3.31.2010

Drive Your Chevy to the Levy!

Growing up on a grain and hog farm came with some perks. For instance, I learned to drive at age 7 in the hay meadow. I could barely see over the steering wheel and certainly couldn't reach the pedals. Even if I could reach the pedals, almost every car or truck we owned was a standard. In retrospect, I now think it kept my teenage sister from sneeking out in the middle of the night and going for a joy ride. My dad would take me out in the field and let me just turn circles for hours it seemed. This of course was before we knew about our carbon footprint. Once I could drive in a straight line, I was able to drive while they loaded hay in to the truck bed. That was so cool. I thought I was the big cheese. I couldn't wait to have a car of my own.

Fast forward, the year was 1992. Converse and I were out of college and headed to Denver to follow our dreams. Our first real jobs. It was time to buy my dream car! BMW, Mercedes, Jag, or perhaps a Saab...I would settle for an Audi or even a Subaru...Ok, so I left a little detail out of the equation, did I mention our first jobs were as a biologist and teacher. Oh, that changes our vision a little...so we found a used Chevy. Not just any Chevy, a Chevy Beretta, GT.  Sweet Niblets!

It had considerable juice and could get from 0 - 60 in at least 90 seconds. Much more power than the wood panelled wagoneer. Plus it even had a cassette player. It took the mountains on and never smoked. It was my car and I really liked it, a lot. At the time, I never once thought that I would be buying the car that I would continue to drive for the next 10 years. It became a part of the family. Tagged in numerous states. As time passed on, and the white paint began to chip, it began shaking at speeds between 50-60 mph, I would threaten to leave it unlocked with the windows down in a parking garage while I went to work in the city. But secretly, I still loved my first car.  Converse, loved the fact it was paid for and wanted to go for the Guiness Book of World Records...how many miles can a chevy go without a major repair. Finally, it was time to let it go. I needed something a little more reliable, so we thought. So we gave it away to a charity close to the community I grew up in. We thought we would never see it again. That was in 2002.

Today, I opened an email from Converse, who is ironically working on a project close to my home community. I couldn't believe my eyes,there was a picture of my Beretta! He was simply walking into the hotel and glanced into the parking lot. His eyes locked on a 1991 Chevy Beretta GT with the same small mom and pop dealership emblem we had purchased it at on the trunk.  The Beretta is alive and well....well......well.....oh dear, it's driver window couldn't roll up and the seats were ripped out, and the lining on the roof was falling down, and the paint was chipped and rusted. My eyes watered! My car! I sat at my computer and a flood of memories came back. Then I called Converse and suggested we buy it back and refurbish it. I want to sit at a small town drive in when I am retired on a Friday night and be a classic car gal! Please! One of my good friends, also a fellow Beretta owner, reminded me that they discontinued that model for a reason.Converse also gently reminded me that we had other responsibilities like paying our mortgage down, saving for our children's college, and buying Easter dresses for the girls.

Good point Converse, you always ground me. But Nike Girl and Weebok would love drving the Beretta to high school......Ok, I will let it go.....that Chevy certainly had been driven to the levy! And baby by the looks of it, that levy was dry!!

Peace.
The "New Balance " Girl

Running Report: Ran 4 in a 25 mph head wind. Not pleasant but no complaints! I did not have to wear snowshoes today! Spring has Sprung! Can you say tornado? It was hot.

3.29.2010

Just Another Manic Monday

Today was a rather comical day, really, much to my surprise, as it has been 96 hours and counting since our family infirmary opened its doors. ..achoo! Achoo! ACHOO!...we  are....achoo! ...in serious need for a coupon to buy a super sized bottle of the sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever so you can rest medicine. Nike Girl started the wave following her trip to an indoor arcade with a twenty dollar bill and hours later after risking it all, she resurfaced with 1 plastic necklace, 3 tootsie rolls ,a pencil, and a fever. Then Weebok followed right on her sister's heels, 12 hours later, refusing to be put down out of my arms, while Converse and I battled it out for a too close to call  third place finish.
On the way to the doctor for the third time in 96 hours, (not a typo, I was told it was viral and to wait it out, more on that later) we witnessed something you don't see everyday, nor really want to see. While we are stopped at a busy intersection in the left turn lane, jamming out to the Bangles, we see a fire truck full of 6 firefighters with sirens blaring enter into the intersection and stop, the driver points left and the passenger firefighter points right. I know I didn't see it but I am sure one of the other firefighters was flipping a coin in the backseat and heads won. The firetruck turned left and headed north. Ten seconds later, the fire cheif mobile, comes flying into the intersection and turns right on two wheels heading due south. Ten seconds later, an ambulance came out of nowhere, pulls behind me, blasts the horn, causing me to curse out of reaction in front of my children and veer off to the right, so the ambulance could enter the intersection, stop, and then head straight west. Ten seconds later, as I am profusely apologizing and explaining that cursing is wrong on so many levels as Nike Girl is just flabbergasted that her mom cursed, we turned left and headed south. And surprise, there are two police cars flying into the intersection followed by another ambulance and turn to head straight east. I really don't have anything to say.ummm....
We make it to the doctor, looking like we had just rolled out of bed, which I think we had, to find out everyone has strep. Thanks to my intuition and the relentless fevers, we finally land some antibiotics. Driving to the pharmacy, I was digging in my purse to find the prescription, when I realized my wallet was missing. Not just any wallet, but ol' faithful, the wallet I have had for several, several seasons. Faded but functional, out of date but broken in, ugly, ok, I will give you that one. So I march into the doctor's office, still sporting bed hair, and ask if anyone had found my wallet. I was asked to describe it, so I blurted out "It is ugly blue.".The front desk lady ,who must of been an ex-DMV employee, looks at me with a blank stare, reaches under her desk and pulls out ol' faithful. It was dirtier than I remember but heck no one looks good in flourescent lighting, I simply said thank you and quickly exited. It was like trying on shoes at a department store and realizing you have holes in your socks. When I feel better I am going wallet shopping.
So there you have it. I guess it was kind of a comical and manic Monday. We rest tonight and are thankful that the girls are feeling a little better, Converse can't talk, but I can, so much to be thankful for.... Hope your Monday was fabulous.

Peace,
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Where do I start? I have been running mid distances of 5-7 miles at least once a weekend. And continue with my weekly runs of 2-4 miles 3-4 times a week. I continue to do the Shred level 2. Definitely not training yet. Kind of bummed as Chicago is full. I was thinking about doing that one but I couldn't decide, now it is too late.  I have decided to committ to a fall marthon. Which one will it be? One thing is for sure I personally will not carb load the night before the race at an indoor arcade.

3.18.2010

Alivia...I mean Rebecca....

A couple summers ago we were in Chicago on one of the hottest weeks on record. I remember it like yesterday because of two reasons....first, we had just found out we were going to have a lil' Weebok coming  later that year so I was havin' some hot flashes and second, I managed to wear the most uncomfortable shoes. Converse was attending a training meeting downtown so Nike Girl and myself took on Chicago by foot ( until we found the trolley on the next to the last day of our trip). During one of our heatstroke strolls we found ourselves looking in the windows of  the Americal Girl store. I had no idea what kind of store it was but it had a nice cool breeze seeping out from under the door so we followed the mass crowd inside. Two hours later, we left with a big bag full of accessories, a doll that looked just like Nike Girl whom later was named Alivia, and a big smile. Well ,one of us was smiling. The other one was thinking about taking her shoes off and throwing them into the river.

So that fateful Thursday changed every holiday from Christmas to Birthdays at our home forever. In Nike Girl's room you will find a doll wheelchair, crutches, matching big girl and doll pj's, and of course ice skates to name a few accesories. Alivia, her American Girl doll, has more shoes than I do. Her hair is always neatly brushed and she even has nail polish. Alivia is put together and I am jealous.

Tonight, Nike Girl and I, attended an American Girl Party at a local bookstore. The group consisted of 20 girls and their favorite doll who meet each month and read stories, make a craft, participate in a learning activity, play, and of course have a snack. This was the first month we have attended. We were late of course ,so Nike Girl took the last seat. The lead storyteller announced that a new doll had arrived. She asked Nike Girl her name and then asked her doll's name. Nike Girl said her full name without hesitation then looked at her doll shaking her head up and down ...obviously thinking and blurted out , "Her name is Rebecca, Yes, her name is Rebecca." Hmm...I thought.

Later on the drive home I had to ask. "So your doll's name is Rebecca?"
 Nike Girl said, " No mom, its Alivia, don't you remember?"
"But you said her name was Rebecca." (I wanted to add don't you remember...)
"Oh that, mom the room was full of strangers, I don't want them to know her real name. Remember?"
" Smart thinking." (Never mind you all but gave them your social security number.)
So I guess maybe she does partially listen to my lectures every once in awhile. That makes me feel a little bit of peace as Nike Girl and Alivia...I mean Rebecca sleep tonight.

Peace,
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Long run tomorrow am before the snow. Yes, I said snow. Today was absolutely gorgeous so the girls and I hit the trail on bikes. Then I raked many,  many bags of leaves while the pug laid in the sun and the girls painted flower pots.Well, Weebok wanted to paint her tongue. I am so glad Weebok loves the outdoors as much as the rest of her family. She is growing up so fast!

3.16.2010

Adirondacking- Not a Sport for the Weak

My love for an Adirondack chair started a few years back. We were living in the south where ferns, a ceiling fan, and Adirondacks seemed to be the standard on the front porch. I was quite impressed with how they sat. The chairs seemed to fit almost any body type and size. Once you sink back into the contour you just have to stay for awhile. Yes, they are comfortable but also a little difficult to exit. That is why I believe they have wide armrests. You can sit multiple plates of food and beverages next to you and not have to get up as often.
Converse and his dad decided to make us a pair. Neither Converse nor his dad like to do things half way. So the chairs ended up weighing a ton. You could not rearrange them. They were so heavy in fact, I often teased that if a hurricane were to come I was just going to tie myself and Nike Girl to the chair and hope for the best.
We still have one of those original chairs 6 years later, the other one blew out of the truck bed during one of our "do it-ourselves" moves. Converse insisted it was too heavy to be tied down, it was not going anywhere. I agreed. One of those Aha moments when I am glad I never tested the hurricane theory with the chair especially with Katrina.

So here we are today with spring approaching this Saturday on the calendar but realistically within the next three months, ...I am getting anxious to get outside and enjoy nature. I have been sitting inside for months looking at our covered arbor daydreaming  about sitting under it with the moss and ivy, listening to the locusts and frogs, watching lightening bugs while getting eaten by mosquitoes. So relaxing. I mentioned to Converse that he needed to make us some more Adirondack chairs. Great idea but probably not going to happen anytime soon. Temperatures are forecasted to be near 60 this Thursday and Friday before the snow on Saturday. This is our chance to get outside! But wait where will we sit?

So in true "New Balance"  fashion...little impulsive...I loaded up the girls this evening and headed to a local hardware store where Adirondack chairs were advertised for less than 15.00. Ok, plastic, I know, but bright red. How cool.  Besides will Converse even notice? A fairly cheap temprorary fix. We are going to enjoy the warm weather outside in Adirondack chairs no matter what we have to endure!

Top Ten Lessons learned from my Adirondacking obsession:
10. Why did I wait until everyone was tired to go on this adventure?
9. Why did the wheels on the cart I picked out squeal and constantly turn to the right?
8. Why did I spend 30 minutes looking around the store for the Adirondack chairs, only to be told by the  sales associate with an attitude, who was 12 maybe 13 ,that they have about 500 sitting outside by the entrance?
7. Why is it the chairs are outside where the air is in the upper 30's with a strong north wind and we didn't wear coats?
6.Why did I not remember it had rained and not notice the contoured chairs were full of water when I lifted them into the cart soaking myself?
5. Why do my car keys always fall to the bottom of my purse/diaper bag/ bookbag/ medicine cabinet/ vending machine messenger bag when I desperately want to use them?
4. Why didn't I park closer under a light?
3. Why is the back of the SUV loaded down with three blow up air guitars and  a microphone, two dolls, one backpack and a hula hoop? Oh wait is that also the shoe Weebok has been missing?
2. Why didn't I remember when the Adirondacks were finally in and the door was shut that I still had two children to fit in the vehicle? Someone is taping this, I can feel it, I am going to be on You Tube.
1. Why again did I buy two red plastic Adirondack chairs that we will enjoy for 24 hours before it snows again then will fade the first time the sun hits them?

All for the love of the game...Adirondacking- not a sport for the weak.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal
Running Report: Today opted for a bike ride and breakfast on the trail. Corn Pops to be exact. Played red light green light on some big rocks that Nike Girl had to climb....we froze! It was muddy, cool, and damp. We made it back home and were covered in mud like true mountain bikers. Fun but stayed in the rest of the day. Hope to run tomorrow and Shred. Long run will be Thursday I am thinking, need to see the forecast. And of course do a little Adirondacking!

3.11.2010

It Ain't a Party til There's Cheese Cubes

Oh I just couldn't wait. I knew Nike Girl was going to be pumped when she found out about the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at church. Converse and I exchanged looks and just nodded when we saw it in the bulletin. This was going to be Nike Girl's moment to shine! A reason to wear those 3 inch heels, that as a mommy physical therapist, went against my better judgment to allow.  A reason to wear that 70 %  off irridescent sleeveless dress she has been begging me to let her wear to school on a non-PE day...that I found during a snowstorm in December. A reason to get in my make-up drawer, well it is more like small bag, but you get the point. I just couldn't wait for the moment Converse sprung the news on her and actually asked her if she wanted to go.

Finally the day arrived that Converse asked. Video camera rolling....."Nike Girl would you like to go to a very special dance with daddy?" Pause. " A dance, like a real dance with real music?" Converse nodded. " Where?" "At church." Pause. Still pausing.... " Yes, I think so." Pause. Long pause. Sigh. "Daddy will there be cheese cubes there?" Blank stare from daddy. " I imagine there will be a food table."  Pause. "But will there be cheese cubes? I love cheese cubes you know the kind with little wooden sticks." Pause. Converse and I holding back the laughter. " I think the bulletin mentioned we can bring refreshments if we would like to." Pause. "Well ok, I will go as long as we bring the cheese cubes." When I originally thought of reasons she would be pumped not once did I think cheese cubes. Go figure.

The days that followed I was asked at least once a day if I had bought the cheese cubes. Converse was even asking me. Yes, family we have cheese cubes! So the night came. Nike Girl put on her sleeveless dress, high heels, and lipstick. Lipstick Nana had left at our house that was "rawther red". I had a quick lesson in less is more in the make-up department. She helped me arrange the cheese cubes in a fancy blue bubble bowl. We helped daddy get his pink tie on, what a sucker for his girls, and Weebok and I sent them off to the dance. It was Big Sissy's moment to shine and she was shining! Converse was, too!

Weebok and I waved good-bye then had quality time eating cheese cubes at home as they all would not fit in the bowl. Seriously, cheese goes bad, we had to eat it. Converse called half way in the middle of the evening. He simply said, " The cheese cubes were a hit."

They arrived home. Nike Girl was fast asleep with a fruit punch mustache and food stains on her dress. That's my girl!  I learned a lot from her that night. When I think back to all the dances I have ever attended I would of had a lot more fun being less worried about who asked me to dance if I would have went into the dance with the motto, "It ain't a party til there's cheese cubes!" I will remind her and her sister of that very motto someday. If I am not too old and can remember where they are going.

Peace,
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report:
It has been awhile since posting due to a SPAM take over. But it has been resolved. (Thanks to A Cajun Down Under blogger-great blog to check out by the way) Wow, what a great weekend. Ran 7 miles while the family biked on the trail with me. Awesome. Hamstring seems to be healed.  Continuing to do the Shred. That hurts, it makes me realize running is not enough to stay in shape. Of course, cheese cubes don't help my cause. I am still debating on which race to pick next. Need to decide.

3.01.2010

So Along Old Friend

The following is a tribute to the "Ol' Rugby Couch".
(Bought 1996- Retired 2010)

Dear Rugby Couch,
You had us at Hello! It was a cold winter day in Denver, Colorado when our paths first crossed. You were sitting in a very disorganized furniture store surrounded by your friends made of all shades of beige. Converse and I had just bought our first townhouse and we needed furniture (besides the hand me down green tweed beast with the hideaway mattress that weighed 4 tons). We had been looking for a few weeks not able to find what we wanted. We were about to give up hope and settle for the vanilla sale couch in the window. When from the corner of our eyes we saw you. We were drawn to your vivid rugby striped colors. You were different than the others. Ugly, maybe, but within our price range. Converse and I cautiously sat down not knowing what to expect. It was love. We sunk into the pillow back and felt like we had owned you for 20 years. "Sold!", the salesman placed the sign on your back. I was so anxious to get you home I decided to not get you sprayed with scotchguard. So we loaded you up and the journey began.
You moved with us each time we decided to fly by the seat of our pants and try a new adventure. 7 states, my friend, you moved with us. You are featured in every photo album to date we have. You were the home to Allie Dogg and Sophie the Pug, not to mention Converse's brother once in awhile. You weathered through salsa and chips even melted chocolate bars and gum. Imagine if I would have had you scotchguarded. You were faithful through the late nights with the babies up screaming and Converse yelling and jumping up and down for many a Sunday football game. You were the foundation for many a fortress in the living room as well as an indoor trampoline. As with any couch, the years began to show and your cushions began to feel like plywood. You became super faded. You were a faithful friend who would not fit through our basement door in our new home. We had to consider our options.  It was time to let you go. So  along old friend. Hope you enjoyed the ride as much as us. Go in peace.

We sent the ol' Rugby couch off to goodwill. We have high hopes for the final journey. Perhaps a frat house or a bachelor pad. 

Peace.
The "New Balance Gal"


Running Report:
6 miles outside on the trail on Saturday and it felt good! I need to pick a race! I am ready to run, again!