Toddler Menu

Bread, corn & peaches.  That is pretty much it for the little one.  I think she is on a hunger strike right now.  Oh wait, I can get her to eat organic graham cracker bunnies on occasion as well.  I wonder how long this is going to last?

Nearing Year End Thoughts

Wow - another year is almost done!  I've always thought that time went by too quickly but since I've become a mom I think someone put the clock in super speed mode.  Really, can we just slow it down a little bit!  In many ways 2010 has not been a good year (mom diagnosed with BC, Travis still not loving (who am I kidding......I should say not even remotely close to liking and simply tolerating because it is the right thing to do and he is a great guy) his job, my company deciding to close it's doors and being lucky to still be employed but not doing a job that I would have hand picked for myself, Travis' dad having multiple surgeries, etc., etc. 

But I can't be all gloom and doom.  The things I am thankful for are plentiful as well.  Mom is doing pretty well & we are praying every day that she is healthy and that she, the medicine, and doctors do what they need to do to keep her that way.  Please God, bless her and our family with health and happiness.  Please bless her with continued employment as well!  I am still employed and did get a promotion and I really enjoy the people I am working with.  Sam is growing like crazy and is a huge blessing in our lives every single day!  My older sister and her family moved to town this fall.  My hubby is amazing!  I have a great vacation coming up in January!  And did I mention my hubby is amazing???????

It has been a busy year of training as well.  I did two triathlons this year, a few 5Ks, and I trained for a half marathon and a 20K that I didn't end up running at the last minute do to illness.  I am in the home stretch of training for the Goofy at Disney in January.  Looking back at 2010 here are my training stats so far.  I'm hoping to get to 1,000 miles running by the end of the year!

2010 totals through the end of November

Bike: 64h 46m 03s - 1064.34 Mi

Run: 149h 46m 59s - 883.57 Mi

Swim: 6h 38m 38s - 14000 M

We spent Thanksgiving with Travis' family and took some great pictures of Sam outside.  It is hard to believe that the temp was 55 degrees on Saturday.

 

This weekend we are planning on a 10 mile run on Friday and a 18-20 mile run on Saturday.  It is time to get ready for the back to back that will be the Disney Half and Disney Marathon.  Wish me luck - hopefully I'll be relaxing on Saturday night basking in a Big XII Championship for my beloved Huskers!  GO BIG RED!

My Toenails Are Going to Fall Off

So about a month ago I did an 18 mile long run with toenails that were slightly too long.  BAD IDEA!!!!  Now both of the toenails on my big toes are turning colors.  Other than the fact that they are turning colors they have been a little tender but nothing too major. 

Tonight I ran 7 on the treadmill at a pretty good clip and my right big toe is starting to swell a little and it feels warm.  The funky color of the nail now looks more purplish.  I don't need toe issues with six weeks of training left before the Goofy!  Does anyone know how to speed up the healing process of your toes??????

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the toenails either fall off quickly or heal quickly.  Either way, I promise not to share any more icky foot stories.

Happy Running!

Trader Joe's has arrived

I've read so much about Trader Joe's and I was so excited when I heard one would be opening in my area in November.  It opened about a week ago and I hadn't gone until today.

I had today off for Veteran's Day and I made the most of it.  I got up and took Sam to day care (I always feel guilty taking her to day care when I have the day off).  Then I put in 8 miles on the treadmill.  After my run, I cleaned my bathrooms, scrubbed my floors and did some light dusting.  Then I headed out for a hair cut.  After that it was time for a quick lunch - Subway turkey & ham with apples.  Then I headed to TJ's.  The place was a mad house.  I bought a few things such as organic chicken breast, organic wheat bread, lobster ravioli, sprouted wheat bread, some greek yogurt and some fresh salsa.  The experience wasn't that great - way too many people.  I didn't have time to really look around.  I'm happy they are here though.  The prices for the organic stuff were cheaper than what I am used to paying.  Hopefully this will spur some more competitive pricing.

For dinner I decided it was time to really cook.  I was hungry for Mexican and found a recipe online for Mexican Chicken Casserole from Cooking Light.  I have never cooked anything from Cooking Light that has turned out worth a darn but this stuff was awesome.  It took me an hour to prepare (which is why I don't cook much) but in the end it was worth it.  I topped it with some of the Trader Joe's fresh salsa, which was outstanding, and a little light sour cream.  The picture above is from myrecipes and it actually looked like that when it was done.  That never happens to me!

Twenty Miler......I Survived!

Wow you marathon runners are amazing.  We did our 1st ever 20 mile run this morning and I am mentally drained!  My feet are some too and my legs were really tight.  Now they are starting to swell up a bit.  I woner if the leg poofiness is normal.  I hate the Michelin Man feeling.

The first several miles were hard.  It was 24 degrees when we started running and my lower half wasn't dressed appropriately.  My buns and thighs went numb and stayed that way until mile 10.  10-15 went ok and after that things got progressively worse.  The last two were tough but we made it!  I'm proud of my hubby too!!!

In two weeks we go 22.  Two weeks after that is 24 the 26 and we are good to go.

20 miles tomorrow - I'm nervous

Tomorrow we have a 20 mile long run and I'm feeling anxious.  Butterflies in my tummy before a race nervous.  Is that normal.  I also feel a cold coming on.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get worse.

I'm also in Cedar Rapids sitting with my mom & sister while mom gets Taxol.  We met with the oncologist this morning and she is so nice.  Mom is doing well.  She may have a touch of Hand and Foot Syndrome from the previous chemo drugs.  WBC count was good.

Is it time to break out the crockpot?

Fall has arrived and right along with it I can hear my crock pot calling my name.  What is better than coming home to a nice hot bowl of chili or some roast and veggies.  I love it, but I rarely take the time to get it ready to cook so instead I end up throwing some frozen tortellini in some boiling water, topping with a little marinara sauce and some easy fruit for dessert.  I'm trying to break the pasta habit.  We really need to start rocking the crock.  This week my goal is to find some delicious veggie filled recipes I can throw together in the morning and then let it cook to perfection all day.  Training for a marathon as the days grow shorter and colder is tough.  Finding time to eat and feed a 16 month old before 7pm is even tougher.  I hope the crock pot is the answer to my problems.

Running has been going ok.  Saturday will be my very first 20 mile long run.  I wish I could run faster so it wouldn't take up so much of my day but that isn't going to happen and now is certainly not the time to try and push it. 

Sam update - she is 16 months and is running now.  She is repeating almost everything we say and is able to identify body parts.  She also is developing a love of baby dolls.  She likes to get a dish towel out of the kitchen and cover them up and then pick them up and pat them on the back.  It is so cute. 

Yesterday was Halloween and we didn't do much Trick-Or-Treating but she did put on her costume while we were at Travis' sister's house this weekend.  My nephew only lasted a few minutes in his frog costume before he flipped out a bit.  Sam did ok - she had a cute Tinkerbell costume.  I wish the cute shoes I bought to match would have fit!

One thing they were talking about on the radio this morning is how many neighborhoods have "Trick-Or-Drinking" for the adults who are taking their kids around.  Is this a weird Iowa thing or do other areas do this as well?

Mom Update:  She had her first round of Taxol last Friday and it doesn't appear to be nearly as toxic (at least short term) as the A/C.  Mom is concerned about neuropothy though and that is a longer term side effect.  I think there are also some heart related side effects to watch out for.  I've done a lot of digging around on the internet and this appears to be the common course of treatment and it is scheduled to continue for another 11 weeks.  Then there is a short break before radiation is scheduled to begin.  Mom isn't too excited about radiation and she is seriously thinking about not doing it.  The doctor wants her to take the treatments.  We'll see what happens.  Sam and I are headed over there on Friday.  I want to sit with her through her treatment and then her birthday is Sunday so we will have some fun.

I'll sign off for now - I need to start recipe hunting!  Oh and one last thing - GO BIG RED!  My beloved Huskers played a great game on Saturday afternoon.  It was a beautiful day with a beautiful result on the football field - you can't ask for much more than that.  Now it is time to beat up on the Clones!