Wow! What a difference a year makes!
I can't even tell you what I was doing last year on New Year's Eve. I have been trying all morning, and even with the kids help, cannot for the life of me think of what we did. I know I was in TX. I was sad. I wanted to be in CO. My life was so focused on those three things for so long that I don't even have memories outside of my thoughts.
A year later...we celebrate New Year's Eve as a family in our beautiful home in Colorado! It feels like we have been here forever. The year in TX, that felt like it was an eternity, has somehow just become a blip on the radar. I am amazed and so very grateful in all the blessings that this past year brought us.
We don't do parties or go out to celebrate the end of our years and the beginnings of new ones. We stay home as a family. Just the hubster, the kids and me. Sometimes we have friends over. Tonight we aren't. We will make pico de gallo quesidillas, spanish rice, chips with nacho cheese and lots more fattening but oh so yummy food! We will do a puzzle, watch a movie, play some games. We will laugh, the kids will fight. It will be just the way I like it. My family. My blessings.
I am excited to see what the New Year brings. We have planned two trips: one to Chicago with Jimmy's family in July. And a surprise trip to Cozumel on Christmas Day (the surprise will be for the kids, they have no idea and won't until that morning!). I have some goals...I will run the Boulder Boulder 10K on Memorial weekend. We are back on a Dave Ramsey budget plan so we have some financial goals for ourselves this year. I want to finish reading The Message version of the bible that I've been reading for 2 years...this is the year I want it completed! We want to find a home church and will do more than talk about it. We would like to find some families to do life group with. I want to read, read, read and encourage my children to do the same. I want to be a better wife, mother, sister and friend. I want to blog more. I want to give more.
But God always has bigger plans than us and no matter what I hope for and reach for, I want Him to be in control and I want to follow His direction. And if that means that I have to derail my plans and go with His, then I pray that I have the strength and the wisdom to do so! There cannot be a richer life than the one that God has planned for us. We just need to listen close enough to know what that is.
A new year....a new beginning....the possibilities are endless! I can't wait!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas Reads
Yes, I know it's been forever. Let's just scoot right past that and move on to the post though....
Two years ago I decided that I would try to read a classic book each year. Maybe not always a classic, maybe a series, maybe a book that everyone seems to have read and I've never wanted to. It has to be a book that is a bit daunting though. I know, weird right? I read so much during the year and I truly enjoy it. I like the idea of "forcing" myself outside of my box and into a book that many people think is a great and I have to finally read it and figure out what's so great about it.
So, speaking of daunting, I started out two years ago with my first tackle: Anna Kerinina. Oh my word that was a long book! 900 and something pages if I remember correctly. I actually enjoyed it though. And it is really a very cool feeling to be able to say that I've read it....albeit a bit hard to find a way to work that into many conversations!
Last year I bribed James, who was 8 at the time, to read The Chronicle of Narnia series. I wanted him to be able to ask questions and wanted to know what he was talking about when he told me about them...so I read them too! I LOVED THEM!! One of the best series I've ever read and I believe that every child should read them at some point. So, so, so good!
This year....The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. I tried to watch The Lord of the Rings three times and all three times was done twenty minutes in. I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in this series. However, people love them! And truth be told, I usually much prefer the books over the movies. So, I'm giving it a go. I'm more than halfway through The Hobbit and while it is not my typical read I really am enjoying it. The story is good. The writing is better. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
Anyways, this year I have been talking to the boys about setting up their own reading goals for Christmas break. James, who is now nine, is going to tackle the first Harry Potter. I hope he loves it and wants to read the rest. I really enjoyed Harry Potter. He does not love to read though, so yes, there was a slight bribe involved. Read the whole book and I'll get the movie for us to watch together.
As for Jagger, I'm not sure. He is seven. Any suggestions? We just read Freckle Juice which is my absolute favorite from when I was a child. He has read the Winnie the Pooh novel which is a great classic. He loves to read and reads at a pretty high level; he's already read all of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. What would you suggest I should encourage him to put on his list??
And...what about you? What are you reading? I need to start making a list to tackle in 2013!
Two years ago I decided that I would try to read a classic book each year. Maybe not always a classic, maybe a series, maybe a book that everyone seems to have read and I've never wanted to. It has to be a book that is a bit daunting though. I know, weird right? I read so much during the year and I truly enjoy it. I like the idea of "forcing" myself outside of my box and into a book that many people think is a great and I have to finally read it and figure out what's so great about it.
So, speaking of daunting, I started out two years ago with my first tackle: Anna Kerinina. Oh my word that was a long book! 900 and something pages if I remember correctly. I actually enjoyed it though. And it is really a very cool feeling to be able to say that I've read it....albeit a bit hard to find a way to work that into many conversations!
Last year I bribed James, who was 8 at the time, to read The Chronicle of Narnia series. I wanted him to be able to ask questions and wanted to know what he was talking about when he told me about them...so I read them too! I LOVED THEM!! One of the best series I've ever read and I believe that every child should read them at some point. So, so, so good!
This year....The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. I tried to watch The Lord of the Rings three times and all three times was done twenty minutes in. I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in this series. However, people love them! And truth be told, I usually much prefer the books over the movies. So, I'm giving it a go. I'm more than halfway through The Hobbit and while it is not my typical read I really am enjoying it. The story is good. The writing is better. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
Anyways, this year I have been talking to the boys about setting up their own reading goals for Christmas break. James, who is now nine, is going to tackle the first Harry Potter. I hope he loves it and wants to read the rest. I really enjoyed Harry Potter. He does not love to read though, so yes, there was a slight bribe involved. Read the whole book and I'll get the movie for us to watch together.
As for Jagger, I'm not sure. He is seven. Any suggestions? We just read Freckle Juice which is my absolute favorite from when I was a child. He has read the Winnie the Pooh novel which is a great classic. He loves to read and reads at a pretty high level; he's already read all of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. What would you suggest I should encourage him to put on his list??
And...what about you? What are you reading? I need to start making a list to tackle in 2013!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Getting Stronger
This running more often is really working!
At the beginning of the year I was running a 4.6 on the treadmill. Now my base run is a 5.0. I used to run 1 to 2 miles per run. Now I'm running a minimum of 30 minutes which translates to 2.5 miles. I even make it to 3 miles or more at least twice a week.
This weekend I decided to take on my neighborhood nemesis...THE HILL. There is a house that I love that has an amazing view. It is on the other side of the neighborhood and you have to do this big hill (I'm talking TX hill, not Colorado, so it's really like a dip in the road and then back up...but it's always scared me to try to run it!) in order to get to this house. Well, on Saturday I thought screw it, I'm going for it. What's the worst that can happen?!
And I did it!
Getting out to the house was tough...it felt so farrrrr! When I got there I turned around and walked 3 driveways. Then I was like...I'll get there faster if I run and I just want this over with now. So I ran. And I think it's the first time my endorphins ever kicked in on a run...I felt like I was flying on the way home, the hill didn't even register with my body on the way back and when I finished I still had more to give. It was awesome!
Then I went to www.mapmyrun.com and mapped it out. I did 3.42 miles. Not my farthest run (that would be 4.0) but my farthest outside. And I conquered THE HILL!
I do take a day off every once in a while but I'm learning to push through the walls. I'm getting stronger because I'm training harder. Which means I can go farther and longer.
I'm thinking the Boulder Boulder in May...time to tackle the 10K....
At the beginning of the year I was running a 4.6 on the treadmill. Now my base run is a 5.0. I used to run 1 to 2 miles per run. Now I'm running a minimum of 30 minutes which translates to 2.5 miles. I even make it to 3 miles or more at least twice a week.
This weekend I decided to take on my neighborhood nemesis...THE HILL. There is a house that I love that has an amazing view. It is on the other side of the neighborhood and you have to do this big hill (I'm talking TX hill, not Colorado, so it's really like a dip in the road and then back up...but it's always scared me to try to run it!) in order to get to this house. Well, on Saturday I thought screw it, I'm going for it. What's the worst that can happen?!
And I did it!
Getting out to the house was tough...it felt so farrrrr! When I got there I turned around and walked 3 driveways. Then I was like...I'll get there faster if I run and I just want this over with now. So I ran. And I think it's the first time my endorphins ever kicked in on a run...I felt like I was flying on the way home, the hill didn't even register with my body on the way back and when I finished I still had more to give. It was awesome!
Then I went to www.mapmyrun.com and mapped it out. I did 3.42 miles. Not my farthest run (that would be 4.0) but my farthest outside. And I conquered THE HILL!
I do take a day off every once in a while but I'm learning to push through the walls. I'm getting stronger because I'm training harder. Which means I can go farther and longer.
I'm thinking the Boulder Boulder in May...time to tackle the 10K....
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Update
It's funny that my last post is that I ran 4 miles...especially when you read this post.
After my personal best I followed up the next day with 2 miles and then a 5K the following day. I was on track of having my highest mileage week ever...
I have been having heart palpitations. Started back in Colorado when we were starting to make the move. I only had them a couple of times there. In September and October of this past year I had them for about 2 weeks. I was also under a ton of stress and going through a major low point in my life...so I naturally attributed them to that. Then they came back about 3 weeks ago. And I am doing better than I have in a long time so it was time to see the DR.
Went to a new GP since I don't have one. He does an EKG and says this is not right and you need to go see a cardiologist, today, now! He makes the appt for me and an hour later I'm in the cardiologist's office. I've texted a friend and asked her to start a prayer chain and I'm about to puke from the stress. Cardiologist sees my EKG and says you have 2nd Degree AV Block (meaning there is an interruption in the electronic signal in my heart). He does a stress test and an echo cardiogram. He says my heart looks good and responds well under stress and to continue my regular schedule and I can keep running. But if the palpitations persist or I start having pain then I will need a pacemaker in the future..even gives me a pamphlet on the pacemaker.
Stress much? The next two weeks I completely stop running, feel nothing but pain in my chest and have a ton of palpitations. I finally make a second opinion appt with another cardiologist who works for St. Lukes. He says that I am dealing with anxiety. I start to cry and he tells me, very kindly, that I need not to be emotional but objective, that there is really nothing wrong with me. He says plenty of people have this AV Block and go on their whole lives without even knowing it. It's benign. I mention the pacemaker and he dismissed it. He put me on some antidepressants and told me to really go back to running and move on.
Two days later..feeling much better!
Not happy with the first 2 doctors who scared the crap out of me...but much better!
I have, however, revised my New Years Resolution. I will NOT run everyday. I will work out at least 5 days per week. I will give myself 1 or 2 days to rest and recover. I will still run most of the time but will sprinkle in some swimming and weight training to even things out.
It's been a crazy last couple of weeks...and trust me, you do look at everything differently when you are confronted with a diagnosis that you may need heart surgery in the near future. I don't want to ever go through that again. I will do my best to stay stress-free and healthy so I won't ever have to worry about my kids growing up without me.
So, that's it. Just another dramatic tale in my life that ended up being nothing! Next!
After my personal best I followed up the next day with 2 miles and then a 5K the following day. I was on track of having my highest mileage week ever...
I have been having heart palpitations. Started back in Colorado when we were starting to make the move. I only had them a couple of times there. In September and October of this past year I had them for about 2 weeks. I was also under a ton of stress and going through a major low point in my life...so I naturally attributed them to that. Then they came back about 3 weeks ago. And I am doing better than I have in a long time so it was time to see the DR.
Went to a new GP since I don't have one. He does an EKG and says this is not right and you need to go see a cardiologist, today, now! He makes the appt for me and an hour later I'm in the cardiologist's office. I've texted a friend and asked her to start a prayer chain and I'm about to puke from the stress. Cardiologist sees my EKG and says you have 2nd Degree AV Block (meaning there is an interruption in the electronic signal in my heart). He does a stress test and an echo cardiogram. He says my heart looks good and responds well under stress and to continue my regular schedule and I can keep running. But if the palpitations persist or I start having pain then I will need a pacemaker in the future..even gives me a pamphlet on the pacemaker.
Stress much? The next two weeks I completely stop running, feel nothing but pain in my chest and have a ton of palpitations. I finally make a second opinion appt with another cardiologist who works for St. Lukes. He says that I am dealing with anxiety. I start to cry and he tells me, very kindly, that I need not to be emotional but objective, that there is really nothing wrong with me. He says plenty of people have this AV Block and go on their whole lives without even knowing it. It's benign. I mention the pacemaker and he dismissed it. He put me on some antidepressants and told me to really go back to running and move on.
Two days later..feeling much better!
Not happy with the first 2 doctors who scared the crap out of me...but much better!
I have, however, revised my New Years Resolution. I will NOT run everyday. I will work out at least 5 days per week. I will give myself 1 or 2 days to rest and recover. I will still run most of the time but will sprinkle in some swimming and weight training to even things out.
It's been a crazy last couple of weeks...and trust me, you do look at everything differently when you are confronted with a diagnosis that you may need heart surgery in the near future. I don't want to ever go through that again. I will do my best to stay stress-free and healthy so I won't ever have to worry about my kids growing up without me.
So, that's it. Just another dramatic tale in my life that ended up being nothing! Next!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Personal Best
Today I ran 4 miles on the treadmill. Up until now my best has been a 5K which is 3.1 miles. Super excited!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
A Benchmark Set
Today was the first time this week, since I started this crazy running resolution, that I woke up and wanted to start my day with a run. It was nice to have that feeling back! And then just as I was throwing on my runners, one of my besties, Hilde, texted me that she just got in from doing 2 miles. And so...the benchmark was set. Today was officially going to be a 2 mile day. And it was! And now it's time to get on with my Saturday!
Oh, and BTW, I can't believe that I didn't announce on my blog yet that we are officially DEBT FREE!! I know I have given random Dave Ramsey updates in the past 2 years and finally the biggest hurdle yet completed...and I didn't even write about it. FAIL! Anyways, on to step 3 now...getting 3 to 6 months worth of living expenses into our savings account. It took us 22 months to accomplish step 2...I'm hoping step 3 is much quicker!!
Happy Saturday!
Oh, and BTW, I can't believe that I didn't announce on my blog yet that we are officially DEBT FREE!! I know I have given random Dave Ramsey updates in the past 2 years and finally the biggest hurdle yet completed...and I didn't even write about it. FAIL! Anyways, on to step 3 now...getting 3 to 6 months worth of living expenses into our savings account. It took us 22 months to accomplish step 2...I'm hoping step 3 is much quicker!!
Happy Saturday!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Resolution
So far I only have 1 resolution. But it's a BIGGIE! I am going to run everyday this year. I am allowing myself 5 days off which I will save in case I get sick..and if I don't get sick then I'll have a great 5 day break at the end of the year!!
My biggest reason for doing this is to see if I can. I have been running now for 2 years and the longest break that I've ever taken is 2 weeks. However, I always seem to take the breaks when I get to my best. I will start feeling comfortable running and pushing myself really hard and then I stop. And it sucks to start back up again. It seriously takes me weeks to get back to my old running self when I take a week off.
So, I want to know what my running would look like if I never took a day off.
The rules are simple. Run everyday. Minimum is 1 mile. Max is as far as I can go that particular day.
So far we are six days in and six runs complete. A good start, no?
I'm getting a little tired of Facebook again (I go through stages with that site!) so I will update mostly on the blog.
And I'm a really slow runner and always looking for a partner so if anyone ever wants to tag along...let me know!!
My biggest reason for doing this is to see if I can. I have been running now for 2 years and the longest break that I've ever taken is 2 weeks. However, I always seem to take the breaks when I get to my best. I will start feeling comfortable running and pushing myself really hard and then I stop. And it sucks to start back up again. It seriously takes me weeks to get back to my old running self when I take a week off.
So, I want to know what my running would look like if I never took a day off.
The rules are simple. Run everyday. Minimum is 1 mile. Max is as far as I can go that particular day.
So far we are six days in and six runs complete. A good start, no?
I'm getting a little tired of Facebook again (I go through stages with that site!) so I will update mostly on the blog.
And I'm a really slow runner and always looking for a partner so if anyone ever wants to tag along...let me know!!
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