I didn't get to workout today, and I was REALLY disappointed. I had a first yesterday. I ran a mile in a row on the treadmill. It took me 12 minutes, but I didn't stop. I just kept plugging away. I walked for 1/4 mile to warm up. Ran for 1 mile. Walked for about 4 minutes, then ran for another 1/2 mile. So total running was a mile and a half. Even more amazing to me, was that I did it without tunes! My MP3 player died during my Wednesday workout and I forgot to charge the battery, so I was out of luck. I was on an exercise high after that. I realize that a lot of people run faster, farther, longer, whatever than I do, but this was big for me. I have always been a wimp when it comes to running, so this was a major accomplishment for me. I ran into one of the personal trainers afterwards, and he was so encouraging! He asked me if I was planning on running any 5Ks, so that I had a goal to work toward.
And I am planning to run two different 5Ks this year... I want to run Storm the Bastille in June and I want to run Race for the Cure in September. I believe Ms. Lacey is going to join me. (Right?!) We're sharing running playlists (which will come in handy when I remember to charge my darn batteries!) and sharing notes on running. I know I've got a long way to go, but I have a goal and a workout buddy, so I'm on my way!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
One of my guilty TV pleasures
I LOVE Project Runway! I've watch all four seasons faithfully. I admit that I don't always watch it at it's scheduled time. Thanks goodness for the weekend marathons and DVR so I can get caught up. Tonight was the season finale... and I'm not real happy with the outcome.
The finalists were Christian, Jillian, and Rami. All three had beautiful collections.
Rami and Jillian were both my picks to win. I would have been happy if either of them had won. I think their designs are more commercially viable. But Christian won. His clothes are beautiful and artsy, but they don't translate to everyday life. I live vicariously through this show.
Does anyone remember "Fashion Plates?" It was probably my favorite toy growing up. Of course, my sister and I had to share it. But I would spend hours coming up with different combinations. We would both get so excited when the Easter Bunny or Santa would bring up a new set to mix things up. We discovered that really sharp colored pencils worked best for coloring. We loved experimenting with patterns on the dresses or 
stockings. I think we both figured we'd be fashion designers some day. I used to try to make clothes for my Barbies too. Those never turned out very well.But I've always wanted to live in New York City, so I get an NYC fix, as well as a fashion fix by watching this show. I just love how catty the designers sometimes get. And I love the dramatic personalities. Now I'm looking forward to "Top Chef: Chicago." Chicago is my favorite city in America. I'm not from there, but when I'm standing in Downtown Chicago, I feel like I'm home. And I love to cook, so this show should be great!
Snow Pix
I figure I better get these snow pictures on the blog before the snow melts... so I have until about April.
The snow in our front yard was up to Alex's shoulders.
Below right is Alex, cheesing in front of the pile between our house and the neighbors' house. There's a small rock divider that lines our driveway... it's only about two feet high. That pile is about 4 1/2 feet high.
The snow in our front yard was up to Alex's shoulders.
This is Alex in front of the garden. If I don't get some good tomatoes this year, I'm going to give up!
Shadow loved the snow too. It was almost as deep as she is
tall. It went up to her shoulders when she tried to jump in!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Fabulous Book Club Night
My book club met again tonight, and it was FABULOUS as usual. We discussed the book "Seven Days to the Sea." We all agreed it was a good book. It was the third Biblical Fiction book that we've read ("The Red Tent" and "The Gilded Chamber") but paled in comparison to the others, in my opinion. I just got frustrated with the main charcters on so many levels. It was interesting to read about Moses and the Exodous, but I think I need a break from this type of book for awhile.
So Michelle has the next pick, and she selected "The Friday Night Knitting Club."
So Michelle has the next pick, and she selected "The Friday Night Knitting Club."
As faithful blog-readers will recall, I read this book not all that long ago, and it inspired me to dust off my knitting needles... or, more accurately, go buy a pair and try again. Haven't started the scarf yet. It's on my to do list (which is about as long as my "to read" list... goodreads.com fanatics, you know what I'm talking about!!!) maybe this weekend I'll start. I can't wait to discuss it with the gals in my club. It's not a light book, but it's filled with diverse and complex characters. Definitely a change of pace from the heavy stuff we've been reading lately. Hopefully we'll be able to set a date for our next meeting soon!
On a side note, a big shout-out to my friend Michelle, who doesn't read the blog, but that's okay. She offered to have me drop Alex off at her house, so I could enjoy the book club without a two-year-old date. Aimee and Kierra babysit for Alex on occassion. I think Alex was a little freaked to be in a strange house, even though he was with familiar faces. He went to be very late, but seemed to have had a good time. So thanks to Michelle and her girls for helping out.
On a side note, a big shout-out to my friend Michelle, who doesn't read the blog, but that's okay. She offered to have me drop Alex off at her house, so I could enjoy the book club without a two-year-old date. Aimee and Kierra babysit for Alex on occassion. I think Alex was a little freaked to be in a strange house, even though he was with familiar faces. He went to be very late, but seemed to have had a good time. So thanks to Michelle and her girls for helping out.
Solo Mom-ming It Again
It been an interesting day. Craig called at 8:30AM to tell me thinks might be crazy. Foxsports.com was reporting that Bret Favre was retiring. It was one of those "sources close to Favre say he's made his decision" kind of stories. I hate those because they might be true, or the source might be full of it. The Favre retiring stories have been swirling for about the last 6 years or so, so I didn't put much stock in the news. An hour later, Craig called and asked if it would be a problem if he was sent to Mississippi. I told him it would be fine, as long as he was home by Friday, so we could head back to Illinois for our sister-in-law Sarah's bridal shower.
Ten minutes later the flight was booked.
Even though I'm not a Packers fan, I get the whole Favre fascination. The guy is amazing. He's had a hell of a career. It will be many years before his consecutive starts record is broken, if ever. I'm sure this can't be easy for the Packers fans.
Today was one of those days I was relieved to be out of the news business. Since I'm not a Packers fan, I always found it hard to write about the team. I don't know their history, I'm not that good with their players' names (though I have gotten better), it's just hard to write for me. It was fun to be on the other side and see what kind of crazy side-bar stories the TV teams were coming up with.
So Alex and I are on our own for the next couple of nights. It'll go fast, I'm sure. But I miss Craig already!
Ten minutes later the flight was booked.
Even though I'm not a Packers fan, I get the whole Favre fascination. The guy is amazing. He's had a hell of a career. It will be many years before his consecutive starts record is broken, if ever. I'm sure this can't be easy for the Packers fans.
Today was one of those days I was relieved to be out of the news business. Since I'm not a Packers fan, I always found it hard to write about the team. I don't know their history, I'm not that good with their players' names (though I have gotten better), it's just hard to write for me. It was fun to be on the other side and see what kind of crazy side-bar stories the TV teams were coming up with.
So Alex and I are on our own for the next couple of nights. It'll go fast, I'm sure. But I miss Craig already!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Busy, Fun Weekend - More Busy-ness and Fun Ahead
We had a great weekend. Thought I'd switch gears (to use a TV phrase I hate) and talk about some good stuff, rather than just ranting.
Saturday I went to see "Avenue Q" with my friend Lisa from book club. I took her out to lunch first as a way of saying, "Thanks for thinking of me." We ate at John Hawk's Pub before walking over the the theatre. We took the Riverwalk, one of the many things I love about Milwaukee. As Lisa and I were reminiscing about college, how we met our husbands, when I came to Milwaukee and when she moved back, I started thinking about how much I love Milwaukee. This is a really cool city.
Back to the show... Avenue Q was hysterical. It was naughty, hilarious, bawdy, comical, sweet, nasty little show. The music was very fun. The puppets and actors were all amazing. The homage to Sesame Street was very noticeable. If you ever get a chance to see the show I highly recommend it. It is NOT for kids, even though there are puppets. There's swearing and (gasp) graphic puppet sex. So leave the little one's at home. If you're easily offended, it might be good to stay home yourself. But if you're looking for a laugh, this is a great show. It had songs with titles like "What do you do with a B.A. in English?" (still trying to figure that out myself), "You can be as loud as the Hell you want when you're makin' love," and "The Internet is for Porn." I thought it was a hoot, and I would go see it again in a heartbeat. Thanks Lisa!
Saturday night we made dinner and built a fire. And went to bed early because I was pooped!
Then Sunday Alex and I got up and went to church. He was very well behaved for a change. After he went down for a nap I did some shopping. And then I babysat for our friends Hank and Sara. It was paybacks for them watching Alex when we went to "The Lion King." They had tickets to the Billy Joel concert. So I hung out with Trevor (8), Ryan (4) and Katie (2). They were perfect angels. It was disgusting. KIDDING! We had a great time watching "Ratatouille," eating pizza, and playing together. We are now trying to figure out our next switches. I love the babysitting share! It's just a great arrangement.
Tuesday I meet with my book club. I can't wait to see what we're reading next!! Then we're heading back to Reynolds, IL (Craig's hometown) for our sister-in-law's baby shower. I have to say I have really lucked out in the sibling-in-law category. Sarah is a lot younger than me, but we have a lot in common, and have become good friends. With both her and my other sister-in-law Jen (married to my brother), I feel like I've gotten two more sisters. I love my brothers-in-law, Dan (married to my sister) and Craig's brother Brian. And my own siblings, Mike and Jen. It's just a big love fest! I'm lucky! (oh and if you're keeping track, yes, there are now two Jen's on the Gohring side)
It's been fun seeing Sarah and Brian get ready for this new little one to enter the world. The baby is due at the end of this month. So it will be fun to get together, and buy them tons of presents.
I love being busy. And I love the opportunity to get together with family for happy occasions like this. I hope my brother Mike and his wife Jen are next!!!
Saturday I went to see "Avenue Q" with my friend Lisa from book club. I took her out to lunch first as a way of saying, "Thanks for thinking of me." We ate at John Hawk's Pub before walking over the the theatre. We took the Riverwalk, one of the many things I love about Milwaukee. As Lisa and I were reminiscing about college, how we met our husbands, when I came to Milwaukee and when she moved back, I started thinking about how much I love Milwaukee. This is a really cool city.
Back to the show... Avenue Q was hysterical. It was naughty, hilarious, bawdy, comical, sweet, nasty little show. The music was very fun. The puppets and actors were all amazing. The homage to Sesame Street was very noticeable. If you ever get a chance to see the show I highly recommend it. It is NOT for kids, even though there are puppets. There's swearing and (gasp) graphic puppet sex. So leave the little one's at home. If you're easily offended, it might be good to stay home yourself. But if you're looking for a laugh, this is a great show. It had songs with titles like "What do you do with a B.A. in English?" (still trying to figure that out myself), "You can be as loud as the Hell you want when you're makin' love," and "The Internet is for Porn." I thought it was a hoot, and I would go see it again in a heartbeat. Thanks Lisa!Saturday night we made dinner and built a fire. And went to bed early because I was pooped!
Then Sunday Alex and I got up and went to church. He was very well behaved for a change. After he went down for a nap I did some shopping. And then I babysat for our friends Hank and Sara. It was paybacks for them watching Alex when we went to "The Lion King." They had tickets to the Billy Joel concert. So I hung out with Trevor (8), Ryan (4) and Katie (2). They were perfect angels. It was disgusting. KIDDING! We had a great time watching "Ratatouille," eating pizza, and playing together. We are now trying to figure out our next switches. I love the babysitting share! It's just a great arrangement.
Tuesday I meet with my book club. I can't wait to see what we're reading next!! Then we're heading back to Reynolds, IL (Craig's hometown) for our sister-in-law's baby shower. I have to say I have really lucked out in the sibling-in-law category. Sarah is a lot younger than me, but we have a lot in common, and have become good friends. With both her and my other sister-in-law Jen (married to my brother), I feel like I've gotten two more sisters. I love my brothers-in-law, Dan (married to my sister) and Craig's brother Brian. And my own siblings, Mike and Jen. It's just a big love fest! I'm lucky! (oh and if you're keeping track, yes, there are now two Jen's on the Gohring side)
It's been fun seeing Sarah and Brian get ready for this new little one to enter the world. The baby is due at the end of this month. So it will be fun to get together, and buy them tons of presents.
I love being busy. And I love the opportunity to get together with family for happy occasions like this. I hope my brother Mike and his wife Jen are next!!!
F@#^&ing Potholes
Driving around Milwaukee and the metro area is like traversing the surface of the moon.
I drove down Bluemound Road yesterday on a trip out to Brookfield Square to go shopping (a successful trip, BTW). Well, more like I swerved all over creation avoiding the crater-sized potholes that longed to swallow up my car.
This morning, I noted how rough the roads I take downtown were. On the way home tonight, I noticed strange noises coming from my car. By the time I hit the halfway mark, I knew what was going on. I had blown a tire. AGAIN.
Yes about 3 weeks ago, I blew a tire. It sucked then, and it sucks now. The first time, I managed to make it to Alex's daycare before stopping. This time, I made it to the CVS at 61st and Lisbon. I called Craig right away. He of course was in the helicopter for the early evening newscasts. He promised to come as soon as he could. I made that call at 5:25PM, and he and Alex came to rescue me at about 6:20PM. What a mess! We traded cars, Craig changed the tire, and we were all home and accounted for by about 7PM.
It has just been a really long winter. With the ice damming and now two blown tires in less than a month. The good new is it was finally above freezing over the weekend. There was significant meltage going on. I heard ducks quacking in the parkway this morning. It's still light out when I'm leaving work. Spring is right around the corner. AND NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON!
I drove down Bluemound Road yesterday on a trip out to Brookfield Square to go shopping (a successful trip, BTW). Well, more like I swerved all over creation avoiding the crater-sized potholes that longed to swallow up my car.
This morning, I noted how rough the roads I take downtown were. On the way home tonight, I noticed strange noises coming from my car. By the time I hit the halfway mark, I knew what was going on. I had blown a tire. AGAIN.
Yes about 3 weeks ago, I blew a tire. It sucked then, and it sucks now. The first time, I managed to make it to Alex's daycare before stopping. This time, I made it to the CVS at 61st and Lisbon. I called Craig right away. He of course was in the helicopter for the early evening newscasts. He promised to come as soon as he could. I made that call at 5:25PM, and he and Alex came to rescue me at about 6:20PM. What a mess! We traded cars, Craig changed the tire, and we were all home and accounted for by about 7PM.
It has just been a really long winter. With the ice damming and now two blown tires in less than a month. The good new is it was finally above freezing over the weekend. There was significant meltage going on. I heard ducks quacking in the parkway this morning. It's still light out when I'm leaving work. Spring is right around the corner. AND NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON!