5K--Victory!!!

I did it. I ran the 5k. All the way. Ran it. It was great.

I must have had some major endorphins going, because I barely had any pain while running. It was exhilarating to run with so many women. There were women running and walking, but of course, they put the walkers in a different group at the back.

I was just looking at the stats trying to see how I placed. It's a little confusing how they did it. They ranked people according to whether or not they had joined a running clinic. I did not join a clinic, so I was considered an "open runner". Here are the stats:

I was 12th in my division of open runners--there were 29 total in my group (30-35 yrs).

I was 59/156 for the open running group.

If both groups in my division were combined, I would have ranked 44/147 or top 30% in my division.

If I had been a clinic runner, I would have been at 135/723.

I would have ranked 193/879 if they had put both running groups together.

So, for the running groups, I was in the top 22% of runners.

Overall, I would have ranked 193/1447 because the fastest walker was slower than my run. I could be goofing this math up...but I hope not! (since writing this, I have corrected it twice). :)

That means that overall, I was in the top 13% of the race!

My time was 30:06 for 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), and my pace was 9:43 min/mile.

I am very proud of myself.

Couch to 5K=OVER TOMORROW

My race is tomorrow morning at 8am. I am nervous and excited and hopeful. I am nervous because I've never done this before. I am excited because I have been working hard and want to see myself accomplish this goal. I am hopeful because I want to run the entire race--no walking--and I want to keep a steady pace.

Today is a restful day. I'm not doing much, and per Marla's advice, I'm staying off my feet. I intend to drink a lot of water and rest. I hope Dave has a quiet weekend of call. I hope hope hope so.

As for my hair, I am still holding out. I think it is getting better. :)

This is a busy week coming up. Today is my Grandma's birthday. I haven't been able to get cards out for Mother's Day or her birthday. I can't look at cards with my kids. It takes too long, and the kids all fight and pull the cards off the shelf. So, it looks like they will be late. I hate that, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Maryn had an axillary (under the arm) temp of 103 yesterday. She had no other symptoms. I got a little worried about her last night. She's completely fine today. Weird.

Maryn will be four on Monday.

That is hard to believe.

We will be having her birthday party the following Saturday with our family. She is looking forward to it. It is a Tinkerbell birthday. :)

This is a boring post, so I think I'll stop. Blah blah blah. :)

Updates on Everything

Well, I had a bit of a greasy hair weekend, and I didn't have cornstarch. So, I put face powder in my hair and combed it through. It helped! I bought some cornstarch on Saturday.

Also, I noticed when I got sweaty after running, my hair looked better. I guess the saltiness cut the grease? I have no idea. Gross, eh? :) I am washing every other day and only doing the ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse every other wash. Oh, and Dave says my hair doesn't smell bad.

Today, my hair looks a lot better. It kind of feels sticky like when we moved to Tulsa and had hard water. So, I know it is about to turn a corner. It doesn't look greasy or sticky today, it just feels sticky. It has a lot of body. :) My hair is short, though, so it sticks up a lot when I wake up in the morning. I will have to wet it to get it to look more normal. I am going to press on with this crazy venture!

This is my last week of running in preparation for the 5K race on SATURDAY!!!

I am excited, nervous, and ready to be finished with this goal! I can't believe it is almost here. Here is my running schedule this week (with modified recommendations from my friend, Lee):

Monday--Run 22 minutes

Tuesday--Rest

Wednesday--Run 25 minutes

Thursday--Run 10 minutes

Friday--Rest

Saturday--Run 3.1 miles!!!

Last night (Sunday), I ran 2.47 miles in 25 minutes. It was insane, but I did it, and I kept my pace around 10 minutes/mile. It was great. It's so hard when I am in the middle of it, but I just keep telling myself that I can do this. I am a runner because I am running! So pretty much, I just pep-talk myself the entire time. :)

It seems I have been in a mode of trying new things lately. I've made all these homemade cleaners. Here is my report:

Dishwasher Detergent (improved version over the first one I tried two years ago)--LOVE IT. No spots, no residue.

Furniture Polish--It works really well, but it does leave a little vinegar-y scent for a bit--not too long. Of course, I tried it in the van on the vinyl (whatever that stuff is on the dashboard), so it was in a small, not-too-airy space...should try it on our furniture! At least the smell isn't toxic.

Window Cleaner--I love this cleaner so much more than Windex. There is no ammonia--so no toxic fumes to breathe. I used Clorox Natural Dish Soap (Water Lily scent) as the dish soap for the recipe, and it smells very nice and works super well. It leaves no streaks and actually cleanses the glass/mirror. I also didn't have to scrub really hard.

I haven't made the laundry detergent yet (have all the supplies--waiting to run out of my Purex naturals soap). I also haven't made the deodorant yet. I just need to order the shea butter and cocoa butter online. And maybe some vegetable glycerin?

Our garden is beautiful. I'm so excited about it. I promise pictures...It's quite a feat for me to go out there, take pictures, upload them, re-upload them to the blog...you know. :)

Sam's cast is breaking through on his heel. Too much scooting, I guess. One more week until an xray that will hopefully show he can bear weight on it. He is so ready, and I am constantly having to remind him to GET OFF OF IT!!!

Dave and I have made plans to go to Kansas City for Memorial Weekend. We are super excited. We haven't had a nice getaway in a couple of years. My awesome brother and his wife will bring their kids and stay with ours. My parents may come help play with grandkids. It'll be nice to know they are with family.

I have planned out several restaurants to eat at (isn't that what vacation is all about?), we are going to hear the symphony play for a FREE show for Memorial Day, we will probably do some pottery stuff (our 8th anniversary is June 2, and the traditional gift is bronze/pottery). We will spend some time at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in the prayer room and for a time of prophetic ministry. We are really looking forward to our long weekend together.

So, that's my update. You made it to the end. Congratulations!

Shampoo Free--Day Four

Day 2--Not so bad

Day 3--A little greasy

Day 4--Greaseball. Seriously. It's a little nasty. I'm going to try to stick it out. I read that you can comb corn starch through it to help.

I'm thinking I shouldn't wash my hair every day (unless I run or something)...she implies that on the page, though she doesn't say how often to wash. Hmmm...

We shall see how it goes.

My race is in 9 days.

9. Days.

I was hoping to run today, but I don't know if it will happen due to the weather we are having.

My garden is growing well, but some pesky pests are eating holes in my bean leaves. I am researching some natural pest killers. If you have ideas, I'd love 'em.

I really don't have much to say, but I knew for sure you needed a shampoo update. :)

Shampoo-Free: Day One

I know you're super excited to read about me not using shampoo. I mean, you want to live vicariously through me, and you might even try it if I'm successful with it. Right?

Nah, you're probably thinking, "That is disgusting, and she is crazy!"

I think you're both right.

I bought a bunch of stuff yesterday to prepare for my making all-natural home cleaners spree, and I was out of shampoo, anyway. Remember, here is the link for how to go shampoo-free. So, I rinsed out my Aveda bottle (which is pretty natural and smells DIVINE), and filled it with one cup of warm water mixed with 1 tbsp. of baking soda. I just used a little bit squirted on my head (b/c it's watery and won't stay in the hand). Let it sit a bit, then rinsed. Voila!

I shower at night (because there is no way I am getting up before 5 to shower) because I have three chilluns who can't be left unsupervised. It works for me. Anyway, I slept on wet hair (don't tell my grandma), and my hair looked just as crazy as it normally does. I got it wet and finger-styled it. Done.

I am going to make the apple-cider vinegar rinse to use a couple of times a week. I may give it a whirl tonight.

My hair feels clean. Dave said it doesn't smell. It was manageable. But, it's still Day One. I'm a bit worried about the greasy de-tox. I have heard it can last a couple of weeks. I'm hoping I don't have to worry about it. At least my hair is short, and I can use barrettes to distract. :)

Who is going to cross-over into crunchy-granola land with me?

In other news, I have not gotten to run since Sunday night. Circumstances have prevented me from doing so. I think I am going to get to go today. I will just modify a bit more.

Sam is getting braver all the time with his leg. He kind of makes me nervous sometimes, and I have had to get onto him about putting weight on it. I am so nervous he is going to reinjure himself.

I now understand the gardening addiction. It is so much fun to see stuff grow. The square foot gardening model makes it relatively painless too--very little weeding. I actually went out and bought a large strawberry plant last night and put it in a pot. I just keep wanting to grow MORE. :) I will get some pictures on here soon.

Happy Wednesday!

Couch to 5K--Week 9--Already!!!

It is Week 9. I am a bit behind, but my friend, Lee, modified my running plan. Here's what it will look like this week:

Monday: Run 20 min.

Wednesday: Run 10 min, Walk 5, Run 10

Friday: Run 21 min.

Sunday: Run 25 min.

I ran 19 minutes last night and walked 5. It was hard--I wasn't paying close enough attention to my breathing. Once I got it even, it got easier. I was 40 seconds shy of running 2 miles during the 19 minutes. I was very proud of myself. That's a little under a 10-minute mile. I have less than two weeks to be more comfortable running that far. I would still really love to run the whole 5K (3.1 miles), but we shall see. My ankle pain is so-so. We will see if my vitamins do their job.

Also, I am on a "making natural cleaners" kick. It is so cool! I never realized how many cleaning solutions you can make yourself. Last night, I was reading online about clogged drains--our kitchen sink was clogged, and I really hate using and paying for Drano. Most natural sites said that you should first try a plunger--that will sometimes do the trick (or a pipe snake). If not that, then try this:

1 cup washing soda (not baking soda)
3 cups of boiling water

Wash that down the drain, if it doesn't work, chase it with 1 cup of vinegar.

We tried that, and stuff started coming up into the sink--nasty. Dave grabbed the plunger, plunged it once, and skadoosh--the sink drained immediately. Awesome. My sink also looked a lot shinier! The washing soda is awesome. Arm and Hammer puts it out, and it is usually in the laundry aisle. Not all Wal-Marts carry it--you are more likely to find it at a Kroger, Reasors, etc.

Here are some links to other natural, safe, cheaper homemade cleaners:

Furniture Polish (instead of Pledge--which is neurotoxic!!!--who knew?)

Laundry Detergent

Window Cleaner

Dishwasher Detergent

Deodorant (not an anti-perspirant): HERE and HERE (two different kinds)

Shampoo


Isn't it weird to use these homemade cleaners? No, it's just weird that we've been buying stuff (chemical-laden, at that) because the TV tells us to. Or it is what our mom used. Or we don't want to take the time to make them. But seriously, most of of them take a few minutes to prepare. Give it a try, and see how you like it! I am going to!

Also, Sam is doing really well. He's been in his cast for a week now. Only two more weeks to see if he can bear weight on it! He is getting around like a champ. If anything, he has been a little demanding. :)

Our garden is going crazy! Everything has sprouted except for the red bell peppers and the marigolds. We are so excited about it! Yea for fresh veggies!!!

Have a blessed week!

Earth Day and Mildly Interesting Stuff

So, it is Earth Day. I've been thinking more and more about sustainability practices and making wise choices concerning our planet. I have no idea if global warming is true or not, but that is not my motivation for making greener choices.

As a Christian, I believe it is part of my role as a human to "subdue the earth and have dominion over it." I believe that if I must be a good steward of the earth. So, here are some things I'm thinking about changing:

• Being more careful to conserve water--watering my garden from a watering can rather than using the hose, short showers, not leaving the water running in the sink--little stuff.
• I am seriously contemplating only buying secondhand clothes--refashioning if necessary.
• Learning to can my own food to reduce my waste of tin cans from the grocery store.
• Using soaps/detergents that are biodegradable.

I'm sure there are more I'll think of later. I want to somehow remove myself from the consumerist mindset I'm stuck in.

Reduce your waste.

Re-use what you have.

Recycle what you can't reuse.

We can all make a difference, and it will even save you money.



And onto the other mildly interesting stuff...

I ran on Monday. It hurt a bit. I saw my OMT dentist, and he said I have plantar fasciitis. He did some muscular releases on my feet, and my shin splints DISAPPEARED. He did an ankle strap release on my foot, declared my ankle as strained, and then gave me a vitamin. We shall see. I was supposed to run yesterday, but our schedule was biznizzy. It didn't happen. I will go today--at some point.

The race is in 2 weeks. Holy cow.

Our garden is sprouting things!!! We are excited and hoping they all make it! I have uploaded pics from my phone to Facebook, so if you're my friend there and want to see mini-plants, check 'em out!

Give Me a Break with the Bullets, Already!!!

Here it comes:

• My run on Friday was fine except that my right knee, shin, and ankle killed. I did not get to run on Sunday (and not because I'm that guy from "Chariots of Fire") mostly because of circumstances and the weather.
• Sam broke his leg on Saturday, but we didn't take him to the hospital until Sunday. We really didn't think anything would show up on the x-ray, but Dave saw something. The radiologist missed it, but then upon reexamination, agreed there was something there. Then, we did a CT scan of his leg which did show a hairline fracture of his tibia.
  
• How did he break it? On a trampoline. It was a bit bizarre, but he got double-bounced and there were two other kids on there (one was a bigger kid). The orthopaedist told my friend (the SAME thing happened to her son when he was 5) that when he came down, there was no give on the trampoline, so it was like falling on concrete. So, even though he didn't fall OFF of the trampoline, he still broke a bone. Sheesh.
• I'm trying to figure out what is a good balance as a mom--I don't want to be overprotective of my kids, but I had a BAD feeling about him jumping out there. I didn't want to tell him that he couldn't jump and have fun with the other kids. What do you do in that situation when your intuition says "NO!!!!" Do you listen to it like you would the Holy Spirit??? I just wonder.
• I am slowly gathering homeschooling materials. I want to look at math books. I need to search for a fair so I can see them in person. I just want something that will work well with my personality and Sam's learning style (I'm not really sure what that is, either!).
• I am finishing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and I LOVE IT. If you haven't read it yet, you should. It is delightful--witty and funny, but also serious and sad in parts. It is an interesting reflection on the post-WW2 years.
• We bought Sam some Legos to play with during his convalescence. We bought Maryn a Tinkerbell doll so she wouldn't feel left out. We didn't get Lucy anything because she doesn't know. :)
• Big news! Lucy gained 14 ounces last month! I switched her to lactose-free milk. I don't know for sure that is what helped, but I am sticking with it for a while. We are thrilled. She is now in the CDC growth chart's 3rd percentile, and the WHO breastfed chart's 10th percentile. Yea!!!
• Got to see my niece and nephew this weekend for his 5th birthday party (and my other family too!). It was so great. I love those kids. They are so funny. Especially Case. He says the funniest things. Addison is ADORABLE and chubby all over. I had a hard time not kissing her neck non-stop. :) I see both of her parents in her, but she does look an awful lot like my brother. It's a little weird!
  

Well, I think that'll do. If you come up with any great ideas for a bored 5 yr. old boy, let me know! So far, he's okay...but 4 weeks is a long time!

Week Lame-O: Couch to 5k (Week 7ish)

This week has just sucked--in so many areas. I feel the fog lifting though, and for that, I am grateful.

I ran yesterday for the first time since Thursday. Almost a week. My ankle is STILL hurting. I am going to see my dentist/osteopath trained doctor on Wednesday--get my teeth cleaned and get an adjustment. Gotta love that! My friend has reworked my running schedule. Yesterday, I walked 5, ran 13, and walked 5. It was fine. My pace was a lot slower, but I was fine aerobically. It was the ankle pain that was the bother--it wasn't horrible, just achy.

I don't know if I will be able to achieve my goal of running the whole 5K, but I will see what I can do. I am definitely going to give it my best.

I think this is week 7. If so, here is what I'm going to do:

Friday--Run 13, Walk 5

Sunday--Run 7, Walk 5, Run 7, Walk 5

I'm morphing the schedule. I think I will be able to do it. I hope so. I'm a bit discouraged and frustrated over the whole thing. It's hard to have to take a week off and then not see the improvement I was looking for.

Anyone else still running? Signed up for races???

Milestones of Varying Sorts

Milestone #1--Halfway through the Couch to 5K plan!

I can't believe I have made it to the halfway mark. To celebrate, I hurt my ankle. I am not really sure what it is, but more than likely, it is joint weakness (because I'm hyper-mobile). I am resting, and NOT running today.

I am also modifying my plan. A friend of ours, Lee, is a super runner--like a running genius or something. He's also in Physical Therapy school. He is looking over my plan and seeing if it needs to be modified. He explained that these plans must be taken with a grain of salt because each person responds differently to a regimen and may need different things. My goal is to run the 5K without walking, but we will see what happens after he makes his recommendations. He did give me some exercises to do to stabilize that joint.

Milestone #2--I have forgotten to talk about Lucy. She is walking!!! She's been walking for about 3-4 weeks! We are so thankful. Although, now, she wants to walk everywhere and doesn't want you to hold her hand or pick her up. :)

Milestone #3--Lucy is weaned. I know there are varying opinions on how to wean and when to wean. It wasn't (and isn't) easy for either of us, but it is done. :( and :)

Milestone #4--I finished the baby gift--a quilt! I made it for my friend, Kristina, and her new baby girl, Ali. I fell in love with it. I do every time I make something. I'm working on the sweater for Gayla's dear Lilah. Pictures to come.

Milestone #5--Sam finished the Beginning Reading set of Hooked on Phonics. He was so proud of himself. I'm looking for other material for him to teach further. They have revamped the Hooked on Phonics sets since I bought the last one, and I wasn't sure I liked it as well, so I want to go another route. He needs to learn blends and long vowels and silent e's and that sort of thing. If you have ideas, I welcome them.

Milestone #6--I don't know if I ever announced it, but Maryn is completely potty-trained. Finally. Once in a blue moon, she may have an accident while playing and distracted, but she is golden. Day and night. I'm so thankful and proud!!!

I think that's all for now. A big post is coming up this week...stay tuned (no, I'm NOT PREGNANT).

Couch to 5K--I've got rhythm.

My piano teacher told me I didn't have rhythm. Oh well. I don't like to count.

But, I'm getting into a running rhythm. As I run and get about 4-5 minutes into it, I suddenly am okay with running. I could go farther than my daily time limit (but I don't).

Yesterday, I walked 5 min, ran 10 min, walked 5 min. I actually ran a full mile in that ten minutes, so that felt nice. I could have kept running farther too. I'm learning to watch my pace too. I am usually running anywhere from 8:30 min/mi. to 10:30 min/mi. Not too shabby for a beginner, I'd say.

Tomorrow is 5, 11, 5. Dang. Next week looks SCARY. I thought this week did. Not compared to next week!

In other news, Dave and I were able to pay off our van and a small student loan!!! Only 4 more student loans to go!!! We are excited and feeling free!!! It feels amazing to say--I am no longer under your thumb!!!

We are discussing our financial goals and home improvement goals (the kind that actually keeps the house from inefficiency and falling apart--not remodeling). This year has become the year of freedom and discipline for us, and we are LOVING it.

Resurrection weekend has had me contemplative, thinking about the sacrifices of Jesus for us. May I never lose sight of it!

Off to book club in about 30 minutes to lead a discussion on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. If you haven't read it, you should. It is BRILLIANT. Much love to you all!

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Couch to 5k--Pressing Forward!

Week 5 has not been horrible yet. Yesterday's run was completed on a fairly flat track in town, so I did not have to contend with the steep hills this time. I ran 6 min, walked 5 min, ran 6 again, and walked 8 (I got too far from my starting point and had to walk extra). I ended up going 2.08 miles. I was tired, and it was hard, but it felt good.

My kids have too much stuff. They seem to not be able to take care of or pick up their toys without there being discipline involved. I am seriously considering getting rid of 90% of their stuff. Someone, please convince me otherwise. :)

Looking forward to a delicious dinner tonight--homemade salsa and chips, seasoned black beans, summery salad, and mexicali chicken. Mmmmm. And friends. New friends. Good times. I have nothing else to prattle on about...plus, I need to wash more dishes.

Week 5--Couch to 5K and a bit of craftiness, of course...

I can't believe this is Week 5! I am not sure I have ever stuck to any exercise regimen this long--well, except for KPED in college, which was REQUIRED. Dave and I are really enjoying ourselves--we love the consistency and the good feelings we get from being outside and pushing ourselves.

Now, here is the craziness of my running schedule this week (remember: these numbers represent minutes not miles!):

Monday--Walk 5, Run 9, Walk 5

Wednesday--Run 6, Walk 5, Run 6, Walk 5 (YIKES!)

Friday--Walk 5, Run 10, Walk 5

Sunday--Walk 5, Run 11, Walk 5

As you can see, Wednesday is looking a little scary! I may do a walking warm-up for my lungs' sake! I will definitely do that one in the afternoon so I don't have to contend with cold air. :)

If you've joined me, how is it going???

In other crafty news...

I have been working steadily on one sewing gift...I hope to finish it today and get it in the mail this afternoon or tomorrow morning!!!! Yea! It is really precious. I will wait to post pictures until the mama has received it.

I will then embark upon a sweater for Gayla's daughter, Lilah. Gayla and Mick adopted Lilah from Ethiopia, and they just got home a week or so ago. She is a DOLL. You should check out Gayla's blog (especially those friends of mine adopting from Ethiopia as well!!!). I can't wait to make this sweater for this sweet girl. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who have a heart for orphans.

Then...I will make the purse for Christy. I haven't forgotten, friend!!! It's just a little crazy with babies and housekeeping! I love you, and I'm praying for you!!!

And finally, I will make a sweater for Nicole's boy, Calvin. Thankfully, he won't need it until Fall. :) This little one stole my heart. He is a ROLY POLY, and those of you who know me well, know that I want a chubby baby (my kids are always long and lean!). I may have to adopt one. When Nicole runs, Calvin wakes up almost right after she leaves, so I get to run in and snuggle him until she gets back. It does my heart good.

I don't NEED anymore projects, but these were too cute to pass up. While Dave and Sam had Father/Son bonding time last night, Maryn (and Lucy who mainly got into everything) and I had girl time. We SEWED together. This is a DREAM come true...especially after I read Shanda's post yesterday (which had me in tears missing the baby I lost--I so love to make things for my little ones--it was a brief moment, I'm not going off the deep end!). Instead, I made something with (she actually hand-sewed a bit by herself, and she is not even FOUR yet!) and for my big girl, Maryn.

Tutorial HERE.

Bunny Finger Puppets.

Yes, they are as cute as they sound. And now Sam has put in his order for one...and of course, I'll have to make one for Lu even if she doesn't care. :)

5-9-5 Run and Other Things

Yesterday, Nicole and I took turns watching kiddos again so we could also alternate running. It was a good run. I did have a particularly hard time up a steep hill, but I made it, and the rest of the running was good. I could have kept going--I was in the rhythm.

Dave is on call this weekend, so he's tired. I'm tired. Kids are tired. :) But, we are going to make the most of our call weekend. I'm almost finished with one sewing gift! Hurray! Our taxes are finished! Slushies are in our future.

Can I just take a little break from the monotony of my life and share something God is teaching me?

I am prideful. A lot. I accuse others of their sins. I fail to recognize my own. But God is gracious. He is reaching into these dark cavities in my heart that I didn't know existed. He's showing me the ickiness that is hiding in there, and He is getting in there with a toothbrush to get every little bit out. He is a neat freak, you know.

I'm seeing that so many of the hard things I have to deal with in my life are often rooted in my own selfishness. I forget that others may be struggling, and I absorb internally anything they do or don't do and somehow direct it at myself. I've become a VICTIM.

But Jesus says I'm not a victim.

He says I am MORE THAN a conqueror. I am free! I am victorious. I am not a VICTIM. I am a VICTOR.

I don't have to bow to my selfishness. I don't have to cower beneath insecurity. I don't have to give in to wayward thoughts of "poor, pitiful me".

I am loved.

I am cherished.

I am desired.

I am delivered.

I am free.

I am hopeful.

I am faithful.

I am HIS. HE is mine.

This is what His blood bought for me--not a life of surrender to worry or fear--but a life surrendered to His goodness and grace!!! This is good news!!!

I pray today you will see not just who you are in Him but who HE is and how faithful HE will be to complete the good work He started in you.

Humpday Run--Couch to 5k

Wednesday, I did 5 min walk, 8 min run, 5 min walk. It was hard, but it wasn't too bad. Week 4 is shaping up nicely; it's next week that I'm worried about. The intensity level picks up a bit. Pressing on!

I saw the rottweilers again. This time they growled and nipped at my dog. I kept running. I love my dog, but I will not sacrifice my life for him! He just let them sniff and then joined me a few moments later. Seriously need to get that pepper spray...

I'm short on coffee this morning. I don't have anything AMAZING to rant about. I do, however, feel that my momentum with my house is wearing thin. I have been working so hard the last few weeks to keep my house looking great. I love how it looks, but it gets messy so fast--kids, meals, tracking in dirt from outdoors, and the like. I am worn out. I work most of the day cooking and cleaning.

I have two sewing projects and two crochet projects yet to finish. It's hard to set aside the time to do them when I'm constantly cleaning up my house. So, to those of you who are waiting on these dear gifts from me, I am trying to finish them!!!

I have no wit today. I'm going to brew a pot of coffee. I'm sure it will help a little.

Writing a Book--Another project, Amanda? Seriously.

I'm losing track of what day it is on the Couch to 5k. I know it is a rest day, and I'm in Week 4. :) Yesterday, my friend, Nicole, and I took turns watching our six children and doing our runs. It was really great! It's very motivating to have friends doing this with me!

So, I'm resting (from running) today. I've been busy getting the house back into working order after the weekend. Weekends always throw me for a loop! I never can seem to keep up a pretty house all weekend--I guess I'm too busy having fun.

Something I'm thinking about is book-writing. How do you go about that? What is the process? I have some very great ideas for a book--a book for women about being a woman. It may have been done before, but if it has been, I haven't read it.

Dave says I have too many projects. He's right. 100% right.

I'm ambitious.

Caesar was ambitious.

Look what happened to him.

Week 4--Couch to 5K--Haiku Run and a Poetry Contest

We didn't get to run on Friday because Dave's schedule was criznazy. However, we took advantage of Saturday morning and did our runs then. It was my "Haiku Run". What do I mean by that?

Well, I was an English teacher.

Haikus are poems that have three lines. The first line is 5 syllables, the second is 7 syllables, and the third is 5 syllables. Like this:

Swift like racing wind,
Are my feet, flying and quick.
To run is to soar.

Okay, that's a cheesy haiku, but that's what they look like...

What does a haiku have in common with my schedule? Well, on Saturday, I walked 5 min, ran 7 min, and walked 5 min...a haiku run. Clever? I don't know about that.

Today I am also supposed to have a haiku run. I am hoping to get that in at some point this afternoon or when Dave gets home. The sun rising late is a bit inconvenient.

Okay, now it is your turn. Write a haiku (5, 7, 5) and post it in the comments. Best haiku (in my opinion) will be painted on a canvas and hung in my house somewhere. I so promise.

Day 20--Couch to 5K--Rottweilers be crazy.

I am sorry I have not posted since Tuesday! Things have been a little busy.

Wednesday, I had the hardest run so far. I thought I might not make it, and I even reconsidered my commitment to this plan! I've mentioned before that I live at the bottom of a mountain (really a large hill). This day's schedule was to run 4 min, walk 5, run 4, walk 5. Sheesh. Both times I had to run, it was UPHILL. My lungs felt like they might explode. In fact, the air was humid and cold, and I got a little wheezy. I had been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was in the 8th grade. I hadn't really had any problems until now. Maybe the warm-up walks were helping more than I realized? To start off running uphill was quite a challenge for me. I made it, though!

I have decided I need to get some pepper spray--not for people, but for animals! There were two rottweilers loose that day, and I was afraid. I tried to maintain my cool, calm, collected attitude and act like I was supposed to be running there. I ignored them, and they ignored me. I'd still like to have something in case any crazy animal tries to attack me!

The wheezing lasted until Thursday morning. I have an albuterol inhaler, so I may have to use that again. I think it really must have been from starting off running...

Well, it is Friday, and today I am supposed to walk 5 min, run 7, and walk 5. I am looking forward to this, but I am planning to do it when Dave gets home from work--the air will be warm. It'll be good.

Spring starts tomorrow!!! Enjoy it!

Day 17--Couch to 5K--Progress

Dave and I both got to run last night. We met some friends, Bryan and Nicole, at the park and took turns running. It was fun to hang out with friends and get our exercise in. The wind was a little out of control, but I think I did alright. One of my goals is to get my pace down. It seems like I struggle to keep it in the same spot, but I guess that's how it goes as you get more tired.

I went 1.26 miles (walked 5 min, ran 6, walked 5). I think my fastest pace was 9:17 min/mile.

I'm getting there. So can you! Have you started? How is it going?

I think my posture is better too. Isn't that great?

Dave and I are doing our strength training videos on rest days. Tonight is Abs, Chest, Back. Yea.

But, I need it. So I better stop complaining.

I'm really privileged to be able to do this. There have been seasons in my life (i.e. residency) when exercise outside of my home was next to impossible. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. And I'm loving it--the way it pushes me and makes me stronger. It's good and beautiful all wrapped up into one. I may talk more about that later.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!!! Are you doing anything special? I am! I am cooking St. Patty's Day food--Irish Soda Bread, Beef and Irish Stout Stew, and mashed potatoes and spring mix (for something green!). Don't forget to dress in your finest green attire!

Week 3--Couch to 5K

This is Day 16. I was supposed to run this morning. But, because of Daylight Savings Time, it was pitch black. So, I will have to wait to run until this evening when Dave gets home. Dave has agreed to join me, and I think we may sign up for the Dino Dash 5k in Little Rock on May 22nd. The kids will be able to have a blast there too. I just need someone to watch my kids while we race (any Little Rock takers?). The proceeds all benefit the Museum of Discovery downtown.

I'm looking forward to longer days for sure. At least my kids slept until 8! I'm sure they'll figure out soon enough that 8 is merely the new 7 and start getting up at 7. :) Here's my schedule for this week (the numbers represent minutes, not miles!):

Monday: Walk 5, Run 6, Walk 5
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 4, Walk 5, Run 4, Walk 5
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Walk 5, Run 7, Walk 5
Saturday: Rest (I may run again on this day just to push myself)
Sunday: Rest


I'm looking forward to this week, Wednesday especially. I wonder how that will go with me starting off in a run?

Lucy's weight check was today. She gained about an ounce and a half. We're going to continue with what we've been doing until her 18 month appointment and then go from there. The worries are taking a backseat for now. She is otherwise healthy and happy. Just little!

I am so thankful for my husband. I just want you to know what a blessing he is to me. He esteems me and loves me. He is far from perfect, but he has grown and is growing so much. Even on his bad days, I can see God giving him grace. The other day, I just strongly sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that a major part of my role with Dave is just to love him to death. Just love him.

So, I've been acting on love impulses with him--if I have an idea, I carry it out without debating about it. I think this is blessing him a lot. He's had a lot of hard days recently with his work, and it is so nice to make our home a haven for him, to surprise him in the middle of the day with a treat, or just a visit to get hugs and kisses from the kids (and me!).

What do you do for your spouse? I find all too often that I am making a list of things he isn't doing for me without realizing that I'm not doing them for him either! It shouldn't be so one-sided! We are both responsible for our relationship.

So, in true Flylady fashion, I say, "Get off your franny and stop feeling sorry for yourself!"

And as Ghandi said, "Be the change that you want to see in the world."

This can apply to all of our relationships. Not everyone will reciprocate, but your relationships will be better for it. Find a way to serve your spouse today--with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Just love them tangibly. Comment back once you've done it and report how it went for the both of you!