Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wordless Wednesday- Father's Day at the Races
We went to Bandimere Speedway with free suite tickets on Father's Day. Sam was mesmerized by the cars and bikes taking off down the 1/4 mile track.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Out For A While
I know that I have been neglecting this blog recently. Let me catch you up on my life.
* I have been running and biking to train for the 2010 Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in October.
* We are getting ready for a trip to the east coast to meet our new nephew, Finn.
* Daily activities with Sam have taken up a lot of time-- cooking, laundry, bath time, etc., etc., etc.
* Work is busy. Of course, this won't be busy for long. I am at the end of completing a bunch of projects that were thrown at me very quickly.
I should be back to my regular posting shortly.
I like postings with pictures, so here is a picture that I took of Sam on Tuesday. He is so funny.
* I have been running and biking to train for the 2010 Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in October.
* We are getting ready for a trip to the east coast to meet our new nephew, Finn.
* Daily activities with Sam have taken up a lot of time-- cooking, laundry, bath time, etc., etc., etc.
* Work is busy. Of course, this won't be busy for long. I am at the end of completing a bunch of projects that were thrown at me very quickly.
I should be back to my regular posting shortly.
I like postings with pictures, so here is a picture that I took of Sam on Tuesday. He is so funny.
Monday, June 14, 2010
My Nephew Finn
I'm proud to announce that my only sister gave birth to a beautiful, baby boy on Wednesday, June 9th. His name is Griffin Russell Simon, but will go by the name Finn.
My best friend says that he looks like our father. I can see that.
My best friend says that he looks like our father. I can see that.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday's Houshold Tip- Easy Garage Organization Ideas
I really need to take my own advice with this post. With our ATV, tools, lawnmowers (and our son becoming more mobile) we really need to move items out of his reach.
Thanks Good Housekeeping
Reclaim Your Parking Space
If carport clutter is driving you mad, start by reclaiming your parking space. The trick: Utilize the walls. A securely mounted pegboard system will get your tools — rakes, hoses, even wheelbarrows — off the floor and out of the way, plus you'll always be able to see what you have. Carve out even more space by mounting a row of shelves above the board. Just keep a sturdy step stool or ladder handy so you can safely access overhead gear. Also: Make sure to secure bulkier items to the board with a bungee cord.
Note: Not Our Real Garage
Ready to Work
If you can eke out the space, set up an area in your garage for doing those DIY projects and repairs. First, select a surface: a counter-height table, a rolling cart with wheel locks, or a set of sawhorses topped with a countertop or board is fine. Then, keep it clear — while keeping supplies in easy reach — with pegboard mounted over your surface, as shown. Pull up an adjustable-height stool so anyone (you, your hubby) can work comfortably. Last, a sturdy task lamp will help you see what you're doing; a small fan will ensure that your work space is cool and that any fumes dissipate.
Over and Out (of the Way)
Loft-like storage, such as a wooden shelf (shown) or easily installed rack units, is ideal for holding seasonal items such as holiday decor or outdoor gear; rotate out boxes or bins as needed (don't forget to label them). Corral sports gear in a go-to bin so family members can drop off or pick up things while passing through. Tuck bikes and scooters beneath the shelf, too.
Hide and Keep
Relegate dangerous chemicals to a well-ventilated, lockable cabinet to protect against prying hands and careless spills.
Keep vs. Toss
Keep: an old tennis ball to help drivers get used to any new storage systems in the back of the garage — before they run into them. How-to: Tie string around the ball; hang from the ceiling over the spot where a vehicle should stop when parking. It should be low enough to hit the windshield.
Keep: ponytail holders (the kind with plastic balls at the ends) to hold extension cords in place. While you're at it, be sure you're working with properly insulated extension cords designed for outdoor use.
Toss: the broom waiting by the garage door. Instead, prevent dirt from sneaking into the house with a rubberized mat in the garage and a cloth version where people cross into the house. Stash a boot tray near the rubber mat for messy clogs, cleats, etc.
Thanks Good Housekeeping
Reclaim Your Parking Space
If carport clutter is driving you mad, start by reclaiming your parking space. The trick: Utilize the walls. A securely mounted pegboard system will get your tools — rakes, hoses, even wheelbarrows — off the floor and out of the way, plus you'll always be able to see what you have. Carve out even more space by mounting a row of shelves above the board. Just keep a sturdy step stool or ladder handy so you can safely access overhead gear. Also: Make sure to secure bulkier items to the board with a bungee cord.
Note: Not Our Real Garage
Ready to Work
If you can eke out the space, set up an area in your garage for doing those DIY projects and repairs. First, select a surface: a counter-height table, a rolling cart with wheel locks, or a set of sawhorses topped with a countertop or board is fine. Then, keep it clear — while keeping supplies in easy reach — with pegboard mounted over your surface, as shown. Pull up an adjustable-height stool so anyone (you, your hubby) can work comfortably. Last, a sturdy task lamp will help you see what you're doing; a small fan will ensure that your work space is cool and that any fumes dissipate.
Over and Out (of the Way)
Loft-like storage, such as a wooden shelf (shown) or easily installed rack units, is ideal for holding seasonal items such as holiday decor or outdoor gear; rotate out boxes or bins as needed (don't forget to label them). Corral sports gear in a go-to bin so family members can drop off or pick up things while passing through. Tuck bikes and scooters beneath the shelf, too.
Hide and Keep
Relegate dangerous chemicals to a well-ventilated, lockable cabinet to protect against prying hands and careless spills.
Keep vs. Toss
Keep: an old tennis ball to help drivers get used to any new storage systems in the back of the garage — before they run into them. How-to: Tie string around the ball; hang from the ceiling over the spot where a vehicle should stop when parking. It should be low enough to hit the windshield.
Keep: ponytail holders (the kind with plastic balls at the ends) to hold extension cords in place. While you're at it, be sure you're working with properly insulated extension cords designed for outdoor use.
Toss: the broom waiting by the garage door. Instead, prevent dirt from sneaking into the house with a rubberized mat in the garage and a cloth version where people cross into the house. Stash a boot tray near the rubber mat for messy clogs, cleats, etc.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Need to Vary Sam’s Diet
Sam can be a picky eater (just like Mommy) when he wants to. Unfortunately, because of his pickiness, he sometimes does not get the nutrients that he needs. Because of some his pickiness at some items, he (sometimes) will only eat things with cheese and that has caused some constipation issues. I don’t want my boy to be in pain or have any discomfort.
Some days, like yesterday, I cooked the family Spaghetti Pasta Pie (which includes cottage cheese, egg, pasta, tomatoes, zucchini and some mozzarella cheese). He ate a little, but mostly he wanted nothing to do with it and decided that the floor needed some color.
Knowing that this might happen, I also cooked a batch of vegetables (corn, asparagus and carrots) so that he would be able to eat something if he wasn’t interested in dinner. He ate some of everything, but really liked the carrots. He ate every piece of carrot that was in the bunch.
I really don’t want to be a short order cook later in his childhood, so I am investigating recipes that the entire family would be willing to eat and have enough fiber to help us all. What I have found includes:
• Tri-Color Fusilli pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables in chicken broth (I made it up)- Sam loved it (and so did Brian)
• Muffin Frittatas (for breakfast) - Sam loved it
• Ravioli with Sweet Potato Sauce (I’m trying this recipe this week)
• Pesto Chicken Packets (I’m trying this recipe this week)
• Baked ziti with vegetables (I’m trying this recipe this weekend)
If you have any kid-friendly suggestions for a little boy that likes his veggies, please do not hestitate to share any recipes.
The floor definitely does not need any more color.
Some days, like yesterday, I cooked the family Spaghetti Pasta Pie (which includes cottage cheese, egg, pasta, tomatoes, zucchini and some mozzarella cheese). He ate a little, but mostly he wanted nothing to do with it and decided that the floor needed some color.
Knowing that this might happen, I also cooked a batch of vegetables (corn, asparagus and carrots) so that he would be able to eat something if he wasn’t interested in dinner. He ate some of everything, but really liked the carrots. He ate every piece of carrot that was in the bunch.
I really don’t want to be a short order cook later in his childhood, so I am investigating recipes that the entire family would be willing to eat and have enough fiber to help us all. What I have found includes:
• Tri-Color Fusilli pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables in chicken broth (I made it up)- Sam loved it (and so did Brian)
• Muffin Frittatas (for breakfast) - Sam loved it
• Ravioli with Sweet Potato Sauce (I’m trying this recipe this week)
• Pesto Chicken Packets (I’m trying this recipe this week)
• Baked ziti with vegetables (I’m trying this recipe this weekend)
If you have any kid-friendly suggestions for a little boy that likes his veggies, please do not hestitate to share any recipes.
The floor definitely does not need any more color.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Momma Update
I know that it has been a while since I posted something. I’m sorry about that.
I currently have a new aspect of my life that I am working on and it has taken a large chunk out of my days when I would normally post on this blog. I have decided to train for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon in October. To do that, I have been running and cross-training on the stationary bike at my office during my lunch hour.
So that it doesn’t take me 3.5 hours to complete the half marathon (which it did in 2007), I am eating healthy and losing weight as well. Running is one of the cheapest and easiest activities to lose weight. As long as you have the right shoes for your feet and specific running movement, you can run without many problems.
I have been writing down my caloric intake and daily activity so that I can be very conscience of what I am doing and am able to review if I hit a plateau.
Since starting this adventure, 2 weeks ago, I have lost 8 lbs and am running 4 days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays). My Saturday run is my long one. This past Saturday I ran 4.92 miles in 78 minutes. I know that isn’t fast for most people, but at my size, that’s pretty good. This Saturday, I’m planning on running for 1.5 hours which should put me over the 5 mile mark. I’m hoping for 5.25 miles. These Saturday runs are supposed to be easy, endurance runs. These runs will build up the time that I’m able to stay on my feet running. During the week is when speed workouts, hills and fartlek (which means "speed play" in Swedish) helps with conditioning.
During the weekdays, I have been working on my form and stride length which has allowed me to increase my pace to a 13.66 minute mile over 2 miles. For me that’s unheard of. I need to continue to work on my speed and form if I hope to complete the half in the time frame that I want (under 3 hours) which would put me at a pace of around 13:15 over the course of 13.1 miles.
If anyone is more interested in my training and articles that I have compiled to help me train for this adventure, please feel free to e-mail me at wilberta2006@yahoo.com and I can forward you my training plans and/or give you my training blog address.
____________________________
Over the course of my training, I may use some or all of the following jargon and I wanted to make sure that I offer the definitions early.
Running Jargon | Running Acronyms
5k - distance of 5,000 meters or 3.1 miles
10k - distance of 10,000 meters or 6.2 miles
Bonk crashing in a race attributed to running out of fuel
Cross Training training strategy which uses other forms of aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, cross country skiing
Fartlek Swedish term ("speed play") for workouts where you vary the pace of your running – a mix of slow, moderate, and quick paces at different intervals.
Half Marathon- distance of 13.1 miles
Intervals system of training using repeated short distances at greater than or near race pace
Marathon- distance of 26.2 miles
Negative Splits running the last half of a race faster than the first half
PR Personal Record.
Pronator running form with moderate inward rotation of the foot, likely to have medium arch height (I have flat feet and severely pronate)
Taper Scaling back mileage prior to a big or long race. Tapering helps muscles rest so that they are ready for optimum performance on race day.
Tempo Runs Training runs, usually 30 to 45 minutes in length. A warm up progresses to more intense pacing ranging from one minute per mile slower than 10k race pace to 15 seconds slower than 10k pace at the latter stages of the run.
Ultra An "ultra-marathon". Any race that's longer than the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
I currently have a new aspect of my life that I am working on and it has taken a large chunk out of my days when I would normally post on this blog. I have decided to train for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon in October. To do that, I have been running and cross-training on the stationary bike at my office during my lunch hour.
So that it doesn’t take me 3.5 hours to complete the half marathon (which it did in 2007), I am eating healthy and losing weight as well. Running is one of the cheapest and easiest activities to lose weight. As long as you have the right shoes for your feet and specific running movement, you can run without many problems.
I have been writing down my caloric intake and daily activity so that I can be very conscience of what I am doing and am able to review if I hit a plateau.
Since starting this adventure, 2 weeks ago, I have lost 8 lbs and am running 4 days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays). My Saturday run is my long one. This past Saturday I ran 4.92 miles in 78 minutes. I know that isn’t fast for most people, but at my size, that’s pretty good. This Saturday, I’m planning on running for 1.5 hours which should put me over the 5 mile mark. I’m hoping for 5.25 miles. These Saturday runs are supposed to be easy, endurance runs. These runs will build up the time that I’m able to stay on my feet running. During the week is when speed workouts, hills and fartlek (which means "speed play" in Swedish) helps with conditioning.
During the weekdays, I have been working on my form and stride length which has allowed me to increase my pace to a 13.66 minute mile over 2 miles. For me that’s unheard of. I need to continue to work on my speed and form if I hope to complete the half in the time frame that I want (under 3 hours) which would put me at a pace of around 13:15 over the course of 13.1 miles.
If anyone is more interested in my training and articles that I have compiled to help me train for this adventure, please feel free to e-mail me at wilberta2006@yahoo.com and I can forward you my training plans and/or give you my training blog address.
____________________________
Over the course of my training, I may use some or all of the following jargon and I wanted to make sure that I offer the definitions early.
Running Jargon | Running Acronyms
5k - distance of 5,000 meters or 3.1 miles
10k - distance of 10,000 meters or 6.2 miles
Bonk crashing in a race attributed to running out of fuel
Cross Training training strategy which uses other forms of aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, cross country skiing
Fartlek Swedish term ("speed play") for workouts where you vary the pace of your running – a mix of slow, moderate, and quick paces at different intervals.
Half Marathon- distance of 13.1 miles
Intervals system of training using repeated short distances at greater than or near race pace
Marathon- distance of 26.2 miles
Negative Splits running the last half of a race faster than the first half
PR Personal Record.
Pronator running form with moderate inward rotation of the foot, likely to have medium arch height (I have flat feet and severely pronate)
Taper Scaling back mileage prior to a big or long race. Tapering helps muscles rest so that they are ready for optimum performance on race day.
Tempo Runs Training runs, usually 30 to 45 minutes in length. A warm up progresses to more intense pacing ranging from one minute per mile slower than 10k race pace to 15 seconds slower than 10k pace at the latter stages of the run.
Ultra An "ultra-marathon". Any race that's longer than the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)