Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Yes
All your life you are told the things you cannot do.
All your life they will say you’re not good enough
or strong enough
or talented enough;
they will say you’re the wrong height
or the wrong weight
or the wrong type
to play this or be this or achieve this.
THEY WILL TELL YOU NO,
a thousand times no,
until all the nos become meaningless.
All your life they will tell you no,
quite firmly and very quickly.
And you will tell them Yes.
But today I told them yes. I told myself Yes. Yes I can, and Yes I will!
Today is the day that I ran a full 3 miles without walking. And managed to keep a 12 min mile the entire time, that is until the last 3ish minutes where I bumped byself up to a 10 minute mile. I was so happy I could have cried. I hope everyone saw my fist pumps as I did my cool down.
It is possible to push yourself even when you think you can't. I definitely needed this today after coming from a rocky couple days of grueling shin splints. I was convinced that registering for the race officially had jinxed me and it would all be downhill from there. But all it takes is one good run. One good run to restore confidence and make it all worth it again.
Restoring faith in yourself is empowering and necessary in this journey because it's hard. Really, Really hard.
Note to self: Self- you need to go get more ice packs. Soon.
Monday, August 30, 2010
I'm a Reader
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
I knew I forgot one! Number 12 was Out of Eden by Beth Ciotta. Just a fun quick read that I picked up because of the cute cover. Red heels, red dress, and a red apple on a blue park bench. Didn't even read the back of it before I grabbed it. And I finished Eat, Pray, Love. It wasn't so bad actually. I quite enjoyed Italy, and Indonesia as well. India was a slight struggle but only because if I had to read any more Sanskrit words I was going to cry!
Up next is Born to Run. I'm really excited for this one!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Fill in the Blank Friday
2. If I were a pair of shoes I would be I should say running shoes given my current situation, but really I’d likely be a pair of black flats with a flower accent. A bit girly and dressy, but functional in all types of situations.
3. My preferred mode of digital communication is calling, or texting, or twittering, or facebooking. I’m pretty much a digital nutcase and have minor heart paliptations if I don’t have some electronic device nearby.
4. I feel happiest when I’m home in the coma chair watching movies and knitting with Mr. Buckeye 9Please note: I do the knitting, he does the watching of the movie- I do the listening) Please also note- this is best when it is a cool rainy autumn day- grey skies and perfect weather to just be a hermit.
5. A little dream I have for my life is to be the best wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, aunt, etc. I possibly can be. (Please note I left “mother” out of this as I know my OWN mother reads this and would give me hell from now until Christmas if I mentioned it, so I’ll just leave it out.)
6. The one modern convenience I could NOT do without is toilets. I can’t do the dig a hole thing. No. Just no. (If we are talking TRULY modern, I’d say a toss up between cell phones or computers… it would easily be cell phone if I had a smart phone!)
7. Music, movies, TV or books: if I could only choose one to enjoy I would pick OH! This is a tough one for me. I suppose movies because there is always music in movies and you can read the credits? I really do love books though. And sometimes throwing on some “old school” (i.e. 80’s and 90’s) can just lift your spirits up so high that everything in the world doesn’t matter.
Happy Weekend!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Simple Heaven
Pretty right?
PS. 5 miles tomorrow! Wish me luck! (had to take today off... again. major sore and tight legs.)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Chloe
Here is where she sat while writing last night's post. (it takes her a while to post with her lack of posable thumbs. you know how it is... so of course I had to help) She remained front and center, perched in my lap- biting me at the drop of a hat, until Caroline told Danielle that when she called her trash, she meant it.
Chloe perked up and was all up in the drama! Thank goodness for that. My arms are not deli meats!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Slacker
The weekend was here and gone before we knew it. I took off work on Friday in order to prepare for our annual P-fest this weekend. There was a mountain of laundry to tackle (success!) and cleaning and errand running to be done before the troops arrived on Saturday.
After a highly productive Friday, I woke up Saturday and went out for my long distance run. A personal distance record for me! 6 miles! IN. THE. RAIN. and did I mention it was uphill? My calves and shins were screaming at me for the first 2 miles and I wanted to give up. Luckily I was on a loop so there was no where to keep going except further!
I wish I had photos to share of the party, but alas my camera stayed hidden. But it was a great time had by all. The basement reveal went awesome and everyone was impressed with the 180* change that took place since last year when they visited. I'll be able to reveal here soon. Promise!
Sunday was spent at the shop and I got in some quality knitting time followed by a 3 hour nap. I definitely needed it!
Monday was another 5k during lunchtime and tomorrow I'm looking forward to girl's night. Hosted Chez Buckeye. Luckily the house is already clean from the weekend :)
Catching up on some DVR and bedtime!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Busy Busy
This week has been a bit up and down. Ran my 3 miles on Monday post-work. Not so fun considering the heat, but I ran/walked- didn't break any records, wasn't my worst time either. It was what it was. Just a run. I had to take Wed off because the legs were still really tight and a bit sore. Spent the night hanging fabulous things in the basement (it's totally amazing and I can't wait to share photos after the big reveal at PFest this weekend!)
Had a minor freakout yet again today after work. But luckily, Mr. Buckeye was there to chill me out and decided he would go running with me. On one condition- it had to be our neighborhood loop, he didn't want to go to the gym. He must have forgotten that our loop is pretty much 2 giant monster chop your leg off hills back to back. But away we went. It was fun to get out and run with him. I dropped him off at 1.5 miles (he did so awesome! especially considering the knee issues... yuck!) And I set off to finish my 5k. Another 2 hills later I was begging my body to take me home. And it did.
Off to shower and hit the grocery- must be prepared for the party this weekend!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
I'm a Reader
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
I swear I've read more than this so far this year... Oh well. I'll just keep on reading! I've got 4 books on hold right now so I'm just waiting for the other readers to finish so I can have my turn!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fill in the Blank Friday
2. My favorite birthday memory was I don’t know that I have 1 absolute favorite. Perhaps it could be the shared bday party with Tracy (I’m 10 days older) where we partied at her gmas pool and had HUGE chocolate chip cookie cakes.
3. A birthday tradition I (or my family) has is when I was still living at home- I was woken up at 6:17 in the morning DURING MY SUMMER BREAK! By my mom playing with my hair telling me she was so happy that x amount of years ago I was born. (I didn’t really love being woken up and of course played Lady Grump. But secretly, it always made my day.)
4. If I had to choose one birthday meal to eat for the rest of my birthdays hence forward, I would choose I’d like my birthday meal to always be at a table surrounded by my friends and family forever and ever. Menu subject to change- I don’t want to be locked down to just one specific menu.
5. My birthday is on July 23rd - I'm a Leo! AND a Cancer! (that either makes me weird… or special.
6. If I could take a birthday trip I would go to Europe. I will get there some day. I will.
7. The best gift I've ever received for my birthday was what’s with all these bests? I don’t like these questions. All my birthday gifts have been the best birthday gifts ever. So there.
Apologies- I’m a bit feisty today.
And Congratulations to my bestest Stephanie! Who won the auction over at Snap Crackle Pop!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sore
After my awesome run on Monday my legs still didn't feel quite normal. Add to that some not so fantastic days at work, combined with the stress of tons of stuff going on the next couple of weeks. I took yesterday off. I was dissappointed in myself but I knew it was for the best.
Again today I had a minor meltdown at work. Came home and crushed a bag of Doritos... then decided to hit the treadmill. Only managed a little over 5 minutes of full on running- my calves and shins in both legs were screaming. So I stopped at 20 minutes and again highly dissappointed.
We will try again on Saturday. I have 4 miles on the schedule and I'll be beside myself if I can't manage to get through it. Even if it takes me over an hour- I'm still determined to do it.
Thank goodness the work week is over. I need some chill out recovery time to pull myself together.
Last day to Bid!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE AUCTION!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Auction!
Let me refresh your memory:
Star Crossed Slouchy Beret
Burberry Inspired Cowl
the inspiration:
How would you like one of each of your very own???
Here's your chance!!! I have donated my knitting services to the winning bid over at Snap Crackle Pop. Jaclyn is hosting an auction in honor of her brother Joey's 21st birthday next week. All proceeds will be donated to Joey's school- Elim Christian School.
From Jaclyn's website: Illinois will let special needs kids attend high school until they are 21, so Joey’s got one more year. Even when he has graduated, however, the school will continue to serve as a special form of life support for families who need its teaching and guidance.
Please go take a look at all the fabulous items up for bid, and if it so moves you- please bid on my hand-knits. It may be one of the only chances you have to receive a custom knit by me!
The auction expires on Thursday 8/12 at 11:59pm.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Monday Already?
Friday started off with work, obviously. And ended with us going to look at a new dryer. If we run our dryer it sounds like we are in a horror movie- think the shower scene from Psycho... only turn the decibles up a few notches and throw it on fast forward. It's time for a new one. It was a bit late though so we decided to wait till Sunday to make the final decision.
Saturday was a me day. Mr Buckeye headed up north for a post-wedding bachelor party. (Wrap your head around that one!) and I went out to the track to tackle my first long distance run. I pretty much set myself up to not have a great run. I waited till 11am when the sun was shining high in the sky, didn't eat any breakfast, and hadn't hydrated properly. But I did my 5 miles. 66 minutes and 53 seconds later I was finished. Not my best. But at least I know I did it. Sat evening was spent with the girls- who asked me to teach them to knit! I'm a proud mama when I say that BOTH! of them learned how to knit while the 2 year olds played nicely AND they both finished their first project on Sunday. I think they've caught the bug and I'm honored to be able to share the hobby I love. Plus, I was told I'm a good teacher so warm fuzzies all around!
Sunday was shopping... we bought the aforementioned dryer (the matching one to our washer) and that will be stacked on Wednesday. We also bought a new TV. The hubs won (and secretly I'm thrilled too) and we bought a new TV that will actually have a new home in the basement. We got an amazing deal so we couldn't pass it up. We also bought a blu-ray home theater system as well so we can movie watch with surround sound! Unfortunately, the TV has already been moved to the basement so now we have to move it back upstairs so the new TV can take it's rightful place on Wednesday as well. We did, however, already set up the surround sound- as in we ran the wires through the ceiling, up the wall, etc. We did it right- and it sounds awesome!
And since today is almost over, I got my run in today as well.
A PR for me! (PR=personal record)
I busted out my 3 miles in 35 minutes and 47 seconds!
I beat my best time be over 2 minutes! and I couldn't be happier!
Have a great week! I know I started mine off right!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Fill in the Blank Friday
1. Today for breakfast I ate nothing yet. I struggle to eat breakfast every morning. I’m just not hungry. But lately I’ve been able to do an apple with peanut butter or a yogurt.
2. My go to/never fail recipe if I’ve got time and can plan ahead- Beef and Noodles in the crockpot. If I’m in a pinch, good ole spaghetti and sauce.
3. Something I eat that other people think is weird is I used to dip pretzel sticks Iin the soft serve ice cream at school. But lots of kids did that so I don’t think it was weird, I do think it’s a little odd now.
4. My worst cooking disaster ever was when I tried to make smore brownies. I wasn’t paying attention and when trying to lightly brown the marshmallows in the broiler I didn’t watch and within 30 seconds the marshmallows had puffed up to where they touched the broiler and then caught fire. Had to scrape them all off and try again, only to find out the brownie recipe was terrible too.
5. If I could only eat one flavor of ice cream the rest of my life it would be vanilla, as long as I could have toppings! Or mint chocolate chip. Love the color, the flavor, the chocolate, yum!
6. One food I hate and avoid at all costs is peppers- of the red, green, and yellow variety. Give me a hot pepper and I’ll gladly accept. Try to give me one of the above and I’ll cower and start crying begging you to not make me eat it .
7. What is your favorite meal? Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Dinner probably, for many reasons, not excluding- I’m likely not at work, I can eat whatever I want, I’m usually with family and friends, dessert is always acceptable!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Anyway
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
At the wedding this weekend, the bride and groom chose to have the above poem by Mother Teresa read instead of a more traditional wedding reading. I'd never heard it before and absolutely loved it. So much so that I immediately returned home to 'Nati and bookmarked it. I read it again now and it literally brings tears to my eyes, though I'm not quite sure why. They are amazing words and can literally translate and apply to almost any situation I'd encounter.
And I read it again as I sat here earlier dreading going to the gym and just wanting to sit on my butt all night. My legs were sore and I didn't think I'd be able to do it all the way to the end, but I went out and ran anyway. And you know what? I made it to the end. 4 miles later I stepped off the treadmill a happy girl.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Cookie Lee F/W 2010
The new catalog has finally been revealed! And it's even more fabulous than ever before!
Click here to view online
If you'd like to place an order or inquire about home shows, catalog shows, fundraiser, or becoming a consultant- please let me know!
My website should be up and running in a few weeks with a fantastic new feature- Online ordering!
Stay tuned!
Here are a few of my favorite new pieces:
Parisian Petals Necklace, $28
Crystal Puff Earrings, $24
Urban Tiger Eye Necklace, $39
Urban Edge Bangles, $36
Fuschia Vibe Necklace, $34: 3 necklaces in 1!
And many many more!
On Track
But I'm okay with it. Why?
Because I came home, charged up my sportband and actually went to the track. And I'm counting it as a success. I completed my 3 miles in 38:06 and have found that I am super successful with walk breaks. I pretty much broke it down into walk 1/4 of the track and run the other 3/4. It seemed to me that I was running much faster than when I did on the treadmill. The walk breaks allowed me to recover faster and keep going. I was definitely a hot sweaty mess since it was 92* with 48% humidity. But I am thrilled that I was able to log my 3 miles and start my distance training off with a great session.
The nike sportband was great. It overestimated my mileage though- logging 3.17 instead of the 3 I actually did but I think I need to calibrate it with my running pace. I think I have a short stride so my feet hit the ground more than normal. At least that's what I'm telling myself. I was highly distracted with playing with the toggle to check the distance and the pace. If that thing is accurate, I walk slower than I do on the treadmill- around 15 min miles... but I run like a madwoman! at one point it was calculating roughly 9:32 miles which is insane for me! So I'll have to keep track of that and get it calibrated as soon as I can. I may go out tomorrow for a half mile run to get it calibrated so then I will feel more comfortable taking it on a trail.
But overall, today was a win! for me. A big win. I was worried that transitioning to outside was going to be downright awful, but I'm pleasantly surprised. Now all I need to do is get an armband for my ipod- carrying it wasn't the worst but once my hands started sweating I kept having to swap hands.
I attribute my good luck today to some of the new goods I got for my birthday:
Adidas Supernova Glide 2 sneakers
UnderArmour Tank
Nike Sportband
Nathan BPA Free Aluminum water bottle (seriously, <3 this thing.)
Off to a great start!
Have a fabulous week!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Wedding Weekend
Friday night was spent running (a bust, again... but I did run my best mile time ever! 11:30... but then I fell apart and walked for 20 minutes, logging 2 miles and feeling pretty dissapointed) then rushing home to shower and change to head over to Jay and Jenny's for a cookout. After calling it a fairly early night, we headed home to chill out and prepare for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday was an IKEA day again, I had picked up the final piece of the entertainment center and Mr. Buckeye was up and at it early putting everything together. I have to say, it makes a huge statement and the room looks way more awesome- if that is even possible.
After he was done playing Bob the Builder, we headed up to CBus for T-rav and Kristen's wedding. Luckily Mother Nature played nice and the rain stopped and the skys cleared for them to wed at the Amphitheater by Mirror Lake. It was so excellent to be back on campus. The wedding was beautiful (they wrote their own vows!) and it was great to see friends again.
Sunday was recovery day as we headed back to Cinci. We were exhausted! Getting home at 3am definitely takes it out of us these days! But we headed over to visit my dad and family for dinner and mini-birthday celebration. I got the most awesome under-armour running shirt (fits like a glove! can't wait to run in it!- though the shorts are a wee tight so I'll be exchanging them) new socks, and an aluminum BPA water bottle. I filled the water bottle up 3 times already today? The only complaint on that is it sweats like crazy if I put ice in it... so just cold water will do.
I'm currently charging my Nike Sportband so I can head out to the track for my first outdoor run! Today begins mileage training. It's all game on from here!
Schedule this week:
Monday: 3
Wednesday: 4
Thursday: 3
Saturday: 5
I'm pretty much going to start at the track so that I know my actual mileage while I'm still figuring out the sportband and just make sure I log my miles. Whether it is running, walking, jogging, or a combination of all 3. As long as I get my mileage in for the day it is going to be a win. Screw trying to be the fastest runner out there because I know it's not realistic. I'm running and I may be slow. But I'm doing it.