Working on the Running

It's been a LONG time since my last blog posting.  My training is going well, Erik's college experience is going well. The JV team won their first game yesterday against Wartburg 20 to 19.  He was very excited and all smiles.  This week at work is CRAZY but I guess that really isn't new either =)

I have a large ventral hernia that will require surgery that I have scheduled for December.  Since my cycling is going well, I am planning to spend the next 10 weeks working on my running.  Hopefully it will help detach some of my fat from my body.  I'll plan to post information on my runs and use this to track improvements and goals =)

Muscle Beach

Last night when Brian and I went to lift weights there were SERIOUS weight lifters at the Y - it looked like body building night.  I struggled though my 30 minutes and was sore and tired at the end.

I am meeting with my Bellevue University advisor on Monday afternoon but I think I will be changing colleges.  While I knew that my class would be the "beta" group at Concordia, their lack of communication and difficultly in pre-planning has been frustrating at best.  One of the primary reasons that I chose Concordia was the availability of the program director and his focus on clinical informatics, however, he recently resigned, so at this point, I'm not sure the aggravation is worth it for my future plans especially since it no longer closely matches my goals for an IT focus. 

Saturday has come so fast - Erik will start at Simpson and suffer through a few weeks of football camp before school starts.  Hopefully we have everything he needs, and if we don't - we'll be up to see him in 2 weeks =)

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle

Saturday afternoon was Erik's Eagle ceremony.  I was certain that I would bawl since I cried reading the script but I made it through just fine.  He had a good turnout and really enjoyed himself. 

Friday after work I did the Bride Ride and didn't realize until I got home and went to take it off that I rode without my helmet.  Thankfully I wasn't injured in any way!  Saturday morning I went to meet Susan for a walk but the weather intervened and we only did 30 minutes.  Later in the morning I took Cache for a walk through the cemetery and Sunday we went for a family bike ride after church.  The bridge has FINALLY re-opened so we rode from our house to the zoo and back.  I had BAD leg cramps on the way home and I'm still a little tight this morning so hopefully a walk with Cache this afternoon and plenty of water will help get things evened out again.

Just Keep Moving

It has been a CRAZY busy week!  Thursday after work I made it through another 30 minutes of swimming laps and Friday I went for a short bike ride with the boys - we did the quick 6, which is slightly shorter at the moment due to bridge construction and then Brian and I took care of grocery shopping. 

Saturday morning I met Susan Z at the trail head for the Jamaica North trail and we walked six miles seeing teeny tiny tree frogs, baby black tree snakes, 8 deer, an indigo bunting and two herds of wild turkey's.  I was sweaty but happy at the end.  That night we went to a shrimp boil and had a fun and enjoyable evening with other band parents and friends.

Sunday morning Brian, Erik and I rode 12 miles before church and then I spent a lot of time napping.

Monday was a long day at work so Cache got a walk and last night I took to the pool for laps and water aerobics.  It was crowded and unbelievably noisy but I was worn out and slept like a rock!  Tonight we go back for weight lifting and this weekend will be another long ride.  Hopefully all of this will help me to be ready for the Tri in June!

Lift Weights to Lose Weight

Last night after a VERY long day at work Erik and I ate a quick dinner and then raced over to the Y to lift weights.  I'm still a little sore this morning and my muscles were steaming hot last night - hopefully all that work will get my metabolism running higher! 

Our house got about a tenth of an inch of rain last night which seems to have increased the humidity but not really helped the dray grass and plants around the city.  Hopefully we'll get a break from the heat soon. 

Six in the Lane

Last night I went for my first training swim.  I was able to swim successfully for the full 30 minutes and I was SUPER red in the face from exertion when I got out.  Unfortunately I went during a VERY popular pool time so there were six of us in the only open lap lane and we all swam with varying levels of skill.  While I was in Brian went for a hot almost 6 mile ride.  I think that the training will be a good thing and I'm hopeful that my body will be willing to drop some fat!

Cache Wanted to Quit Early

Last night we didn't head out for our walk until 9:10 - and it was still very hot.  Cache was ready to quit about 10 minutes in but we encouraged him to get to the lower part of the park where it was a little cooler and then he remembered the route through the neighborhood and tugged on the leash for awhile. 

It was good to get out and sweat a little =)  the next three days of training are inside and Thursday night is the Cake concert in Council Bluffs so our first week back from vacation is a whirlwind, as always!

Time to Train

It is time to work harder to detach my body from it's overly intimate relationship with my fat.  Today I will begin a triathlon training program so that in June of 2013 I can complete the "long" distance Norfolk triathlon.  I am planning to switch over to a diet slightly higher in protein and will train 7 days each week, 2 swimming, 2 running, 2 cycling and one session with weights.

I of course decided to start this in the middle of summer when it is roasting hot and Lincoln is under a heat advisory.  Tonight, after dark, Cache and I will take a walk so that we can ready ourselves for the return to running and with any luck I'll be able to swim tomorrow.  Today is the first day back from our Ely vacation so all I really want is a nap =) 

Brian is 35 Now

Happy Birthday today to an amazing man!  Even though we are rushing to celebrate tonight hopefully we can celebrate next week on vacation and make you feel special. 

It's been a CRAZY couple weeks and the next two days are so overstuffed with things to do I'll need a vacation before our vacation.  Camp Van Vac here we come!

The Best Pair Of Gardening Gloves

This spring while starting work on our landscaping project I picked up a pair of gardening gloves at Target.  They are a funny turquoise with little rubber dots on the palms and fingers to help with grip and even though they are cloth they protect well from prickly plants, mud, and water.  Last weekend I worked at my mom's on the east and west sides of the house pulling weeds and removing volunteer trees.  After we got all the old stuff out we planted a slew of day lilies on the east side and spread cedar mulch.  This weekend I worked clearing out the flower bed under her deck where all the bird seed drops during the winter, mowing the yard and ripping vines out of the fence line.  With any luck the landscaping in the back can be finished before we leave for Ely and we can stay on top of the weeds and volunteer trees back there. 

We used to approach the projects at my mom's on the large scale and try to win the battle against the yard.  Our new approach is an effort to spend a little more money and regular time to make the yard lower maintenance over time.  It is very surprising to me that our yard is lower maintenance and significantly bigger.  I wish there was an easy solution but nothing that we have tried in the last ten years has been very effective. 

Running in the Heat!

This afternoon it will be 90 degrees - and I am planning to go on a five mile run with my friend Susan.  Yes that is a long run, especially when the farthest I have run in the last 18 years is 1 mile.... yes it's going to be SUPER hot.... yes I do feel a little silly.  But she is a good friend, and if I have to walk for most of it I will be OK.  I'll run as much as I can and drink lots of water afterwards and it will all work out!

Just Keep Working!!!!

We have a couple exceptionally busy weeks ahead.  Brian has his final in Omaha tomorrow morning, tonight I have 4 more chapters to read and an assignment to do.  Tomorrow is also the last night of scouts for the school year for all practical purposes. 

Next week I am working a lot of extra hours and trying to get my homework done and Brian will be trying to get ready to leave for scout camp. We will also spend part of the weekend trying to get the band ready for the College World Series and getting yard work done at all three houses.  I'm looking forward to a week of vacation more this year than usual =)

A Cap, A Gown and a BIG Smile

Saturday was Erik's graduation.  Saturday morning we rolled out of bed very early to finish getting the house ready for the party.  After spreading mulch, cleaning toilets, making several gallons of ice tea and getting Erik into his cap and gown we traveled downtown and hiked 2 blocks in 93 degree heat to the ceremony.  This was the last graduation for Dr. Hunter Pirtle - the LSE principal for the last 19 years.  The senior choir sang together one last time and the 4 senior graduation speakers did a tremendous job.  I cried through almost all of Alex Rousseau's speech and it was easy to decide that we would have to buy the video. 

After the ceremony Erik, Jeff, and Brian went downtown to pick up the root beer keg and all of Erik's grandma's and his aunt Marla helped us finish last minute food preparation.  Guests began arriving a few minutes before 6 and the last group left at 10:45.  Everyone enjoyed the evening and we served more than 20 pounds of pulled pork, 4 bags of coleslaw, several watermelons, three pans of ice cream lasagna and 5 gallons of root beer.  We had a wonderful time and he enjoyed getting to see so many friends and family.

Sunday we spent the afternoon party hopping and Monday we tried to recover after the long weekend.

One of Brian's finals is complete and the other will happen Thursday morning.  It looks like we have a busy summer ahead but it will all work out =)

Keep it Clean

I remember as a kid getting ready for family holiday parties when my grandmother would clean every square inch of the house and tell me that my job was to keep it clean for the day or two that would lapse before the event.  We have nearly reached that stage at our house.  There are a few more important but minor cleaning jobs to be done and food preparation is well on it's way.  Erik is officially done with school.  It feels odd that Erik is done with Lincoln Public Schools and that this fall he will start college.  I am SO excited for his future and know that he will have a wonderful experience and a fantastic life ahead of him.  In two more days we'll celebrate the end of this experience and prepare for the next phase!

The Scent of Cedar

Last night our amazing neighbors Tom and Toni came over and we finished the edging and spread all the mulch in the front flower beds.  Tonight before the Senior Athletic Recognition night we will see if there are any spots that need a little extra and the remaining mulch will be used on the side of the house and in the flower bed we did last summer.  It's unbelievable that we are down to the last few days before graduation.  Tomorrow we'll have pork cooking at our house all day long and then we'll finish last minute cleaning and cooking.  Erik has Calculus, AP Lit and Team Sports finals today.

I think the reason that the school's plan senior events one or two nights a week during the last 3 weeks of school is to make parents take a night to slow down and stop frantically getting the house ready for graduation =)  At least that's what I'll be telling myself tonight when I'm relaxing in the cold auditorium waiting for my senior to be recognized. 

An Eagle Presentation

Erik is missing all of 6th period, and part of 7th period today to teach therapists at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital to play the drums he built, bought, and had donated for the pediatric drumming circle.  Once this is completed, he will turn in his Eagle workbook, go to his Eagle Board of Review and we'll have another party =)  It has been fun to watch him think through things and get his materials together.

Last night I had to watch Contagion as part of my homework for the week and then I wrote a paper about lead poisoning.  Tonight I have to review a recent news article about a public health issue and then we'll see about some yard work.  I really have to finish reading my textbooks too!

What a Wookie!

Last night was the very last choir concert.  I only cried a little bit!

The last song of the night for Court Choir (varsity co-ed) was a Star Wars Trilogy.  Erik auditioned for Chewbacca and got it so we made arrangements to rent the costume.  He looked really good in it and did a good job in his first role on stage.  Even though the costume was VERY hot.  Brian put a short video on Facebook and I'll try to get a picture on here.  It has been a great end to his high school experience.

The shampooing of the carpets has begun and I'm done planting - tonight Brian and Brian Spatz will be going to get the other cubic yard of mulch and I will commit the night to homework.

Preparing for the Future

This morning while getting ready for work I thought about the differences between Erik and I at high school graduation.  I finished a semester early and started to work full time, I actually had to take vacation for my graduation ceremony.  I also had a toddler, we celebrated my graduation and Erik's 1st birthday one weekend apart.  I wasn't sure what I wanted when I finished high school but Erik has as much direction now as I did at 25 or 30. 

I know that he will do well in college.  Of course I worry, every parent worries when their child leaves for college, especially when they move 4 hours away, but I have confidence that he will do well and find himself. 

Today I'll be off work early to shampoo carpets and continue efforts to prepare the house for graduation.  I'm sure his party will be a fun night for he and his guests and we are starting to receive lots of invitations so we'll have a busy weekend to celebrate.  Instead of thinking about all the work getting ready, I'm trying to think about this like I did with our wedding, it's only 11 more days until we get to party and have fun, and all of this hard work will be worthwhile!

12 More Days of High School

It's hard to believe, especially since I can remember when he started kindergarten, but Erik has 9 more class days left until he will be done with high school.  We of course spent the weekend working on the house, homework, and Erik's Eagle Scout project.

Friday night our neighbor Tom came over and helped us to dig the trench on one side of the new landscaping, with any luck we'll finish the second half this evening.  Saturday morning Erik met with a group of scouts and built 4 "tape" drums and 3 can drums.  He has a few more things to build and then he'll train the physical therapists at Madonna to drum with different techniques.  Sunday morning we spent five hours at church, then took a nap and got ready for Mother's Day dinner at our house.  The boys bought me a "Toddy" for Mother's Day - it's a cold gravity brewer that makes coffee concentrate which can be used for hot of iced coffee.  You make a batch and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. 

This week we have to finish the outside landscaping project, get the mowing done, shampoo the carpets and find the office (it's odd how messy that room can get in our house).  In addition to that, we have lots of evening commitments for music from LSE and Friday morning will be senior recognition.  It has gone by so fast! 

Yes I Cried a Lot!

Last night was the very last high school band concert.  It was also the last concert for LSE principal Dr. Hunter Pirtle (HP).  Dr. Hunter Pirtle is a tremendous man who had support for every program at the school.  He made our jobs as booster presidents easier and I think every student knew who he was and that he was there for them.  At the end of the concert the band played the fight song for him and all the parents stood, clapped and shouted along.  I could have used a big box of tissues last night, and apparently still this morning. 

I didn't participate in band in high school, but Brian did and he remembers it all very warmly.  There is something amazing and powerful about being in a group of 400 people working towards a similar goal.  We are excited for the next stage in Erik's group but we will definitely miss our friends at LSE! 

Wait !Wait! I'm Not Ready

I have homework due tonight for school, and I'm not done with the reading.  The last band concert of the year (and the last high school one for Erik) is tonight, and I'm not done with the thank you cards.  Our department is moving in 4 weeks and I have 2 days worth of filing to do along with my regular work.  Graduation is in 16 days and I have an entire section of yard to work on, and I haven't started to clean the house yet.  I'm sure we'll pull it all together somehow, I just don't know how yet!  Last night the projects and errands started when I got off work and went until I fell into bed, tonight looks like more of the same, and we are skipping two things we're supposed to be at.... what a crazy season!

17 Days Til Graduation

That can't really be possible can it?  This weekend I'm hoping that we can get things finished in the office.  I have given up the idea of painting anything in the house.  Tonight and tomorrow night we have many band commitments, but the graduation announcements were stuffed, sealed, labeled and stamped last night and this morning on the way to work I hit the post office. 

Last night, in addition to invitations, we had a nice birthday dinner with Roger, went to bell practice, mowed at home, took care of the new plants and ran a few errands.  Even though its 8 weeks away I'm ready for vacation and some time at the lake, even if I have to bring along my textbook!   

Perfection Isn't Easy

A few weeks ago Erik brought home an envelope from school for the Chevy Perfection Isn't Easy Celebration.  To be selected students had to have 98% attendance during their senior year with no unexcused absences.  22 Students from Lincoln Southeast qualified but Erik was the only one who decided to go.  All the students who attended were entered into a drawing to win prizes ranging from $50 gift cards and external hard drives up to 32 inch LCD televisions and Apple iPods.  Erik was the first name drawn and when he stuck his hand in to pick his prize he pulled the 32 inch tv.  After they gave away all those prizes, they put the winners back in and drew for ten students to have a chance at winning a 2012 Chevy Cruz.  Once again, Erik was the first name called.  He didn't pick the right key to win but it was a pretty amazing night. 

We talked all the way home about the statistical probability of being drawn first in a crowd of 400 students twice in 90 minutes and asked him if he thought we should stop for the powerball on our way home.  It has been a very exciting senior year!

Hot and Dirty

It was 90 degrees with high humidity both Friday and Saturday in Lincoln.  Brian and I visited every possible garden center and plant sale and Saturday afternoon I planted 22 new flowering plants in the landscape areas in front of the house.  There are rumors that a rogue bleeding heart from Jim and Becky's house will come over as well.  I have never been so dirty in my life but I think the final product will be beautiful.

Sunday Erik spent the day in Kansas City with Wind Ensemble and Brian and I worked on a few more outdoor projects.  The front and back outdoor light fixtures have been replaced and we have added a few more solar lighting options.  It has really come together nicely.  Tonight we have school and band responsibilities and hopefully we can get some of the trench dug for the edging.  I'm not sure I'm ready for grad school but it will begin tonight either way! 

I'll try to get a few pictures of the landscaping up this week.

Battle Wounds

I'm not sure I have a green thumb, but after this week I definitely have red arms.  I'm covered with little red nicks and scratches and I was bitten three times by some variety of insect.  As of last night at 7:30 all the bushy ground cover in our front flower beds is gone.  This afternoon I'll be trimming out the rest of the leafy green ground cover, raking out a few more leaves and adding 200 pounds of dirt to the area and with any luck Friday afternoon will be spent planting.  Last night we got just over an inch and a half of rain so hopefully the newly planted arrivals on the deck and in the back flower garden are enjoying it.  Our goal is to finish the front by the end of the weekend - if we make it I'll get some pictures up! 

Dancing, Riding, Making College Decisions

What a wild and busy weekend!  Erik has officially signed on at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.  He is excited and so are they =)

Saturday the boys rode 20 miles and the scouts really kept a strong cadence finishing in just over 2 hours with their break time.  Brian is continuing to work hard with one of the scouts to build up more endurance. 

Saturday night Erik went to prom with a group of friends, then post prom where he enjoyed sumo wrestling and time with friends.  Sunday morning, after about 2 hours of sleep he got back into his tuxedo and sang with the church choir. 

Monday I took the day off work and spent a few hours getting the yard ready for graduation, tonight will be more of the same.  Some of these are projects that we have wanted to do since we bought the house so this is a great time to get through them.  Hopefully I'll get some time on the bike this weekend. 

I'm Back in Business

Last night we rode the quick six and while the boys were at scouts I did laundry and dishes and caught a movie.  My mouth is MUCH better so Saturday I'll try for 8-10 and Sunday I'll see if I can get something longer.  It's going to be a weird few weeks - one of the bridges that we use for the majority of our rides will be under construction and closed.  We'll get in more short hill climbs, and the big hill by our house will probably be out of the route for awhile, which is both good and bad. 

It's prom weekend for Lincoln Southeast and we'll be working at post prom making sure the kids are fed and hydrated, hopefully it will be a fun time for all of us!  To help me recover I'm going to take Monday off!

Record Breaking Temperatures

The last two days in Lincoln have been 90 degrees - in April - which is unusually hot for us.  The peonies we got last year are pretending like they don't know it's spring but my lambs ear and iris are blooming like crazy and our backyard is perfumed with lily of the valley.  With any luck Sunday and Monday I'll be able to spend some time in the front flower bed getting weeds and leaves out.  The next few days are supposed to be cooler and rainy so that will help my cause. 

Last night I was still exhausted from dental work so we rode around the block, took Cache for a very short walk and watched lots of NCIS.  Hopefully tonight we can get some distance in, especially with Brian taking the scouts for 20 miles on Saturday.

Limited Riding

Yesterday morning I left work early for an appointment with the oral surgeon and had my top back molar extracted.  There was a crack in the tooth running along the root line so there wasn't much they could do for it. In 3-4 months I can decide if I want to have a post and implant done to replace the tooth, however my regular dentist and the oral surgeon both said that people generally don't miss that particular tooth when they are without it. 

We spent the day watching movies and drinking extra liquids.  Got to see Erik perform with the LSE Drumline at the Lincoln Safe Kids event which was nice.  We rode once around the block.  Starting Thursday the area will be healed more and I can ride longer distances.  Not the best time to get something done but I'm sure it will be good in the long run.

Oh Errand Girl!

Last night was a whirlwind of errands at our house. After work I had to take care of a few things for the band, we had my mom over for dinner, Brian mowed at my mom's house and Erik looked for more scholarship money. We only rode around the block, and hopefully today I'll be allowed to ride after my dental appointment. The boys needs to be ready to ride 20 this weekend (weather permitting) and I am definitely behind on my training schedule!

Cake, Wine and Electronics

It was a wonderful and busy weekend. Friday as soon as we got off work Brian and I packed up and left for Kansas City. We enjoyed dinner with Uncle Wayne and Aunt Mary and checked into the hotel quickly before heading to the Uptown Theater for a Very Special Night with Cake. It was SO awesome to see the band in a small venue and there was no opening act. They played the first set, took a quick break and played the second set and one encore. After dinner we stopped at the Waffle House (because we have to do that whenever we go to KC) and then slept 4 hours and raced back to Lincoln for the LSE Band Electronics Recycling event. We had a good morning ($442 in donations and monitor fees) and then I met Brian and Erik for the scout bike ride. We capped off the day with dinner at our house and a trip to Menard's for outdoor solar lighting.

Sunday morning we got groceries, went to church, got a little yard work done and then went to Wunder Rosa for a wine tasting and came home with two bottles, their Capital City Red is a deep, rich, sweet, wine that will be nice for a night out on the deck. We also picked up a bottle of Cottontail which will be perfect with dessert - maybe we'll have dessert and wine for dinner the week after Erik's graduation.

Friday we rode quickly around the block before we left, Saturday Erik did 20 miles, Brian had 15 and I rode around the block and Sunday we all rode 5 miles together - and bumped into Vicki at the end of the ride =) Hopefully tonight we can get a little distance and slip into bed early!

I Need a Parka

Yesterday was a busy day with 5 loads of laundry, a stop at church, a stop at the grocery, store, a full day of work and getting the boys ready for scouts and Brian and I ready for the Cake concert. With all our "real" responsibilities there was no bike riding until 9 last night when they got home. Riding at 40 degree's, in the dark, with a light mist is REALLY cold, so we went once around the block and got ready for bed. Today will be a super shorty but Saturday and Sunday have promise for longer rides =) Tomorrow after the band electronics recycling event the Brian, Erik and the scouts will be doing their first 15 mile ride so hopefully the kids have been getting out and getting some time on their bikes!

300 Posts - and A Beautiful Night

Last night we rode down to the zoo and back - just over 11 miles, and maintained pretty good speed. The trails were congested since it was the first time in a week that Lincoln didn't have any recorded wind gusts over 30mph. It was a gorgeous night to ride and we would have gone farther but I have a little pain in my ankle. I'm hoping that it's just because they are forecasting storms for the area today.

I can't believe this is my 300th post - kind of wild that I have been blogging for three years now and gotten this far. After three years we still like paying the mortgage, married life is sweet, we can park one car in the garage, the landscaping still needs to be done and we are going to try again this year to ride a metric - we'll see how it goes!

17 Rides Down

Last night we used the bikes to help run errands and rode up - in very brisk wind - to pay the cable bill. When we got home we packed Cache up and drove to Blockbuster to exchange a movie and then Cache and I walked home while Brian drove home to start on homework. We left a message for the dog behavior specialist and will hopefully be working with her, the weekend of the 28th when we are beyond sleep deprived.

This morning I submitted my official registration confirmation for Concordia and classes start in 3 weeks. I feel a little overwhelmed at the moment but I'm sure things will be ok once I get started!

A Cloudy Quick Six

We had a surprisingly busy Monday - Brian saw Erik perform in the district music competition, I had an appointment with the rheumatologist to monitor my Vitamin D levels, Brian and I went to our last round of parent/teacher conferences at Southeast, we got the RAV and Brian's work car washed, we ate dinner and then we rode the quick six. It's a good training route from our house to Shopko with a couple good climbs and nice flats for working on speed. Last night the trails were packed with runners. We rode fast in case of rain and then caught a movie with Erik before bed. It was a nice way to spend a cloudy Monday =)

Diane and Greg flew out of Lincoln yesterday for a week in Rome - hopefully they are enjoying a wonderful trip!

Beat the Clock, Beat the Storm

Friday night before Titanic we did a nice five mile ride, I had hoped we could get our run in but it was a busy afternoon with errands and appointments. Saturday morning we jumped out of bed and made it through getting groceries. It was VERY odd, when we went into the grocery store there was no fog and when we came back out, 25 minutes later, we couldn't see the parking lot from the doors of the store. We jumped on the bikes about 8:30 and got in 11 miles before the first round of rain. Lincoln ended up with nearly 3 inches in 24 hours.

Erik and his friend Matthew made an effort to go to the Red/White game at Memorial Stadium but the weather channel guys got the best of sporting officials and the game was cancelled at kickoff - not to worry though, the boys EASILY ate their $10 a ticket in free concessions. Saturday night the tornado sirens went off so we assessed the situation and went back to bed =)

Sunday was packed full with a baptism at Southpointe Christian for Brian's cousin, lunch at his aunt's house and dog class for Cache at church. Lincoln had high winds forecast so we rode early and did 2 miles with thunder echoing above us. Sunday night we watched a little TV and went to bed early in preparation for another busy week!

One Packed Weekend

Brian and the other scout leaders have cancelled the camp out this weekend due to the threat for severe weather. Tonight I'm going to Titanic the musical with friends, tomorrow morning I'll get to spend some time with my friend Vicki, then a few band projects, Erik is going to the Spring Game (you'll remember we all went together in 2009) and we're having my family over for dinner. Sunday morning one of Brian's cousin's is being baptized and of course we need to spend some time with out bikes.

Last night meetings ran long and Erik got fitted in his tux for prom so we got a short ride, but no run and then it POURED down rain for a couple hours. Hopefully we can get things done outside in between storms =)

A Week in Demand

This week we have been booked to the gills - we had a band meeting last night that I thought would run an hour but it ran two, and even though I keep thinking we are done, we continue to get fringe assignments. Tonight we have a committee meeting at scouts, and then I have a deacons meeting at church. When I get home I'll have to take on the laundry since it is threatening to take over the house. The weekend is already mostly booked as well. It's funny how quickly the hours fill!

Last night we rode the quick six and it felt fantastic - it was a gorgeous night and my legs felt good, I think we both could have put in 15-20 miles last night if we hadn't had any other responsibilities. With any luck we won't have to run or ride in the rain tonight!

Z is for Zysset

Over the weekend I got what felt like a little blister in the back of my mouth above my last tooth. It hasn't been sore but continues to feel swollen so I ran over to the dentist yesterday to see what it was. Good thing I went - there is an infection in the gums because the tooth cracked around the filling which means that Tuesday, April 24th I'll be having the tooth pulled. In 3-4 months I can decide if I want a permanent implant to replace it. I'm lucky because it really doesn't hurt at all - but kind of annoyed that I'm having to have a tooth pulled.

Last night the grad school webinar was ok - it was nice to learn more about the program director but I wish they had separate programs for current students and candidates. May 7 is the first day of school =) Hopefully I'll get a list of textbooks soon!

Sometimes People are so Snotty!

And this week I am one of them! I thought I was having an allergy problem but I think it might actually be a cold. It is making it very challenging to run. Last night I made it through the first section of running ok, even though I was slower than normal but I really couldn't get through the second stretch. Hopefully tonight I'll feel a little better. After Brian mowed at my mom's and most of our house we rode our bikes around the block and went to bed.

Tonight I have a virtual open house for grad school - kind of exciting - I'm hoping they'll be able to answer some questions and give me information so that I can get books ordered.

Thank You Easter Bunny!

Our Easter weekend was kind of a blur! Friday evening we did a quick 2 mile ride and then did our run over in the cemetary. Even though I was still feeling ill the run seemed to make me feel a little more with it. Saturday morning Brian and Erik helped out one of the scouts with his Eagle Scout project and we rode 2 miles after dinner.

Easter Sunday was busy for all from beginning to end. We enjoyed the sunrise service at church, then had breakfast and rang bells at the 8 and 9:30 services. After church we had lunch with Erik, then went back to church so that we could deliver Easter lillies to our shut-ins. Then it was back home to finish cleaning and get ready to host Easter dinner. After all the guests were gone we rode our bikes around the block and then I slugged down a shot of NyQuil and went to bed. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon so I'll see if they vote cold, allergies or infection. I'm just ready to be over it - we are one day behind in our running schedule so we'll need to get that made up and I need to get some miles under my belt!

Human and Mechanical Failures

I know I've been whining but really - we are triple booked this week, and then some! Wednesday night we planned to ride the quick six before the rain (that never really came) but Brian's bike is in desperate need of a tune-up so we only did 2 miles. After that I worked on preparations for the Seder at our church for Thursday night and Brian read all about marketing plans for small businesses.

Thursday I felt terrible all day - I am praying that it's allergies and nothing exciting =) after work we packed up our Seder stuff and headed to church for a very informative evening and my first ever attempt at Matzo Ball soup. It will probably also count as my last ever attempt! We didn't leave church until 9:00 p.m. and had to be up at 4:30 this morning - so we skipped the Thursday run and will do it this evening. The three of us jumped on our bikes and rode around the block so that we could count it towards the 30 rides in 30 days - next week looks a lot better for our schedules so hopefully we'll be able to get some distance in!

Landscaping

We are planning some changes to the landscaping in our front yard this spring and it's proving to be quite challenging! We aren't 100% sure what we want to put in and how much we want to do before Erik's graduation. Yesterday after work Cache and I went for a 40 minute walk with the goal of identifying landscaping I like for ideas. Then we had bell practice, shopping for the Seder dinner for church, a quick bike ride and a little dog training. Honestly sometimes I don't know where the days go.

I'm hoping that there will be a short break in the rain tonight for our ride - I know that I won't melt riding in the rain, but it's definitely not my favorite weather for cycling!

Running Before Bed

Yesterday was PACKED full - Brian had a doctors appointment after work that lasted 90 minutes, my mom came over for dinner and a project, we had post-prom committee meeting, we had to stop at the store for diet soda and bananas, and when we got home we still had to get in our run and our ride. Last night was a 9 minute run, which doesn't sound like much, but after such a long day it was both energizing and exhausting. We got home from the run, changed shoes and jumped on our bikes for a quick ride around the block. This whole week is slated to be a busy one for us - hopefully we won't be working out at 9 every night this week =)

I'm looking at organized rides and thinking that for Mother's Day weekend it might be fun to head down to Fairbury - we'll have to see what the rest of our schedule looks like!

30 Rides in 30 Days

I did the challenge last year in May and survived - in all honesty the plan really helped me to bond with my bike and to be ok with riding alone. 30 rides in 30 days is a national cycling project/challenge to ride your bike every single day - rain or shine - in the month of April. It doesn't matter how far you ride as long as you get out every day. Brian is doing the cycling merit badge with scouts this spring so we have challenged the kids to do 30 in 30 as well and if they succeed we'll celebrate with a pizza party.

It was a WILD weekend, Friday I spent time with Diane and the kids checking out possible plants for the re-landscaping project at our house and watched a movie in the evening. Saturday morning we had dog class and then the scouts had a hot afternoon ride. Our evening was mostly quiet, getting ready for band stuff and helping Erik with the prom date project. Saturday morning's run went surprisingly well for me - I am remembering the enjoyment I got from running before and the ability for it to clear my head.

Sunday we left the house in the dark for April Tuba's/Fool's Day and pranked 13 houses - the kids had a great time. In the afternoon we rested, made dinner - did a ton of laundry and rode 5 miles from our house up to Essex and back - for the boys it was a recovery ride, for me it was the first ride of the 30 in 30 challenge. Tonight we are triple booked so hopefully everything will go according to plan!

Run, Sing, Keep Going

Yesterday was an unbelievably busy day! Brian had an appointment with the allergist and breathing tests for his pulmonary appointment on Monday. It was a run day so we did 5 minutes walking, 7 minutes running, and 5 more minutes walking and then we had to divide and conquer. Erik had a vocal music concert at Southeast and the director wanted parents to sing so I had to be there at 6 and Brian had to be at scouts at 7. We finally made at home a little after 8, took care of the neighbor's fish, worked on training with Cache, and slipped into bed. Today will be errands, exercise and laundry - just as soon as I can get off work =)

The Official Start of Spring

Last night I mowed at our house and Brian mowed at his parents house and fertilizer will likely be spread this weekend. I was surprised at how thick our grass was so early in the season. We will probably skip over-seeding this year and do some patch work. We have a lot of landscaping to finish before Erik's graduation. It's hard to believe that in 3-4 weeks we'll be sending out announcements and invitations for his party!!!

We'll try to put up some pictures with the landscaping changes - I definitely know how my weekends will be spent!

High Pollen and Big Hills

Last night we rode our bikes to bell practice and Erik drove the Tribute with the bike rack so that we could get a ride home with him afterwards. I forgot that from 56th and Van Dorn to 56th and South it is really just one big hill and that after pedaling up that, the slight incline from A Street to the church is pretty torturous. We ultimately made it to church but it felt like I panted for a long time afterwards.

When we got home we took Cache to the pet store to get his nails done and then took care of the neighbors fish. The last few days one of the coral hasn't been "blooming" so I was worried that I had somehow upset it. Fortunately when we arrived last night all was well. We can't wait to hear about their trip!

Resistance

Last night was the end of week three in the Couch to 5K plan. We walked for 5 minutes, ran for 7 minutes and then walked home, slightly more than 5 minutes. The biggest challenge for me is route planning to get us home in the correct amount of time. Running in the cemetery seems to be the best solution for that. Brian and I were running at much different speeds last night and I have found that once I pass the three minute mark my body finds its pace and position. I'm holding out hope that I'll lose some weight by adding running to my workouts, unfortunately so far I'm gaining instead of losing - silly Hashimoto's thyroid!

The Blessing of Early Spring

March 2012 will go into the record books as the warmest March in Nebraska. The trails in Lincoln are a testament to the beautiful spring weather and everything in our yard is sprouting and thinking about blooming.

Saturday morning Brian took a group of scouts camping in Grand Island at Mormon Island and they enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent all their time outside. Erik and I took Cache for a run Saturday afternoon and I watched one bad/stupid movie and one heartwarming romantic comedy. Sunday most of my day was spent with church - taking a member to the 11am service, getting Erik ready for Youth Sunday, taking Cache in the afternoon for dog training class. It really was kind of a whirlwind weekend.

Today the areas around us are under a high wind advisory, and we have a run for Couch to 5k - may try running with sunglasses today =)

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

Our big dog Ozzy will be going to Green Acres for the last time today. While I know that it is time and I can't keep asking him to go on like this I don't want to lose him and I keep wondering if he knows that this is the end and if he is relieved.

Five, Five, Five

Last night was the last run in week two for the couch to 5k program. We honestly did pretty well and I was surprised at how far we were able to run in five minutes. After our run we talked to the current band president about an upcoming meeting, convinced Ozzy to eat some food and went to Blockbuster to get movies.

We rented Conspirator and it was AWESOME!!! It's about the trial after President Lincoln's murder and it was exceptionally well done. If you have 2 hours to kill pick up a copy, you won't regret it!

Walk On By

This weekend had a lot of walking for me. Friday when I got off work I changed clothes and then took my mom's beagle for a two mile walk before taking Cache for two miles of his own. My legs were tired but I was glad I did it.

Saturday morning Brian had some bike drama with the scouts with one kid whose bike had been damaged when his dad "fixed" it. They have some work to do to gain endurance but it will be a good year for the merit badge. Saturday night we did our work for Couch to 5K at Lincoln Memorial, it really is my favorite place to run.

Sunday was our first experience serving deacon coffee, it actually went fairly well all things considered. Sunday afternoon Cache got his bath and then a walk before we took him to doggie class for the first time. The teacher thinks he will benefit from a consultation with the Minnesota Dog Whisperer. Last night we were all pretty lazy and I was in bed by 8:30. Tonight is our next run and it sounds like it will be a windy and rainy week here, hopefully we can keep right on moving!

A Little Farther a Little Faster

We have officially survived the first week of Couch to 5K. Yesterday we made it quite a bit further during our run, and Cache is ok, even though he fell going around a corner. This afternoon he will hopefully get into the bath tub and then enjoy a long walk with his cousin Allie McBeagle.

This weekend is the start of the boy scout cycling merit badge and our first time serving coffee as deacons. Keep your fingers crossed, hopefully it will all go well!

Around the Rose Garden

Last night we upped the riding distance and did a nice 11.4 mile ride. Post-ride my calves were worn out but I got hydrated and went to bed early - this morning I can tell we had our first training ride of the season. My arms and hands are a little sore, I have a stiff spot on my neck and all I want is water!

We're now off the bikes until Saturday when the scouts do their first 10 mile ride. It will be interesting to see how the kids do. For some this will be a MAJOR ride, for others it will be a regular commute. Hopefully soon my body will remember that it likes riding =)

A Family Affair

Yesterday after a very hectic day at work and a few appointments with my mom we ate dinner and all three of us headed out for the quick six. The old Nebraska wind was blowing like crazy and at the turnaround we talked to a woman about her Cannondale. I learned last night that even though my Nike's are GREAT for running they are terrible on the bike - good thing I didn't throw away my trusty old pair of Reeboks yet!

Hopefully we can get in another ride tonight - and the wind won't be quite as bad =)

Beautiful Conditions

Friday after work Brian dragged the bikes out and we did the quick six - it was windy and I was cranky but it was good to get out for a ride.

Saturday morning the boys went to help finish an Eagle scout project and I ran deacon errands and did a little housework. In the evening Brian and I completed the second run for Couch to 5k and Cache is mostly certain that we have lost our minds.

Sunday the weather reminded us that its still spring in Nebraska with mild temperatures and rain off and on. We compromised on a rest day and took the dogs for a short walk. We also attended an Eagle ceremony at church and had Brian's parents over for dinner - all in all it was a pretty busy weekend.

Yesterday the weather couldn't have been nicer. Lincoln saw low 70's with plenty of sunshine so we did the third run for Couch to 5k. I'm starting to wonder about logistics with the runs but enjoying it for the most part =) I ran a LOT while I was pregnant with Erik (was that really 18 years ago???) and it's starting to come back.

Run for Your Life

It's the beginning of Couch to 5K at our house. Brian seems to feel better when he is really working out hard - I think its because he is getting enough oxygen and maximizing his respiratory system. Last night when I finally made it home we walked 5 minutes, ran 2 minutes and then walked 5 minutes back home. The training felt pretty good and while I was tired and out of breath I didn't feel like a failure.

Tonight we'll get in a short ride and finish up the laundry =) all the responsibilities of domesticity.

A Long Walk with a Short Dog

Last night we walked Cache over to a friend's house to pick up a new POGO card for local businesses. It ended up being just over three miles and while we thought he would be completely exhausted he was up all night long - even more than usual. Hopefully I can get him out for some more exercise tonight and he'll get a better night of rest tonight.

Brian saw the ENT this morning and was diagnosed with a bad case of laryngitis - they cultured it but in the meantime we'll try a couple other tricks. He is concerned that he's allergic to something at work that is aggravating it so he'll be working from home for a few days. Keep your fingers crossed for us - I can't remember him ever being sick like this!

Wind Training Blows

Literally! Yesterday was our first outside ride of the season, and I had grandiose ideas about making it through the quick 6 barely breaking a sweat. 15 minutes, and 2 miles later, I pulled back into the garage panting and wondering what had happened. I'm sure the 20mph wind was the cause!

The ride was ok, when it wasn't directly into the south wind, but since almost all our routes end with a ride into the south I gave up early and headed home. We'll try again Friday afternoon - weather permitting!

Another Kind of Ceremony

The trainers aren't up yet - but we have a good reason =) Brian and I will be graduating from college on Saturday and have planned a little get together at our house to celebrate, ergo, no trainers until after the party.

It is very exciting to get ready for the ceremony. We are planning to go up early Saturday morning to get lined up and have lunch with our parents afterward. This will be our practice run for Erik's graduation from high school this spring and our graduate programs in 2014.

It's funny, I'm excited, nervous and so glad to be done!

Not a Resolution

I've never been much of a resolution person, and I'm not all in for the "life changes" idea preached by every talk show guest during the first week of the year. I really do want to ride 50 miles this year. Brian will be putting our trainers up soon, and we won't be presidents of anything, so our schedule should be more accommodating. Once I can get going on the trainer I'll start blogging ride information and my training plan for summer... maybe I'll even get wild and crazy and do an indoor century.... one can just never tell =)