For your pleasure....Soul Punk!

I was listening to this song on the way to work, since I haven't heard it in ages, thought I would bring it back!

4-6 weeks? Ba Humbug!!!!

So I have been wanting new wine glasses FOREVER! And Gary found them for me! I absolutely LOVE them. He had them ordered but we have to wait 4-6 weeks! Now on to look for a wine and glass rack to house my lovely new babies!

Art of Beauty - Matte Velvet Winter Collection

I bought the Fall Collection and absolutely loved it, so needless to say when the Winter Collection came out it was a must buy, especially because of the green (my fave color right now)!

I recieved the package this weekend and I am very excited to try it. We were busy putting up our christmas decorations this weekend, and I did not want to mess up a new manicure!

(picture courtesy fo vampyvarnish)

Well it came....

and I loved every minute of it! New Moon was everything I hoped it would be and more! A few ladies came over on the 20th and we ate, drank and watched Twilight. Then we headed to the 10PM showing of New Moon!

It was very crowded but also very quiet! Chris Weitz did an awesome job and so did the screen writer, her name escapes me at the moment! Can Jacob get any more sweeter? I did shed a few tears, especially when he asked Bella not to go, "For Me" ugh just heartbreaking!

Say it with a picture!

SEPT 2009

Cougar Fun Run!

OCT 2009

At HillRidge Farms...

Let's play catch up

sorry my bloggers, "it's been a while". Well our vacation was great. We just enjoyed the time together as a family. did the beach, museums, aquarium and of course DINNERS!

While at the beach, I got a call and was offered a job I interviewed for. Great way to end my vacation.

The twins started kindergarten, it was a bumpy staggered entry but today was the official first day and it went well! The twins love Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Turner! I am optimistic about the coming year.

The job is great. Although I am a temp (hired through an agency) I could totally see myself with this company. If I get the job I will post more details. Hopefully I will have great news in about 90 days!

Running: My running is progressing nicely, 3.5 miles, easy, is what I am comfortable doing at this time. Just taking it one mile at a time! I keep teetering with a few lbs, but i think I am breaking through this little plateau and hopefully I will have a great weight loss month in September!

And AHEM my bday is next week, so if you are feeling generous, I'm just sayin'.

Did I mention that...

I am going to California at the end of September? My youngest sibling is tying the knot with her baby's daddy!


I have been looking forever for a dress, and finally found it. I love the cut and it is STRETCHY! Classic and simple.

It is almost upon us...

less than 2 weeks till my babes start their first day of kindergarten! My MIL took the duo to pick out new backpacks and lunch bags. Supplies have been purchased, yet there was no official list to buy from, hoping they send one soon.

I got a call from the school administrator asking if we would like to keep them together. I spoke to Gary about this, and we agreed that keeping them together for their first year would be beneficial to all of us. Less headache and heartache!

So I guess the official first day they are observed by all the K teachers then they all get together, compare notes and draft their classroom roster. I chuckled a bit at the thought of my kids being "drafted"!

We are leaving for the beach house in a couple of days (we paid before the unfortunate event of me being laid off) The kids are excited, that's all they talk about, going to the beach. Gary has been looking forward to this all summer. He really needs time away from his job.

On the job front:
I had a rather interesting interview last week, but received great feedback form the interviewer, and should here something in a few weeks. Still on the hunt, so if you, my dear friends, see anything, send it my way!

I am enjoying this time with the duo, playing games, hanging out by the pool, and just lounging. It's really gonna suck when I do go back to work.

The knee situation:
I have been running on the treadmill for the past 3 weeks, and feeling my knee getting stronger as I do this. I know I will prolly never run another Half-Marathon or even a Marathon, but if I could run 5-6 miles I would be happy.

I think the walking has been very beneficial to the strengthening of said knee. I am praying it keeps on getting stronger!

Lots of time on my hands recently...

so I have been reading in between taking care of the duo and looking for that great job. I recently read PUSH: A Novel. Talk about hard hitting. The main character "Precious" was sexually and physically abused by both her parents starting when she was just months old. I was mortified but kept on reading. It is not a tale for the weak. I cried and cried, how can you not with the tribulations this little girl went through.

It was premiered at this years Sundance Film Festival:

I am now getting a major job complex...

I was laid off yet again. Can you believe it? well neither can I! And this could not come at a worse time. I find myself not throwing myself into this job hunting thing, like I did the first time around. I am TIRED!

I feel used by this last company. I help set everything up and then was left behind. Makes me quite pissed off.

The search goes on, and on!

On a lighter note I have officially lost a little over 30lbs. Go me. YAY! But I wish I was 30lbs lighter with a great JOB.

And lately I am feeling disconnected, withdrawn from Gary and the kids. I am trying to enjoy them, but depressions nasty little head is poking out again. Working on getting it out of my face. I want to enjoy this time I have with the kids before they start Kindergarten next month.

Eco-Conscious MelFlex!

I recently joined this shopping community (was on a waiting list) and I have a few invitations, let me know if you are interested. Any who, the items that are for sale in the community through "Events" are some pretty cool stuff. Allot of the stuff is more than 60% off retail value, and I have seen a ton of stuff that I had no idea existed.

Take for instance, Melissa Plastic Dreams Foot ware. Made from reusable substances, eco-friendly, vegan friendly and just plain of funky fresh! The factory recycles 99.9 percent of waste and water used in production. They also recycle unused inventory from previous years. They are doing their part to keep plastic out of landfills.

I love the "Peep Toe" style, which I think looks very similar to the Crocs version. hmmmm. I would definitely sport a pair of these. So if you can (Prices range from $49 - 99) support this company and look great while doing your part to save our planet.

I finally received my Zoya Matte Collection (with the exception of Loredana). I love it and boy did it dry super fast. I have had it on for 5 days now and the tips of my nails are showing wear, so true to what I was told, the wear is not as long as regular polish.
(picture courtesy of VampyVarnish) It looks way better in person! Now if my Illamasqua would just come already!

Illamasqua is divine!

So I have discovered a new blog Vampy Varnish. She reviews, what else, Nail lacquers! She has opened up a whole new world for me. Deborah Lippman, Illamasqua, and Butter London. But that comes with a PRICE ( a very high one to be exact)

I saw this on her blog: It is pure LIQUID PURPLE GOLD! OME, talk about drool. I have never seen a purple shine like it. I hate to admit that I paid $20 w/ shipping from their website, but I am sure it will be well worth it. There is another color I would love, Rampage! But it was not that serious, to shell out $40 for nail lacquer.

I am, however on the prowl of this color by Deborah Lippman:(pics courtesy of my new found blog love) which hits stores this month. Neiman Marcus anniversary colors. "Don't Tell Momma" I have no idea what my infatuation with the color green is at the momment, just look at it!

Oh my, OPI!

So I was getting my nails polished at my local salon and was flipping through the latest version of NailPro Mag (I used to work for them, many moons ago) and I saw that OPI has a new collection coming out this fall (the earlier the better), the Spain Collection. I am a lover of the dark, luscious nail colors. This is going to be the death of me, because you know how expensive their lacquers are. :sigh:

But one particular color caught my eye and I couldn't look away....

"Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees, Aragon Tomorrow, suzi in the sky... Manicurist of Seville.Pamplona Purple, Conquistadorable Color, Bullish on OPI"

Isn't that color just awesome? I have never been excited over nail color before. Just add that to my list of OCDedness! :anothersigh:

Also they have a Matte Collection coming out in July. I have always wanted to try a matte polish:

Alpine Snow, Gargantuan Green Grape, La Paz-itively Hot
Lincoln Park After Dark, Russian Navy, You Don’t Know Jacques!

“OPI Matte is cutting edge for nails in terms of sophistication and style,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI executive vice president and artistic director. “An all-matte nail is fresh, confident, and very fashion runway, and OPI Matte is meant for those moments when you want to make a major fashion statement.OPI Matte does not wear as long as original OPI Nail Lacquer – but its impact is long remembered!”

Gorgeous colors and I already own Russian Navy and Midnight in Moscow in Iacquer.

I pre-orderd my copy of Eclipse in soft cover today! It will be released on 8/4/09, to coincide with the start of the filming "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" so exciting! I wonder when they will release the paperback edition of Breaking Dawn? That is going to be one huge softcover!

The Beeze 262...

is officially ours for the week of AUG15 - AUG23! We first rented this townhouse (owned by G's boss) last year and were more than pleased with the property. Plenty of rooms and space, flat screens in a few of the rooms which was a major plus! I am definitely looking forward to our vacation this year!

I also booked my airline ticket to CA last week. My youngest sister is getting hitched on SEPT28 and I couldn't miss it! It's going to be a quick trip, flying up Friday afternoon and then flying home Monday morning. This will be my first solo trip since the twins were born. I am a little more excited than I should be which has me feeling guilty. Ha Ha Ha!

My babies turned 5!

On June 27th, 2009 my babies turned 5! Still can't believe it. I need some bricks to put on their heads to stop them from growin up! We decided to have a Bowling Party since it is soo hot during this time. It was a fun, chaotic party! I recommend Buffaloe Lanes in Cary and ask for Erica to be your party hostess. She was awesome!

After that we headed back to the house and we had a cookout. Sooo much fun. I really love our circle of friends. Good times!

And since I have such a girly girl, as a surprise I took Gabby to Sweet & Sassy and had her hair done and a mini mani/pedi! OMG I was dying, it was the cutest thing ever.

For your viewing PLEASURE........

Thanks TejanaMama...

for reminding me. We heard last week that our appeal was APPROVED. The duo is scheduled to attend Swift Creek Elementary. Go COUGARS! This was our second choice, but just as equally great news.

It is a Traditional calendar school, and from what I have researched, has excellent/high test scores from the lower grades. Oh and their after school care is $70 less per child a month. Woo effin hoo. Was stressing out there for a bit!

Plus I am not too far from the school and my MIL is less than 5 miles away, just in case anyhting happens!

Frist day of school is Augst 25th, which put a damper on our September vacation plans. Hopefully we can rent the beach house in early August, if it is available.

End of the Season.

and it started at 8 AM! What a hot morning. But we did it we finished the season and the kids loved it, never complained once, gung ho all the way. We had great coaches even if one of them kept calling Gabby "Debbie". On to Soccer! Here are a few pictures from the "Medal Ceremony". (Photos courtesy of my Verizon Blitz)

My kids, in PRINT!

As promised here is the letter that ran in today's edition of The Cary News - News and Observer.

The Road

I recently read The Road. What a fascinating book. Scared me a bit more than I would like to admit. It left me with a gazillion questions that I am hoping the movie will answer. Vigo Mortensen, love him.



Finding time to read daily is getting pretty hairy! But I am trying to catch up, since we are in summer as we speak, the time when I get allot of my reading in for the year! If you have any great reads, feel free to add them to my comment box! I am over doing it again, and I am currently reading 5 books at a time. WTF?

We are awaiting the ruling of our appeal through the WCPSS, for the school transfer. Hopefully we will here from them within the next 3 days. If we are denied again, the twins will start kindergarten in less than a month. Why is this experience so horrible? It is making me sick to my stomach. It's more difficult than it really should be.

Sometimes I have to remind myslef..

that I am going to be 32 years old. But I couldn't help myself. I finally gave in and bought Twilight. I loved the series and the movie when it first came out. I told myself that I was not going to get the DVD, aaaaaaaahhhhhh the INSANITY. I bought it last week, along with a few DVD's for the kids bday! We, as in D &G (who love Jacob too BTW) watched it 5 times last weekend. We just couldn't get enough!

Then I just had to watch the MTV movie awards and get the preview of New Moon! Blah, I am way too old for this shit, but something comes over me when I watch these things. Did I mention I downloaded the Twilight Soundtrack? Oh and I also downloaded Radiohead's "15 Step". I promise I am done with this. For now anyway!

Moving on, this weekend is the 2009 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure. This will be the first year that I will not run the 5K but walk the Rec 5K. It's all for a good cause so if you live in the Triangle come out and cheer us on.

We are almost done with the kids baseball, so that will free up our Saturdays. Beach, here we come!

UPDATE: Proud to Be an American Post
My MIL sent the story into the News and Observer and they are going to print it. I am still waiting for details, but when I get them I will add another update. I am hoping they will add the pictures along with the story.

Can I say how much I hate Kindergarten so far?

I just want to pull all my effin hair out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gaaaaaaaaaaaah! So for those of you who don't know (most of you do) the duo were re-disctrict from Holly Grove Elementary to the new Herbert Akins Road Elementary in Fuquay-Varina. Well let me tell you something, the new school starts at 9:15, the after school care is $30 more a child per month because the new YMCA is running the program, and I would have to fight even more traffic on my way back through Holly Springs to Cary. UGH!

We put in a transfer to Farmington Woods, Swift Creek and Holly Springs Elementarys. We were DENIED! Booo. So I sent in our appeal and we are slated to give our 2 min/per child speech on the 15th! We are all going, MIL included to give our schpeal about how we want our kids to go to either those 3 schools because my MIL id the PDP.

There was an article printed in our local paper about how many transfers were denied and that 48% of appeals are awarded. Please lord let is be in that 48%! Paleeeeeeze!?

Extremely Proud to Be an AMERICAN!

This brought tears to my eyes!

From my MIL:

"Hi Everyone I just wanted to tell you what nice thing happened to Derrick and Gabby this morning. We were at Panera's restaurant and we met a really nice solider. Well Derrick kept telling the man that he has a Army Guy just like him, very excitedly and he said his army guy even has the same color of hair. The man laughed and then got down to shake Derrick and Gabby's hand and asked Derrick if he wanted to be in the Army? He told Derrick that he jumps out of planes and then told us he has three kids and one of his sons is over in Iraq now and that he was leaving in a week to go over to Iraq himself."

He then proceeded to tell my MIL that he this will be his 7th tour of duty in Iraq. His son is there and his daughter is at WestPoint. She was so touched she thanked him for all he did for us and gave him a big hug and told him to be safe.

As he went to leave he bent down and gave Derrick his "Special Forces Ranger" patch and gave Gabby his American flag patch. What a special gesture, one that I will make sure that he remembers, the generosity of that one special soldier, fighting so that my son and daughter can live is this great country!

Time is flying by!

Where did May go? Plans for the duo's 5th birthday are almost done. We are having it at Buffaloe Lanes in Cary. They are excited, but I think I over did it with the guest list. Oh well. They graduated preschool a few weeks ago, it was the cutest thing ever. Not a dry eye in the house.

They are scheduled to start Kindergarten in July (yikes). We have applied for a transfer to a few other schools. I am hoping one of them is approved (please lord)! I want them to be close to my MIL so we picked a few schools around her!

The yard is coming along nicely. I am currently pulling out these half dead bushes from the back of the fence. You should see them, they are pathetic. Gary is going to have soil brought in for the other garden bed, and mulch for the very back of the yard.

Work is fine, busy and tiring. But I am lucky to have a job in this mess right?

My knee is still wonky, but I have been walking 3-6 miles 5 days a week trying to get it in shape for the Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure 5k in a few weeks. Sad I am not running it, but atleast I can walk. I find myself very bitter that I cannot run. To teh point where I get teary. It's pathetic.

Long Time No BLOG

We have been extremely busy.  We went camping, then Mothers Day crept up on us, Gary went to SC and I am redoing all of our flower beds and creating some new ones, all the while cleaning up our backyard.  I am exhausted.  I will post pics of the camping trip soon.  Other than that, nothing really new to update.  Just chugging along like normal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email Blogging

 

 

Just trying out this new feature, emailing my blog posts. Very Cool!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is here!

and with it comes this disgusting yellow pollen. :sneeze: It's awful. It gets on EVERYTHING and stays there.

It's been an eventful week in our household. Derrick is feeling 300 percent better. Thank the lord! but Gary caught a really bad flu! We think it might be this swine flu, I mean it really knocked him on his ass. But he is finally getting better. I have never seen him soo sick.

Derrick went back to school yesterday, and is doing great. I am soo happy, I hated seeing him in soo much pain. The meds were giving him stomach cramps! He will be 2 weeks post-op tomorrow. His follow-up appt. with Dr. Gupta is next week, and I am sure it will go fine.

We are camping this weekend with the TIF group,at Jordan lake. I am excited, we have sooo much fun camping.

My knee is still wonky. It hurts some days and is fine others. Blah, I just wish it would heal already. For the 100th time, I am back on WW, and it's going o.k. I can't let my MIL beat me at losing weight. HAHAHAHA.

Surgery aftermath

Surgery went well, better than I expected. Recovery has been good, rough at times, but good. We had him doped up for the last 3 days, and we have cut his meds back, but looks like we need to up them again. Baby boy is in pain. Sad to see him this way.

Last Saturday was the twins first t-ball game. Gabby did better than expected, emotionally, She has been this bundle of emotions lately, shy and reserved. But Gary was there assisting with the team, and I think that helped her come out of her shell.

I thought she was going to breakdown because Derrick was not playing, but she surprised us all!

We have been seriously neglecting our yard. I am hoping to get to that this weekend. I want to do a little planting in the front beds and get the side yard beds assembled. This is going to be a major PITA!

Can I just say that I LOVE my Jay Oh Bee??

It really is a perfect fit. I am happy I made the choice I did. It is only day two and have learned allot. I am hopeful that this is a sign of good things to come.

Gary has been in GA the past 3 days and it has been a little stressful, with starting the new job and some news we received in regards to his snoring. Derrick's ENT appt. went smoothly but the news was not great.

Dr. Gupta could not believe that the pediatrician did not catch this. Derrick's tonsils and adenoids are the size of an adult male. You can only see pink puffy flesh when you look in his mouth. Poor dude. I feel soo bad, we thought it was allergies.

We meet with the Dr. next Monday and the surgery is scheduled for the 17th. I am scared. He will be under general anesthetic. Please say a little prayer for him and us. I was up last night checking on him a handful of times, because I was so worried. Blah , this is gonna be a slow 2 weeks. I called Gary and made him come home early, he is almost home as I type.

The kids baseball opening day is the 18th, so I guess derrick will have to miss his first game. He will be bummed, I know it.

Ahhh the joys of being a parent.

I am out of witty titles.

I start my new job tomorrow, Gary is in GA all this week, I am fighting with the unemployment office and Derrick has his ENT appt. tomorrow. Talk about STRESSED. I about chewed my MIL's head off today. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH. And the twins are almost done with school and have a ton of activities going on through school, a ton of activities with friends and baseball starts in a few weeks. My head is spinning.

Derrick's ENT appt should have been scheduled ages ago, but I lag. He has snored since he was about 2 and it has only gotten worse over the last year. I am scared he has apnea, but he is sleeping, he is not tired or irritable. And the noise. It is so loud it wakes us all up. I am hoping Dr. Gupta does not try to shove a bunch of meds our way.

I want to send a huge Felicidades to the Rivas family, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl last night at 9:17PM weighing in at 8lbs, 9oz, name TBD. LOL.

A little more info!

I received another offer yesterday. I was a little overwhelmed. Both offers were great opportunities and I felt sick to my stomach. I am happy with my decision but it was soooo hard to make it. I really hope I made the right decision.

I received the following email from the recruiter of the second offer:

"Elysia,

I wanted to thank you for working with XXX Corporation regarding the Program Support Assistant position. I also thought you may like to hear that some of the feedback from your interview was very positive. The group felt that you were very professional & confident in your abilities, that you answered their questions clearly and that you appeared to be very motivated. Donovan specifically stated that you were one of the best candidates he had seen in the past few years.

I thought it may be nice to hear that you did such an excellent job on your interview. Best of luck in your new position.

XXXXX
Technical Recruiter
XXX Corporation "

Talk about a major stroke to the ego!


The new job is with a small company. The owners have been working out of their house here in Holly Springs for the past 4 years. The company is the primary distributor for a Swiss made liquid handling workstation. So basically they sell lab automation systems and life science products to bio-medical research and medical diagnostic facilities.

They acquired the warranty, service and maintenance side of the business recently. Thus the need to move into a commercial space and my position. My official title is Customer Service Rep. But I will also assist with sales and Marketing, all admin. aspects, creating product databases from scratch, you name it I will do it. This is a perfect job for me. Learning to run a small business. I am very excited.

While picking up my employment packet, I was speaking with the owner, Mrs. Medders, and she asked me if Mr. Medders spoke to me about the amount of responses they received for the posting? I said no. They received over 300 resumes. OMG my mouth dropped. This shows the sign of the times. I am very BLESSED.

And 5 weeks later....

I finally join the workforce AGAIN. It's been rough the last few weeks, but brighter days are ahead. It's a great opportunity with a small company in Cary. The owners are the sweetest couple I have ever met. They have a great core value and I am excited that I have a chance to show what I can do.

My knee is still on the mend. I went to see an ortho and he examined and took xray's of my knee. He found nothing, so he scheduled an MRI. I had the scans read last week and turns out I have a small tear in my meniscus. He also discovered arthritis, which is a total bummer.

I originally sought him out because I thought it was psoriatic arthritis, due to my psoriasis. He agrees and scheduled an appt for me to see a rhuematologist. The ortho suggested that I stop running for good. Arthritis in the knee and running don't mix. That broke my heart.

So I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. A heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I have another week of "vacation" before I start my new position. Now maybe I can relax. Sleeping in has been the best part of being unemployed.

Runners Knee..

is most likely what I have. Bummer. It is this dull pain, and I can't bend my knee, it's a killer since I have stairs. Blah.

I ran once last week and once the week before, so I am hoping to heal quickly.

My mom has been here for the last 10 days and it's been great. The duo love having her here, and so do I. I am definitely sad that she is leaving tomorrow.

The job hunt is going o.k. Wish I have heard back from more companies, but will take what I have received. Keep us (and my knee :) in your prayers.

Ho hum

been a while. I have had a troublesome last couple of days. I lost my job and have been feeling sorry for myself.

I ran like twice, and I blew off my long run today. I think I am over it now. I hate feeling like this.

My mom is in town for 10 days and I am going to enjoy this time with her and the kids.

Keep us and the many other unemployed Americans in your prayers!

Happy V-Day to all the BLOGGERS.

I hope everyone has a LOVEly moment today!

I am finally feeling better. I was scared there, and contemplating a trip to the doctor. It was that BAD. I took a few days off of exercising to rest and recupe, for my long run today.

Yesterday I did some strength training. I did upper body and a CORE routine I found in my latest issue of Runners World, called Fast Abs. And if my abs can look like that of Lolo Jones, then I will definitely stick to it.

Today was my scheduled long run. I was very nervous, and I didn't sleep all that well. Alarm clock went of at 6AM and I was out the door by 7AM.

I decided to take it slow, very slow, because there are about a handful of semi-steep hills in my neighborhood (ATT would have been to dark and I wanted to get the run over as early as possible)

The wind was strong, I have no idea what mph it was, but enough that I took it a little slower when the gusts kicked up. I started to feel a little fatigued after mile 4 but that was definitely because I had been so sick the past 3 days. I finished faster than I thought I would, so that made me happy.

Next week I jump to 9 miles according to my training log. Ugh, I am already nervous about it. I wish there was a semi-straight, non-hill area around here, these hills are going to be the death of me.

Today's Run:

8 miles / 103:10 minutes

12:54 pace

I am SICK!

WTF? I was totally fine this morning and then around 11AM I started to feel achy and filled with the chills. Blah. I went for my run anyways, and went very slow. I actually think my time is off, but i forgot what time I started. Oh well.

I was talking to Lesley via Facebook, and she is doing the Bank of America Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon, which was my very first Half Marathon, and she suggested that I run it with here. I have not been training properly, hap-hazardly is more like it. I am up to 6 miles consecutively. So I typed in my info into SmartCoach and it says I can be ready in 7 weeks. I think it's all mental, but I am scared. WTF?

I am going to do it. Just putting on my big girl panties and doing it. And can I just say, 8 miles on Saturday. Holy shit. But I will get it done.

Now the more I talk about it, the more excited I am.

Today's Run:

5 miles / 78 minutes

a gawd awful slow pace

Lovely Day, Lovely Day...

it was today. We have had gorgeous weather since Saturday. I finally took the xmas lights down (my neighbors were extremely happy) and I washed all the cars and spent most of the day outside.

My long run on Sunday sucked. I was so dehydrated that my 7 miles turned into 4.5 ran and 1.5 walked. disappointing. Oh well.

I was still feeling like crap on Monday so I skipped my run, I didn't want to injure myself further. On the way home yesterday I rented Wanted. What a hot movie. Loved it.

Today's run was hard as well, I think because I need to start carrying a water bottle on runs longer than 4 miles. I did about 5, and after that I headed to Bull City Running (located right off the ATT, where I ran) and I picked this. I will test it out tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

I really need to sit down and get a race schedule together, but I am scared, and I don't know why. I need to get over it!

Sunday's Run

6.25 miles / 80:47 minutes

12:56 pace

Tuesday's Run

4.75 miles/55:49 minutes

11:45 pace

I hate the COLD

and that is the excuse I have been using for not running. But today was lovely, so I headed out for a 3 miler. Ended up with a 3.75, I felt too good and I wanted to go a little farther.

My running is progressing nicely and I am pleased. Although the weight loss is all over the place. Blah.




I want to profess my love for CELSIUS. The best energy drink ever. If only it weren't so expensive. Find your local Vitamin Shoppe and pick one up. You won't be sorry!

Tonight's Run: Hill interval

3.75 miles / 45 min

12:04 pace

Durham Museum of Life and Science..

GCB , Savannah and I took all the kids to the Durham Museum of Life and Science on Saturay. (thanks G for the free entries)

The kids had soo much fun, and so did I. It's a great museum, they have soo much to offer. I was tired after spending 4 hours there. We then headed to GCBs house for lunch and let the kids run around crazy style!

Recap...

Been a little busy, so here is a quick recap.

Thursday:
I had a lunch with an old co-worker, (BBL at her house) and we caught up on what was new, so I was only able to get in my 20 MIN Pilate's workout that morning.

Friday:
I ran 5 miles on the ATT during lunch, this was a great run.

Sunday:
I was supposed to run my 6 miles on this day, but I slept in and we had made plans to go to the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

So I ran 6.25 miles on Sunday on the ATT, it was really hard, but the day was gorgeous.

Then we headed to a friends house to watch the Super Bowl. I did really well, and stayed out of the kitchen where the food was. I had on alcoholic drink, and limited myself to one very small plate of veggies and dip and 2 small slices of veggie pizza.

The kids and I headed home at half time, so there wasn't anymore food temptations.

Still raining..

so I decided to hop on the elliptical machine for some cross training! Holy Shit! I.Thought.I.Was.Going.To.DIE! The fat burn cycle kicks ass!

I am also sticking to my No Elevators goal! I sit atop the fifth floor of our 5 floor building and let me tell you, I am huffing and puffing once I get to the 4th. I have to stop once I reach the top and catch my breath, because I don't want the guy ho sits next to me, to hear me sucking wind. So embarrassing.

This dude, rides his bike to work every day, even in the snow and he RUNS up the 5 flights, like nothing. Fucker! LOL nah!

Today's Workout:

10 miles on the elliptical machine/ 48 minutes

Running in the Rain...

I usually like doing this, but not when it's 40 degrees. and since it was a scheduled trail run, another strike against running outside today. I opted for the dreadmill at the gym. 5 mile speed work. I was sucking wind at the end, thought I wasn't gonna make it.

In other news:
My mom finally received her itinerary for her trip up here in February. She was waiting for the approval from Continental, since it was a free ticket, you have to jump through a million hoops and then they approve you.

We are going to make a trip up to GA that Wednesday after she arrives. I love GA. It's sooo pretty. The drive relaxes me as well.

I can't wait to see her, it's been 6 months since we have been together. The kids miss her and I know she misses them.

On a sad note:

The last of the Danios died on Sunday. Blah. It was my fault, the water tests were not getting any better, so I changed out the water. The test said to only change out 25%, well I changed like 75% and plus the little bugger was slippery, took me a whole 5 minutes to get him out....and then about 5 minutes after, he was a floater. :sigh:

The twins didn't even care. We really need to get them their own fish to take care of.

Today's Run

5 miles / 61:33 minutes

How in the hell...

did I gain 3lbs? Man that is sooo frustrating. Aagh. Whatever. I am getting stronger in my running, and I feel better overall. But that weight thing still looms over my head......soo ANNOYING!

I think I am going to move up my runs, and schedule my longer run for Saturday mornings. It will just be easier for me. We stay up late on Saturday nights and then on Sunday I can barely make it out the door for church, never mind a run!

Today's run, it felt like my legs weighed a hundred pounds each. And my calves were really TIGHT! So I stopped and stretched and walked a few kms. I need to google some good calf stretches, because I am trying to run allot more hills and grades, and I think that's why my muscles are tight!

I am thinking of signing up for a race next month. It has been about 6 months since I last raced and I am itching to get out there!

Today's Run:

4.25 miles / 55:02

Happy Chinese New Year!

GCB and I decided to take the kids to our local Chinese New Year celebration. The kids were free, and it was raining, so it was a perfect time to be indoors. There were vendors and performers, and lots and lots and lots of PEOPLE.

Some of them feeling very ENTITLED. But I kept my mouth shut and enjoyed the festivities. The twins tried Chinese food for the first time. They loved the noodles. SX showed us he can use chopsticks, very cool!

Did I mention how HOT it was in the expo building? I think they forgot to turn on the air. GCB was roasting.

The kids got to do some crafts and they had their face painted. We had two very happy batman's and one gorgeous butterfly.