Gettin' By

Marathon Monday {On Tuesday.}

It's been awhile since I've posted about my marathon training, but rest assured I am still plugging along on this journey - some days more slowly than others.  I had intended to get back on track with the Marathon Monday posts yesterday since, after all, it was Monday.  But it's proving difficult to get everyone around here back into a school/work schedule and our mornings, rather than running smoothly and without incident, often look like feeding time at the zoo.  Except the monkeys are stealing food from the lions, the lions are roaring at the elephants for eating the last of the Cheerios, and invariably some creature has lost a water bottle, or sock, or bookmark and life simply cannot proceed as planned until it is located. (Yesterday that "thing" happened to be my coffee cup.  And if the zookeeper doesn't get her coffee, it's a pretty sure bet the world will spin off its axis. At least, that's the theory I'm expounding.)  Needless to say, on some days, blog posts just don't happen.

But today the mug is full of java, there's 30 minutes before the littles awaken, and you, lucky readers, get a post. So here's the marathon scoop for last week:

W O R K O U T S
(scheduled workouts are in bold, my actual workout in italics)
Speed Run: 1 mile warm up, 2 (6 x 400 @ 1:42), 10 min cool down
1 mile warm up, 2(6 x 400 @1:42), 10 min cool down

Despite looking like an algebraic equation, this workout was not too bad, since the intervals were only 400m in length.  One lap on the track is not as daunting (well, at least not until you get up to the 10th interval or so.)  I actually stuck very close to the rest intervals on this one, which were 1:30 between 400s and then a 2:30 between the first and second set of intervals.  I think I may have inadvertantly run one extra 400 on the first set because it's hard to keep track of that many laps.  Next time I may have to use rocks on the edge of the track to mark my laps. High tech, I tell ya.

Tempo Run: 6 miles: 1 easy, 3 @ 7:44m/m, 2 easy
6 miles:  1 easy, 3 @ 8:00m/m, 2 easy

This run sucked, plain and simple.  I walked about 1/2 of the last "easy" mile because I just felt like doo. Next week the tempo runs increase in length and I'm not looking forward to that one little bit.

Long Run: 18 miles @ 9:05m/m
18 miles @ 8:50m/m

Alison and I tried out a new route on this long run and basically used 3 six-mile runs looped together to complete it.  I was feeling good the whole run both mentally and physically, a sensation that rarely happens. We pushed it at the end and ended up finishing with a cumulative mile pace of 8:50.  Sah-weet!

C H A L L E N G E S
At this point in training, the biggest challenge has to be the length of the schedule.  Am I really only halfway through this beast? But I've been training forEVAH! (whine.) Facing nine more weeks seems like an eternity, especially when the bulk of that nine weeks will be spent pounding the pavement and sweating profusely. It's hard not to scowl with hatred at that looming schedule, sitting smugly on my desk. Because, let's be honest, it has kind of taken over my life. It affects the way I eat, sleep, and schedule my days. I am the giver in this relationship, giving time, energy, sweat, and tears...trusting that, in approximately nine weeks, it will give me back what I need. To finish 26.2. And it damn well better be there for me at that finish line, waiting with an ice cold beer.

I N S P I R A T I O N S
Not ever having run a full marathon, I'm going on blind faith that this training will successfully prepare me for the race.  Other veteran marathoners tell me it will. And I'm feeling a bit re-energized by my strong long run this week. Granted, 18 miles is still a long way from 26.2, but the fact that I felt good the entire run is giving me confidence that this thing is possible. That I am getting stronger.  That the training just may be (holy cow!) working. That the sacrifices will ultimately pay off.  That the blisters will heal and the muscles will repair and eventually, the finish line will come into view.  That eventually, it will all be worth it.  And right now, that's what I'm clinging to:  the "eventually."

 

Five On Friday.

1.  This cleaner is making my inner June Cleaver very happy.  Not only is it concentrated (so you use very little), it's free of solvents and phoshates, biodegradable and downright good for the earth, which I'm pretty sure earns you triple bonus points.  (Points for what? I'm not really sure, but whatever it is, I'M WINNING!) I've been using it on everything in the kitchen this week and I love the fresh, subtle scent it leaves behind.  Not bleachy or chemical-smelling, but definitely a scent that tips off your husband to the fact you can, in fact, do things of domestic nature. Especially when he lets you shop the Anthro sale with no guilt. (See #3 below.)

2. Thoroughly enjoying the read Fourth Comings by Megan McCafferty right now.  It reads like a long letter from Jessica to her boyfriend Marcus, and I'm finding myself loving Jess' satirical views on many topics.  Even though I have not read the first three books in this series, this one is makes me want to go back and read them.  It's totally the non-deep, non-thinking, type of chick lit book I need on my nightstand right now.

3.  Snagged two cute tanks on sale at Anthro this week:

Because apparently my fashion motto of late is boobs look better in ruffles. But seriously, thinking they will pair nicely with my multitude of cardis and maybe a sweet boyfriend blazer I've been eyeing at Boden.

4.  Have been enjoying working with the September Jenni Bowlin Mercantile kit this week.  It's packed full of stuff from her new Family Tree line, which is proving versatile enough for fall, back-to-school, outdoors, and holiday pages.  Here's a little sneak:

You can see more on the JBS Inspiration blog!

5. Yesterday I attended a Very Serious Yoga Class (which sounds a lot nicer than the first name I came up with: We Have Giant Sticks Up Our Asanas Yoga Class, don't you think?) at our rec center.  Needless to say the staunch seriousness of the group got me giggling at very inopportune moments.  While trying to relay this story to Mike later that night, he kept interupting me saying, "And then you farted really loud?" and really, that was much funnier than the original story.  (And I was allowed to laugh, unlike in Very Serious Yoga Class, where they surely would have assulted me with chakras and mudras and mantras, oh my.)

And that's all I have for today - have a fantabulous weekend!

A Million Memories.

I had the pleasure of guest designing this month over at A Million Memories with a kit that was a lovely mix of Basic Grey, Echo Park, Webster's Pages and My Mind's Eye.  I loved the colorful summer hues and it was a nice way to say goodbye to the lingering days of this season. Be sure to check out what the wonderful ladies of the AMM Design Team did with the kit  - their work is amazing! And here are the pages I created:

Grandchildren • 12 x 12  patterned paper (Echo Park) + die cut cards (October Afternoon, My Mind's Eye) + stickers (Echo Park) + bingo number (Maya Road) + punch (Martha Stewart) + Type Ra font

Together • 12 x 12  patterned paper (Echo Park, My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey,  Webster's Pages) + flowers (Girl's Paperie) + punch (Martha Stewart) + ink (Stampin' Up) + fonts (Fling, Typenoksidi, Type-Ra)

Peonies • 12 x 12  patterned paper (Basic Grey, Echo Park) + stickers (Echo Park) + punch (Martha Stewart) + gems (Creative Charms) + MamaQueNosFaz font

Explore • 12 x 12   patterned paper (Echo Park, My Mind's Eye, Webster's Pages) + punches (Martha Stewart, Fiskars) + stickers (Echo Park) + Veteran Typewriter font

Thanks to Jennifer, Michelle and the sweet girls at A Million Memories for having me this month. I enjoyed working with you all!

Kindergarten.

This morning could not get here soon enough for Miss Riely.  She was so excited to head out for her first day of kindergarten.  And Mommy? Um, not so much.  But I put on a brave face and we headed out, Riely in a new outfit and me in my running clothes, camera in hand.

Getting to take lunch to school in a new lunchbox (thanks Aunt Ali!) was one of the highlights of the morning.  In the past, her time at preschool was limited to half-days, but kindergarten will be all day and so they get to eat their lunch at school. Which might prove to be challenging for Miss I-Take-Two-Hours-To-Eat-What-Most-People-Can-Devour-In-15-Minutes.  But then again, her teachers have gotten her to pick up activities without a tantrum, and push her chair in without rolling her eyes, so who knows what's possible!

One of my favorite features of her school is this special kid-sized door at the front.

A quick hug and kiss, and with nary a look over her shoulder at poor mama, my girly is off!

I managed to stave off the tears until later in the morning, when during my tempo run with Alison, I hit mile four and may have turned into a blubbery mess.  I could blame it on the fast pace, or the blazing heat of the morning, or even the fact that Aunt Flo is due for a visit in a mere two days.  And those of you who read my running pursuits probably know I am not above crying like a wussy girl on a run.  But today, the tears were not due to the cardio workout.  They came solely because I left my heart in a kindergarten classroom with a fiercely independent little girl who's growing up too, too fast.

Sigh.

As I face a whole day at home with no kiddos, I'm realizing I need to keep myself busy and focus on what I can accomplish in these kid-free days.  I'll have ample time for training runs as the weeks dwindle to single digits before my marathon.  I'll be able to schedule new scrapbooking opportunities like this, this and this. My freelance projects can be completed in one sitting, rather than in 15-minute increments squeezed in during the day.  And surely my house will be spotless, with so many hours open for dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing.  Ha!  I just threw that last one in there in case my husband is reading today.

I'll leave you with a series of photos that I pulled out this morning.  They are all of Riely, taken on her first days of school at age 3, 4, and 5 (today.)  Looking at these I'm reminded why I love scrapbooking so much.  It's the remembering.  It's seeing in photos the moments that may have faded in my mind, but are forever engraved on my heart.  It's the startling realization that she is growing so fast.  It's the gentle reminder to slow down and savor these moments while they are here.  It's the good stuff.

And He's Off!

Yesterday marked Hayden's first day of school and after getting to meet his teacher at Back-to-School night, and select his desk (near all his buddies, of course!) he's been anticipating this day with excitement.

He grudgingly let Mom snap some First Day of School photos:

And complained about the sun being too bright to open his eyes:

Then we geared up, Hayden on his bike, Riely in the jogger, and Shinerbock on the leash, and we headed to school.

Hayden wanted to rack his bike and lock it without us helping, so we said our goodbyes at the edge of the school grounds.  He gave a wave to Mom and a quick pat to the dog:

And then he was off!

The report upon pick-up was that he had a great day with his friends, the pizza pockets at lunch were delicious, the student planners they got were really cool (just like Dad's!), his new teacher "was super nice - she only looks mean!" and that all the third graders look really short:  "They are so unbelievably little, Mom!" 

And with that colorful commentary, my boy is officially back-to-school.

Lift This Page!

Well hello everyone! I'm back today with another version of Lift This Page featuring some yummy Jenni Bowlin products. It's a great design if you have a significant amount of journaling to include. My page has a long list of things I want to remember about my son right now:

I Want To Remember  •  12 x 12

Supplies:

1 - 12 x 12 sheet Bazzill Basics Cream Puff (off white)
1 sheet Jenni Bowlin Black Bookprint paper
1 sheet Jenni Bowlin Uncle Jim paper
Jenni Bowlin Paper Edges rub-ons
Jenni Bowlin Royalty & Wings rub-ons
Jenni Bowlin Black Ledger Alphabet
Jenni Bowlin tickets
Jenni Bowlin Tiny Circle Alpha in black
Jenni Bowlin Pearl Buttons in red
Maya Road Star Trinket Pin
scrap of kraft cardstock
grey Sharpie
red satin ribbon (approx. 13")
sewing machine

Instructions:

1.  Set up journaling in a word processing program using the font Type-Ra. I used my large format printer to print on the 12 x 12 cardstock, but if you don't have one, you can cut the cardstock in half, print the journaling on each half, and then tape the piece back together. The patterned paper strips across the middle of the page will conceal the seam.

2.  Using several torn strips of the patterned papers approx. 4" high, adhere them across the middle of the page between your block of journaling.

3. Use a grey Sharpie to color in the ledger sticker letters and apply your title to the left under the paper strips. Mine is a mix of the tiny alpha and the larger letters.

4.  Apply one of the Paper Edges rub on the upper right side of the paper strips.  Then apply the black butterfly rub-on to the piece of scrap kraft cardstock.  Trim the butterfly out and gently bend in the center.

5.  Adhere the strips of tickets randomly on the left side (you can write the date on them if you wish!).  Twist the ribbon and let it fall naturally across the middle of the paper.  Using a temporary adhesive, stick it down in a few places to keep it secure while you stitch.

6.  Stitch several rows with a sewing machine horizontally across the patterned paper/tickets/ribbon.  Use the stick pin to secure the butterfly to the left side. 

7.  Apply photo strip to right side of design.  Mine is approx. 2.75" x 6".  Add three of the red pearl buttons to form a visual triangle.

•  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  • 

Today Hayden is off to his first day of fourth grade so it will be just me and the girly at home together.  I am guest designing for A Million Memories this month and my kit just arrived yesterday, so will be spending some quality scrap time with this gorgeous kit this afternoon. For now, I'm off to consume another mug of caffeine before waking the kiddos - hope your Wednesday is fabulous!

Monday, Monday.

It's a hazy grey Monday morning here after a night of pounding rain.  I love a nighttime rain shower - nothing's better than falling asleep to raindrops hitting the roof!  This morning everything looks a little soft around the edges, and there's definitely a chill in the air. Should make for a good run once I get my butt in gear and get out there.

I did want to say thanks again for everyone who emailed me last week.  I am doing better, and your thoughts and prayers were definitely felt. This week I am making a contribution to Best Friends in Lucy's memory, and her name will be mentioned in their September blessing for pets.  It seems a fitting tribute to her sweet soul. Oh, I miss her.

With Lucy's illness, my marathon training took a back seat and I ended up completely skipping week 12. Last week I got back on that horse and it, not surprisingly, tried valiantly to buck me off. :)  It's always amazes how fast your body forgets the miles after a hiatus.  I opted to do my tempo run on the treadmill, thinking the company of Regis & Kelly might buoy my spirits, but it was still a muscle-screaming, breath-gasping run.  I headed to the track later in the week for my speed work, which was equally daunting (2 x 1200 and 4 x 800, all run at a 7:00m/m pace) though I did manage to finish my last repeat faster than my first.  I just imagined my Lucy dog running out ahead of me and chased her down. Yes, it's a bit sappy, but hey, it worked. :)

On Saturday morning I headed into Longmont to run with my old running group and got paired up with Kristen, a new member of the group who just so happens to be a SPEED DEMON.  We did a total of 13 miles at an 8:40 pace, even though my workout only called for an 8:50.  Needless to say, I was pooped.  And my hamstrings weren't too happy with me, either.  A little ice (and a beer later that day) seemed to get the whole body back in a happier state.

I'll leave you with the last layout I did from this month's Jenni Bowlin kit.  The kit and add-on included some vintage checks in beautiful pastels and I used them with a scallop punch to make a soft, sweet baby page:

Just So Tiny • 12 x 12  patterned paper (Basic Grey, Pink Paislee) + chipboard (Maya Road) + mist (Maya Road Orange Sherbert and Silver) + punch (Fiskars)  + fonts (Type-Ra, American Typewriter) + buttons + vintage checks

And, um, I cannot believe that this little baby will be headed to kindergarten next week - ack! How is that even possible?!?

Have a wonderful day my friends!

Five on Friday.

1.  Thank you.

2.  Thank you.

3.  Thank you.

4.  Thank you.

5.  THANK YOU.  To everyone who shared sympathetic comments, stories, or emails with me this week, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I am touched that so many people, some who don't know me and I have never even met, took the time to send comforting words and virtual hugs to me and my family during this time.  I know that most of you visit my blog for the scrapbooking, or lighthearted humor, and the fact that you were willing to reach out to me in a time of pain has helped my broken heart to smile just a bit.  So, thank you for the comfort and support.  Thank you for sending good thoughts and prayers.  And mostly, thank you for understanding it's not "just a dog."  You all are the best.

•  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  • 

If you haven't already, please make a point to stop by Elle's Studio for the free class, Journaling: In Your Own Words, which runs from August 8 - 28.  Elle has compiled a fabulous group of instructors who are each offering their unique approach to journaling, including  Ali Edwards, Becky Novacek, Christine Middlecamp, Debee Ruiz, Dina Wakley, Jennifer Johner, Marcy Penner, May Flaum, Melissa Mann, Stephanie Howell, and Tara Anderson. I am the featured artist on today's post, which includes my own journaling tips and a layout.  This week especially, I am realizing the amazing power our words can have, not in just documenting our lives, but in helping us to grow and heal.  So go check it out!

Lucy.

She was a sweet 1-year old German Shorthair I knew only from a photo on the website of a dog rescue. I was post-partum, adapting to life with a new baby, living in a unfamiliar city, with no friends or family nearby...and somehow I just knew I needed her.

She came into our little household, making us into what I always felt a real family should be - a family with a dog.

She seemed to know we had our hands full with a newborn baby when she came to live with us, and she slipped quietly and seamlessly into our schedule and lifestyle.

She went everywhere with us - on walks, on errands, on drives, on trips.  She was never far from my side.

She was my companion, my confidante, my shadow as I navigated new motherhood. Somehow she seemed to know when I was feeling overwhelmed with inadequacies about my parenting skills...and she would lay her head in my lap and wag her tail as if to say "I think you're pretty great."

She was infinitely patient and gentle with Hayden as he grew into toddlerhood.  She responded to tail tugs and ear pulls with kisses. She graciously taught him the amazing bond that is possible between a dog and a boy.

She was not without her own issues - she hated to be left alone, and would lick her leg until it bled if she got bored or anxious.  She loved to chase and point birds and would become so focused on her hunt that she wouldn't respond to our calls to come.  She led us on many a wild goose chase in our various neighborhoods in her pursuit of feathered friends.

She never barked - I think we have heard her bark maybe five times over the years. She greeted everyone with a waggling backside and a hopeful look... pet me, pet me!

She became my running partner when I decided to train for my first half marathon.  If she saw me reaching for my running shoes, her excitement was uncontainable. On the days I would have rather stayed home, her enthusiasm pulled me out the door. She had endless energy, despite the mileage. I never would have completed the training without her.

She moved across so many states with us, traveling like a champ to each of the new houses.  She was the reason every house hunt included "big backyard" on the wish list.

She set the example for a well-behaved dog when we introduced our new puppy, Shinerbock, into the family. (Not that he chose to follow it!)  When he was acting naughty, she would retreat to her bed and wait quietly as if to indicate she wanted no part of that behavior.

She sought to please us. She was most happy and relaxed when she knew we were happy. Loyal is not a strong enough word to describe her devotion.

She had soft brown eyes that could melt your heart with a glance. I will forever remember those sweet, knowing looks as she gazed at me. And at the end, she looked at me through those eyes as if to say "I'm sorry for putting you through this. I just want to make you happy."

She slipped out of our lives as quietly as she slipped in. But she took a big piece of my heart with her when she went.

She had a favorite perch in our backyard, near a large spruce tree.  Birds and squirrels nested there and she loved to sit and watch them intently.  The past few days I look out at the tree, expecting to see her there. And oh, how my heart aches knowing she won't ever be there again.

I know her home in heaven is much better than the one she had here. I know that as I'm dealing with the pain of her loss, she's free from her pain.

But she has left a hole in our home and in our hearts. We miss you, sweet Lucy dog.

Dealing with some stuff.

Just thought I'd post to let you guys know that I might be missing online for a bit while we deal with some issues that have arisen with our dog, Lucy.  :(  She had developed some seizures back in April but they were being well controlled with medication.  On Wednesday she began having cluster seizures and did not respond to the usual medication so we had to completely sedate her.  Last night they weaned her off the anesthetic, and she has been alert and awake since two a.m. without seizures.  We are on and hour-by-hour basis here, hoping she will respond but also knowing that her age (11) and likely presence of a brain tumor may prevent us from successfully continuing treatment.

Coincidentally, one of my pages from this month's JBS kit was about Lucy.  I thought I'd share that today:
 

At any rate, I'll be checking back in once things are in a little less turmoil around here. Thanks for understanding. :)