girl on the run

Bummer

2009-11-13T15:49:00.002-05:00

I was recently reminded of this old girl by a friend interested in starting a blog and I just noticed that my banner and some pics are gone. I tried to find my old photobucket site but I can't remember how to access it! Bummer. I think the original banner are lost on my old hard drive. Sad.

Hmmm, should I start blogging again? I don't know. I don't even have time for FB or Twitter these days. Priorities. Ok. Just wanted to see if this account would still let me blog and so far so good.

Until next time....

Note to self: always have your camera on hand!

2009-06-03T08:13:00.002-04:00

So I woke up really tired and sore at 5:30am today. I ran 3.6 miles on Sunday, and 2 miles on Monday. I didn't run at all yesterday and this morning I didn't have enough time because the hubster had to leave very early for work. So I slipped into some flipflops, put the leash on Mister B and headed for the beach.

As I walked along the beautiful Lake Erie shore, I asked myself why I don't walk the beach more often. When I go to the ocean, I wake up every morning before anyone and walk on the beach. I know that the lake is a lot different than the ocean but there's still something very peaceful and mind opening about walking along an empty beach. Every time I do it, it is a different experience.

Today I noticed that about every 10 feet, there was a pile of driftwood. I wondered if the property owners made these piles or if the city did that. I also wonder what is to become of the driftwood piles. I would like to think a summer full of bonfires. I'm still not sure if I can legally have a bonfire on the beach. I should call the city today and find out.

I wondered what I would see out in the water today. Ever since my spotting of the swimming deer, I always stop to look. No swimming deer today but as I got farther down the beach, I did see these two deer that actually live under a big pine tree in my yard. The deer totally dig the beach. They really do. I held the yorkinese back back when I spotted the deer. I didn't want them to see me. They were standing on the shore about 25 feet away from me. I swear it looked as if one deer was giving the other instructions because one of the deer seemed like a little kid, too impatient to wait for instructions. He wanted to go swimming. Unfortunately, they both looked up before jumping in the water and cautiously headed back towards the safety of the woods.

I walked farther down the shore than I ever have since living here. There is a man in our neighborhood who carves things out of trees. In his front yard there used to be a lion and a giraffe and something else. I can't remember what because they aren't all there anymore. Anyway, I happened to walk behind his house today and saw more of his art. There was a carving of a naked woman at the top of the hill. He also had a gazebo with another carved woman sticking out from it towards the lake as if she was swimming. Going up the stairs from the beach to his house was several more carved faces.

I wasn't sure what time it was and so I decided to turn back at that point. On the way back, Mr B was lagging behind. He was rolling his body around and I knew instantly, it had to be somethign dead. Sure enough, it was a dead fish. WHY do dogs do that? He loves to roll his body around on dead animals. I should look that up. I'm sure it has something to do with instinct but I'm curious as to the instinctual reasoning behind the act.

The beach walk was good for me. I have had a lot of things going on lately and the walk was refreshing and stimulating for my brain. Just yesterday I was looking for an escape from some of the things I have been facing but this morning I think I left some of it there. I really have to do this more often. Oh, but next time, I'm bringing my camera.

Girl on the walk....

2009-05-31T09:18:00.002-04:00

So uhhhh, yeah. It's been a long time. I'm glad blogger didn't suspend my account for lack of use.

Anyway, Jac is back... again. It's been a rough winter/spring. I really didn't think I would run anymore. I started this job where I had to do some pretty heavy lifting and it really did a number on my back. My company also let my gym membership expire and I'm too broke to renew it right now. I know, excuses excuses.

So anyway, I'm sick of the lack of activity and the fact that I'm probably at my heaviest weight ever and that summer is at my front door. I miss running and I miss the races. I also joined a 6 month biggest loser session with my girlfriend that I've known since I was a baby. I'm not a very good supporter of diets since I am a lover of food but I think she's looking at this as more of a competition so that will work. We actually started 2 weeks ago but I've had a lot going on, trying to finish up school so we can get summer vacation started already and starting a new restaurant job where my job requirement entails that I try all the beers and food on the menu.

Whatever, this is about my run today. I woke up feeling all crooked. My back hurts a lot but running really never hurt my back so that wasn't going to stop me today. After 1/2 a luna bar, some water and updating everyone on FB that I was heading back out, I got dressed, stretched, turned up my tunes and off I went. I started out cautiously. I decided that even if I had to walk the entire time, I wouldn't go less than 3 miles this morning. After a few steps, I thought I would see what would happen if I ran. I tried to run slowly but I really don't think I have it in me to run slow. Running and slow apparently don't go together in my brain. So I ran for 1/4 of a mile and when I got to the stop sign, my chest was burning. I was breathing heavy. I couldn't believe it. I was a beginner again. I remember the first time I ever ran this route and I remember that horrible defeating sensation.

I decided I would most likely walk the rest of the "run". Hey, maybe I was going to be a walker now. I've heard all kinds of good things about walking. I don't believe them, but I heard them. Could I be a walker at races? I don't know. I really don't want to give up races. I speed-walked for about a mile before I finally caught my breath completely and then as I was approaching a friend's house, I decided that just in case they were looking out their window at that exact moment, I would run instead of walk. I could almost imagine them cheering me on and that motivated me to run as long as I could. I don't think it was that long though because I was walking again as soon as my chest started burning. After about 2 miles of walking running, I was feeling really good. I think I must have finally been warmed up. I don't think that I've ever gone on a run like this where I let my body dictate my pace. It was good for me.

I know it's important to push ourselves to improve but I basically had to look at myself as a beginner again today and I knew that even if I walked most of those 3.6 miles, it was better than no activity at all. Also, it felt so good that I knew I would be more inclined to do this on a regular basis again. Patience is not one of my best attributes and in the case of running, I have always compared myself to faster runners and so I push myself harder than I am ready for sometimes and in the end, instead of feeling proud of my accomplishment, I'm discouraged. So I will say today was a very good run. It felt amazing to be back out there.

Last year I talked some friends into doing the Ohio City Race with me and that was their first 5K. Yesterday, one of those friends asked me if I was going to do it with her this year again. I hadn't been thinking about doing any more races this year but she got me thinking. That race is less than a month away but now I have something to look forward to and to keep me motivated.

Looks like girl on run is back.

Back on track....

2009-02-19T08:50:00.005-05:00

I feel like this has been many a blog title before with me. Ah well.

Just a quick update.

My running season has officially begun.

I'm gonna say it started on Feb 14th with the first 5k of the year. I ran in the Chili Bowl with my sister. It was wet and slushy and slippery and we goofed off a lot but it was very fun.

I am looking at upcoming races and not quite sure yet which one will be my next. I would like to do what I did last year and do a race a month. I have other plans on the same day as the races I want to do in March and April so I will have to try to find something else. There are several races in May that I want to do.

So I started a training plan to be able to do a 10 mile race in 10 weeks. Even though I can't do that race, I would still like to try to train. I started Tuesday with a very easy 2 mile run. The pace was 4.5 mph and I felt very comfortable running the entire time on a treadmill.

Today was my 5 mile run. The pace was between 4.5 mph and 5.3 mph on the schedule. I did bump it up to 6 a couple times just to save some time. I was mad when I got to the gym because I forgot my earbuds for my mp3 player. When I realized that, I really didn't think I would do the entire 5 miles on a boring treadmill. I put my mind to it though and I did it in 1 hour and 3 minutes. That's the longest I've ever been on a treadmill in one straight run. I was so proud of myself though when it was over. It made me realize that it really is a mind over matter issue. The girl next to me was trying to support me and even though she was done with her run, she stayed with me for the last 2 miles. She also noticed that my strides were too short and that I was working to hard. I took her advice and took longer strides. It felt better but I still felt like I was taxing myself a little. I think it's just about getting used to it.

I'm supposed to run 6 miles this weekend. I planned on doing it outside but the weather is supposed to be pretty rough and I don't have access to a treadmill but I will find a way. I know now that I can!

So there you have it... my running goals, my accomplishments in the middle of week one and one more thing... I am going to have killer Jennifer Aniston arms this summer. I worked them hard yesterday and I know I got a good start :)

How you like dem apples?

2009-02-09T07:22:00.001-05:00

So I ran to the grocery store this morning to buy a few items for breakfast. I stopped in the produce section to stock up on my favorite kinds of apples... Braeburn!! Yum.

I head to the checkout line after I got everything I needed and as the cashier rang up my groceries I said to her "Lately I've noticed that a few of my apples have brown spots in them when I cut them open. I was wondering if I bring them back with a receipt, would I get refunded?"

She responds, "Stranger things have happened, I guess that would be fine!"

"Great! Thanks for your help?" I'm totally confused by her response but I took it as a "Yes".

She finally gets to my apples which I did not put in a plastic produce bag as I am trying to do my part to help the earth. I barely noticed at first that she is not setting my apples on the scale but somewhat dropping them on it. She grunts in frustration , "Common!!!"

One by one she removes each apple from the scale, slamming it down on the conveyor. Again, I don't think much of it.

"Why won't these ring up??? It doesn't recognize the numbers?"

She examines the sticker on one apple and slams it back on the scale, "Maybe if I try one at a time? Grrrrr... why won't the scale recognize the apple."

She takes all the apples again and this time I noticed as she roughly bangs them down on the scale, hits her register and pounds the numbers into the register "COME ON!" she repeats in frustration.

At that point my tired brain finally realizes why, perhaps, my apples have been coming home so badly bruised and I decide to put a stop to it. Right here. Right now! "You know what? I think by now, those apples are ready to become applesauce".

She looks blankly at me as I contemplate running over to the produce section to grab some fresh ones before deciding I can do without apples today. "OH, " she finally responds, "I'm sorry. I'm just really frustrated with this scale. I'm gonna destroy it after you leave."

"Ok, you do that. In the meantime, I'm gonna pass on the apples today."

IN RUNNING NEWS..... I ran 3.1 this morning! Chili Bowl Classics 5K is this Saturday! Bring it!!!!

2.5 miles and 20 laps.....

2009-01-23T07:42:00.003-05:00

It's been really hard getting back in the groove of my workouts. I had to force myself out of bed this morning but it was so worth it.

I ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill and swam 20 laps. It's really a mind over matter thing. I intended to run 3.1 nonstop but by 2.5 I was just done. I was ~~sweating~~ glistening so much in the hot hot fitness center that the anti-runner in me finally called it quits. You know what though? I ran the entire time. Sure it was at a 12 minute per mile pace but it was comfortable. I need to start off slower like that in my training or else I will never improve. I always just want to get it over with so I run as fast as I can and die out early.

My first race this year is going to be on February 14th. It's a 5k and I am assuming the weather is going to be very cold but you never know in February in Cleveland. We've been known to have 68 degree days. Serious! So who knows how I will do as I'm not used to running in very cold, but at least I'm getting out there and I have something to look forward to.

My soul sistah extraordinaire is registered to do a 1/2 marathon in Virginia Beach in September and ya know what? This just might be the motivation I need to finally do my first 1/2. I reached all my goals last year re: running. New year, new goals.

Well, I'm off to the market. I hope everyone reading this has a fabulous weekend.

Responding to the blogging police....

2009-01-22T11:25:00.003-05:00

I've been notified that a post from me is long overdue. I agree. I've been pretty addicted to Facebook lately, I admit I'm disappointed when I open my mailbox in the morning if I don't find it full of notifications.

Anyway, I've been very busy lately. Being a stay at home is, in itself, more than a full time job. Add to that, I'm homeschooling my 8 year old via a public online school. That takes a lot of my early part of the day. Then being a housewife and an inspired woman who is always looking for new projects to take on, I'm super busy... that's for sure.

The truth is though, I still have a special place in my heart for blogging. I've been thinking about my blog a lot and how I would like to start using it more to explore my creative side. Just journaling and writing about things I'd like to do can be very inspiring and motivating to me. It's all about finding time and balance though.

I am also currently in the thinking process of getting a part time job. This economy is nuts and while we always have enough money to pay the bills, there really isn't much left over for the miscellaneous neccesities of life. I might try to get a job as a server as that seems to be the best way to make a decent amount of extra money in a short time, while maintaining my daytime role as stay at home mom.

In the meantime, I have several ideas for launching my own businesses... yes that's plural. My dream is still to open my own healthy little cafe in town but you need money and know-how to do that. It is definitely something that I do not intend to give up on, as I take definite steps to reach it.

Well, my son is back in the room so I need to get back to lessons with him but thankyou blog police for the friendly reminder. I know that blogging is good for me, if I keep it in it's place ;)

On the road again

2009-01-03T17:33:00.002-05:00

Well, I don't think I've run since my 10K back on September 27th. I may be wrong.. I know I've done some warming up on the treadmill but I don't think I've done any street running.... until today!!

I got back out there. It was hard. It was scary. It was cold. But I DID IT!!!

1.82 miles and I had to take a walk break at the .70 mile marker but I DID IT. And I want to do it again until my lungs get acclimated to running in the cold air. Until I'm ready to go out and do the Chili Run 5K in February without keeling over and dying at the end... at least not before I get my chili.

During my post-run shower I thought "I'm still a runner". It felt good even though I am worn out! I celebrated with a Braeburn apple and a huge glass of ice water.

Yah me!

Reverse Psychology Resolutions

2009-01-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

So if you're on Facebook you'll see my current status is set to me resolving to eat lots of sugar, not try anything new and to not run this year. Of course I'm kidding but I thought I would try the reverse psychology approach this year since we all know that New Years Resolutions are made to be broken.

The list goes on. Here are a few reverse resolutions I intend to break this year:

I will stick to what I know with my guitar

I give up on the children's books I started

I will not blog on a regular basis

I will not improve my 5K time, nor will I run another 10K or even try to do a 1/2 marathon this year

I will be less creative

I will spend less time with my family and friends

I will only use the gym as social hour if I even make it there

Well, that's just the beginning. I'm sure I've got more. So what are your anti-resolutions for 2009?

P-A-R-T-Y? Because I had-ta!

2009-01-01T12:23:00.010-05:00

It's funny, I am always so critical of myself thinking I'm not as creative or talented as I once was when I had more time but it's funny because as I was going through pictures trying to find some old embarrassing ones to post of friends on Facebook, I came across several expressions of my own creative being in the form of costumes, decorations, desserts etc....

I never thought of the things I made as being crafty or creative, I just looked at it as me knowing I could make something a little cooler looking for a lot less.

With that being said, I am proud to share a couple pictures of my latest creations. The last 2 weeks, I had 2 sleepover parties. One for my son, who wanted a DOG party and the other for my daughter who wanted a Hello Kitty party. There were 8 kids at each party which makes me think back to my sleepovers where there were never less than 20 kids ... either my mom was NUTS or a lot cooler than me ;)

Dog ears I made out of remnant fleece and yarn complete with face drawn on with brown eyeliner:

"Doggy bags" hand drawn on white paper lunch bags for take home goodies after the party:

Doggy cupcakes made out of milano cookies, chocolate wafers, M&M's and black icing... ok, I cheated on these copying a picture I found in google images ;)

The Hello Kitty party table (not quite completed at the time of this picture:)

Hello Kitty Ears made out of dollar store headbands, and white and hot pink fleece:

Hello Kitty Cupcakes:

With the DIY stuff, my attitude was more "how cheap can I do this" not, "how crafty can I be" but after several of my friends commented on how crafty I was and how they would have never handmade special things like the ears for their kids parties, I was proud of myself. Seeing how much the kids loved wearing the ears made all the time (which really only amounted to a couple hours of figuring out how I was going to construct them and the actual sewing of them) all worth it.

A new year, some new goals...

2009-01-01T10:23:00.002-05:00

To call them resolutions is almost certain to set them up for certain failure so let's just not, ok? Okay!

I had a setback a few months ago which set off a chain of events leading to weight gain, back pain and a halt in running. I don't even know which came first but the good news is it's a fresh new year, my back is feeling great and I'm ready to start running again. The first race of the year is in February and I have my sights set on it.

More goals to come....

This is NOT Walmart!

2008-12-15T11:32:00.002-05:00

I just tried to call my local Walmart and the last 4 numbers of the real number are 0100. I accidentally dialed 0010 and got a voice mail that said "Merry Christmas, leave a message. This is NOT Walmart"

I guess that happens a lot.

My town

2008-12-12T07:17:00.001-05:00

I started writing a song about the little town I live in yesterday. I was inspired when I drove past a barbershop that had deer heads hanging on the wall.

It pays to pay attention to detail.

Bright light! Bright light!

2008-12-08T22:00:00.001-05:00

haha, I'm messing with the template again. Thought you'd appreciate the bright blue. Don't ya'll feel so much cheerier? I'll fix it. I'll fix it!

Hey Matt!

2008-12-03T16:31:00.001-05:00

I warned you, it really is THAT boring!

I was going to write about the recession but you can pretty much read about that on any other blog out there... besides, I was too busy being embarrassed by people posting old photos of me on Facebook!

FLakey!

2008-11-19T11:36:00.004-05:00

HI!

I feel HIGH right now ... my mom tries to diagnose me sometimes and I guess I would be manic right now if I asked her but you know what? I hate labeling. We are who we are.

I go through these phases, I'm sure they somehow corrolate with my hormones. Some days I am like "WHY BLOG? Lame? Can't you just keep it to yourself? Nobody else cares about your little life". And then other days, I just can't stay away from the thing... like today. I feel like singing out loud. I'm in such a cool mood today. I have so much to do but I wanted to write out loud from my heart!!!! Lalalala!

I'm heading to Florida in 2 short days!!! I can't wait! It was a surprise from my loverboy. He's so thoughtful!!! He was going to just pack my stuff and drive me to the airport. I'm so grateful for his wise mom who knew that I would have probably been a wreck if he had packed me up himself. She advised him to give me a weeks notice... wise woman!!! Love her!

The other day I was on YouTube and I found a bunch of different people doing Jack Johnson covers. I swear I will never fall out of love with that man! I was trying to explain this to my husband yesterday. There is just something so magical about his voice. It calms me, inspires me, excites me, all at the same time! I was amazed how good some of these covers sounded. There is so much talent out there. You don't know what I'd give to write my own music. I have written lyrics but I'm still missing the pieces where I know how to put it with music. Time is so limited. I've asked the guy who instructs me on the guitar but he never really showed me. I bought books and dvd's on the subjects but haven't found time to really learn on my own. It's frustrating sometimes.

Oh, I started making a little movie of myself playing a Tristan Prettyman song the other day but in the middle my camera battery died. PLUS, I was using a capo that my kids destroyed. My strings were buzzin' so badly and then I went and got another capo out of my bag and realized it was the capo... they (I'm guessing it was the 4 yr old) pulled the rubber off of it and I didn't even totally realize.

Soooo, now I'm looking for my battery charger. She got a hold of that too. I need it before I head down South. I'll be searching today. I'll pay you a dollar if you find it first (hey it's works with my kids ;)

What else? I have been a little sewing monster lately. I'm loving it. My goal is to clear my brain in Florida as this will be a total chill holiday. When I get home all refreshed, I plan to schedule more time to work on my projects. I have so many. Wouldn't it be great if I found time to start taking guitar lessons too? My priority is always my kids though. They have it so good. I have to admit, I'm a great mom. Feels good to say that! I love my kids. They're the best. I feel bad leaving them here in Ohio when we go but they'll be with gramma and papa so they won't even miss us.

Ok, well, manic post is coming to a close. Remember, a dollar for my charger! Let me know if you see it!

Ciaozah!

Thank You Donatello!!!

2008-11-12T12:36:00.007-05:00

Today for art history we are learning about Donatello.

He was the first Renaissance artist to create a freestanding sculpture since Ancient Rome.

Pictured here is a famous Donatello sculpture called Marzocco.

For our art project, we created our own gaurdian sculptures.

Behold! Mr Whiskers - Defender of all Feline, Rpriafia...(my 4 yr olds gaurdian kitten) and Mr Killer, killer of all cats (my 8 yr old sons, of course).

NEED. MORE. TIME!

2008-11-11T10:13:00.003-05:00

This is how I feel right now. I wonder if it would make me feel better to just scream!!!

I have so much I have to do and so much I want to do an not enough time to do either.

I'm sure you know the feeling!

Aaaaaahhhhhh!

all work and no blogging makes girl on the run.....

2008-11-10T14:57:00.005-05:00

well... honestly, I don't know how to finish that. I've been so busy again lately that it's not like I've been missing the ol' girl on the run but yet.. here I am, with a spare moment, to fill the world in on what I've been up to....

HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATS... ummm, not really.

Behold!!!! My first shopping bag made out of old bed linens!
(click to see larger image)

It's very lovely against my faux-slate sunroom floors, isn't it though? Anyway, it definitely needs something but the important thing is that it turned out with little complication and it's very sturdy. I think it will look wonderful with lots of fruits and veggies popping out of it. I have to make several more to complete the collection. I need more sheets.

I have been suffering from my herniated disk the last couple of weeks. I'm bummed because I should be training for the Turkey Trot coming up but I haven't run in weeks. I just know I'm going to feel great though on the day of so trained or not, I'm going!

Not much else to report on... I keep forgetting to take my camera with me when I am out and about so what good is it right?

That's all for now. ... Oh wait... Update... I attempted the produce bags and posted about it on my sewing blog but here it is again so you don't have to click somewhere else....

I am in serious need of some suggestions on sewing with tulle.

It all began when I decided to try to make my own produce bags.

I started with a pretty pile of 2 yards of white tulle, enough for 8 bags.

I successfully kept it away from 2 four year old princesses who couldn't see anything except potential tu-tu's!

Cutting out the dimensions was pretty stress free too....

It started to get ugly when I tried to sew a zigzag stitch....

I was supposed to sew a channel in which to place twine to close my bag but I decided that just wasn't working.

All in all, not too shabby for my first attempt at a greener produce bag. I think next time I'm going to try sheer fabric instead.

The girls might get their tu-tu's after all!

Enjoy The Show

2008-10-23T10:31:00.000-04:00

This is currently my favorite feel good song:
The Show

Hurray for TJ!!!!

2008-10-21T09:26:00.003-04:00

Maxx that is!

I was going to go to the fabric store again last night after hubby got home but then I decided to check out TJ Maxx which is right across the street! I had a full cart of stuff to try on. I ended up leaving with some real bargains!

I got a cute v-neck cashmere BCBG sweater for only $23 on clearance. There was nothing wrong with it. I got a pair of Lucky jeans for only $29!!! I love Lucky jeans. They fit so well and they are always long enough. I have trouble finding clothing in my size that long enough to not look like floods! Lucky jeans are usually over $100 so I was super excited to find them at the Maxx.

I also got a couple longer cardigans (one for $17 and a nicer one for $29, and some adorable dresses for my 4 year old for only $12.99 each. I'm super excited. I still want to get sewing but it's nice to have some ready to wear stuff too. Plus I can't knit or crochet at all so I will always need to buy sweaters.

Anyway, we're going to Chuck E Cheese today. There is a family fun day for my son's online school where they will be taking school pictures and stuff. Maybe I'll get a pic of myself in my new outfit to post later. Aren't you sooo excited now too??? haha.

Sew wha-wha?

2008-10-20T15:41:00.005-04:00

Hi there! Look who's blogging again without even being reminded!!!!

First of all, thanks for the advice on chiropractic care! I have tried "real" doctors and they just wanted to mask the pain. This is the first time someone is actually trying to fix what's wrong. I think chiropracters get a bad rap. I got adjusted again this morning and ... I think I may actually prefer chiropractic care to massage!!! Seriously!

Now on to more of what's realllly on my mind! Clothes shopping.

First a little about myself. I hate to spend too much for clothing. I also am not one that has a huge closet full of clothes while complaining I have nothing to wear. I don't have much problem purging something I can't or won't wear ever again. I don't carry much sentimental value to clothes. Perhaps I am too extreme in the other direction because I have the tiniest little closet and it's bare. I'm not kidding. It's very sad.

I recently owned 3 pairs of jeans which is a huge deal for me. Last week, two days in a row, I ripped the butt in both pairs! Ok, so don't tell me I'm not getting FAT! (sigh).

Anyway, you get the point, I am in desperate need of clothes!!!

Is it that I don't care about fashion? NO no no no no! You have me all wrong. I love fashion. The thing is, I have my own look. I can't find it in any store or online boutique. I mean, yes, I find something I like here and there, but the images in my head? I can't find them anywhere, and let me tell you, they are fabulous! Gorgeous. Cute! Fun!

I told you I almost cried at the fabric store Saturday. I was desperately trying to find some of the shapes that are in my head, already patterened out for me. That way, all I would need is to match it up with a very similiar fabric and VOILA! Take it home, sew it up and there you have it.

Wouldn't you know it! There are no patterns that even come close to the amazing look in my head. What's a creative fashionable girl to do????

Create her own patterns, of course!

Well, there-in lies the problem.... I don't know how! I need to learn and I need to learn quickly or I'm gonna be running errands in jeans with my butt hangin' out.

Soooo, I ordered some pattern making books from the library. I can't wait until I get them. I hope they are wonderful and easy to learn.

Oh, I also need to buy my daughter some clothing and I have the same problem. Actually, I did find a really cute collection online the other day here ---> Neige but unfortunately their clothing prices are in the "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING, RIGHT?" range for a person of my meager income. I mean... $230 for a basic cotton jumper? Seriously? You do realize how easy jumpers are to make, right? Anyway, the site provides great inspiration if nothing else.

I also created the SEW WHAT? blog a while back and as if I had time to blog somewhere else, I will be posting on there when I create something or when I find a sewing tutorial of interest.

So that's about the size of it today. Stay tuned for the AUGUST Line coming to an e-boutique near you soon!

Waaaaahhhhhh!!!

2008-10-19T21:28:00.006-04:00

How was everyones weekend? Fabulous? Super!!!

Well here's the latest on me me me... after all,this is MY blog!

I found out at my chiropractic visit on Saturday morning that I have scoliosis!! If you're anything like this one "blonde" friend of mine, your next question would be... "OF THE LIVER? But you aren't even a big drinker!!!"

Ummmmm... NO. Scoliosis apparently means that my spine is all jacked up. It's curving in my neck the opposite way that it should be. This explains the headaches and some other stuff like why I have such a hard time keeping good posture. I got my first treatment and it felt amazing and I can't wait for tomorrows session. I wish I had gone a long time ago.

Saturday was a very weird emotional day. I wanted to cry all day long. I don't even know why. How GIRLY of me, right? During my morning shower, I cried.

I almost cried when the chiro was showing me the x-ray of my jacked up spine. (There's a lot more details too, like how two of my middle vertebrae are all chipped as if I was once in a very terrible accident or something. I wasn't. The only other explanation was that I was abducted by aliens and they did some serious compression and mangling of my body. I have no recollection though, as alien abductions usually go.)

I went out to the fabric store and I wanted to cry because the only pattern I found that I loved was out of stock. I cried to find out the fabric I wanted to buy for my sons windows is $20/yard. It would be on sale at 50% off the next day but that would still mean it would cost me $50 to make two curtains for 2 small windows.

I wanted to cry at Macys when I saw all those clothes at their one day sale but knowing I've gained 10 lbs that there was no way in H-E double hockey sticks I was trying anything on.

And finally, I met my girlfriends at Barnes and Noble for coffee and I wanted to cry as I sat there sipping a white chocolate mocha, looking through sewing books, feeling like I have NO TALENT and my business will never get off the ground. My friends weren't much help either as one of them is going through a very sad divorce (that has dragged out almost 3 years now) and the other still quite isn't herself after a miscarraige last month.

I did find some inspiration in some of those books though and I bought a book called Absolutely Organized - A Mom's Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home. It's a simple book but very easy to read and it's very doable and inspiring. I already got started today by cleaning out my linen closet and guess what I found??? My 6 2Gig SD cards!!!!! Yipeeeee!

Oh... I forgot, I got a manicure too and that really helped.

Today I took some Aleve for my headache and I felt so great all day. I wonder if the neck/headache thing is just taking a lot out of me emotionally.

Regarding my camera, I have to read the book. I can't seem to get the darn thing out of auto-mode! I hate auto mode. All my pix have an unnatural yellow tint. I haven't taken anything too exciting yet. I will probably start a new flickr account when I do though to share them all.

And that's about the gist of my exciting weekend.

Gary did awesome in his marathon, by the way. He finished it in 3 hours and 52 minutes. That's so amazing. I will let him give you all the details on his blog (hopefully he'll blog all the details... hint hint.)

I hope you all had a less weepy one!!!

xoxoxo

Looks like someone needs an adjustment...

2008-10-17T13:33:00.007-04:00

Hello happy world out there!

IT's FRriiiiiiiiii day! (said in a melodic sing-sung tone!)

I haven't been myself lately. I've been getting headaches and I'm not pretty when I don't feel good. I never got headaches before so I'm a baby when I do. They've been making me miserable and cranky and mean to everyone I love. And I know some of you don't actually know me. I am pretty nice girl most of the time. Anyway, I finally figured out that I think my neck is out of alignment. DUH!

Long story short, I went to the chiropractor for the first time in my life. I have always wanted to try one but today I had a really good reason.

He didn't adjust me today. Today I got some x-rays and a scan, which did determine that I do have some curvature in my neck. They put some electromagnet sucker things on my neck for like 12 minutes and some biofreeze. I'm not feeling perfect yet, but I do feel a lot better. I can't wait until tomorrow when I go back and hopefully get cracked back in shape.

I also have some fabulous news... I bought a new camera!!!! It's a Canon Powershot SD790IS Digital Elph! I haven't played with it too much yet because I can't find one of the 6 2G SD cards that I own. So I'm limited to the free 32M card which holds all of 6-9 pictures at a time until I find or buy some 2G cards.

Isn't she lovely?

So, feeling a little better, I agreed to have my friends' 4 yr old come over to play today. So far, we've had a tea party and now we're waiting on the mini cinabons to finish baking.

Hmm, I'm not positive but I don't think I was technically supposed to actually put real tea in the plastic princess kettle. Grandpa stopped over this morning and dropped off this new set though so we just had to break it in before the kids have a tea party in the dirt pile in the backyard!

Mmmm, so enticing... right? Ok, maybe not but you should smell the cinabonny goodness in my house right now!

I made an extra for myself even though I really shouldn't have. Just found out at the doctor that I really have put on some extra weight. YIKES... Well, at least I enjoyed myself doing it! (Visions of chocolate pecan pie dancing in my head... mmmm).

Soon it's back to reality and back to kicking it at the fitness center.

Oh! Before I go, I want to give a huge online BEST WISHES to my amazing friend GK who will be running in the Columbus marathon on Sunday!!! Go Get Em Gar!!!!

GO GARY!!!!!!!

And I apologize for the quality of my pictures. Once I figure this baby out, watch out photography world... ok, well, maybe that's going a little tooo far but a little confidence never hurt, did it?

Girl on the what???

2008-10-13T15:33:00.002-04:00

Hey August, why haven't you been posting about your running progress lately? After all, isn't this blog called "GIRL ON THE RUN?"

Well, the reason I haven't blogged about running is because uhhh, wellllll, hmmmm, ok... I haven't run! Ok! But I plan to in the morning! I am sooo gonna run and I'm gonna push myself harder than ever! Watch out road, here comes August.

In other news... full on caffeinated coffee (did I spell that right Joe?) has been making me feel like jumping out of my skin lately so I switched to Trader Joes half-caf! I love the taste and no anxious feeling. Thanks Trader Joes! (Wink! Twinkle twinkle!)

Now you want some pictures? You got it....scroll on down for Scenes from a Cell phone (Ching, sparkle sparkle).

I've really been watching too much Sponge Bob!