June's Excellent Adventures

The Bike I Want!

2010-08-14T18:59:00.003-05:00

I must have this bike. If you know of one locally, please let me know. I can only find 2 from online stores and would rather buy it in person!!! I need a medium (54cm)!
2009 Quintana Roo Dulce

Updates...

2010-08-04T19:57:00.005-05:00

*It is so hot outside, I know I could fry an egg on the sidewalk. I'm melting....

*I'm so tired from going back to work this week. I have been ready for bed since 7pm...but Josiah told me no! LOL I wish he was either younger where I could force him to go to bed earlier or older and could put himself to bed!

*We are going to the ranch for the weekend for my mom's birthday. We are going to head over to the San Marcos Outlets while there so I can do Josiah's school clothes shopping. Have I ever told you how much I love to shop!!!!

*Volleyball started Monday this week and football starts next Monday the 9th. There goes all my extra-curricular activities. Back to running on the track during the week instead of trails, the park, hills at the parking garages, the neighborhood, etc. That makes me sad! Did you know it is 10 degrees hotter on the black track than it is outside...and the heat index today was 109. UGH!!

*I was called an age-group hottie by a new IMTX friend that I met at happy hour....hmmmm...I need to get to know him better for sure! LOL

*289 days until Ironman Texas...YIKES!!!!

I'M IN!!!!!!

2010-06-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

IMNO 70.3 Race Report

2010-04-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

I signed up for New Orleans 70.3 wanting to better my time from my 2008 Vineman 70.3 race. After I signed up I set out to find other suckers, I mean friends, to join me. We had a great crew racing in New Orleans this year (Me, Patty, Shannon, Pam, Tessy, Deb, Rita, Fran, John S, and Brandy). Most of us raced together at Vineman 2 years ago.

When we went to packet pickup, I found out my race number was 1000!! How lucky was that!! Race day came and I was ready. I had trained according to the Vineman training plan we purchased a couple of years ago and only missed about 3 workouts total over the 12 weeks due to work. I knew this was my year and wanted a major PR!

On race morning, we set up transition and then met together for a little team talk led by Tessy and then the first of our wave of swimmers went to get in the water. I was in a later swim wave with Shannon and Rita. The swim was the hardest swim I have ever done. Growing up in California, I learned how to swim in the ocean, lakes, and rivers...not the pool. I am not scared or even worried when it comes to open water swimming, but this was crazy! Three foot swells was going over your head while trying to get a breath. I started to hyperventilate a couple of times but started breast stroking to calm myself down and then went back to swimming. I kept thinking to myself that this would be successful if I could keep it under 1:05 at this point. I started thinking of other things until I got into a rhythm. I ended up out of the water faster than I thought.
Vineman 70.3 Swim Time - 52:09
IMNO 70.3 Swim Time - 57:57

When I was running to my bike, Rita was leaving with her bike so I was glad she wasn't far ahead of me. Shannon was long gone by then! I set out on my bike. A guy had told us before the race to be careful the first 3 miles and last 3 miles of the bike ride because the roads were pretty tore up. There were a couple of bridges for hills but otherwise this course was flat and fast! It was really windy out there though and it seemed like the wind changed direction at least 5 times. As people would pass me or I passed people, they would yell out, GO LUCKY 1000!!! I had my own fan club just from my race number! I saw Patty and Rita a couple of times on the bike ride so that was cool. The hi light for me was passing the guy on his tri bike with disc wheels and a cone helmet...he never passed me back!! LOL
Vineman 70.3 Bike Time - 4:08:34.
IMNO 70.3 Bike Time - 3:17:36 (17mph)

The run was where I slowed down. It was so hot out there and the first 5 miles there is no shade! Once we got into the park it was nice and shaded with a little breeze. I saw Tessy when I first got into the park at Mile 5 and she was leaving the park at about mile 9. I yelled for her and she told me to keep it up. I saw Rita, Patty, and Fran a couple of times in the park. Once out of the park you run down a long shaded street. It was nice but by that time I was starting to cramp in my right calf and my stomach was killing me from drinking to much of Lake Ponchatrain. LOL I was so glad when it was over...even though I was disappointed with my run time.
Vineman 70.3 Run Time - 3:27:46
IMNO Run Time - 3:04:31

Overall, I had a great time and am very glad that I do not EVER have to swim in Lake Ponchatrain again as I do not do 70.3's twice! I had a blast on Bourbon St with Patty, Shannon, and Pam for my first time! Nothing like Bourbon St and beer 2 days before a Half IronMan!
Vineman 70.3 - 8:37:20
IMNO 70.3 - 7:28:57

IMNO 70.3

2010-04-14T11:27:00.001-05:00

RACE WEEK IS HERE!!! IT IS GO TIME!!!!

New body...

2010-04-04T21:10:00.002-05:00

So it is setting in...I have lost 75 lbs. It was not easy and the battle will never be over. If you have seen my family you know that every one of us has a weight problem...I chose to do something about it. I have gone from a size 22 to a size 10. I wore a size 8 jean skirt yesterday!

6 weeks and counting...

2010-03-07T21:37:00.002-06:00

...until IMNO 70.3. My training is going better than ever. I had a great 60 mile ride last Sunday. For Vineman I only did ONE 60 miler and a bunch of 32-45 milers. For New Orleans it looks like I will get in at least THREE 60 milers! And a bunch of 50 somethings! My running is strong also. And it seems that I run faster on bricks than when I just go out and run. My average running pace is about 12:15-12:30 min/miles regularly. Today after I swam 2000 meters and rode 2.5 hours...I ran a 1 hr brick with a pace of 11:30. Hmmmm...
I wish the race was here I am so excited!

IMNO 70.3 Training Week 1

2010-02-01T17:33:00.002-06:00

I AM BACK!!!! I will be posting more often now that I am back training for another Half Ironman. This will help keep me honest in my training. My mileage for last week:

Swimming: 3750 meters
Cycling: 5hrs 15 min on trainer
Running:15.5 miles

I had a great 1st week and everything feels good! I am excited for what should be a great race with an outstanding PR.

Thankful...

2009-11-23T14:16:00.005-06:00

I am thankful for many things but as I sit here at my desk, I decided to make a list. Here goes:

1. I am most thankful for Josiah. I have the most wonderful, caring son a mom could ask for. He is very well behaved and thoughtful of others around here. He is tough but sensitive all in one. He is respectful and very obediant. He loves the outdoors and going to sporting events. He loves to run and be a boy!

2. I am thankful for my family, even when they drive me nuts sometimes. But I guess that is what makes them family. RIGHT?!?!?!?!

3. I am thankful that I realized I needed to make changes in my everyday life before my weight got totally out of control and it was to late.

4. I am thankful for my friends. I have the most wonderful friends that I love to be around as much as possible. I am also thankful that most of them are living the same healthy lifestyle so they are good influences on me.

5. I am thankful for my job. If I have been able to influence one student since I have been a teacher, then I would call it a success!! I know I am tough, but I demand excellence so that they can be successful when they are out on their own. Things will not just be given to them, they will have to earn it. I tell them to be nice to nerds, chances are they will work for one some day. :)

6. I am thankul for having the same days off as Josiah so that we can take the best vacations together. No sitting in the house for us!

7. I am thankful for the chance to compete in marathons and triathlons. Even though I will never win, I get to go out and compete against myself to better myself!

Congrats Amber!

2009-11-16T21:54:00.003-06:00

One of my softball girls signed her letter of intent to play softball on full scholarship at Texas A&M next year!! Good luck Amber in everything you do!

Let the Training Begin!

2009-11-15T19:07:00.001-06:00

I gave in to the gym and joined LA Fitness this week so I can get back in the pool. I swam for 35 minutes today. New Orleans 70.3 training has begun....

Off the Wagon....

2009-11-12T20:06:00.004-06:00

Ugh...I am disgusted and disappointed with myself. I have gained back 2 pounds from my 62 pounds lost in the last couple of weeks! I haven't been tracking what I eat and I do believe I ate ALL of Josiah's Halloween candy. I was doing so good that I didn't realize how much I was missing candy, mainly chocolate!!!

Well, NO MORE!!! After my weigh in today I am back on track. I am still at 60 lbs lost and plan on heading back negative! I really want to be down 70 before the Houston Marathon in January and down 80 before New Orleans 70.3. If you see me, make sure I am not slipping!!!

Luke's Locker Half Marathon Report

2009-11-01T18:46:00.004-06:00

I have been really busy this week so it has taken me forever to get my race report together.
I had an excellent half marathon. I could not have asked for a better run. Last Thursday my friend Janelle emailed me asking me what my raceplan was. I had been thinking about my race plan but had not told anybody what it was for fear of them thinking I was crazy and not wanting any negative thoughts. I told her I hoped to break 3 hours. If it was a great day I would try for 2:50-2:55. Then I would shoot for 2:45 in the Houston Half Marathon in January.
Race morning I woke up and ate my yogurt and peanut butter sandwich. I went to the bathroom twice so I new it would be a great day! ;) I forgot I had drank the last of the coffee the day before so I called my friend who was picking me up and asked her to bring me a cup. Thanks Melissa!
I got to the race and was calmer than I had ever been. I wasn't nervous at all and that was totally different than any race before. I felt positive. I overheard another runner in my marathon training group tell someone that she was going to race this race slow and run with me. WHAT?!?!?!?! NOT COOL!!!! So now I was pissed.
I told my running partner Steph what was said as we lined up at the start and she calmed me down and reminded me that speed was relative to each person. We started off at a 12:30 pace which was fast for me and probably slow for Steph but I was able to keep the pace going throughout. I ran a good race staying with Steph through the last turnaround point before we seperated. She finished 1 min 30 sec ahead of me which was great for her because she is having a tough season. When I passed mile 12 I looked at my watch and realized I was going to break 3 hours and possibly shatter it so I took off.
Finish Time: 2:49:21
Previous Best Finish Time: 3:19
30 minute PR!!!! WOOHOO And the other runner who was going to run "slow" with me....she finished in 3:03. Hmmmm.....
After further deliberations with a lot of my running friends, I have decided to run the Houston full marathon and this will be the year I break 6 hrs for the marathon. My marathon PR is 6:44 at Austin in 2007. My best Houston Marathon finish time is 7:01.
What have I gotten myself into?!?!?!?! :)

Still going and going...

2009-10-15T15:22:00.002-05:00

Weighed in today....down 61lbs now! WOOHOO!!!

I get to...

2009-10-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

I have to... No, I don't have to. I want to. I get to.
I get to charge up this hill. I get to wake up early and run. I get to hit the gym after work. I get to work with high school athletes. I get to make dinner for my child. I get to clean my house. I get to pack lunches. I get to help with homework. I get to take Josiah to football. I get to pick him up from school. I get to go to the grocery store. I get to run an errand/do a favor for my friends. I get to call my Mom/Dad/grandparents today. I get to help my neighbors while they are out of town. I get to make healthy choices for my next meal. I get to stand up for myself or someone I love. I get to train for this marathon, triathlon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K....

Thanks Kristen Armstrong for this reminder!

Chafing

2009-10-01T11:39:00.003-05:00

I noticed something while running today...I have lost enough weight that my thighs don't rub and chafe anymore! NICE!!

Need to Race...

2009-09-16T21:02:00.003-05:00

I was thinking today and have come to the conclusion that I am ready to race! After last year's Vineman 70.3, I took some time off and then I only competed in 2 triathlons this year. I did the MH Sugar Land Tri in June and River Cities in August. I am BORED!!! I was running this morning and the sun was out and I was having a great run when all of a sudden I thought, WHY HAVEN'T I RACED IN SO LONG??? Since there aren't really any tri's for me to do coming up and I don't have much time for swimming and biking, I guess it is time to find a road race. The warm-up series half marathon seems so far off at the end of October. I'm thinking of the 10 for Texas in the Woodlands on October 10th...anybody run it before and have insight on this one???

Nobody puts Baby in a Corner

2009-09-14T20:09:00.002-05:00

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze

Pic for Steph :)

2009-08-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

First week of School

2009-08-26T12:39:00.003-05:00

1. School is really messing with my workout/social calender.

2. I haven't seen some of my friends in weeks. :(

3. I still hate freshman, and they gave me an advisory period with 18 of them! I have to see them every Wednesday for 30 minnutes...UGH! I told them today that I hate freshman and this is their chance to change my mind about a whole sub population. :)

4. Josiah has already asked me how many days until Christmas vacation...and he is only in 1st grade! LOL

5. Three friends that I dearly love are doing Ironman Canada this Sunday...and I wish I was there to cheer them on!!! They are going to do great! I had so much fun with 2 of them at Vineman 70.3 last year.

6. I can't wait for New Orleans 70.3...I am gonna ROCK IT!

7. I have finally done it...50 POUNDS LOST SINCE February 1st!

The Zone

2009-08-15T19:20:00.003-05:00

I had a great run today....I was in the ZONE! 6 miles in 72 minutes. Last year I ran the half marathon in 3:42...this year I am aiming for sub 3 hours.

Goodbye...

2009-08-09T19:52:00.002-05:00

...I'll see you in November, when football season is over! Practice starts tomorrow...

5 Things on my mind...

2009-07-27T18:19:00.004-05:00

1. I must drink more water on Friday if I am going to make it through my
long workouts on the weekends without cramping and having to recover
for 2 days.
2. Don't trust anybody in education...they all lie!
3. Only 1 more week until I go back to work. Yuck! See #2...
4. Rivercities this weekend! WOOHOO!! I can't wait to travel with Patty,
Pam, and Catherine to Shreveport.
5. I have scrubbed my house and got things ready for next week. I am
way ahead of the schedule.

California Girl

2009-07-21T19:18:00.011-05:00

I miss California so much when I am not there. Thank god I was able to take Josiah and go for 2 weeks, the best 2 weeks we have ever had since he was born. He is at the perfect travel age where if he doesnt get a nap it is okay, no breakdowns! We went for walks on the beach, boogey boarding, to Legoland twice (Josiah's first roller coaster), the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo, saw Transformers 2, the Redwoods in Northern California, and Benny's wedding. ALL IN 2 WEEKS! Whew! I need a vacation from my vacation. Good news: I didn't gain weight in California! :)
Legoland

Pacific Beach in San Diego

Boogey Boarding in Oceanside

Redwood Park in Arcata, CA

Benny and I the night before his wedding

MH Sugar Land Tri

2009-07-01T22:17:00.003-05:00

I had the best triathlon of my triathlon career on Sunday. I am getting faster. Here are my average times from all of my triathlons!

SWIM:
31:43:00 Lonestar 2008
965 m
3:17 min/100m

47:29:00 Captex 2008
1500 m
3:10 min/100m

47:52:00 Clear Lake Long Course 2008
2K
2:38 min/100m

52:09.7 Vineman 70.3 2008
1.2 miles
?????

08:15.4 SL Tri 2009
300 m
2:45 min/100m

BIKE:
1:54:58 Lonestar 2008
28 miles
14.6 mph

1:36:27 Captex 2008
40K
15.4 mph

2:26:41 Clear Lake Long Course 2008
60K
16.43 mph

4:08:34 Vineman 70.3 2008
56 miles
????

32:46.1 Sugar Land Tri 2009
10 miles
18.3 mph

RUN:

1:41:11 Lonestar 2008
6.5 miles
15:34 min/mile

1:38:51 Captex 2008
10K
15:55 min/mile

2:37:32 Clear Lake Long Course 2008
15K
16:56 min/mile

3:27:46 Vineman 70.3 2008
13.1 miles
15:51 min/mile

40:41.1 Sugar Land Tri 2009
3 miles
13:34 min/mile

40

2009-06-25T12:10:00.003-05:00

Forty is:
-To understand a people, you must live among them for 40 days. ~Arabic proverb
-the caliber of the bullet in the .40 S&W handgun cartridge
-in the Saying "Life begins at forty"
-the distance run in the 40 yard dash in American football scouting
-A song by Dave Matthews Band
-the number of years of marriage as the ruby wedding anniversary
-the code for direct dial international phone calls to Romania
-the number in the designation of:
Interstate 40, a freeway that runs from California to North Carolina
-"40", a 1983 song by U2 from their album War
-The band Crush 40
-in the name of WD-40, a spray lubricant
-in the name of the food additive FD & C Red Dye #40, commonly known as "Red 40"
-the 40 ounce (1.183 liter) size used for liquor, typically fairly cheap malt liquor; a person sometimes "pours a forty on the curb", i.e., pours out said bottle onto the street, in memory of a person who has died
-the number of thieves in Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
-the customary number of hours in a regular workweek in some Western countries. The song, "40 Hour Week (For a Livin')" by Alabama (as well as their album, 40-Hour Week), takes its name from the standard workweek length.
-the classic Russian vodka is alcohol content 40 percent by volume
-the jersey number of Pat Tillman, which was retired by the Arizona Cardinals
-the jersey number of Gayle Sayers, which was retired by the Chicago Bears
-The Rolling Stones CD "Forty Licks"
-the number of positions on a number of radio countdown programs, most notably American Top 40 and American Country Countdown.
-forty is the number of weeks for an average term of pregnancy
-Ronald Reagan was the 40th president from 1981 to 1989.

40 is the number of pounds I have now lost on weight watchers since Jan 30th!!!

It's Official

2009-06-22T21:09:00.002-05:00

It's official, I registered last night. Ironman 70.3 New Orleans...here I come. I am on a mission.

My brother is going down....

2009-06-18T22:32:00.003-05:00

I went for a nice trail run with my friends tonight...I came home to this!! WTF!! My brother will pay! It is WAR!!!

Holy Hades!!!

2009-06-11T20:10:00.002-05:00

Are you serious??? I almost died when running today and it was only 95°. If it is this hot in June, what can we expect in August??? This is the 3 day forecast for Houston. Lovely...

FriJun 12
Partly Cloudy
97°

SatJun 13
Partly Cloudy
96°

SunJun 14
Partly Cloudy

97°

Happy 6th Birthday Josiah!!

2009-06-10T21:21:00.008-05:00

My baby is getting so big and old! He has finished Kindergarten and is on to 1st grde next year. He finished the year at DAR level 6. you have to be level 2 to move to 1st grade so he is well prepared! Sunday we had his birthday party at Southwest Indoor Soccer. We had 20 kids ages 3-7 running crazy all over the field. They had a blast.

Yesterday we had chocolate chip Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast. YUMMY!! I always let him pick his birthday breakfast and that was his choice! I was secretly hoping for cake and ice cream for breakfast. LOL

Josiah had one request for his birthday...a Nintendo DS and games. We are flying to California next month (5 hour flight) and he needs entertainment. We are also driving the length of California for a wedding while there (14 hours each way) so a Nintendo DS it was! He also got some games he wanted.Last night we went to the Astros-Cubs game for the last part of his big day. Althought the Cubs killed the Astros, we had a great time together.Now we are on to our summer vacation.

YO-YO

2009-05-26T12:40:00.003-05:00

This is how I feel after yesterday's fun pool party! I am now down 35 pounds as of Friday's weigh in but up 2 pounds today after yesterday's fun in the sun!

30

2009-05-11T07:46:00.006-05:00

30
= 2 x 3 x 5
= 2 x 15
= 3 x 10
= 5 x 6
= 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10
= 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8
= 1 + 4 + 9 + 16
A pyramidal number - the sum of the first four square numbers.
There are 30 days in April, June, September and November.
Dodecahedrons and icosahedrons both have 30 edges.
30 mph is the UK speed limit for vehicles driving in a built up area.
Thirty something was a television drama series about American yuppies in their thirties.
The Thirty Years' War was a European war from 1618 to 1648.
In old British money half-a-crown (or half-a-dollar) was a coin worth 30 old pence.
A pearl anniversary celebrates 30 years.
The best known feature of Stonehenge is the Sarsen Circle which was built as 30 upright stones with 30 lintel stones on top of them. Only 16 remain standing today.

30 is the number of pounds I have now lost on Weight Watchers in 14 weeks!!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2009-05-07T17:40:00.002-05:00

My friend sent me this picture in an email today...I hope she was trying to be funny!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

Baseball and More Baseball...

2009-04-25T08:22:00.003-05:00

This week it seemed as if I was over taken by the baseball gods. Varsity baseball Monday night until 10:35 pm. Varsity baseball Tuesday night until 10:45 pm. Dodgers-Astros Wednesday night until late. I AM TIRED OF BASEBALL...ok...I said it. I got it out there. I AM TIRED OF BASEBALL.

I got in a long bike ride on Tuesday between school and the baseball game. It was nice and relaxing. A strong headwind on my way back but not to bad overall.

Wednesday I took Josiah to the new asthma/allergy doctor. Since it was the first appt., I didn't think it would be long and actual testing with needles would be done. I bought tickets to the Astros-Dodgers for the same night thinking no problem. Well, 2 hours later we were leaving the doctor and Josiah had missed seeing James Loney to have him sign his jersey. He got the prong tests in his back (24 prongs). It comes up he is allergic to cats and dust mites. Well, seeing how we don't have cats and we don't have any carpet for the dust mites to live in(ceramic tile floors in entire house), I don't think that is what is causing the asthma and sickness. He goes for further testing on May 5th so stay tuned.

I Hit 10%!!

2009-04-17T10:17:00.002-05:00

I finally hit my 10% weight loss goal. After 2 -0 lb weight loss weeks, I lost 5 lbs this week to go over my 10% goal by 2 lbs!!! WOOHOO!!! To celebrate I went got a haircut, color, and hilights for the summer!! :)

Josiah is...

2009-04-06T10:10:00.003-05:00

EAGLE OF THE MONTH for his school!!! They pick 1 student in each grade and he got it for Kindergarten for all of his hard work in getting caught back up from when he was sick for so long. I just got back from going to get him a die cast Star Wars ship to go with his collection.

Breakfast - Do or Don't

2009-04-02T10:37:00.002-05:00

In my house, breakfast is required. And I'm not talking about a bowl of cold cereal. I get up early every morning to make Josiah breakfast before I go to work and he goes to school. It has been proven over and over that kids do better in school if they have eaten a good breakfast to start the day. Breakfast wakes up the brain. They also have better behavior when they have a full stomach.

This morning one of my coworkers and his wife dropped their son off at 5:45 am because they were leaving at 6:00 am with students from school on a trip. I was to drop their son off with Josiah at school. I told them last night not to worry about breakfast because I always cook and I would make sure he got a good breakfast also. His dad stated, "He will be so excited because we never cook breakfast."

When he came in this morning I had a hot breakfast of turkey bacon and cinnamon oatmeal ready for him to eat with Josiah. He said he had brought a snack for breakfast instead. He sat there and ate a chocolate and cream filled pop tart instead. WHAT?!?!?! That is what they let him eat in the morning?!?!?!That was fine with Josiah, he got an extra piece of bacon this morning.

So what do you think about breakfast???? And do you cook for your kids in the morning??? I get up at 4:45 so that I can make breakfast when we could do without and get up at 5:20. Hmmmm....I think I will keep making breakfast.

Weekend Recap

2009-03-30T08:13:00.004-05:00

Friday we went to my brother's graduation from the DPS Academy in Austin. My other brother flew in from Cali Thursday. It was great to be with both of my brothers at the same time. I miss them! After graduation Friday, Josiah wanted to go see the capitol building since they are studying Texas history in school right now. I took him for a quick picture out front and promised him we would go back and tour it this summer.
Saturday we got up bright and early to drive back to Sugar Land for Josiah's soccer game. I made my mom come with me to watch him but mostly to keep me company on the 2 hour drive each way. Josiah did great and scored his 1st goal of the year in only his 2nd game of the year! His team won 11-2. He made me promise to make him spaghetti for the big win and goal. After his game we drove back to the ranch by La Grange.

Sunday was relaxing day. Since I didn't get up in time to run at Town Lake Saturday, I had to run at the ranch instead. I went out for a nice 8 mile run through the rolling hills. I think I run better on the hills than on the flat roads of Sugar Land. Maybe because it is relaxing and peaceful out there. After my run I went to the store to get the stuff for Chunky Spaghetti as Josiah calls it (lots of veggies). I made Josiah his spaghetti at the ranch and then we drove home. My brother from Cali told Josiah thanks for getting a goal and win because he loves my spaghetti!

Now it is back to work and the real world....

Road Trip...

2009-03-26T11:24:00.002-05:00

Josiah and I are heading to Austin for the weekend when I get off work today. My youngest brother, Alton, has passed his exams and graduates from the DPS Academy Friday morning. I'm hoping to get my long run in Saturday morning around Austin Town Lake before I have to drive back to Houston for Josiah's soccer game. When his game is over we will drive back to the ranch until Sunday night to spend more time with the family. My other brother, Matt, is flying in tonight for the weekend from Santa Rosa, CA where he is a police officer. I am going to take my bike to ride the Hill Country at the ranch Sunday morning. I love it when there is nobody else on the roads but the cows staring through the fences...

School's Back In...

2009-03-23T11:06:00.004-05:00

It was soooo hard to get up this morning. I hit snooze 4 times and I don't usually hit it at all. I usually wake up before my 4:45 am alarm on my own! And getting Josiah up was a whole other story...

The good news is....ONLY 10 WEEKS UNTIL SUMMER BREAK!

Week 7 Weigh In

2009-03-20T17:38:00.002-05:00

Week 7: -4 lbs

Week 6: -2 lbs

Week 5: -2 lbs

Week 4: -2 lbs

Week 3: -1 lb

Week 2: -4 lbs

Week 1: -6 lbs

Total Weight Loss: -21 lbs

I'm back from Vegas...

2009-03-16T18:48:00.003-05:00

...and it is time to start riding my bike! NO MORE EXCUSES!!! I should be picking up my new bike trainer tomorrow!

Week 6 WI

2009-03-16T18:45:00.004-05:00

Week 6: -2 lbs

Week 5: -2 lbs

Week 4: -2 lb

Week 3: -1 lb

Week 2: -4 lbs

Week 1: -6 lbs

Total To Date: -17 lbs!!!! Can you believe I didn't gain in Vegas!!! HAHAHAHAHA

I can taste it....

2009-03-10T09:10:00.003-05:00

I am running every day this week...so I can eat this when I land in Vegas tomorrow night! Double Double with a strawberry shake....come to mama...

Week 5 Weigh In

2009-03-06T11:07:00.002-06:00

Week 5: -2 lbs

Week 4: -2 lbs

Week 3: -1 lb

Week 2: -4 lbs

Week 1: -6 lbs

Total Weight Loss: -15 lbs

It's here...

2009-03-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

...and the correct size.

Beautiful Monday

2009-03-02T15:42:00.003-06:00

What a beautiful morning for a run! I didn't have time to run this weekend due to work, so I did my long run this morning while at work!! :) When the football kids left for 2nd period, I ran 6 miles. It was perfect outside...cool, no wind, no humidity...WOW!!! These are the days that make me like running again.
Sam is orering me a new bike trainer so no more excuses...I will be able to either ride at 4:00am before I get ready for work or at night when I get home...probably at night. Now if I could get motivated to get in the pool and swim. Oh how I miss living right next to the ocean....

Who wears an X-Small????

2009-03-02T07:35:00.002-06:00

My pretty new wetsuit that was suppose to come in an XL...was an XS when delivered. I don't think the leg would fit over one of my arms. The correct size is on the way...

Week 4 WI...

2009-02-27T10:23:00.002-06:00

Week 4: -2 lbs

Week 3: -1 lb

Week 2: -4 lbs

Week 1: -6 lbs

-13 lbs Total!!! WOOHOO!!!

Wow...life is good. But...I think I will save all of my points tomorrow for Deb's martini party so no food! hehehehehe

Zoot Wetsuit

2009-02-20T14:13:00.001-06:00

My pretty new wetsuit that is on it's way to my house. MAJOR SALE!!!

Week 3 WI

2009-02-20T14:09:00.002-06:00

Week 3 Weigh In: -1 lb

Week 2 Weigh In: -4 lbs

Week 1 Weigh In: -6 lbs

Total Weight Watchers Weight Loss: -11 lbs

Have a great weekend.

Skipping Class...

2009-02-18T08:46:00.004-06:00

Ever since Josiah was in the hospital for 5 days, he has not been the same. He is always tired and has been acting up in class. He has a bad behavior note for 5 of the 12 school days this month. Talking, not listening and following directions, and not doing his work primarily. He hasn't been in trouble since the first week of school. WHY NOW???? He doesn't want to go to school. He wants to stay home with me every day and watch cartoons instead like he got to do in the hospital. Yesterday I get a note home from his teacher asking if Josiah still needs to be getting breathing treatments after lunch every day. She then emailed me also. It seems Josiah has been telling her he is to get a nebulizer treatment every day after lunch for the past week and a half. When I asked him about it, he started smiling. Uh Oh. The nurse saw Josiah in the hall yesterday and asked where he was going. He told her he was on his way to her office to get a breathing treatment because I told him to. She told him that I had not called her and I always call about his treatments. She checked him out, he was fine, and sent him back to class with no treatment. I asked him about the other days.

Josiah: "But mom...I didn't go get treatments the other days."

Me: "Where did you go"

Josiah: "Walking around the halls seeing what else is going on."

WHAT?!?!?!?! He is 5 and in Kindergarten and is already skipping class!!!! UUGH!!! And his teacher doesn't even know it....BUSTED!!!!

Week 2 WI

2009-02-13T10:06:00.005-06:00

Week 2 Weigh In: - 4 lbs

Week 1 Weigh In: - 6 lbs

Total Weight Watchers Weight Loss - 10 lbs!!!!!

So I just ordered these pretty shoes from Steve Madden to celebrate!!!

Love These...

2009-02-11T08:34:00.004-06:00

This is the best invention since sliced bread. I put my asparagus (or vegetable of the day) in a bag in the morning with some Mrs Dash and take it to work. At lunch time I pop it in the microwave for whatever time it says for each vegetable on the outside of the bag and...Voila! I have a perfectly healthy steamed vegetable for lunch. Wow! How healthy is that!

I haven't tried any meats in the bag...but they do have directions for that.

Funny and true story. My grandpa started cooking everything with Mrs Dash because he needed to restrict his salt and the doctor receommended it. If my grandmother knew it was in the food, she would act like it was choking her and she was allergic to it. If he slipped it in without her knowing, she would eat and be perfectly fine! HAHAHAHA I sure do miss them.

Week in Review

2009-02-09T09:13:00.004-06:00

First things first. Week 1 weigh in Friday am.

-6 pounds

WOOHOO!!!

Saturday I had a nice easy 4 mile run with Lurlean catching up on what has been going on with us the last month. She went to the inauguration so she had plenty of stories about that and I had to fill her in about Josiah's hospital stays. Which brings us to my post run phone call. My friend called to tell me Josiah woke up wheezing again. ARE YOU F*#^ING KIDDING ME???? There will not be any more hospital bills at my house this year! I go pick him up after I got off of work and sure enough he was wheezing. Of course I was suppose to go to my friends 40th birthday dress like it is 1969 party that night. Didn't happen. At 2:20 am we left the house for Texas Children's hospital again. We saw a drunk driving accident happen right in front of us on 59...kept going...if they were stupid enough to drink and drive...my child is to sick for me to stop and help you! We get to the ER and his oxygen level is 98. THANK GOD!!! The nurse said...it is a 4 hour wait! WHAT?!?!?! A true emergency doesn't wait 4 hours. Thanks but no thanks. So we ran out and flagged down the valet parker right before he left with our car and headed home. I have kept up his inhaler treatments throughout the weekend and he was good enough to go to school today. He did go to sleep at 4:30 yesterday afternoon and slept until I woke him for school this morning...

I'M BBBAACCCKKKK!

2009-02-02T09:35:00.005-06:00

Well, things have been crazy since the half marathon. First of all, I did not have a great half marathon because I was not as prepared as I should have been. First the injury, then the nice weight gain, then the lack of training...you get the idea. Anyways I finished, and ran with a new running partner so it was all new conversation!

A couple of days after the half marathon, Josiah had an asthma flare up from the unlimited weather changes we experience in Houston! I took him to his pediatrician and he was rushed from there by ambulance to the emergency room with his oxygen at 88%. He was put in an observation room in the ER at St Lukes for 24 hours. They thought he was getting better and released him. The next morning when I took him back to his pediatrician so she could check him...he was rushed back to the hospital with oxygen of 89%..this time Texas Children's Hospital downtown. He was admitted there for 3 days. He had pneumonia, a partially collapsed lung, and fluid outside his lung. It seems that the first hospital discharged him without seeing if he could hold his oxygen levels while being off of oxygen and discharged him with the wrong meds.

Friday I joined Weight Watchers. I gave in. I am doing it online and have lost 3 lbs since I started. Hopefully I can stick with it and it will work for me.

Last night Josiah did his 100th Day of School project that is due on Thursday. They were to pick a collection of 100 things to share with the class. Josiah decided on 100 crazy eyes stuck to a green cardboard paper. His reasoning???? His teacher always says 1-2-3 Eyes on Me. He decided that now she would have 100 eyes on her! What a smart a**! I wonder where he gets it!

Half Marathon Weekend

2009-01-16T12:13:00.003-06:00

It is half marathon weekend! Let the running begin! I haven't trained good at all but I know I can walk 13.1 miles if I had to. I am doing everything you should not do. I have changed my race plan today...to do a different run/walk split after listening to Jeff Galloway speak at the pasta party. I have always been a science nerd and I am turning this half marathon into my science project. I will let you know how it goes...

DriFit Material

2009-01-12T12:52:00.003-06:00

If you have any question as to whether something is a drifit material....dry it with your child's 3 red crayons. Then soak it in detergent, shout, and oxyclean. Then rewash it. If it comes out...it it really just cotton. If the stains are still there it is definitely drifit. If it is the finisher's shirt from your 1st marathon...have something stronger on hand to drink than light beer!

New Year's Project

2009-01-09T13:59:00.004-06:00

Most everybody knows how much of a Type A I am...very organized, likes spreadsheets, alphabetizes the DVD's, etc.. Well, this was my project on New Year's Eve. I put all of my shoes in plastic storage boxes (39 boxes). As you can see from the 2nd pic, my purses, bags, and scarves/belts each have their own containers also. Can you say ANAL!!! :)

Josiah's Christmas Updated

2009-01-08T10:53:00.006-06:00

It took Josiah 10 minutes to give Santa his list!!
Josiah cut out and decorated the Christmas cookies this year!! YUMMY!

He still loves EVERYTHING Star Wars!!

Finally...HE GOT HIS NIGHT VISION GOGGLES!!!

Testing out his new night vision goggles...

2 day old baby cows at the ranch....

Pine Cones For Sale

2009-01-01T18:36:00.002-06:00

Most kids have lemonade stands...mine decided on a pine cone sale! Thanks to all of the neighbors who stopped to buy...

Only 7 Shopping Days until Christmas....

2008-12-18T07:18:00.004-06:00

...and I'm done!!! it's a new record!!!

It's Beginning to Look...

2008-12-11T09:57:00.008-06:00

...a lot like Christmas!!! WOW!!! It snowed in Sugar Land and the surrounding areas yesterday. The last time it snowed was Dec 24th, 2004. I know this because Josiah got a 4 wheeeler for Christmas (he was 18 months old) and rode it all over the snow covered yard on Christmas morning. It was awesome. Yesterday he acted as if it was his first snow because he was to young to remember last time. I was decorating the Christmas Tree when it started snowing and we went out and ran around in it for about an hour. FUN!!!

Josiah catching the snow on his tongue...

The roof of our shed...

The garden fence...

Garden fence again...

Hannukah

2008-12-09T07:23:00.003-06:00

Last night's conversation:

Josiah: "Mom...who celebrates Hannukah?"
Me: "Jewish People"
Josiah: "Why can't we celebrate Hannukah?"
Me: "We aren't Jewish"
Josiah: "Well my choir teacher said that lots of Mexicans and Africans are Jewish..."
Me: "What is your choir teacher's name because she is full of shit..."
Josiah: "Well let me ask my dad"...(he calls dad)..."Dad...are Mexicans Jewish?"
Norb: "Mexicans are Catholic"
Josiah: (hangs up with dad) "Mom...can't we light some candles anyways?"
Me: "I light that good smelling cinnamon one every night"
Josiah: "No...I meant some tall skinny ones like Jewish people...."

WTF!!!! I will be calling the choir teacher later today after I have had my coffee.....

Michael Kors

2008-12-08T11:09:00.002-06:00

I must have these shoes....I gave the SAT at school on Saturday and am giving the ACT this Saturday to pay for them....

It's Christmas Time...in Sugar Land...

2008-12-05T09:41:00.008-06:00

Last night Josiah and I went on our annual Sugar Land Christmas Tree Lighting Adventure. We had a lot of fun as we were joined by Patty and family after we finished eating at Josiah's favorite Johnny Rockets on Town Square. A little pricey for burger and fries so we only go there twice a year, on Josiah's birthday and for the Christmas tree lighting....exactly 6 months apart! When we were done eating, we hit Starbucks on Town Square for my Vanilla Latte and Josiah's Hot Chocolate...YUMMY! We then met up with Patty and kids and walked around the little tents that were set up with kid activities. We then headed to the tree lighting and ended up in the perfect spot to see Santa go from one building top...to another...to the front of City hall where he pushed the button to light the Christmas Tree...that guy is magic in Josiah's words! It helped that one of the city workers in charge told us we were in the perfect spot to see all the action and to not move! Here are some pictures from last night...I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Josiah in the snow / Josiah with Catherine & Jack

In Mourning...

2008-12-04T07:50:00.003-06:00

My best friend in Cali, Terri, mom passed away yesterday from cancer. She was told last week 3-6 months with the new chemo.... At least she was able to have Thanksgiving at home with Terri and Kenny. She went back to the hospital Saturday night in major pain and not being able to breathe. She signed her own hospice papers Tuesday night at 6:00 and passed away at 3:30 am. I knew something was wrong all day yesterday....something kept telling me to call Terri, and when I went to get my phone to call her, the text came in from her that her mom had passed...talk about sixth sense....

Toy of the Year

2008-12-01T07:43:00.005-06:00

Every year there is one toy out there that is so hard to find...because every kid in America wants it. I remember the year CABBAGE PATCH KIDS came out....my dad drove 200 miles on Christmas Eve to get one for me....everybody was sold out where we lived and I would have died if I would not have got one. I was 8 and it was the TOY OF THE YEAR!!! Christmas night at my grandmother's house, my brother colored my precious doll's face blue with permanent marker....I cried and cried, and my dad almost killed him....remember he had driven 400 miles round trip. My mom, aunt, and grandma scrubbed and scrubbed, trying every cleaner they had on hand to no avail. My doll's face always had a blue tint from that day on.

Now, 26 years later, I find myself trying to find that elusive gift for Josiah...the one he just can't live without. Last year it was the Optimus Prime Transformers voice changing helmet. This year....Eye Clops Night Vision Goggles.

Regular retail price:$79.99

Sale price before the holidays: $69.99

Target's price the 3 days before Thanksgiving: $50.00

Since I live halfway between 2 Targets, I went to both everyday, twice a day, looking for the goggles, only to have them sold out every day of the sale. They would get a delivery and be sold out 5 minutes later. It seems they are the TOY OF THE YEAR!!! AAGH!! So Wednesday morning I ditched Josiah for the 6th time and went back to Target for the last time...hoping they would have them. First Target...STRIKE OUT! Second Target...SCORE! YES!! To bad Santa will get all of the credit!

I can't wait to try these out on a nightime trail run!! They are suppose to be able to see up to 50 feet!!!

Ironman of the Year!!!!

2008-11-25T10:00:00.009-06:00

Where do I start....with the big surprise. Saturday night was the TriPsyclones end of the season party and awards. So they gave out the male and female MVP's first. Awesome athletes won these awards, Mandy L. and Dave D. Then they started talking about the Ironman of the Year award...and it was me!!! WHAT?!?!?!?! IRONMAN OF THE YEAR?!?!?!?! At first when they said it was someone who had completed her first 70.3 this summer I thought it was Fast Shannon!!! I was so excited for her because she is such an awesome person! But then Patty and Tessy started crying and Fast Shannon said NO SILLY...IT"S YOU!!! OMG!!! So I made myself not cry...so I wouldn't fill up with more mucus!!! WOW!!! I am still amazed.

On Sunday I took Josiah to the Houston Aeros game for Chilly's Puck Pals night. He got to go on the ice at the 2nd intermission and pick up the pucks from the ice. He had a blast. Here are 2 pictures of him from the Aeros game.

Today I am going on a bike ride with Meera and then Josiah and I are going to start putting up our Christmas lights...It is a 2 day project for us so we need to do them now so they are ready to turn on Friday.

I hope everybody has a Great Thanksgiving an even better shopping day Friday!

NOLA 70.3 Update...

2008-11-21T10:10:00.002-06:00

I am out...I won't be doing a 70.3 this year. Although I am motivated...it is not a good time for me. I have a lot of things going on that I need to get a handle on and will not have enough time to focus on my training. I do not want to do it unprepared. First of all, January - April is the busiest time of the year for me at work. All sports are a go then so I work at least 5 nights a week. Secondly, I need to focus on Josiah right now. He is at an age where he needs all of my attention and with me working so many hours....I just can't do it and train like I need to. So...there will be other races other years. I will still do triathlons next season, just not the big one! :)

Winter Swimming

2008-11-18T09:44:00.003-06:00

Okay...I finally did it. I gave into the large corporation fitness business and signed up at Lifetime Fitness yesterday. I need to get back into swimming and I just couldn't see myself swimming during the winter outside at the YMCA. Plus, the YMCA's kid room is not open when I need it to be so I can swim and have Josiah be supervised. The kid room is 8am - 9pm on weekdays and 8am - 6pm on weekends at Lifetime! WOW!!! Plus, Josiah loved it there. He tried it out while I did the tour and thought it was so great...he asked when he could go back. He hated the YMCA's kid room...nothing to do! Now I have no excuses...I have to start swimming if I want to get my time down for NOLA 70.3. I am so excited. Now if I could get rid of this illness so I can workout! I think I'm pretty smart...my membership won't activate until next Monday...didn't want to pay for this week when I can't workout anyways!

On the weight loss front...I have lost 6 pounds since last Thursday...maybe I should be sick more often!!!!

Illness Continued....

2008-11-17T08:40:00.004-06:00

The good news is Josiah is better...the bad news is...I am now sick. I have bronchitis. Don't you just love kids and the germs they pass on. He has been feeling good since Saturday whereas I have wanted to die. No workouts for me since last Wednesday. Aagh! No run this weekend because Josiah was sick Saturday and I was sick Sunday. I think the stars are lined up against me and running. Please let me get better soon! I just want to go run and get ready for the half marathon. It seems every time I take 1 step forward...I take 3 steps back. I know things will get better...I just need to have a little pity party right now.

And while I'm at it...let me complain about students and their parents. So two football players get in a fight last week before school. One of them is brought to me because he has blood everywhere from his nose. I get him cleaned up and call the campus police officer and the assistant principal. Both kids are suspended from school for 3 days and issued citations. The parent of the kid who beat up the other kid wants a meeting because he wants to know why we called the police and principals. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! That is why I am at school today sick when I should be laying in bed getting better....because I had a 7:30 meeting this morning to explain to the parent that if his kid wouldn't fight at school, he wouldn't be suspended and have a citation. That's ok...I coughed as many times as I could in that closed little office so now hopefully they will have suspension, citation, and a nice cold over Thanksgiving break!

Josiah Update

2008-11-12T13:24:00.004-06:00

So...I made Josiah go to school yesterday even though he wasn't feeling great from the air conditioning fiasco. They called me after lunch to come get him from school, he wasn't feeling well. I babied him all night, gave him his asthma breathing treatments, etc. and he seemed a little better. I made him go to school again today. School called me at 10:25 to come get him, he has a 101.7 temp. I called the doctor and took him in immediately. Seems he has pneumonia in 1 lung. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Doctor says extreme air conditioning isn't for people with asthma.... So here is my question....Can I send the California folks the bill since I asked them not to turn the air down after the first night and they did it again anyways????

Family Weekend

2008-11-11T10:05:00.002-06:00

This weekend Josiah and I were off to the family ranch in Muldoon, TX. We went to celebrate my grandfather's 75th birthday. Lots of friends and family came in town for the occasion, people I hadn't seen in 15 years. Some things never change. The only differences I noticed were a lot of men with a lot less hair! My grandfather was surprised...he had no clue what was going on and I think he enjoyed the weekend.

Josiah got sick...and he was doing so good with the new asthma medicine. One of the guests from California decided he needed the air conditoning down to about 50 in the bedroom. My mom has 3 thermostats...and one of them controls the 2 bedrooms up off of the loft. So he was controlling his room and our room. Needless to say Josiah is now sick from going back and forth from the regular Texas weather to the air conditioning that is NOT NEEDED by us Texas folks in November!

I did get an 8 mile run in before I left for the ranch Saturday morning. It wsan't as strong as last week but I finished. My running hasn't been going great as it has been harder than I thought to get back into it. I have decided I really need to get serious this week as I need to start laying the base groundwork for New Orleans 70.3 in April. And I need to get some of this weight off....I look at food and gain weight these days. CRAZY! So starting today I am going to post my workouts on here to keep myself honest in my training!

Saturday - 8 miles

Tuesday - 3 miles

Soon To Be New Neighbors & Training Partners

2008-11-06T10:13:00.003-06:00

Craig Alexander

MACCA

NOBAMA

2008-11-05T09:12:00.002-06:00

Australia is looking like a nice place to live for the next 4-8 years.....and think of the shark infested waters I could train in for triathlons....

Vote

2008-11-04T07:05:00.002-06:00

Before & After

2008-11-03T07:12:00.004-06:00

At the begininng of the evening....

Three buckets of candy and six hours later....

Eye Candy

2008-10-30T11:50:00.004-05:00

This is why I ran fast today.....I was running on the track, minding my own business, when this major league baseball player showed up to run also. James Loney. Enough Said! Couldn't have him lapping me right???? I even asked him not to lap me and got a laugh! Well...in 3 miles he only lapped me once! I was running faster than I ever had before. I love it when he shows up to run at the same time as me. This happens a lot in the baseball off season so I have 3 more months of eye candy on my week day runs! Lord help me to be strong!

Fall Mornings

2008-10-28T12:39:00.004-05:00

There is nothing better than a nice crisp fall morning. I was so excited when I woke up, knowing I would have an awesome run in this weather. I put my favorite nike running tights and long sleeve running shirt in my bag and was off to work. I couldn't get the freshman football players out of my office fast enough after 1st period. Please go...don't you see I just want to run! As soon as they were gone, I got dressed, put on my favorite running gloves and Oakleys, and popped in my IPOD to my girl power playlist and was off to the track outside my office door. It was 41 degrees outside! I had planned on 2 miles...but 2 soon became 3...and the next thing I knew, I had run 4 miles! I almost kept going but had to remind myself this was suppose to be a recovery run from the half marathon relay this weekend. I feel great! And to top off my day...my favorite cold day lunch! Progresso Vegetable Classics 99% Fat Free Lentil Soup YUMMMMMY!!!! I can't wait for tomorrow! More running and more soup! I'm starting to get excited about this running thing again!

Luke's Half Marathon Relay

2008-10-27T10:57:00.003-05:00

39 3672 FBF Girlz 2:42:33.6 2:42:33.6 12:25/M

What a beautiful day for a run! Thank god I only had to run half of the half marathon...I could have run more but finished strong like I wanted. You can see Tessy and I averaged 12:25...Tessy averaging 10:10 on her half so what does that tell you about my half...

I MADE MY GOAL!! If I run the half marathon in January like yesterday I will finish it under 3 hours...my goal for the year. My plan is to run the Houston half in January, the Austin half in February, the Seabrook Lucky Trail half in March...all leading up to the New Orleans 70.3 on April 5th! I have to get my run times down...that is why no full marathons in the near future! I am working on speed these days!

I actually ran up all the "hills" on Allen Pkwy! In the past I would deviate from my run/walk schedule when it came to the hills...but not yesterday! If it was time to run, I RAN UP THE HILL!!! I switched to 5/1's yesterday from 3/1's about 2 minutes before I started my half of the relay and that turned out to work really well for me. I was able to get in an actual groove before it was time for another walk break.

And thanks to Tessy for the awesome fajita post race lunch....it made it a great day!

Facts of Life

2008-10-23T10:51:00.007-05:00

Lightning storms mean Josiah sleeps with mom which means NO SLEEP FOR MOMMY!!!!

Sleepy Wednesday

2008-10-22T09:21:00.005-05:00

So I was up coughing all night...this cold is now on day 8! Last time I looked at the clock was 4:15 am...I thought GREAT!! 30 more minutes of sleep until the alarm goes off. Next time I looked at the clock was 6:50...SHIT!!! I was suppose to be at work 20 minutes ago!!!! I slept through the alarm. I have never done that before! It is gonna be a long day.

I did have a great 3.5 mile run yesterday in the warm afternoon after lunch. I had only planned on 2.5 but felt so good I kept going. I am excited for the half marathon relay this weekend! The weather forecast looks perfect and I am excited to get back into things after having so long off after Vineman!

Weekly weigh in....Minus 1 pound. I drank a lot of beer this week! 15 more pounds to go!

Weekend Recap

2008-10-20T10:45:00.003-05:00

First...I need to say GO TEXANS!!! Two in a row...even if you only beat the Dolphins and Lions...YEAH!!!! Sio LaToya and I took Josiah and Champ to the game to watch Chester yesterday. Champ went in the kids care room and Josiah went to the actual game with us. He is such a big boy and loves going to the games. Yesterday was different. He must have been very tired because he fell asleep 3 minutes after the game started....and didn't wake up until we left our seats with 2 minutes left to go downstairs to the family room to meet up with Chester. What a waste of a field level ticket!!!!

I ran with Lurlean Saturday morning. I owe her a big thanks because she has 1. been running a much faster pace than me and 2. is running more mileage than me. We ran 7 miles...a big jump from 4.2 last week. She was fine with it because she isn't signed up for any races and was tired and almost didn't even get up to run. We had a lot to catch up on since we haven't ran together since the end of July. I feel good and am ready for my half marathon relay this weekend with Tessy...watch out for those FBF Girlz!

Elkins beat Clements this weekend in football 56-49...nobody could play defense! This is homecoming week which is so lame in Texas compared everything we did in high school for homecoming in Cali....man those were the good old days....

Rain Rain Go Away....

2008-10-16T13:22:00.002-05:00

...I need to run!!! I do not run in the rain unless it is a race...I hate having wet shoes and socks. Before anybody questions this and triathlons....I don't wear socks on the bike, so that my feet will dry before the run....so no blisters.

Football + Running + Hockey + Triathlon = Busy Weekend

2008-10-13T10:37:00.011-05:00

Elkins played our football game on Thursday night...freeing up the rest of my weekend. We lost in the last 36 seconds to the Travis Tigers. That is all I'm gonna say about that because I don't want to get all worked up again about sportsmanship.

Saturday morning I ran 4 miles. I saw Tessy when I was starting so we started together and then she left me in her dust. It was a much better run than last week. I had my ipod on and quickly found a rythm...something that never came to me last week. It feels good to get back in the groove of running. The Luke's Half Marathon and Marathon Relay is Oct. 26th. Tessy and I have decided to do the relay to get back in the swing of things again without overdoing it. Yeah...I will only have to run 6.6 miles of the race!

Saturday night I took Josiah to the Houston Aeros hockey game. It was opening night and Josiah's first hockey game. They won 2-1 in a shootout. He had a blast. They showed him 5 different times on the jumbotron dancing. I just know it was because he was the cutest kid there! He can't wait to go back and asked me today to go to tonight's game...I had to throw the whole not on a school night one at him! Maybe he liked it because we were 15 rows up center ice...he is soooo spoiled. Or maybe it was the fight 30 seconds into the game! He was jumping up yelling FIGHT FIGHT with the rest of the crowd! On a side note, have you ever seen the people that go to hockey games...I felt like I was in a 80's rock video with all that 80's hair surrounding me! I am including an example of what I saw!

Sunday morning I volunteered at Try Andy's Tri on the bike course. I was at the bike dismount line and almost got ran over 3 times. Slow down people...you are suppose to be off your bike by this point!Now for my weekly weigh in.....I lost 5 pounds in the past week. Only 16 more to go to get back to where I was!

Back to Running

2008-10-08T08:50:00.009-05:00

This is how I felt running on Saturday....my first run back. Like a pig trying to run...not like a real runner. IT SUCKED!!!! I weighed myself and have gained 21 lbs since Vineman. ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?!?! Granted 8 lbs were probably from Hurricane Ike and all the junk food....but the rest???? My jeans aren't even fitting right. All the cards are ligned up against me right now. I was injured and couldn't run, football started which meant eating out a lot, Hurricane Ike, etc. It is back to business today, I have to start running for real and get back in shape....I will not be successful at the New Orleans 70.3 with this weight on me.

Friday, Septmeber 19th

2008-09-19T09:45:00.003-05:00

WE ARE BORED!!! How do you entertain a 5 year old for 5 days without cable???? We have watched The Sandlot 7 times....ugh! Well, things are going well. Teachers had to meet at the school today, but Elkins still is without power and air conditioning and the generators went out last night...sooooo....that meeting lasted 7 minutes...long enough for them to tell us we probably wouldn't be back at school Monday and to get the updated football schedule.
The plus to all of this is that my house is cleaner than it has ever been...not that it always isn't clean, but now it is spotless. I scrubbed the tile floors in my whole house on my hands and knees...it smells wonderful. And I threw everything away in the bathroom and bought all new stuff at Target on Monday....I'm thinking off painting later today or this weekend.
We are off to the park so Josiah can ride his bike and do some running....he says he needs to start training for the Turkey Trot kids mile....he thinks he might win this year! :)

My Evacuation so far....

2008-09-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

I finally learned how to play this morning!!! WOOHOO!!! So much fun....so far today I have cooked breakfast for everybody, ate oreos, played guitar hero and mario cart, and took a shower... Just think, I should be taping ankles for the football game right now.
We are all safe and I will post another update tonight if we don't lose power at my moms...the wind is picking up...

Evacuation Update

2008-09-11T11:36:00.003-05:00

Josiah and I will hit the road as soon as these football players finish lifting weights at 12:30. All Fort Bend ISD activities have been canceled effective at 2:30 pm today. I will leave earlier to beat everybody out of town. I will update my blog periodically so check here for updates on us this weekend.

Ike's Cone Updated

2008-09-10T17:47:00.001-05:00

WE ARE NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CONE!!! CRAP!!!!

Hurricane Ike

2008-09-10T14:06:00.002-05:00

NOT AGAIN!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! We are watching the weather channel hoping to not evacuate again. We are the Channel 2 Friday Football Frenzy Game of the Week for the whole Houston area this week. That is what happens when you beat the defending state champions. Hopefully Ike will go beat up on somebody else so we can get some air time! Watch for updates!

Weekend in Review

2008-09-09T08:52:00.003-05:00

Friday was the first official football game of the season and we won! We beat the defending Texas State Champion Lamar Consolidated Mustangs! WOOHOO!!!! What a great game...and nobody got seriously hurt! WOOHOO!!!!

Saturday my plan was to get up early, ride my bike, and then get to work for 10:00 am treatments. I didn't set my alarm because 7am is sleeping in to me so I knew I would be up in plenty of time. WRONG! I heard my phone beep that I had an email and when I looked at the clock it was 9:20. WHAT??? I hurried up, took a shower, and got to treamtent at 10:05. The boys gave me a hard time about being late. Dang. When treatment was done at 11:00 I headed to pick up Josiah. He had just layed down for a nap so I waited for him to wake up. When he woke up, he had a small cough. UH OH!

Sunday Josiah woke up with a terrible cough. CRAP! We stayed in all day in our pajamas so he wouldn't get worse. He had a breathing treatment about 7:30 and again at 9:30 because he was wheezing. UH OH! At 3:30am we headed to the ER. He couldn't breathe. When we got there is O2 level was 90...when we left at 6:00 his O2 level was 98. I rushed home, took a shower, threw some clothes on, dropped Josiah off at my freinds, and raced to work by 6:45. MADE IT! Josiah fell asleep in the car since he had not slept all night. Last night when I got home he was feeling much better. He is at school today and the long awaited (I made the appt in April) appt with the Pulmonologist is tomorrow.

Tina Turner is coming to Houston in concert on Oct 26th and I hope I get to go. It is a Monday night so no work...I just have to talk LaToya into it. And in more Tina news, Hurricane Ike is headed our way! hehehehehe

Hurricane Gustav

2008-08-29T13:28:00.005-05:00

WE ARE OUTA HERE!!!! I get off of work at 2:25 today (actually 2:30 but I plan on beating the students out of the parking lot or else I'll be stuck in school traffic until 3:00), pick Josiah up from school at 3:00, pick up the dog and my bike, and we are outie! (You thought I would leave my bike here....HA! It is the most expensive thing I own, besides Josiah and my car!) :) I don't take chances with hurricanes.

Since I have the weekend off and don't have football practice until 3:00 Monday, I decided we would leave town and go visit my parents. If the storm hits H-town, then we will already be gone and miss the traffic. If it heads to LA, then we will head back for practice Monday. I finally convinced my brother and sister-in-law to leave also...they are new to town and haven't seen hurricane damage yet. My sister-in-law was finally convinced last night...my brother was convinced 3 days ago! hmmmm

One of the funniest things I read on the chron.com message board posted after a Gustav update:

"Houston can't handle another New Orleans hurricane!"

Class Clown

2008-08-27T17:38:00.002-05:00

My son would be the class clown...the one who wants to make everybody laugh....no matter the circumstances or punishment. Yesterday Josiah came home from school and this was the conversation:
Josiah: Mom...I got in trouble at school today.
Me: What? What did you do?
Josiah: I was making snoring noises...
Me: What????
Josiah: I was making snoring noises....
Me: Why were you making snoring noises????
Josiah: I was trying to get my breathing right...I think my asthma was kicking in or something...
Me: WHAT????
Josiah: I couldn't breathe right....
Me: Who laughed?
Josiah: Landon
Me: What did the teacher say?
Josiah: Who is making those noises...and then everybody in the class laughed....and when I told her it was me she said we don't make those noises at school...go stand outside for 2 minutes.
Me: Josiah...you can't do that at school...
Josiah: But mom...it made everybody laugh...and I was bored and falling asleep....

It is going to be a long year.....

First Day of School

2008-08-25T10:50:00.008-05:00

Today is Josiah's first day of school. What can I say? How did he get so old so quickly....I just gave birth to him a couple of days ago...right????? Wow...how time flies. Yesterday he asked me if I could cancel him....WHAT???? Cancel you???? Yeah mom...call them and tell them to cancel me out, I'm not going to school this year. WHAT???? Yeah mom....I'm gonna stay home with you cause I will miss you to much. WHAT???? Since when do I stay home??? I will be at my own school Josiah!!!!

This morning I got up at 4:45 and put the coffee on, took my shower, and got myself ready for work. Then it was time to wake up my kindergartener. Rise and shine it is the first day of school. He woke right up and a big smile came on his face. He got up and got in the shower right away. When he was ready, I made him his breakfast, he requested breakfast tacos, and dropped him off at my brother's house. Uncle Alton took him today. To make a long story short, my principal informed me that lots of parents don't get to take their kids to the first day of school. WHAT???? Anyways, more on that later when I am in a calmer state of mind!!!! So I sent him off with Uncle and the camera, I gave Alton specific instructions on picture duty, etc.

I can't wait to see him after school and post an update on his first day with Mrs. Levy....

Meet the Teacher Night

2008-08-21T18:59:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it is here. We had to meet Josiah's Kindergarten teacher tonight...is he really old enough to start school???? How old does that make me????

He will be a Quail Valley Falcon....I guess they couldn't be the Quail's??? The Fighting Quail's...Oooohhhh I'm scared!!! Yeah...I guess I would have picked the Falcon's also.

He will be in Mrs. Levy's class. She seems nice...but a little gruff. Is she going to be able to keep Josiah in line, and give him the loving care he needs???? I hope so. My friend is the Asst. Principal at his school and put him in there because she says Mrs. Levy is the best. I trust Alena so Mrs. Levy it is. Plus, Alena put her own daughter in their also. Poor Mrs. Levy...she has Josiah and Kaleigh....hehehehe

Well....4 days until my baby's first day of school.....

Football Season

2008-08-20T12:13:00.006-05:00

It is that time of year again...dreaded football season. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE FOOTBALL! But when you are an athletic trainer, the hours will kill you if you let them. Football season to me means working 17-18 hours a day between teacher meetings and 3 football practices. Then mix in some volleyball practices and games, Josiah time, and there isn't much "me" time left.

Not that I could do much with "me" time right now. I am injured again. I pushed it to make it through Vineman and am suffering now. I never let my knee heal when I tore the articular cartilage on my femur last year before the Marine Corps Marathon. I just kept running and am paying now big time. The doctor says no running for 2 months....so that means October. That also means, NO SAN ANTONIO ROCK & ROLL MARATHON, NO SUN MART 50K, etc.... My next race will be the Houston Half Marathon....not enough time to train to get ready for the full.

I am still able to ride my bike which is a great thing...my favorite thing to do anyways. I rode 35 miles with Meera on August 8th and then 30 miles on my own August 10th....then football started on August 11th...and it has been downhill from there. I hope to get a good ride in this weekend...probably Saturday morning if all goes well.

My next "BIG RACE" that I am looking forward to is the inaugural New Orleans 70.3 Half Ironman Triathlon April 5, 2009. I can't wait and am excited to see what I can do on a "flat" course....although I have heard about the dreaded Lake Pontchartrain. I will need full body armor to swim in that....eeeeewwwwwww......

Vineman Race Report

2008-07-27T13:02:00.001-05:00

The alarm went off at 4:45...I had my first good night of sleep before a race. Usually I toss and turn the night before a race but this time I woke up after sleeping 8 1/2 hours in the same position. NICE!!! I got dressed and went to meet the others at 5:20 to take our bikes to transition to get them set up. I was one of the first ones there for my age group so I got a spot at the end of the rack. NICE!!! I went back up to the cabins to eat breakfast and use the restroom again. The rumors of the porta potties at Vineman are true. There are only about 15-20 toitlets for 2000 racers and others. I came back down to the beach and waited for my 7:50 swim wave. It was only about 48 outside and the water temp was 70.5 degrees. Great....I am swimming without a wetsuit.
I take my sweats off at 7:30 and get ready to get in the water at 7:42. When I get in I am pleasantly surprised.....because it is so cold outside, the water feels warm as bath water. The announcer tells us that we are the biggest swim wave age group of the day...147 women ages 30-34. Off I went on the swim. When I got to the turnaround I look at my watch at it is already 30 minutes....crap!! Why is this taking me so long. I walk around the turnaround bouey ( the water was below my waist) and start swimming again until bam. I swim into a guy walking. What the .... I look up and realize all of the men ahead of me are walking because every time you take a stroke, you scoop gravel unless you swim on top of the boueys....so if you can't beat them, join them. When the water starts getting deeper I resume swimming. Swim time: 52 minutes.
I run out of the water and hear Angie, Joe, and Jim yelling for me. I throw my goggles and swim cap to Angie...I still don't know why! I run for my bike but think they have already taken my rack down???? What is going on???? Then I hear Kevin yell at me to keep going, I am 2 racks away! I get ready and roll out. T1: 3:30 minutes
When you come out of T1 there is a steep hill. I already had planned to run up it and then mount since I had heard the stories of lost chains and people falling over. I got to the top of the hill and was off. What a beautiful bike ride! It was overcast and cold, but beautiful through the vineyards. I warm up right away as there are hills to be climbed everywhere....but where you climb up...you must come down. One time I looked down I was going 35...and coming to a corner that had a 20 mph sign for cars!!! CRAP!!! If they can only go 20 with 4 fat wheels...should I be going 35 with only 2 thin wheels???? At mile 28 I run over a powergel package someone had dropped on the ground and hear a pop...was that the gel or my tire. I stop and feel my tire...It is still full so I get back on. I head down a hill and as I come around the big red barn at mile 29 my tire flattens. CRAP!!! I am going to have to change it myself. I see 4 people across the street cheering on the atheltes. I yell across the street "Anyone want to help me change my tire???" One of the guys runs over to help me as his wife rides past me. Darn...I had just past her on the last uphill! Anyways, I picked an ironman to help me! He has done Lake Placid and Canada!!! His wife was doing her first 70.3. Anyways, you can be disqualified for outside help so I ask him to watch me to make sure I do it right, but he takes it from me and says to let him do it and to stand real close to him in case a race official comes so he can hand it off to me. As he changes it, a volunteer runs over and says he has a floor pump if we need it so no need for CO2 cartridges! It is my lucky day for getting a flat! They get me all set up and 9 minutes later I was on my way. 1 mile down the road a race official passes me on his motorcycle...by was that close. The next major event is Chalk Hill. I say this becasue it is a mile long hill at mile 45 on the course and has a grade from 7%-12%. Are you kidding me???? Is this someone's idea of a sick joke??? I try my hardest on this hill, bu 3/4 of the way up I am going 3 mph and am about to fall over. I have to get off and walk to a spot where it flattens out and then I get back on and ride the rest of the way up the hill. Next time I will make it all the way up!!! I finish the ride and head into T2. Bike Time: 4:00:07
I run into T2 and get my running shoes on. I had planned on changing into my running skirt but did not have time do to the flat tire. I head out on the run. T2: 5:30 minutes
As I head out ont he run I see Shannon coming in with only .2 miles to go...are you kidding me! She is awesome....her first 70.3 she pulss a 5:32. WOW!! I run out and see our support crew out there cheering us all on. The run course is an out and back so I pass Darwin at mile 1...his mile 12. At mile 2 I hear a lady yell "SNAKE!" WHAT??? I look down and see A 3-4 foot rattlesnake slithering across the street between us. Everybody else stops and I run around it. I have seen many rattlesnakes growing up in Cali and know that as long as it is outstretched you are safe if you give it room. If it starts to coil...RUN!!! Then I pass Pam, then Deb, then Patty, then Tessy, and then Jen (who was in the last swim wave!) At mile 6 we get to run through La Crema...how cool. I keep plugging along but start getting doubts in me head...what was I thinking when I signed up to do this. You think crazy things when you are tired! After I pass mile 12 I see Angie coming towards me yelling "There she is!" I then see everybody else at the corner. Angie stays with me until we catch up to everybody else. They push me along yelling encouragement. When I have about .3 miles left they take off to meet me at the finish line and I run around the school by myself.. As I come up to the finish Kevin handed Josiah over the fence and he ran across the finish line with me. I DID IT!!! Final time: 8:37
I want to say that I could not have done this without everybody who trained with me but most of all, the 12 incredible people I traveled with and went through this with....Tessy, Patty, Deb, Pam, Shannon, Jen, and Darwin, and our wonderful support crew of Kevin, Jim, Joe, and Angie. This is something I will never forget!