened that October 2005, was about two weeks later. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 29. If you'd like to read all the details as they occured you can here. You can click on the earlier chapters to start at the beginning. Going thru chemo, changed my body and I wasn't able to do the activity that I had been doing. This is what I looked like

Travey and I at a wedding where I was the Maid of Honor, about a month after I ended chemo

This was April 2006, I was a in a calendar. Travey could say his girlfriend was a calendar model.

During chemo, I ate what I wanted and when I wanted, now that it was done, I continued to eat that way, not work out and started to gain some weight again. YIKES.

Girls trip to Canada, time to get the eating under control.

In October 2007, I married Travey, exactly two years after my cancer diagnosis. It was a small beautiful wedding in York, Maine, with those I love the most in life attending.

Fast forward to 2008, one of my BFF's (Kev) who had been living in North Carolina moved back to Vermont. While she had been living in NC, she began running. She thought that I should run too. We did a 5k in May and we walked it, with a little running. And then I began to run a little. We would do several 5k's that summer and I would run a little on my own, but I was never committed to the running. I was walking for exercise a lot! But I just couldn't get the running down.
In April of 2009, my lab results showed some changes and it seemed the cancer was back, not in my breast, but in my bones. I was in the middle of my grad school program and knew I had to keep going. I began to run more regularly and did more 5k's including the Koman Race for the cure. I was now able to run a 5k without stopping for walk breaks, but never any farther. In 2010 I decided to run the Middlebury Maple Half marathon as a relay with Kev. I was running pretty regularly about 3 or 4 miles, and was feeling good. That race went well, and I decided it was time for a half marathon. I signed up for one in October 2009 in Hampton NH. I convinced Kev and Pamela to do it with me. I was in the middle of training when my labs results were not good again. The cancer was spreading and I was going to have to go back on chemo. Since August 2010, I've been on an oral chemo, Xeloda. I take three pills twice a day for two weeks and then have a week off, then repeat, repeat, repeat. One of my first questions to my doctor was "Can I still run?" I was in the middle of training for my first half marathon. My doctor is AWESOME, and he's a runner and he said I should continue, and I have. I have run regularly since that half marathon and have no intentions of stopping. I have run a second half marathon, some 5k's, and have 2 more half marathons scheduled for this year. The chemo seems to be working, the lab results are always improving and I am feeling good.
So...this whole long post is why I run. I started to run for exercise, because kev wanted me to, to keep my weight in check etc...But now I run for me, because as long as I can run, I feel healthy and strong. I know I am healthy and strong. I run because I can, I run for sanity, and I run because it's the one thing in life that I can control. Even on a bad running day (we all have those) it's still a day that I am running and that I am healthy.
Adding some pictures of my races of past

Michele and I at Shoreham Apple Blossom Derby 5k (michele is a cancer survior too)

Kev and I at Shelburne Sprin Fling 5K 2009 (this race I got passed at the end by a woman wearing Danskos and her 4 year old daughter

Basin Harbor 5k 2008 (you can see ajh and emily (from sweatonceaday)

Me and Travey at the Koman 5k 2009

Michele and I Koman 5k 2010

Hampton Smutty Nose Half Marathon October 2010, almost to the end when pusing a wheel chair crossed in front of me. "Are you kidding?"

me, kev, jaime and kell at Shelburne Sprin Fling 5k 2011 (it was about 30 degrees)

Survivors at Koman 2010

Ramblings....

2011-06-08T08:39:00.000-04:00

So I finished VCM, I ran 11 miles when I was only planning on running about 6. I survived and my legs actually felt good the next day. I didn't run, I went to the lake (from my last post you should know that "the lake", means Lake George and always will). I didn't swim, I didn't even bring a suit, because when it comes to cold water I am WIMPY! This water wasn't even cold it was FREEZING! I went in, up to my ankles. My mom, dad, Nortie and the Quinnster went in. B and I did not. I'm hoping all of this hot weather we are getting is warming up the lake for our vacation that is coming up!
Anyway, last week was week 7 of my half marathon training. I'm running in the Mad Marathon on July 10 in Waitsfield. My training schedule called for a long run of 10 miles, really? I had just done 11 miles on Sunday when I thought I was going to do six, but the schedule called for 9. I could use some help with a training schedule (anyone..anyone).
So Tuesday I ran 3.5 miles, it was HOT!! and I was SLOW!! Wednesday was even hotter, I was suppose to run with E, but I stopped and bought a big chocolate chip cookie and bribed her to walk instead of run with me. She did. We walked our running loop 3 miles. Thursday the weather was cooler, think early spring cool, and I had a great 3.5 mile run, walked the Mokey-love for a mile and then did a hike to Silver Lake with my mom. Not sure how long the hike was 2 miles maybe. Friday was cool, not as cool as Thursday but still I got in 4ish miles. We had girls night at Brandi's on Friday night. Lots of yummy food and wine and apparently I left my camera in my bag all night.
Friday was the day I became a single wife. The text that came Friday afternoon went something like "Travey is going to be busy all weekend". Finally nice weather has arrived in VT, we haven't had rain and the farmers are busy. Travey is the crop manager at the large farm (they actually have two farms in two towns) and he's been super busy since Friday. Saturday he left for work sometime around 3am, and got home about 730pm. Saturday I went for an early morning run with Jaime and out to breakfast. I wish I could/would drag myself out of bed earlier every morning to run. I have more energy and then it's done for the day, and I feel good. I ended up going for a little hike later on on Saturday on the TAM trails with Brandi, came home and made dinner. Sunday again Travey left before it was light out, well maybe it was light out, but it was earlier than I wanted to get up. But I got up fairly early and met E for a 8 mile run, instead of the 10. We went on a new loop, which was hilly to start, but then was nice, and we went and got breakfast after. Monday was a rest day (my work schedule has me gone for about 13 hours) and I'm not willing to run before or after work, so a permanent rest day it is.
Yesterday I ran around the block at my house. The block is about 5 miles. I had never run the whole block as it involves running on the main (highly traveled, with big trucks and fast cars), but it wasn't far and I was feeling brave. I was only a little scared that I was going to get run over by a tractor pulling a corn planter. Yup, I live in VT...
I'm going to work on taking more pictures so my blogs are more exciting, less writing, more pictures!

Three Things on a Thursday (actually on a Friday) Lake George Edition

2011-06-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

So, I'm a day late with my TTT. Yesterday I ran in the cool air (much better than the previous two days, (oh yeah I didn't run on Wedneday, I bribed Elizabeth with half a cookie to walk), then I walked the Mokey-love, then I met my mom, had lunch and hiked up to Silver Lake, showered and went to work, came home watched tv with Travey. So here goes..
Lake George, when I say Lake George, I don't me the cute village, or the Great Escape, or the outlets (which I LOVE, and can't wait to go back to Kelli are you reading this??) I mean the actual lake, the islands on the lake to be more exact.
1. We camp for about a week on an island during the summer sometime around the 4th of July. For the past few years we've been on St. Sacrament for the week, but this year we're on a new island. Camping on Lake George is AWESOME!! Sometimes it's hot, sometime it rains, sometimes its windy, but it's ALWAYS a great time. Friends and family come and go during the week. We Dad and now Quinnster pick them up via boat and bring them to the island where they stay and have the best time. Seriously. He brings them back to land eventually, and most people are planning their next time back.
2. The food. We don't mess around when it comes to food, and we don't have basic burgers and dogs and cereal for breakfast. We have awesome food. We take turns making dinner each night. Each couple takes a night and has to prepare dinner for the group, including a beverage (a grown up beverage). We've had tacos, fajitas, steak tips, pork roast, kababs, bbq chicken, sausages w/peppers and onions, pizza (didn't turn out as planned), turkey in garbage can, brats in beer, etc.. Our breakfasts include eggs, bacon, sausage, stuffed french toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwichs. The food rocks!!!
3. Games, we LOVE games. We play redneck horseshoes, kan-jam, Island bocci (like regular bocci but with trees, roots, hills, tents, picnic tables on the course), cards, rummikub, texas hold em, sometimes we make up our own games. We've had kayak races around the island, food eating competions, we've done it all!
So you probably can tell I'm SUPER excited to go camping ~~this year~~ every year. And I'll leave you with some photos from past years.

Me and Quinnster 2009

Me and Travey 2009 (sometimes we all go out to dinner at a resturant on the lake)

Linds, B (pregnant for Q), me and Angie in Log Bay 2008

2009 (I think)

Travey in front of our tent 2009, rained a lot! Needed lots of tarps

Mom and Dad out to dinner 2009

Just the Lake

Quinnster cleaning up 2010

At the fireworks in Bolton 2010

B & Quinnster 2010

Quinnster and Nortie swimming 2010

Vermont City Marathon recap

2011-06-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

Vermont City Marathon on May 29, here's my recap. I know finally right. If you haven't read about it from AJH read here, or her daughter Emily's here. Otherwise keep reading from the slacker blogger cql here.
To begin Friday night while Travey was sleeping (he has to be to work at 4 am on Saturday's) I was ~~wasting time~~ checking the weather, and the VCM webpage and read about the heat, and how important it was going to be to be well hydrated. I quickly drank two glasses of water and had to get up and pee twice during the night.
Saturday afternoon I made my way to Burlington to go to the Expo, pick up our bibs and meet up with my relay partners. Kev decided to come to the Expo even tho she'd been sick and wasn't able to run. We met up with Rebecca who was running her very first race and Pamela who had made the trek from NH. We got out bibs, checked out the Expo and I headed to my aunt and uncle's to stay the night as it was close to the race (my house is about an hour away). I carb loaded including a maple/blackraspberry creemee and went to bed early. And...I slept terrible, a little anxious and I wasn't in my own bed. I woke up at 6:00 and it wasn't raining. I went downstairs to have coffee and the rain started. I left for the race about 7:00 (I'm regularly late, it's a TERRIBLE habit that I'm always trying to break). The roads were already closed and it took me about a half hour to make it about 5 miles.
Since Rebecca was running the first leg, we separated and I went to meet Pamela, we were able to make it to the start of the race and watch it begin.

Here's a photo from the start of the race. I am standing at the fence with a brown hoodie on between the runner with a black shirt and a runner with a red shirt. It was so exciting to watch! Once we saw Rebecca run by we headed to the spot where Pamela would switch off with Rebecca. It was chaos!! We ~~tried to get to polietly~~ pushed our way to the front of the corral, so we could see Rebecca come in. She ran great for her first race and the transition was good. I pushed Pamela out and hugged Rebecca as she came in. I then found a spot to watch and soon the super fast runners were coming in heading towards mile 9. We hung out there for a while, I saw friends and cheered them on and when we saw Pamela go by, we headed toward the transition point in Battery Park where I would finish the last 11 miles of the marathon. We found where I was suppose to be, used the porta potty (Honey pot, I think that's so funny!!) twice and waited for Pamela to come in. It was exciting to watch all the relayers come in and chat with everyone. By now the rain had completely stopped, the sun was out and it was HOT!!! I knew I needed to pee again, but was afraid of missing Pamela, so I waited. She came in about 11:00 and I headed out for my 11 miles. I felt great, I was passing people and not even running super fast (not that I ever run super fast), they were marathoners and half marathoners who'd been running for a while. I'd get my payback at the last relay stop, that I ran thru and fresh runners came out for the last 5+ miles. It was HOT! I stopped for every water stop, high fived kiddos along the way, ate some fruit from the people handing it out, thanked the volunteers, tried to switch places with some guys who were drinking beer, "wanna trade spots?" I yelled to them. They didn't..And I kept running. It was nice when we got on the bike path, it became a little cloudy and it was kind of shaded. I got a little annoyed with a runner who was walking/running, she would run really fast, go past me and then walk. I would run past her and then she would run really fast to pass me and then walk, repeat, repeat, repeat.
I was having a great time otherwise and felt good the entire time. As I neared the finish I saw my fantastic husband Travey, sitting on the bench with Rebecca, Pamela, Jeff and Marley. Pam jumped in and ran with me for a bit. I wasn't sure where the finish was and started to go the wrong way (it's not the first time I've done that), got back on track and headed in. I was happy with my finish and how I felt. I hadn't trained for the 11 miles and until Monday I was only planning on running 6+. There was chocolate milk at the end YUM!! I didn't check out the food tent, it was too hot, I wasn't hungry. Pamela told me that with the relay bib, the food was pretty sad. My only disappointment of the VCM was that the relayers were treated differently, I mean different food, not as good stuff.. Come on we paid our entry fees too.
All in all it was a great day, I have no pictures yet. When I see them (Jeff), I will post them. I've decided that I want to do the half next year. Still no desire to run a full marathon.
So there's my recap, very long.....I'll post what else has been going on soon.
Happy National Running Day!

Five things on a Friday

2011-05-27T07:33:00.000-04:00

1. We had crazy storms yesterday. There was thunder and lightning all night long, and tornado warnings too. My Mokey-love was so scared, he peed on the bathroom floor and continued to shake most of the night and hide under the bed.
2. Sunday is the Vermont City Marathon. Kev, Pamela and I had a team, running in the 3-5 person relay. Our team name is Kevin's Chasing Pavement. On Monday, Kev had to go to the ER as she was so deydrated from throwing up. She had a virus and upper respitory infection. So she can't run. Yikes, I was in panic mode for about 24 hours, trying to find someone to take her place. Since the relay legs are not equal (I don't know why), it was rather had to find someone to run. Kev was running the first two legs about 8.something miles, I was running the 3rd leg running 6.something miles, and Pamela running the last two legs running 10.9 miles. Pamela had been sick in late April and wasn't able to complete the Middlebury Half Marathon. Anyway, in full panic mode I was trying to find a runner. As I used my brain, I realized that I would probably have a better chance of finding someone to run the first leg 3.1 miles.. And I did Rebecca joined our team!! Thank you Rebecca!!! Rebecca is my "new" friend. She grew up near me but is younger, her older brother and my younger brother were friends. Anyway, it took us a while to figure out who each other were, and now she's on the team. She just started running and is super excited to be in the VCM.
I'm not prepared to run more than 6.something miles, and I'm running the last two legs of the race at 10.9 miles. Oh and the weather is suppose to be in the high 70's, low 80's.. Wish me luck!!
3. Good things are happening on the job front. There's nothing that I'm going to talk about yet, but we're waiting for my criminal background check to come back. I think I'm good....I did have a speeding ticket over 2 years ago.
4. Long weekend coming up. I'm actually working today, I usually have Friday's off. I'm just working one meeting, so I should be home in time to ~~have lunch with,~~ make lunch for dad. Sunday after VCM, we're going to a BBQ at friend's house. Monday I may go to the beautiful Lake George, as my parents are camping there for the weekend.
5. I'm not reading anything right now, I just finished The Reading Group by, Elizabeth Noble. My next book is either One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, my cousin gave it to me about a year ago, recommending it as her favorite book, or I might readThe Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I am out of gift cards for my nook and have plenty of books to read here. I'm going to wait to read the next book club book on my nook.
Any recommendations on a book to read?? Anyone else running in the Vermont Cty Marathon this weekend?

A few photos from the AMQ dance

2011-05-24T09:28:00.001-04:00

Me, Laura and Brandie (cousins)

My and my Dad

Derek and Uncle Steve (Ashley's bro & Dad)

Me, Beth (my sister-in-law), my bro and my mom

Derek again and Aunt Marie (Ashley's Mom)

Me and Aunt Tina (we call her Aunt Nina)

My cousin Matty and girlfriend Shannon

Travey (my husband) and Mike (Laura's husband)

Derek, Vince (cousin) and Uncle Steve

We had a great time at the dance. I loved seeing so many of my family members, I just love my family. My feet were killing me part way thru the night. My Steve Madden's are no longer my friend, and they've been in the back seat of my car (my new car) since Saturday night. Just posting a few photos of the evening. For once I remembered my camera, and took lots of pictures.

Ashley Quenneville Scholarship Dance

2011-05-21T16:22:00.002-04:00

Tonight is the AMQ scholarship dance. AMQ (Ashley) is my cousin and she died in a car accident February 2, 2000, just one month after her 17th birthday. She was a junior in high school. There is a scholarship in her name given to 2 (I believe) Otter Valley Union High School seniors. This dance is a yearly event to raise money for this wonderful scholarship honoring a beautiful girl.
Here's a picture of her, borrowed from Jill's fb.

Ashley was the same age as my brother, and six years younger than me. I was living in New Hampshire for a few years when the accident happened. I hated being away from my family for even that few hours from when my mom called me until I was able to get home. That was one of the reasons, I decided to make the move back to VT.
This dance is a happy event that we look forward to each year, it's a time for family and friends to get together and raise money for a great cause.
So if you are local and want something fun and worthwhile to do tonight, stop by the Neshobe Golf Course in Brandon, VT.
Everytime I hear this song, I think of you Ash..

Who You'd Be Today
By Kenny Chesney

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
I feel you everywhere I go.
I see your smile, I see your face,
I hear you laughin' in the rain.
I still can't believe you're gone.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell that I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who'd you be today?

Would you see the world? Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family,
I wonder what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue,
I feel like I can talk to you,
An' I know it might sound crazy.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell that I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who you'd be today?

Today, today, today.
Today, today, today.

[Instrumental Break]

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I'll see you again some day.

Some day, some day, some day

Three Things on a Thursday

2011-05-19T12:59:00.001-04:00

1. It took me all morning to motivate myself to go for a run. When I did, it was hot and muggy!
I saw..blue sky, a little sun, LOTS of water running thru the ditches, 2 cars in 5 miles
I heard..dogs barking at me, my running playlist
I smelled...cow poop
I tasted...a bug (yuck!)
I felt...good, but hot and sticky!

2. Book club is tomorrow night. I love book club! We read Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, want to know what else we've read check out Kelli's blog here. If you have any recommendations let me know! I also just finished Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts. Loved it!

3. I'm running in the Girls on the Run 5k on Saturday with Kira and Tracy. Kira is super fast, I'm told. I hope I can keep up. Kira is my god daughter and she'll be six for ever. She was the flower girl in my wedding.

Lincoln Magic Mountain 5k recap

2011-05-14T22:42:00.000-04:00

The key word in the title is Mountain. The 5k I did this morning was in Lincoln which is up a mountain. I went with Kev and J (who was super speedy in this race). We didn't know where the school was, where the race started, but it's not a big town, so we figured we'd be ok. This was one of the most organized 5k's I've done. It was the first year and they did a great job. There was a 5k and a 10k, we registered ahead of time so we just had to pick up out bibs and swag bags. There was food before the race, bagels, oranges bananas. The run was well marked and it led us up a HUGE ~~hill~~ mountain. The turn around was at the top of the ~~hill~~ mountain. The second half of the race was mostly downhill. Negative splits anyone. I was able to pass a few people on the way down and they didn't pass me back. I even passed a guy who was probably 10 years younger than me and I may or may not have ~~thought~~ whispered "chicked ya". Or to quote my cousin Derek's fb status as downtown Morgantown riots...back here in the D, I calmly fist pump & whisper 'USA' to myself. I however calmly fist pump and whisper "CQL" to myself, and keep running.
I was happy with my time, it was a tough run. The after food was good. They had the most delicious drinkable yogurt, which I had never had made by millborne farm which is in Vermont. Local, and by local, it's probably closer than a half marathon to my house. Why am I just finding out about this. I went out and bought some today. I want to go to the farm and buy it by the case.
The race had some great raffle prizes, none of which I won. I NEVER win raffle prizes, if there were 25 people and 24 prizes, I wouldn't win. All in all it was a great day. AJH was there too, she took some pictures and when she posts them I'll borrow them and link them on here.