18 In

Monday, August 30, 2010

I did it, folks! I’m 18 miles into my marathon training. 18 MILES! It almost doesn’t completely compute – I actually ran 18 miles, straight, on-purpose, and I liked it. Sort of.

While, I don’t feel a burning desire to run 18 miles everyday, I truly enjoyed getting several steps closer – literally – to my goal.

It was another early morning, 5:30 a.m., when we hit the street. The weather was much cooler with less humidity. It was fabulous for what would normally be a miserable August morning.

I had a good, steady run. We did 2:1 intervals and shortened our rest/water breaks considerably from last week. Four hours and seven minutes later we were done. I felt strong through the whole run but in the last half mile my body started asking me when I was going to stop. Seriously.

It’s so early it looks like nighttime doesn’t it?

Some of my Get Fit Atlanta peeps – we’re the Rebel Yellow pace group.

One of the most challenging things to me about the distance was the recovery afterwards. Yup, I was pretty much done for the rest of the day. No. Energy. At. All.

I spent most of the day here.

Thank goodness next week is a drop-back week, only 15 short miles.

Winks & Smiles,
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Friday’s Confession: Attack of the Guiltless Splurge

Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday’s Confession …

I strayed from my clean-eating, seventeen-pounds plan and pretended that muffin tops are sexy when they’re really not for a brief moment this week. Oh, and I don’t feel guilty.

I’m back on track already. I’ve kissed the first three pounds goodbye and I’m sure that more have already disappeared. Too much obsession and restriction is not healthy and will ultimately lead to destruction (**insert wicked laugh here**).

Besides, I’m in for 18 miles in the morning. I’m quite sure that will handle my little guiltless splurge … and then some.

Winks & Smiles,

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Kids Say the Darnedest, and Wisest, Things

Thursday, August 26, 2010

I’ve been sort of absent from the blogosphere for the past few day due to a death in my family. On Saturday my cousin, Erich, unexpectedly passed away. He was a gem, with the most joyous smile that could brighten any room. At my age, he was also too young to die. I have a huge family and we’re all staying close to support my aunt, uncles and Erich’s brother, Rick.

When it was time to tell Miles and Milan about Erich’s passing I was scared about how Miles would react. Death is something that is difficult for most people and Miles is no exception. He’s very aware of death and has had many difficult nights going to sleep because of it, so I grappled with what to tell him and wondered if he would “get it.” I wondered until I saw the card that he made for his Godfather, Erich’s brother – Rick.

The cover

This is the inside. There’s also a smiley face on the back.

What made this so special is that he did this on his own. I didn’t tell him to make the card or what to say. He just brought it to me and asked me to give it to Uncle Ricky at the funeral. Wow.

Today my family will celebrate Erich’s life and as I try to stay uplifted I’ll remember my son’s wise words, “He might gone but he loves you.”

Winks & Smiles,
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Sweet 16

Monday, August 23, 2010

This past Saturday I ran 16 miles. And, oh how sweet it was. Not only was it the longest run I’ve ever done, but it was a lot of fun, too.

Fun? Really?

Yes, it might sound crazy but training for this marathon has given me such a sense of accomplishment and confidence. I’ve learned that with the proper planning I can do things I would’ve never dreamed of and that’s not only thrilling – its fun.

And, so are the good folks I run with at Get Fit Atlanta. I definitely recommend finding a good group if you’re looking to start running. Tackling those long miles with the right people can make them whiz by and before you know it you’ve knocked out 16.

So here’s the quick and dirty about my 16 mile adventure. I got up at 4:45 a.m. – gasp! – to meet my group – at 5:20 a.m. By 5:30 a.m. we were on our way to logging in the Sweet 16. We ran the first 3-4 miles then did 2:1 intervals the rest of the way. I felt great. I had a peanut butter sandwich and a banana before I left the house and refueled with strawberry-banana PowerBar Energy gels along the way. It was dark and hot when we started; and it was sunny and hot when we finished. Along the way I saw a few dogs, a bunny rabbit and a dead snake – yikes! The last 2&1/2 miles of the run were up the infamous Nickajack hill. Once you’ve run Nickajack, you feel like you can run anything. I finished in 3 hours 28 minutes. Twenty minutes of that were rest breaks including one potty run in Mickey D’s.

Of course I snapped a few pics (not of the potty break – ahem) …

My pre-run pic – it was EAR-LY!

One of my coaches – Beth. Her and Barbara are the best!

Aww, Nickajack. The sign at the bottom of the big-ass hill.

Me with some of the crew celebrating 16. Get it? See the 1 and the 6?

All smiles after 16

I’m going to revel in this moment for the rest of the week because next Saturday we’re uppin’ the ante – can you say 18?

Winks & Smiles,
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I’m a Mominatrix

Friday, August 20, 2010

What? I’m a Mominatrix?

That’s right the fabulous, and original Mominatrix, is featuring me today over at The Imperfect Parent.

What are we dishing about?

Sex, of course!

Gasp!

Come on over to The Imperfect Parent and check it out.

Winks & Smiles,
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Out with the Old, In with the New – Sort of

Friday’s Confession …


I picked up this snazzy new garbage pail at the AJWright Blogger Shopping Challenge I went to on Wednesday (ooh, it was a blast – more coming in another post; and a giveaway – ahem!).

So, why is my old, broken, beat up garbage pail still sitting next to it?

GASP!

I know I’m busy but that’s just dumb. I need help people.

Winks & Smiles,
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3Gs: Good Humor, Good Times, Good Advice

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

When I say I ran all day long yesterday I mean it – literally. Ok, not actual running, although I did get three miles in, but I was on-the-go!

It started at an ice cream social sponsored by Good Humor and hosted by the fabulous Jennifer James of Mom Bloggers Club.

Jennifer and me

Don’t worry, I didn’t eat any ice cream – gasp!

But it looked absolutely delicious!

I did get to chat with some of my favorite local Atlanta bloggers and escape my usual Monday morning madness. Thanks, Good Humor!

After picking up the kids we headed to my mother’s house to celebrate my grandmother’s 87th birthday.

Isn’t she just fabulous?


G-Ma and my kids – I just LOVE her!

After dinner – yes, I skipped the cake – Husband and I had our first Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. Can I just say I’m so excited to make some changes? There’s so much valuable information in each session but one thing that really stood out this week was the quote, “Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Now they’re talking my language. (Did I really just write that?) Just like running, you have to take your time and build up your stamina. Marathon running doesn’t happen over night. Neither does getting out of debt and increasing your wealth. But, you do have to start to be able to cross the finish line. Taking that first step is hard but it’s the only way to make it happen. Then you have to be patient and take things in stride.

Good advice, right? Definitely easier said than done. Here’s hoping I can sprinkle some of my marathon mojo on my checkbook, too.

Winks & Smiles,
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Excuse Me While I Kiss and Tell

Monday, August 16, 2010

After logging in 14 miles with my running group, making better food choices (peace-out beer and cookies) and repeating my new mantra oh about 15,000 times since I started my 17 pound weight loss quest, I’m pleased to share that I’m kissing a few pounds goodbye – literally.



Truthfully, I’m gratetful but not that surprised at the loss, the first pounds normally slide off pretty easily for me – it’s keeping it going, and my hand out the cooking jar, that’s the real hard part. And so the journey begins ...

Winks & Smiles,

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‘Cause Muffin Tops Aren’t Sexy

Thursday, August 12, 2010

My new mantra:

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I debated going out for my morning run.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost skipped my strength training session.

Hmm, muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I contemplated sipping on my beloved beer.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost shoveled seconds onto my plate.

Muffin tops aren't sexy.

And, yes, it works …

‘Cause muffin tops AREN’T sexy.

Winks & Smiles,

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Seventeen – It’s the Magic Number

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Seventeen, that’s my new goal. Nope not miles, although I’ll be running those soon, I’m talking about pounds.

Seventeen.

There, I wrote it. For everyone to see.

Gasp!

It’s no secret that I’m very active and believe in a healthy lifestyle. It’s also no secret that I, like most of America, struggle with weight. Sure, I ride the pounds rollercoaster, too. I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go. I’ve been pretty fit and I’ve been, um, pretty fat. Ever since I developed an interest in getting healthy I normally stay at the lower end of the rollercoaster, but still haven’t broken through those last few pounds. For me, it’s seventeen of them.

I feel good, I get happy, and then I get lazy … and complacent. It’s hard work to finish off those stubborn pounds. Busting through the plateau is a bitch. But, I’m here to tell you it’s time to make a change. While I’m busy training for a marathon and tackling my debt I figure why not add one more goal to the list.

*insert blaring trumpets here*

I’m going to lose those pounds, one at time. Until. They. Are. No. More.

My motivation? The joy of knowing I can do what I set my mind to … and a really hot bikini.

Winks & Smiles,

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Atlanta’s Finest 5K: Running with Husband

Monday, August 9, 2010

Saturday Husband and I ran in the Atlanta Track Club’s annual Atlanta’ Finest 5K at Centennial Olympic Park.

About two weeks ago I got an e-mail that said, “quick sign us up.” Hmm, the last and only time Husband ran with me was for beer. This time it was because the corporation he works for was one of the sponsors; and because he wanted to run. I know he actually wanted to run because last year I ran it with some of his co-workers and he ever so supportively cheered us on from the sidelines. I’m sure he could’ve watched again but he chose to lace up his shoes and hit the road with the rest of us.

We started the race together, but I told him several times he didn’t have to stay with me. Yes, folks, Husband could run circles around is definitely faster than me. He decided to run the first two miles at my pace and said he would go on ahead for the last. There were two big hills in the third mile and neither of us wanted to burn out before them. When we crossed the second mile marker I pushed Husband on his way and cranked up my iPod. I decided to keep my steady pace and stayed aggressive with the hills.

I’m excited to say that it paid off. I PR’d the race finishing in 33:11, 26th out of 60 in my age group. Yes, that’s fast – for me. Husband finished in 31:23, but I’m sure he could’ve easily been under 30 if he wasn’t babysitting his wife. Next time, I’ll definitely encourage him to go for his.

Surprisingly, I only took a few pics.

Husband getting his music straight

Me ready to run

The finish line I was so happy to cross quickly

Sunday night Husband told me he found another race for us to do. Loving his interest I got excited until I saw THIS.

Gasp!

Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you, I'm a punk.

Hmm, what do you think? It might be my turn to cheer him on supportively from the sidelines.

Winks & Smiles,
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Destroying Debt

Friday, August 6, 2010

Friday’s Confession …

I killed two credit cards.


That’s right I cut them up … and off. I wish I could say that the debt is gone but I did make steps yesterday to stop it and even better lower my interest rates so there’s an end in sight.

I also decided that I should have financial peace – literally. I signed Husband and I up for money guru Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a 13-week program being offered through my church.

That’s right, folks. I’m. Not. Playin’.

I know you’ve heard the saying, “keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” For some reason those words stuck yesterday.

I confess, I killed two credit cards and I’m looking forward to taking out the rest.

Winks & Smiles,
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The First Day of School at Wifey’s House

Thursday, August 5, 2010

It’s the first day of school at Wifey’s House and I’m not sure whether to get all sentimental and cry or run around the house naked jump for joy. Truth be told I’m leaning toward the second but I do get a little mushy at times like this – I just can’t believe they’re getting so big. Miles is in fourth grade and my little baby girl is a second grader. Wow.

After braving the heat for six hours at Six Flags yesterday, I went grocery shopping so I would have everything I need to make them these for their lunch boxes …

Yummy chocolate chip cookies

And these for breakfast …

Chocolate chip pancakes – yup, we’re chocolate peeps at Wifey’s House

I was channeling my inner Martha Stewart, whipping up stuff from scratch. We’ll see how long that lasts, although the kids loved it. Milan told me I was "the best mom EVER!" And, Miles gave me a huge hug. Maybe there’s something to this cooking thing.

Before we piled in the car to head to school we took our annual back-to-school pics on the porch.

My big girl

My Miles

I bribed them to take this picture

This is how they really felt

Hmm, how long until that school bus pulls up?

Winks & Smiles,
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My Escape to the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

After completing the longest run of my life, 14 miles, I was thrilled to head downtown to the Four Season Hotel Atlanta’s first Mommy Blogger Escape. From the moment I valet parked and was greeted by Spa Director Garth Mamicpic I instantly felt like I had been whisked-away on vacation. Garth breezed me through check-in and escorted me to the elevator so I could unwind for a few minutes in my room. I ended up here …



OK, so I got so relaxed that I didn’t take anymore videos, but I snapped lots of shots with my iPhone. Want to see?

My Room

It was divine. Spacious. Comfortable. Luxurious.




And, look! They left me goodies! A fabulous robe and other spa treats.

The view from my room

That evening me and seven other Atlanta bloggers were treated to drinks and appetizers in the kitchen at Park 75 while Sous Chef Tommy Greer showed us where all the magic happens. He even took us out to the roof to the restaurant’s organic garden and famous bee colonies. It was super special to see how they get it all done. Wait, did I just say super?




Look close! It's Husband's name

There's 120,000 Bees in there!

Next we were invited to taste “Savor The Summer,” Park 75’s new three-course menu featuring the three courses plus two glasses of wine. They’re so on top of everything. They gave us the opportunity to dine together or experience the meal in the comfort of our own room. We all choose to stay together and enjoy the atmosphere and good company.

I had House Made Lobster Ravioli, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank and, look, Stone Ground Park 75 Molten Lava Cake - Yum!

After dinner I couldn’t wait to try the Spa Bath they left for me.


Isn’t that fabulous? It had instructions and everything ... and, was a little slice of heaven – especially after 14 miles.

I also couldn’t wait to try out my new robe. Ahh …

The next morning we started off with a private, relaxing yoga session.

I’m soooo not flexible

Dawn our instructor was awesome

I definitely worked up an appetite and was happy to find myself sitting at Park 75 again. I’ve totally made friends with the chefs.


After breakfast I met my new best friend, Bertha, who tackled my toes. She had a huge task ahead of her and I wasn’t sure that 50 minutes would be enough time for a pedicure but let me tell you this woman was good. I’ve logged a lot of miles on my feet – on the road and the tennis court and she definitely hooked them up.


Before – Yikes
During – Whew!

After – Ahh!

For the rest of the morning we were given access to the fabulous spa and all of its amenities then wrapped up our escape with lunch by their indoor pool.



When it was time to go they sent us off with more treats including a gift for each of my children.

Candy and cookies

Personalized notes – they think of everything!

It took all I had not to leave kicking and screaming; I seriously considered hiding in the closet and staying another night but I’d like to be invited back one day. In fact, I plan on bringing Husband back one night soon to take part in this …

Thank you to the good folks at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and everyone involved for this wonderful escape. If you're looking for your own getaway they have several specials including a "Mommy's Day Out Spa Package," you can learn more about here.

Now what in the world am I going to do after 15 miles?

Winks & Smiles,

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The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta took care of my accomodations and provided special gifts however they did not pay for this post or my account of my stay. My thoughts and opinions are all mine.

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