We're in the mountains for Labor Day weekend, and today we decided to try a new series of trails that were recommended to us by a local guy.
To access the trail, we had to walk down a gravel access road to a substation. It wasn't very pretty and it was steeply downhill. When we got to the trail, it was open and beautiful. We hiked for awhile and heard water. Before long, we saw a stream and soon afterwards, we crossed over it. Our destination was a scenic overlook that was stunning. Other than Taz thinking he was invincible and dancing too close to the edge, it was a very nice break.
On the way back, we were walking single file up a hill, with Taz and Duchess leading the way, Scouter following close behind, Rainbow and I about ten feet behind bringing up the rear. All of a sudden, Scouter started backing down the trail pulling Taz with him and almost ran over Rainbow. I heard a rustle and we all started backing slowly down the trail. Scouter was clearly concerned.
We stood in silence for a few seconds, then Scouter told us he had heard a deep growl and he was pretty sure it was a bear. None of us saw anything.
Of course, the embellishment began at that point and suddenly Taz had not only heard a growl but he had seen a huge 500 pound black bear right beside him.
We considered our options. Forward was toward where the growl had been, but backwards looped around in the direction we thought the bear had gone.
We loitered a little longer then ventured forth slowly and making a lot of noise. As we edged past where we had been previously when Scouter heard the growl, we saw a big pile of apparently fresh bear scat. That's shit for you non-mountain people like me. (I had no idea.)
We continued to hike noisily through the woods and soon returned to the trail head. The kids kept saying they heard growling the rest of the way. Scouter was apprehensive while I was trying to make jokes so the kids wouldn't be terrified of the woods. Needless to say, that wide access rode by the substation looked pretty good to all of us, even with the steep ascent.
So what does happen when a bear shits in the woods?
Apparently he doesn't like to be interrupted!
Can't blame the guy, really.
.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Catching up since vacation
So did anybody notice that I had a run in late July where I was fairly prolific? It was all for SusieQ and Margo, you know. But it turns out that I’m just not interesting enough to blog every day. Who knew???
I have had a number of posts bouncing around in my head but no time to write them, so here’s a quick summery of Life of TriDi since vacation.
The week we got back, Scouter announced that he was starting to go to work early. Why this schedule change couldn’t wait until school started for the kids is beyond me. Since the few pathetic workouts I’ve done this summer have been in the morning – which is the only time I have – I was screwed.
Has he been talking to Thomas???
He made concessions to let me run Tuesday morning and bike Wednesday morning, thank goodness. And the weather cooperated by being a little cooler so I could run one night. And I got my butt into the attic to do a weight workout. So it wasn’t a total bust.
Wednesday’s ride was a blast. We had a pretty large group consisting of some of my all time favorite bike partners: Richard, Deanna, Jackie, and Patty. We rode 16 miles at a 17.6 pace which is quite good for me. I’m sure I had more to say on this topic but it all escapes me now.
The weekend was its usual craziness. I had school on Friday and Saturday with a ton of work to do to prepare – mostly brought on by the fact that I did nothing in the Hamptons and had to do all my work in two days.
Saturday afternoon, we went to a cookout at Jennifer’s house. Two of her sisters were there too and it was fabulous to catch up with all of them. I threatened to reveal more about the evening on my blog, but again – too much time has passed. Sunday, we went to Northern Virginia to take Scouter’s parents to the Lion King at the Kennedy Center. What a great show!
This week, my workouts have been similarly restricted. I did weights Monday and Thursday, and on Tuesday I ran after work while Taz biked beside me. That’s always fun. Wednesday, Richard, Deanna and I planned a ride but darkness and rain convinced us to skip it. We really need the rain so I’m trying hard not to complain. Friday I did the big nothing. This morning (Saturday) I had good intentions to run but didn’t. This afternoon, I mentioned to Scouter that he needed to kick my butt out the door to run tomorrow and he suggested the alternative to run tonight. My immediate reaction was NO WAY! I’m too tired. But then I decided it was a good idea and ran my four mile mountain route. It was hard but fortunately I forgot my Garmin so I don’t have to face pathetic stats.
Now, I’m looking forward to a relaxing holiday weekend! More to come…
Woo Hoo!
I have had a number of posts bouncing around in my head but no time to write them, so here’s a quick summery of Life of TriDi since vacation.
The week we got back, Scouter announced that he was starting to go to work early. Why this schedule change couldn’t wait until school started for the kids is beyond me. Since the few pathetic workouts I’ve done this summer have been in the morning – which is the only time I have – I was screwed.
Has he been talking to Thomas???
He made concessions to let me run Tuesday morning and bike Wednesday morning, thank goodness. And the weather cooperated by being a little cooler so I could run one night. And I got my butt into the attic to do a weight workout. So it wasn’t a total bust.
Wednesday’s ride was a blast. We had a pretty large group consisting of some of my all time favorite bike partners: Richard, Deanna, Jackie, and Patty. We rode 16 miles at a 17.6 pace which is quite good for me. I’m sure I had more to say on this topic but it all escapes me now.
The weekend was its usual craziness. I had school on Friday and Saturday with a ton of work to do to prepare – mostly brought on by the fact that I did nothing in the Hamptons and had to do all my work in two days.
Saturday afternoon, we went to a cookout at Jennifer’s house. Two of her sisters were there too and it was fabulous to catch up with all of them. I threatened to reveal more about the evening on my blog, but again – too much time has passed. Sunday, we went to Northern Virginia to take Scouter’s parents to the Lion King at the Kennedy Center. What a great show!
This week, my workouts have been similarly restricted. I did weights Monday and Thursday, and on Tuesday I ran after work while Taz biked beside me. That’s always fun. Wednesday, Richard, Deanna and I planned a ride but darkness and rain convinced us to skip it. We really need the rain so I’m trying hard not to complain. Friday I did the big nothing. This morning (Saturday) I had good intentions to run but didn’t. This afternoon, I mentioned to Scouter that he needed to kick my butt out the door to run tomorrow and he suggested the alternative to run tonight. My immediate reaction was NO WAY! I’m too tired. But then I decided it was a good idea and ran my four mile mountain route. It was hard but fortunately I forgot my Garmin so I don’t have to face pathetic stats.
Now, I’m looking forward to a relaxing holiday weekend! More to come…
Woo Hoo!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Trip Report
You know, most triathlete blogs offer up a race report with some regularity. At house 'o TriDi, since there is no racing going on this year, you get a Trip Report instead.
Every summer, we are lucky enough to go to the Hamptons with my college roommate Jill and her family. They live in Manhattan and have a second home there. I think the key to our inclusion is that our kids are the same age as their older kids. And I'll take it!
This year, I had school the weekend we were leaving. It was the first weekend back for the third module of the program. I was excited to see everyone again after our July break but I'm very nervous about this module - it is the most unfamiliar to me and will be the most difficult. Therefore, it is the one I need the most! On Friday, we found out where we're going for our class trip. I'd heard a lot of talk about Africa, Quatar, and Egypt so I was fully prepared to go somewhere that would be a good educational trip but maybe not the funnest location. I was delirious then when I found out we are going to Italy!!!! Interestingly, we had planned a trip to Italy with Jill and Andy for the summer of 2000 - almost exactly the week that I delivered little baby Taz. So I was even more excited to head to NY and convince them to meet us in Italy after my class trip!
We left late Saturday afternoon and spent the night at Scouter's parent's house in Northern Virginia. That drive to NoVa was the worst part of the whole trip! Traffic on 95 is a nightmare. We left their house at 5 a.m. on Sunday - Scouter's plan so that the kids and I sleep for a few hours and the trip is less excruciating for all involved. So we arrived at their house before lunch. Scouter and I hadn't even gotten out of the car by the time Taz and Rainbow were already in the basement playing Wii with their buddies!
The first thing Jill and I did was cut up fruit to ferment for Blackbirds, all the while discussing the cocktails we were going to have that week. She had a new pear martini recipe that sounded intriguing. Andy teased us unmercifully, all the while uncorking a bottle of wine to have with lunch.
Yes, that's the kind of vacation we enjoy!
We spent the day lounging by their pool and I have to admit to napping just a bit in the afternoon. Before long, it was happy hour time (or tini time as we like to call it). We started off with a tried and true lemon/citrus martini - whatever the correct name for it is. Eventually we grilled steaks with tomato casserole and broccoli, because we forgot to bring the corn we'd bought.
I should probably warn you now that Jill's and my favorite way to while away the morning is by looking at recipes and planning dinner. We both like to cook almost as much as we like to eat.
Monday, the guys took the kids to the beach while Jill and I hung out at her house. I forced myself to go for a four mile run, mainly because I have a route I really enjoy up there and wanted to see all the gorgeous homes. Then I pretended like I was going to do homework but really I just carried a book around with me as I moved the angle of my lounge chair to maximize the sun. There really is no point given that I wear 45 block but I suppose it's force of habit. We ran some errands including a trip to the grocery for that night's dinner materials and while we were out, we heard there was a tornado watch on Long Island. We called the boys, who didn't believe us but came home anyway. By 3:00, it was pouring rain. We never did experience the golf ball size hail that some counties experienced. Instead, we sat under their covered deck, drank Blackbird martinis, and played Taboo. When the rain subsided, we grilled chicken for my absolute favorite Cobb salad. It's a Bobby Flay recipe and it is amazing - I request it every year.
Tuesday, the boys took the kids to the beach again. Then I gave up all pretense of doing homework and lounged by the pool reading one of Jill's novels, In The Woods, instead. It was quite good. We got a little crazy at tini time and exceeded our two martini limit, which was learned the hard way in previous years. I guess we are like children and needed to test our boundaries! We had a fantastic dinner of lobster, orzo and corn, pear and goat cheese salad along with lots of wine. After we put the kids to bed, we played Wii karaoke. Jill and I sang "YMCA" and each of the guys sang a song and we recorded them. We even made our own Mii characters. It was hilarious! When we played them back to the kids the next day, we were all laughing hysterically while they were looking at us like we were nuts. We actually scared Jill's younger children.
Wednesday we ventured to the beach with the whole crew - the two guys and all six kids. The ocean was freezing and New Yorkers have no sense of personal space, but the weather was beautiful and it was nice to see the beach this summer. Scouter had his celebrity sighting coup of all time with Sienna Miller in a white string bikini. That night after tini time, we grilled pork chops and peaches with an amazing sauce. I can't even remember what we had with it but rest assured plenty of planning went into the whole meal. We were a little lower key that evening and did something crazy like watch the Olympics. This might be the night that the four of us spent a lot of time searching the Internet for villas in Italy and discussing options for where to stay. We're deciding between Tuscany and Portafina. Ah, decisions decisions!
Thursday the boys took the kids bowling and back to the beach. I want to say this is the morning I ventured out for my second run. I know I was evilly hung over and figured I was going to be miserable no matter what so I might as well run. It did make me feel better, once it was finally over. Then Jill and I went out to lunch and to the spa. I had a facial and Jill had a massage. Afterwards we were in veg mode and opted to go out to dinner. Jill's mom came to help her nanny watch the kids so we could go. I have to say that the restaurants we'd been to previously were over priced and frankly kind of average. This one however was amazing! It was called Almondcello. I think that's how it's spelled. I had a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad to start and a fabulous scallop dish as my main course. Scouter and I split a warm chocolate hazelnut torte for dessert and I swear it was the best thing I've ever eaten. We shared tastes and all dishes were equally delicious. When we got back, Jill's mom raved about how good our kids are and I said a silent prayer that they tend to behave better for other people. And they were all asleep - bonus! I think she bribed them with dollars to go to bed and not talk. Seriously. That's the kind of crap you can pull when you're the grandma. My kids have adopted her and pop-pop (whom they call Popsicle) as their third set of grandparents.
Friday the guys golfed in the morning while we hung with the kids at the house. When the guys got back, they were wiped so we hung at the pool all day. Even the kids were happy at the pool after so much beach time. I made shrimp and grits for dinner because I thought it was very funny to introduce my northern friends to a southern recipe. I'm not sure they enjoyed it but Scouter did.
Saturday the boys snuck in another golf game. I knew nothing about their plans until Scouter woke me up when it was still dark outside to tell me he was leaving. Jill said Andy did the same thing. Then they took the older kids to a friend's pool and my poor little Taz got stung on his head by hornets. Jill's nanny, who is from Georgia (the former USSR Georgia, not ours) treated the bites with vodka. I have to admit I was hesitant but it seemed to work. Popsicle brought us ribs for lunch and we made the orzo with corn again to see if it was as good sober as we thought it was earlier in the week. We had steak for dinner in celebration of Scouter's upcoming birthday, which we do every year, with blueberry pie for dessert. I don't remember what else we had. I think the alcohol had seeped into every pore of my body by then and my brain was mush. We were reasonable well behaved Saturday night, mainly because we had to pack. We left early the next morning to head back to Richmond after another great week in the Hamptons.
Ah, good times. When we got home, I had to ask the kids and Scouter how their vacations were because we all had our individual experiences with our friends.
I can't wait until next year!
.
Every summer, we are lucky enough to go to the Hamptons with my college roommate Jill and her family. They live in Manhattan and have a second home there. I think the key to our inclusion is that our kids are the same age as their older kids. And I'll take it!
This year, I had school the weekend we were leaving. It was the first weekend back for the third module of the program. I was excited to see everyone again after our July break but I'm very nervous about this module - it is the most unfamiliar to me and will be the most difficult. Therefore, it is the one I need the most! On Friday, we found out where we're going for our class trip. I'd heard a lot of talk about Africa, Quatar, and Egypt so I was fully prepared to go somewhere that would be a good educational trip but maybe not the funnest location. I was delirious then when I found out we are going to Italy!!!! Interestingly, we had planned a trip to Italy with Jill and Andy for the summer of 2000 - almost exactly the week that I delivered little baby Taz. So I was even more excited to head to NY and convince them to meet us in Italy after my class trip!
We left late Saturday afternoon and spent the night at Scouter's parent's house in Northern Virginia. That drive to NoVa was the worst part of the whole trip! Traffic on 95 is a nightmare. We left their house at 5 a.m. on Sunday - Scouter's plan so that the kids and I sleep for a few hours and the trip is less excruciating for all involved. So we arrived at their house before lunch. Scouter and I hadn't even gotten out of the car by the time Taz and Rainbow were already in the basement playing Wii with their buddies!
The first thing Jill and I did was cut up fruit to ferment for Blackbirds, all the while discussing the cocktails we were going to have that week. She had a new pear martini recipe that sounded intriguing. Andy teased us unmercifully, all the while uncorking a bottle of wine to have with lunch.
Yes, that's the kind of vacation we enjoy!
We spent the day lounging by their pool and I have to admit to napping just a bit in the afternoon. Before long, it was happy hour time (or tini time as we like to call it). We started off with a tried and true lemon/citrus martini - whatever the correct name for it is. Eventually we grilled steaks with tomato casserole and broccoli, because we forgot to bring the corn we'd bought.
I should probably warn you now that Jill's and my favorite way to while away the morning is by looking at recipes and planning dinner. We both like to cook almost as much as we like to eat.
Monday, the guys took the kids to the beach while Jill and I hung out at her house. I forced myself to go for a four mile run, mainly because I have a route I really enjoy up there and wanted to see all the gorgeous homes. Then I pretended like I was going to do homework but really I just carried a book around with me as I moved the angle of my lounge chair to maximize the sun. There really is no point given that I wear 45 block but I suppose it's force of habit. We ran some errands including a trip to the grocery for that night's dinner materials and while we were out, we heard there was a tornado watch on Long Island. We called the boys, who didn't believe us but came home anyway. By 3:00, it was pouring rain. We never did experience the golf ball size hail that some counties experienced. Instead, we sat under their covered deck, drank Blackbird martinis, and played Taboo. When the rain subsided, we grilled chicken for my absolute favorite Cobb salad. It's a Bobby Flay recipe and it is amazing - I request it every year.
Tuesday, the boys took the kids to the beach again. Then I gave up all pretense of doing homework and lounged by the pool reading one of Jill's novels, In The Woods, instead. It was quite good. We got a little crazy at tini time and exceeded our two martini limit, which was learned the hard way in previous years. I guess we are like children and needed to test our boundaries! We had a fantastic dinner of lobster, orzo and corn, pear and goat cheese salad along with lots of wine. After we put the kids to bed, we played Wii karaoke. Jill and I sang "YMCA" and each of the guys sang a song and we recorded them. We even made our own Mii characters. It was hilarious! When we played them back to the kids the next day, we were all laughing hysterically while they were looking at us like we were nuts. We actually scared Jill's younger children.
Wednesday we ventured to the beach with the whole crew - the two guys and all six kids. The ocean was freezing and New Yorkers have no sense of personal space, but the weather was beautiful and it was nice to see the beach this summer. Scouter had his celebrity sighting coup of all time with Sienna Miller in a white string bikini. That night after tini time, we grilled pork chops and peaches with an amazing sauce. I can't even remember what we had with it but rest assured plenty of planning went into the whole meal. We were a little lower key that evening and did something crazy like watch the Olympics. This might be the night that the four of us spent a lot of time searching the Internet for villas in Italy and discussing options for where to stay. We're deciding between Tuscany and Portafina. Ah, decisions decisions!
Thursday the boys took the kids bowling and back to the beach. I want to say this is the morning I ventured out for my second run. I know I was evilly hung over and figured I was going to be miserable no matter what so I might as well run. It did make me feel better, once it was finally over. Then Jill and I went out to lunch and to the spa. I had a facial and Jill had a massage. Afterwards we were in veg mode and opted to go out to dinner. Jill's mom came to help her nanny watch the kids so we could go. I have to say that the restaurants we'd been to previously were over priced and frankly kind of average. This one however was amazing! It was called Almondcello. I think that's how it's spelled. I had a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad to start and a fabulous scallop dish as my main course. Scouter and I split a warm chocolate hazelnut torte for dessert and I swear it was the best thing I've ever eaten. We shared tastes and all dishes were equally delicious. When we got back, Jill's mom raved about how good our kids are and I said a silent prayer that they tend to behave better for other people. And they were all asleep - bonus! I think she bribed them with dollars to go to bed and not talk. Seriously. That's the kind of crap you can pull when you're the grandma. My kids have adopted her and pop-pop (whom they call Popsicle) as their third set of grandparents.
Friday the guys golfed in the morning while we hung with the kids at the house. When the guys got back, they were wiped so we hung at the pool all day. Even the kids were happy at the pool after so much beach time. I made shrimp and grits for dinner because I thought it was very funny to introduce my northern friends to a southern recipe. I'm not sure they enjoyed it but Scouter did.
Saturday the boys snuck in another golf game. I knew nothing about their plans until Scouter woke me up when it was still dark outside to tell me he was leaving. Jill said Andy did the same thing. Then they took the older kids to a friend's pool and my poor little Taz got stung on his head by hornets. Jill's nanny, who is from Georgia (the former USSR Georgia, not ours) treated the bites with vodka. I have to admit I was hesitant but it seemed to work. Popsicle brought us ribs for lunch and we made the orzo with corn again to see if it was as good sober as we thought it was earlier in the week. We had steak for dinner in celebration of Scouter's upcoming birthday, which we do every year, with blueberry pie for dessert. I don't remember what else we had. I think the alcohol had seeped into every pore of my body by then and my brain was mush. We were reasonable well behaved Saturday night, mainly because we had to pack. We left early the next morning to head back to Richmond after another great week in the Hamptons.
Ah, good times. When we got home, I had to ask the kids and Scouter how their vacations were because we all had our individual experiences with our friends.
I can't wait until next year!
.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Mommy of the Year
So tonight Taz was such a complete pain in the ass that even he finally got tired of getting scolded and announced that he was running away from home.
Scouter held the door open while I called "goodbye!"
Sadly, he was bluffing.
Scouter held the door open while I called "goodbye!"
Sadly, he was bluffing.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Lessons Learned
We are, sadly, at the end of our annual week of vacation in the Hamptons with my college roommate and her family. We've had a blast, as always, and while you wait patiently for a full trip report, here are some lessons I've learned this week (some more painfully than others):
1. Stop after two martinis. Three are a really bad idea.
2. Happy hours that start at 3 p.m. are a bad idea as well.
3. Hot dogs for breakfast are very entertaining for kids.
4. Running, cramping, and hangover(ing) all suck individually but combined result in a death march.
5. When I'm not training for a race, I'm extremely unmotivated to exercise on vacation. That one's a shocker, eh?
6. Taboo is a fun cocktail game and the clues get very creative as time goes on.
7. My college roommate is still one of the coolest girls I've ever met.
8. Wine with lunch leads directly to an afternoon nap.
9. Trips planned at midnight will probably never happen.
10. Karaoke songs played back the next morning are still hysterically funny to the adults but the kids think it's a little weird.
Insightful, aren't I?
1. Stop after two martinis. Three are a really bad idea.
2. Happy hours that start at 3 p.m. are a bad idea as well.
3. Hot dogs for breakfast are very entertaining for kids.
4. Running, cramping, and hangover(ing) all suck individually but combined result in a death march.
5. When I'm not training for a race, I'm extremely unmotivated to exercise on vacation. That one's a shocker, eh?
6. Taboo is a fun cocktail game and the clues get very creative as time goes on.
7. My college roommate is still one of the coolest girls I've ever met.
8. Wine with lunch leads directly to an afternoon nap.
9. Trips planned at midnight will probably never happen.
10. Karaoke songs played back the next morning are still hysterically funny to the adults but the kids think it's a little weird.
Insightful, aren't I?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Year to Date
Yikes! I didn't realize how long it had been since I updated my exercise stats on the right. They're pretty lame, but not as bad as they showed before.
By comparison to 2007, I have actually run more year-to-date in 2008. Training for that little half marathon in March must have really helped my numbers. Plus, running is the one thing I've been able to do pretty consistently this year.
Everything else is dismal by comparison. I've biked less than half as much this year, done 25% less weight training, 66% less yoga, and 100% less swimming. Sadly, I have not been in the pool other than to play with my kids this summer. I'm really not at all sad about it until I look at the big fat zero on my stats.
So alas, it is what it is.
Maybe it will be motivating. Maybe I'll have another glass of wine.
By comparison to 2007, I have actually run more year-to-date in 2008. Training for that little half marathon in March must have really helped my numbers. Plus, running is the one thing I've been able to do pretty consistently this year.
Everything else is dismal by comparison. I've biked less than half as much this year, done 25% less weight training, 66% less yoga, and 100% less swimming. Sadly, I have not been in the pool other than to play with my kids this summer. I'm really not at all sad about it until I look at the big fat zero on my stats.
So alas, it is what it is.
Maybe it will be motivating. Maybe I'll have another glass of wine.
With a Little Help from my Friends
Did you know that it’s still dark at 6 a.m. now? I just realized that it was getting light later last week as I started my early morning bike rides in dim lighting and got to see the sun rise.
As much as I miss the light in the morning, it is a huge bonus at night when I can get my kids to bed a little earlier.
But I digress…
So yesterday morning, my cycling chicks and I met at 6:15 instead of 6:00. It was so nice to have an extra 15 minutes of sleep and – surprise of all – I actually got there five minutes early. I even remembered to bring some lube to treat my poor little squeaky chain that has been complaining for weeks. Maybe months. And I pumped my tire without giving myself a flat – what a good day!
TG40 came rolling in shortly thereafter and apparently I passed my bad mojo onto her for the week. Her tire was so flat that she couldn’t even get air into it at all. Neither of us had replaced spare tubes we used with recent flats, so sadly she had to leave us on four wheels instead of the two she usually smokes me with. Had it been me, I would have gone back to bed; she was planning to fit in a swim. So impressively dedicated.
Megan remembered that she lived right down the street and biked to our meeting spot this time. (Last time we met there, she drove and kicked herself about three quarters of the way through the ride when she realized what she’d done. But hey, it’s awfully early.)
We ended up starting our ride about a half hour later than usual. It’s amazing what a difference 30 minutes makes with traffic but it still wasn’t too bad. The only problem with this route is that there isn’t much chat time – a huge priority of mine – but we managed to fit some in. It’s so great to see my girls and catch up during the week.
We ended up riding 19.5 miles at 17.5 mph average. I’d like to reverse those numbers one day so that I’m riding at a 19.5 mph pace… but I think that would take a leetle more training than I’m currently doing! Maybe next year.
Beautiful day. Nice ride.
It’s all good.
As much as I miss the light in the morning, it is a huge bonus at night when I can get my kids to bed a little earlier.
But I digress…
So yesterday morning, my cycling chicks and I met at 6:15 instead of 6:00. It was so nice to have an extra 15 minutes of sleep and – surprise of all – I actually got there five minutes early. I even remembered to bring some lube to treat my poor little squeaky chain that has been complaining for weeks. Maybe months. And I pumped my tire without giving myself a flat – what a good day!
TG40 came rolling in shortly thereafter and apparently I passed my bad mojo onto her for the week. Her tire was so flat that she couldn’t even get air into it at all. Neither of us had replaced spare tubes we used with recent flats, so sadly she had to leave us on four wheels instead of the two she usually smokes me with. Had it been me, I would have gone back to bed; she was planning to fit in a swim. So impressively dedicated.
Megan remembered that she lived right down the street and biked to our meeting spot this time. (Last time we met there, she drove and kicked herself about three quarters of the way through the ride when she realized what she’d done. But hey, it’s awfully early.)
We ended up starting our ride about a half hour later than usual. It’s amazing what a difference 30 minutes makes with traffic but it still wasn’t too bad. The only problem with this route is that there isn’t much chat time – a huge priority of mine – but we managed to fit some in. It’s so great to see my girls and catch up during the week.
We ended up riding 19.5 miles at 17.5 mph average. I’d like to reverse those numbers one day so that I’m riding at a 19.5 mph pace… but I think that would take a leetle more training than I’m currently doing! Maybe next year.
Beautiful day. Nice ride.
It’s all good.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mommy of the Year
I come in the door from work to be greeted with great joy. Taz and Rainbow tackle me with hugs and kisses while Duchess jumps around frantically yelping for my attention and licking my legs. Scouter grunts… a good indication of how the afternoon has been.
Within seconds, both kids resume whatever argument they were in prior to my arrival. I attempt to flee upstairs while Scouter resumes whatever discipline he was in the process of dishing out. But, I get sucked into the argument before I hit the steps. And Scouter is the one to flee to another room behind a closed door.
Next comes a flurry of dinner related activities, which include me listing 100,000 options for meals and the kids rejecting every single one. Generally, they narrow the choices to chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, or hot dogs. Then we argue the merits of fruit, vegetables, and milk. I mean how bad can strawberries, baby carrots slathered in ranch dressing, or chocolate milk really taste?
I know, I know – smart parents make one meal and the family enjoys it together. I’m sure the kids even thank the parent for preparing a delicious healthy meal. Yeh. I’ve tried that. The results were me jumping up from the table every five seconds until my meal was stone cold, listening to gagging sounds from Rainbow as she refused to even taste anything on her plate, while Scouter threatened early bedtime and no dessert.
Here's the alternative. Still in my work clothes, I scamper around the kitchen getting napkins and more ketchup, mopping up spilled milk, and unloading the dishwasher.
Next comes bath time which means another argument ensues as both Taz and Rainbow want to use the shower in my bathroom instead of their own. Once they’ve seen the light of compromise, I have a brief respite to change clothes - and fold laundry. A half hour later, I have two reasonably clean children and two bathrooms to mop.
Now the clamoring for dessert begins in earnest. After another restaurant quality verbal menu of options, they make their decisions and proceed to trash the kitchen once more.
About the time I give a five minute warning for bed, Taz announces that he’s starving and begs for more dinner. He is a bundle of energy so I can imagine that he’s burned off a lot of calories by then. Generally I capitulate and offer a bowl of cereal.
Once they finally accept that it is in fact bed time, they crawl (literally) up the stairs on all fours as slowly as they possibly can. By then, they are “sooooo exhausted” that they can’t possibly brush their teeth. Getting them into bed involves multiple requests for water and more kisses.
After Scouter and I finally finish the bed time ritual, he generally makes his own dinner while I snarf a Dove dark chocolate bar and chase it with a glass of wine.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Within seconds, both kids resume whatever argument they were in prior to my arrival. I attempt to flee upstairs while Scouter resumes whatever discipline he was in the process of dishing out. But, I get sucked into the argument before I hit the steps. And Scouter is the one to flee to another room behind a closed door.
Next comes a flurry of dinner related activities, which include me listing 100,000 options for meals and the kids rejecting every single one. Generally, they narrow the choices to chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, or hot dogs. Then we argue the merits of fruit, vegetables, and milk. I mean how bad can strawberries, baby carrots slathered in ranch dressing, or chocolate milk really taste?
I know, I know – smart parents make one meal and the family enjoys it together. I’m sure the kids even thank the parent for preparing a delicious healthy meal. Yeh. I’ve tried that. The results were me jumping up from the table every five seconds until my meal was stone cold, listening to gagging sounds from Rainbow as she refused to even taste anything on her plate, while Scouter threatened early bedtime and no dessert.
Here's the alternative. Still in my work clothes, I scamper around the kitchen getting napkins and more ketchup, mopping up spilled milk, and unloading the dishwasher.
Next comes bath time which means another argument ensues as both Taz and Rainbow want to use the shower in my bathroom instead of their own. Once they’ve seen the light of compromise, I have a brief respite to change clothes - and fold laundry. A half hour later, I have two reasonably clean children and two bathrooms to mop.
Now the clamoring for dessert begins in earnest. After another restaurant quality verbal menu of options, they make their decisions and proceed to trash the kitchen once more.
About the time I give a five minute warning for bed, Taz announces that he’s starving and begs for more dinner. He is a bundle of energy so I can imagine that he’s burned off a lot of calories by then. Generally I capitulate and offer a bowl of cereal.
Once they finally accept that it is in fact bed time, they crawl (literally) up the stairs on all fours as slowly as they possibly can. By then, they are “sooooo exhausted” that they can’t possibly brush their teeth. Getting them into bed involves multiple requests for water and more kisses.
After Scouter and I finally finish the bed time ritual, he generally makes his own dinner while I snarf a Dove dark chocolate bar and chase it with a glass of wine.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Miscellany
Ahhh, I haven’t done a good miscellany post in awhile.
Truth be told, I’ve never done a good miscellany post…
(BA HA HA! That never gets old!)
So I’ve truly got nothing. I’ve been a slacker the last two days. Thursday, I had no intention of waking up early, opting instead to stay in bed and nurse my slight hangover. Friday, I had good intentions to weight train. Truly. I woke up at 6:30 and decided I could stay in bed for 15 more minutes. The next thing I knew, it was 8:00 and I was scrambling to get ready for work.
Damn. Fortunately, I was able to fit a run in this morning. Scouter is a good man. I did my hilly mountain route which is brutal as punishment for being such a slacker this week. The first ¾ of a mile is uphill. As I was running, a woman on a bike pulled out in front of me and I was keeping pace with her. That’s pretty sad considering I was at a 12 minute mile pace, trying not to have a heart attack during my warm up. Shortly thereafter, I passed a man who was shuffling along. “You’re more of a man than me,” he said. Hmmm. About a mile later, I was on another big hill when I passed a guy walking his dog. He said, “That’s quite a hill.” “It’s kicking my butt!” I panted back. I’m not sure how far I ran because my Garmin tracks this route differently every time – I’ll have to drive it one of these days because I really want to know.
Otherwise, I’m looking forward to getting some sleep this weekend! Those old sayings about burning your candle at both ends and meeting yourself coming back sound hauntingly familiar to me about now. Methinks I am overcommitted.
July was supposedly a break from school but somehow I did not notice any extra time, particularly since we had two books to read. One, The World Is Flat version 2.0, is pretty good but very long (and repetitive). The other is some book on IT security that bores me to death just to look at the cover. This semester is going to be difficult for me. It is the most outside of my experience and interests. Therefore it is likely the one I need the most.
The big excitement in my life about now is all about new appliances. My parents gave us a gas grill which I am totally loving. This weekend, I’m trying new recipes for grilled chicken with mustard sauce and flank steak with a red wine marinade. Yum. We’re also getting a new washer and dryer this weekend and I couldn’t be happier. Laundry has been a pain in the patootie for the last few months and has involved me hauling clothes, sheets and towels all over the place. They’re being delivered today – yippee!
Rainbow is well again and so far (knock on wood), no one else has gotten ill. Hopefully any incubation period has passed.
Oh, I somehow managed to commit myself to a golf tournament through work. They were looking for women to get the advantage of the red tees, and I stupidly said that I play a little. Actually what I said is that I suck but apparently that’s good enough for this crew. So now I’m nervous that I’m going to totally humiliate myself in front of my co-workers. I’ve got to get out on the course and practice practice practice! In my copious free time, you know.
Feeling overwhelmed…
Perhaps it is time to mix up another batch of alcohol infused fruit…
Truth be told, I’ve never done a good miscellany post…
(BA HA HA! That never gets old!)
So I’ve truly got nothing. I’ve been a slacker the last two days. Thursday, I had no intention of waking up early, opting instead to stay in bed and nurse my slight hangover. Friday, I had good intentions to weight train. Truly. I woke up at 6:30 and decided I could stay in bed for 15 more minutes. The next thing I knew, it was 8:00 and I was scrambling to get ready for work.
Damn. Fortunately, I was able to fit a run in this morning. Scouter is a good man. I did my hilly mountain route which is brutal as punishment for being such a slacker this week. The first ¾ of a mile is uphill. As I was running, a woman on a bike pulled out in front of me and I was keeping pace with her. That’s pretty sad considering I was at a 12 minute mile pace, trying not to have a heart attack during my warm up. Shortly thereafter, I passed a man who was shuffling along. “You’re more of a man than me,” he said. Hmmm. About a mile later, I was on another big hill when I passed a guy walking his dog. He said, “That’s quite a hill.” “It’s kicking my butt!” I panted back. I’m not sure how far I ran because my Garmin tracks this route differently every time – I’ll have to drive it one of these days because I really want to know.
Otherwise, I’m looking forward to getting some sleep this weekend! Those old sayings about burning your candle at both ends and meeting yourself coming back sound hauntingly familiar to me about now. Methinks I am overcommitted.
July was supposedly a break from school but somehow I did not notice any extra time, particularly since we had two books to read. One, The World Is Flat version 2.0, is pretty good but very long (and repetitive). The other is some book on IT security that bores me to death just to look at the cover. This semester is going to be difficult for me. It is the most outside of my experience and interests. Therefore it is likely the one I need the most.
The big excitement in my life about now is all about new appliances. My parents gave us a gas grill which I am totally loving. This weekend, I’m trying new recipes for grilled chicken with mustard sauce and flank steak with a red wine marinade. Yum. We’re also getting a new washer and dryer this weekend and I couldn’t be happier. Laundry has been a pain in the patootie for the last few months and has involved me hauling clothes, sheets and towels all over the place. They’re being delivered today – yippee!
Rainbow is well again and so far (knock on wood), no one else has gotten ill. Hopefully any incubation period has passed.
Oh, I somehow managed to commit myself to a golf tournament through work. They were looking for women to get the advantage of the red tees, and I stupidly said that I play a little. Actually what I said is that I suck but apparently that’s good enough for this crew. So now I’m nervous that I’m going to totally humiliate myself in front of my co-workers. I’ve got to get out on the course and practice practice practice! In my copious free time, you know.
Feeling overwhelmed…
Perhaps it is time to mix up another batch of alcohol infused fruit…
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