March Running: Week 4

No excuses.... this weeks total 1.3 miles....

OK.. well my reason (not excuse) I had a pretty bad asthma attack because burning started in the valley, and my inhaler was expired... I had tight lungs with little relief till the end of the week when it got refilled.

Then I left early for Denver to see my mom after her surgery, because there was a big storm coming in... (glad I left cuz the road closed the next day). And I spent the entire weekend at the hospital.

So all I can say is... better attempt next week! ( I guess it's this week now.)

Learned: Having a goal to run 10 miles a week has really helped me up my miles this month, and I can't feel too bad about myself for falling quite short this week.

The Last Song

This book was suggested by a student/friend of the family... she LOVED it. When I started reading it I was really frustrated and it put me in a bad mood. The main character, a 17 year old girl, has a MAJOR attitude problem and it was painful to read... to be honest it made me down right cranky. Finally I asked the suggester if she ever got a better attitude, and shortly after that there was an attitude change and the rest of the book was very enjoyable.

Following a young woman during her coming of age summer, through the rehabilitation of the relationship with her father, and the feelings of first love. Rich with lessons of life: forgiveness, integrity, honesty, and embracing second chances makes this book an excellent read.

Learned: Life is too short and full of many unexpected turns, so don't ever take for granted what you have... make the most of each day with the ones you love.

Grandpa's Birthday Gifts

Years ago when we first moved into our house, my grandma gave me a bunch of her bulbs to plant in my flower beds. She also told me a story that every March her first daffodil blooms on (or very near) my grandpa's birthday.

That next spring I eagerly awaited my blooms to burst open, and just as my grandma had said, the first of the blooms was a beautiful yellow daffodil on my grandpa's birthday.

So every year when my first daffodil blooms I am reminded of my grandpa. It is like his continual gift to us, brightening our dreary winter with the beautiful promise of sunshine.

This year was no different. My first bulb sprang forth with the brilliant colors of sun and warmth this week, slowly opening to its full splendor today, today March 24, my grandpa's birthday. I called and shared the news with my grandma, since she didn't bring any of her bulbs with her in the move. She was so tickled to be reminded of Grandpa's Daffodil.

It was such a great sight to see, so I had to share it with all of you... Happy Spring and Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Learned: I am so thankful for the memories I have of my grandpa, I only wish my kids could have met him...

March Running: Week 3

So last week I really did meet my goal of running 10 miles (miscalculated my serpents run)... so I don't feel as bad to report that I missed my mark of 10 miles.

During soccer practice on Thursday I felt really good and ran 5.5 miles. I almost quit at 4 just because, but thought since I felt so great I should keep going; man am I glad I pushed it a bit more cuz it turns out that I didn't have much time to run this week while trying to work and finish the bathroom.

Sunday I ran Serpents (just once) with Anne for her birthday, though I use the term "run" loosely... the serpent is still kicking my booty!!

So for this weeks total I made it 9.5 miles!!

Learned: being a teacher, a construction worker, and a runner is asking too much of me....so I can cut myself some slack for not making it a full 10 miles!

Remodeling The Bathroom

Over spring break I decided to remodel the bathroom. It was the only room in our house that has not undergone complete renovation... Brain pointed out to me that I always start these big projects when he is working his 12 days straight, and is unable to help. Thankfully Summer came over to help with the demolition, even though she was giving her own bathroom a face lift! Also my dad came over to help (as well he should since he was the one that suggested the project be expanded from just floor and vanity, to include the shower) It was so nice to spend a few days with my dad too!

Maddox was a good helper (most of the time), and only lost patience after 5 days.

The whole project has lasted 12 days. I started on Wednesday during break, and it was just finished last night. By the end of the first weekend we at least had a working shower so we could stop traveling to the parents in the evenings.

Currently we have a fully functional bathroom, all that needs to be done now is the baseboard, knobs, and towel hooks. But I really consider it done!

The best part of the whole thing was that it cost us less than $1000 when all was said and done!

Well.... enjoy the pics!



Learned? A project I thought would be finished in a week, but took a lot longer... reminded me I am not the best judge of how long things take....

March Running: Week 2

EDIT: I am SO happy to report that I calcuated my totaly inaccurately for this week. Serpents is 4 miles round trip so if I did it 1 and 1/2 times then I really ran 6 miles soooo.... that means I really did run 10 miles!!!!

Well my total for this week fell a bit short... only 9 miles instead of my goal of 10. I know it seems a bit silly and I could have gotten out and ran that one mile to make my goal. BUT (and this is a big but...) my every waking moment was spent remodeling the bathroom during Spring Break (pics to come later). So I am happy to report that amidst all of the demolition, wall removal, wall building, tile laying, pipe moving, and painting I did manage to squeeze in 9 miles- oh! and a 4 mile bike ride too!

On Wednesday I went on a 4 mile run through some feather like flakes and shining sun, it was as close to a heavenly run as I have ever had.

Sunday I headed to the Monument for a run up Serpent's Trail. I haven't run Serpent's since the end of last summer, and I knew I was in for a butt woopin'. Man was I right! I could barely make it up half way before I had to stop running and hike for a few. We only ran up it 1 and 1/2 times, but it was plenty for our first meeting of the season. My toosh was sore for several days, which I felt with every squat during the bathroom remodeling. (I am headed there again next Sunday, hopefully it will be a better outcome for me.)

I also took the kids for a 4 mile bike ride during the week, towing Maddox on his little trail-behind-bike. But that doesn't count for running miles!

True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

A few weeks ago Madison came home raving about a book her class had just finished. She ranked it in her top 3 of her favorite books. So before spring break I checked out True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, as one of the books I would read over my week off. It was a quick read, and I did enjoy it.

Charlotte makes her first trip across the Atlantic to meet her family after she finishes the term at her boarding school. Immediately Charlotte is faced with fear and mystery when those charged with carrying her trunk will not even approach the ship, due to its reputation. Once on board she finds the crew less than unfriendly, giving her warning to abandon the voyage and find a different ship to make the crossing. Once she is committed to staying (because the ship has already left port) one crew member gives her a knife an suggests she keeps it close at hand. On board a ship surrounded in mystery and possibly on the verge of mutiny, Charlotte knows not who she should trust for the two month trek across the Atlantic.

Learned? It was fun to read a book suggested by my daughter. She kept asking me where I was and what I thought was going to happen. It was almost like the roles were reversed.