Take a Suit - or Six

Last night I packed running clothes, swimsuits, books and magazines for vacation. I have a LOT of swimsuits right now with preparing for the tri - and the sale that the hospital did last year with $10 suits helped a bunch. I had planned to take 4 swimsuits but at the last minute went with 6. Afterall, it’s a week at the lake! Tonight is going to FLY by with a long to do list and a few too many commitments. Last night Brian's parents brought over pizza for dinner and we had ice cream cake to celebrate his birthday. It was a perfect way to get a celebration in without losing the evening at a restaurant. It also saved time that allowed us to run to Target for a few last minute items.

Long Walk/Short Night

Working open to close every day this week with a miserable cold is wearing me down.... and making me cranky - really cranky, almost too difficult to be around cranky. Last night after work I raced home and threw a frozen pizza in the oven since we have been working hard to eat the leftovers. Then I hacked open a cantaloupe and made some kale chips. After Erik and I ate I took the dogs up to pay the cable bill. We saw three different dogs and they did surprisingly well. Brian had to stay at work late to work on the Highlander. We had something chew on the wiring harness so he and a co-worker stayed late to replace the wiring. Thank goodness we knew someone with experience! After our walk I packed the pantry for vacation and the dog sitters came over. Hopefully we can get through the rest of the last minute stuff tonight and then tomorrow will be packing only.

I HATE Summer Colds

Since I quit smoking in 2008 I RARELY get sick so when a nasty cold comes on it makes me a very cranky bear. We were in a lot of different places and exposed to a LOT of people this weekend so I suspect that is where I picked it up. Last night I thought my head and nose would explode with mucous and this morning I still feel pretty foggy. Hopefully I can do another day with plenty of liquids, Sudafed and ibuprofen and have it kicked before we go on vacation. There is nothing worse than being sick at the lake! Last night after work Erik and I feasted on leftovers, took the dogs for a walk and then I met my friend Tami for a pedicure. I now have lovely purple/pink toes and I was surprised that there is still some bruising from the half marathon - almost 2 months ago. Hopefully that will resolve without me losing any toenails. Before bed I took a shot of Nyquil and had the most interesting dreams about running. Maybe that means I'm ready to start my full training program again!

A Very Busy 4th

I know that it will surprise people that we had a busy 4th of July! Thursday night we enjoyed our time at the Fletcher's and then tried to keep the dogs to a dull roar. Friday morning we got ready to host Brian's parents and grandparents for lunch and my mom and Roger for dinner. It was a day full of grilling but we had a good time. Saturday morning Brian and I rode to the zoo and back in the rain and then mowed all three yards. We were completely exhausted by the end of the day and Sunday was church, laundry, dog washing and cleaning. The dogs went to The Canine Scrub for the first time - the tubs were awesome but they have so much anxiety with other dogs it was pretty challenging. After their baths we slipped to Petsmart to get their nails done and then home for time with the feeder ball. By the end of the afternoon they were like tired toddlers and couldn't stop barking and whining. This week will be SUPER busy getting ready for vacation - and I seem to have caught a summer cold - which is totally unfair. Hopefully it will be over soon!

Rest and Reboot

My right quad has been SORE and tight all week this week so I skipped my usual Wednesday long ride and spent the evening doing laundry, getting a haircut and taking the dogs for a walk through the cemetery. Today I am planning to walk them again and lift weights but I will skip my run. It's hard to believe that 5 years ago today was the first time we slept in our house =) It was on the floor with the TINY 13 inch television and not a lick of furniture but it was a fun and happy night! This weekend is completely booked, but hopefully we'll be able to get to bed early a few times and get things ready so we can go on vacation!

A Beautiful Evening

Yesterday when I (finally) got off work we had the most lovely, and unseasonably cool day. It was in the mid to upper 70's so I quickly hopped on my bike for the quick 6 and then Brian grilled Hawaiian pork chops, a foil pack of zucchini, and fresh pineapple spears while I made rice. After a delicious dinner Brian spread 25 bags of mulch in the flower beds on the front and back of the house and I took the boys for a walk through the cemetery and then helped him with weeding. It was a quick but productive night and now we are closer to being ready for the holiday weekend!

A Hot Home Cooked Meal

Monday was a WILD and busy day at work. When I got off (earlier than I expected) I stopped at Trader Joe's for a few extra things for the week and then mowed at my mom's and trimmed a BUNCH on one of the trees in our front yard. For dinner we had turkey quinoa meatloaf, mashed potatoes, kale chips and the most delicious cantaloupe. After dinner and dishes Brian and I packed up for weight lifting at Cooper. It was a good night for the equipment - not too busy but enough to people watch. I am officially benching 48 pounds - which doesn't sound very exciting - but I can do it 30 times - and my muscles are fatigued when I'm done. I think all the weight training is making a difference in the way that my body feels and looks, and according to our fancy scale I am almost 30% muscle - which is pretty good I think! My body fat percentage is continuing to drop - my real goal is another 15%, but I would love to go down another 25%. After we got done we took the boys for a walk through the cemetery and then I had a little dessert and hit the sack. This week is SO overbooked. I'm looking forward to the 3 day weekend!