Runnin' for Gouda

Love is.....

2012-02-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Listening to belly laughs while sledding in our front yard.

Watching Weebok put together her first valentine box.

Standing back as Nike Girl created her own valentine goodies to give her classmates.

Love is all around us if we just pause for a moment.

It is so difficult during our busy days to just stop and take it all in.

May you take the time today to pause and and feel His love in all situations.

Peace.

The New Balance Girl

Bye Bye Nap

2012-02-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Today was the day! I filed my plan of action last night with Converse. Today Weebok would only have rest time and not have to take her nap. The nap had become a source of struggle. She would squirm, leave her room belly crawling down the hall, have to go to the bathroom twelve times, one time she even said there was a "pider" crawling in her bed. It was time to rethink that glorious hour to two hours I had all to myself. Weebok has been going to bed at 10 pm after an hour or some nights even longer full of coaxing her to get back to her room. The nap is the culprit. I was convinced! She is trying to give it up and I am not letting her.Well now I am going to let her give it up!
So today was the day the troops declared peace during rest time. Around 1:30 she came inside from playing without coaxing or bribing, she curled up with her blanket and Polly her pony and within 3 minutes she was sound ASLEEP. She was taking a nap on her own. I will have to file an amendment to my original plan of action stating....I have not a clue how to parent!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Gorgeous outdoor running!!! What is up with that? No complaints. Plugging away to meet my race goals. Maybe all the beautiful outdoor air and sunshine is making her hold onto the nap? I need a nap after all this stewing about what I should do to nap or not to nap. Happy Day!

Fancy Nancy's Day at the Park

2012-01-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Since Nike Girl was at a softball pitching clinic with Converse, Weebok and I decided to go for a walk at the park. Felt more like an early spring day than a January morning.

Fancy Nancy enjoyed the sunshine.

Enjoy your day!

Peace.

The "NewBalance" Girl

Culinary Skills 101

2012-01-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

My freshman year in college, I found myself the proud holder of a meal ticket to the local cafeteria where a trans fat ban was unthinkable. A place that specialized in fried everything placed on styrofoam with dirty utensils. Fresh fruit meant another day with fruit cocktail in heavy corn syrup. It served its purpose of allowing me to put on the freshman 15 without the headache of wondering where my next meal was going to come from.
The following year, I found myself standing in the kitchen of a run down college house with 4 other girls. We each had seperated out the cabinet space and labeled a space in the refrigerator. I was on my own with cooking. Honestly, I vividly remember having a moment of panic one day when I was opening another can of spaghettios with meatballs.I realized this was the beginning of a long road of new responsibility. I wanted to call my mommy and have her bring in some homemade country meals but I knew I had to do this on my own. I had the responsibility of trying to stay in the boundaries of the food triangle. At that aha moment, I was way left of center. Are spaghettios and meatballs even on the triangle?
So I began looking for recipes. I really haven't stopped. I love finding new meals to try. Each month I thumb through the magazines I subscribe to and search for a new meal to try. Yes, I know there is internet, too,but I am old school that way. Ideally, I would love to try to include a new recipe each week. That, however, is a little too ambitious. So if I try 2 a month I have done something. My family seems to like what I try most of the time. I definitely know if they don't like it.
So cooking meals is fun. Baking, on the other hand, I stink at it! I do make the girls cakes each year for their birthdays, but that is about it. If you only knew how many times I have had to rebake their cakes. When I have to sign up for baked goods at church or school, I cringe. I am the first to sign up for fruit or the napkins or plates. This is a prime example of how bad I stink at baking.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I followed the recipe! I have no idea what happened. All I know is the 2 dozen cookies due ended up being store bought. These carmelized chocolate chip hockey pucks were salvaged and found a home in vanilla ice cream during Weebok's nap while Nike Girl was at school. I couldn't let them eat half baked cookies, they had eggs for crying out loud. These cookies are the norm for me. I seriously do not know why I can not bake. I need a culinary skills 101 class. I think the only thing that makes me feel better is knowing my sister has actually caught her kitchen curtains on fire during one of her cooking adventures. I was there, the whole family was....the event is known for the origin of our family recipe Burn the House Down Enchiladas. Too funny! We must take after our dad.

If you have a fool proof cookie recipe. I would love to try it out!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Training officially for a couple spring 13.1 milers. Personal goal: 1:59. My PR is 2:05. In order to do this, I need to stay away from carmelized hockey pucks in vanilla ice cream. I am beginning to think I really do only run to eat. Runnin' for Gouda :)

The Christmas Card

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do that jump starts the holiday season is to take the girls Christmas pictures by the little group of evergreen trees in our backyard. The trees are Austrlian Pines with soft needles that are photo ready this time of year. So this November, I began planning out the photo shoot. I always feel so rushed to get the cards out on time. This year was going to be punctual with a creative flair that was a little off the beaten path.
So the weekend after Thanksgiving, they combed their hair and put on some comfortable holiday wear and headed outside. There awaited the much anticipated prop. A gigantic cardboard box wrapped with polka dot paper with a hole in the top. The plan was to stand inside the box, peek their little heads out, then slap a bow on their heads and make it look like they were Christmas presents. The end result was to be a colored coordinated Christmas photo that would be framed and displayed on our mantle during the holiday season for many years to come.
Here is a snapshot journey of another "bright idea" gone wrong.

Trying to get the light and angle correct. They look confused.

Why did you put this ridiculous thing in my hair?

Oh dear! Weebok!

She's ok! The shoot continues.

The wind picks up to gale force speed.

The paper rips.The bows fly off. The box .....

Tumbles

The plan changed.
Photo shoot over.

So this year the cards were a vision, alright, of something completely different than I had expected. I ended up using three photos that were taken from this autumn and sticking them on a pre-customized card that turned out dark with a yellow tint. Not the creative flair I was going for but still I made the deadline, barely.
All this so friends and family can take a quick look then store them away in a photo album or toss them in the recycling bin.

Here is hoping your Christmas photos were more of a success!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report:
Still running outside! I can not believe the mild weather. I know it will soon come to an end but I am thankful for the extra days of sunshine as it makes keeping the new year resolutions easier. Go day 2 of healthier food choices and harder workouts!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

Day 15 of Winter Break

Smile Girls! I am taking your picture!

May your year be filled with smiles, peace and joy!
Even if it only last for a few moments at a time.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Just Three Easy Steps

2011-12-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

I get a little nervous when the instructions start doubling up on the alphabet letters.
Countdown is on to have this badboy assembled my morning.
It will be worth it, right?
Of course!

PEACE and PERSERVERANCE to all.....
The New Balance Girl

Happy Happy Birthday

2011-12-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

Look who is 3!

Weebok is a gentle spirit with big deep blue eyes and a dimple. She is full of laughter and expression. She dances and twirls any chance she gets. Her favorite thing to play is house with her baby dolls. You rarely find her without a doll in her hand. Her favorite song to sing is Jesus Loves Me followed by Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Let's Celebrate!
in Strawberry Shortcake Fashion of course.

Happy Happy Birthday!
May your year be full of smiles and joy.
We Love You!

Peace.
The New Balance Girl

50 Years

2011-11-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

When I walked down the aisle almost 19 years ago, I didn't realize what a ride it would be. I was clueless, I admit. I was out of college, in love, and ready to get on with my life next to Converse. Personally, I just said the vows, scared that I would somehow forget to talk during the ceremony, and have to resort to writing them. The traditional vows we used seemed foreign, not applicable to our life then. I was living in the moment in a really big veil, wait I mean REALLY big veil, and flowing dress. I was as carefree as you can get.
Years passed and trials big and small developed, our marriage became and still is a work of patience, love, hope, and somedays just tolerance on both of our parts.
So when my parents made it to their 50th wedding anniversary this fall, I had a lightbulb moment! 50 YEARS! Amazing! What a gift to find that one person to stay with from this day forward, to love and to cherish. Through sickness and health, through good times and bad, til the cows come home. That means forever down on the farm.

What a great celebration! 50 pink roses and a day of laughing and remembering. We all heard stories we had not heard before of their dating years, and early years of marriage. My mom put together a DVD of their life. It made us laugh, then it made us cry, then we laughed some more because my family loves to laugh! Converse always says we are loud and out of control and mumble when we speak so no one else understands us. We do everything with passion in laughter or in anger. A good quality most of the time but not always I have learned.
They raised us on a farm teaching us about hard work, learning to get through what ever comes our way. What an amazing journey!
We ended the celebration with going to a surprise concert with John Conley. I use to listen to his music growing up while waiting in the farm truck in the fields during harvest. The funny thing is Converse and I use to sing his "oldie but goodie" tunes in college while riding around in his truck. Match made in heaven. ha!

Here he is singing Rose Colored Glasses. His voice still sounded the same! It was impressive. We had a lot of laughs. Good times, forever memories. Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Peace,
The "New Balance" Girl

Live it Up Saturday

2011-11-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than starting a Saturday watching the sunrise while on a run. Then returning home and making pancakes with lots of syrup and butter and eating them outside on the deck. The leaves are changing colors and the geese are starting to fly overhead. We have had absolutely perfect weather the past few weeks. Sun, sun, and more sun. I just know winter is lurking. I sat on the deck this morning making our Thanksgiving grocery list and thought of how the snow was so high last year we couldn't see the very table I was sitting at for a month. I think tomorrow will be the first big change in the weather patterns this season. We are gearing up. So today we have declared as Live it Up Saturday. Converse already left to go fishing. Nike Girl, Weebok and I plan on playing, jumping, and biking. And of course.......

do a little YoGo Play in the backyard. Too funny! Following this photo they started play kicking each other and laughing in true sibling fashion. Should be a very active day! Hope your Saturday is filled with fun and sun!

Peace,
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Ok, I am putting this out in the Universe. I am determined to run a 4:00 marathon shaving some 45 minutes off my best time, ugh, at some point in my lifetime. I am not getting any younger. This is a sneak peek of my New Year's Resolutions. I bought a new book about speed training. Sounds easy in print. Not so much in real life. This should work right into my schedule after Girl Scout cookies are out of the house. I have a problem, I really do. Happy Saturday!

Watch out Squirrels

2011-11-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

There is a new boy in town!

SAL

He now has gained weight and has a new red collar, a bath with Fancy Nancy bubble soap, he is garnished with pink and purple beads, and has his very own dinosaur chew toy.

He was found roaming the woods with this orange hunting collar, hungry and thirsty. He ended up in a shelter and the rest is history.

He appears to be a 2 year old lab/golden retriever mix.

He is gentle and loves to chase squirrels and play ball.

I think he may be a running partner.

This little thing......

SOPHIE

She has been our baby for 12 years. I wanted to name our second child Sophie but decided the family would think we were nuts. Ilove her name! She was named before children were even in the plan. She is still the princess and sits on the top of the couch and looks down at Sal as he tosses a ball or chew toy into the air as if what is his problem. She is more cat like than a dog.

That is our Fur Family.

Peace.

The "New Balance" Girl

Who Ate All the Candy?

2011-11-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Where are the mounds of candy bars, starbursts, tootsie rolls, laffy taffy, and hot tamales? We had two sacks worth of junk. I think one neighbor was "that house" and gave them bags of carrots. The topper was a house that gave out wedding mints left over from their daughters wedding. Reduce, reuse, recycle. So where did it all go?

Is this what we are left with... Wax lips?

They better hide those too I may eat them in a pinch.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Still plugging away. This week I am running off the candy! More later. Have a great day.

Jack-o-Lantern Express

2011-11-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

The festivities started over the weekend with a train ride on the jack-o-lantern express....

I wanted to do something special since Converse was out of town and would be for awhile. So I searched and found a little train with a high price tag that prormised as the ad stated "a ride through the woods complete with fall leaves falling and autumn in the air. The end of the journey awaited games and a festival for the kids ages 1-99." What fun! I am still belly laughing.
The adventure started sitting on an original passenger car decorated with plastic orange pumpkins hanging from the ceiling. The seats had springs poking through them that became quite the excitement as we blazed through the "woods" on the jack-o-lantern express. The woods consisted of homes on both sides of the track and an industrial park with tall smoke stacks. So much for fresh air but I did not say a word, At one point NikeGirl said," I don't want to be critical mommy but I think I could run faster than this." I simply said this is certainly the engine that could (or could not).
As we approached the festival excitement grew. The girls were peering out the window. Again, I said not a word as we pulled up and I peered over my shoulder. The express stopped sandwiched between a busy interstate and a major highway. We were in the triangle of noise and pollution. I could not even hear the girls talk. I was so gald Converse was out of town. I don't think he would of made it through this adventure.
The girls got off and waited in line to play ring toss with one ring, fished for magnetic fish in a rubbermaid container, and got a face tattoo. Before we reboarded we snapped a photo by the decorations.

Weebok's face was priceless. I felt the same way but did not say a word. They gave the girls a piece of gum when we reboarded and off we went back so very slowly back to the station. I furiously texted Converse and said, " I hope the jack-o-lantern express does not get on the wrong line with the Amtrack express. We will be toast."
As I sat peering out the window laughing inside and thinking how much we got for the money, I looked at the girls across from me. They were smiling and laughing. They had no idea how bad that sucked! I realized something on the jack-o-lantern express that day. The wonder in a child's eyes is only there for a short time. It is sad how that wonder gets lost as we get older. I am so glad I had self control and did not say too much and start complaining. I am glad I was able to belly laugh rather than be verbally critical, which I still need to work on. I am glad because when we got off the train and headed home, not one complaint was heard from the backseat. Either they were in shock as I or they had a good time. I think it was the latter.
It was a good day.

Peace.
The " New Balance" Girl

Mother Knows Best (or so they say)

2011-09-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes you mean to say one thing but it comes out so different you just stand there and think, "I hope no one heard me." It is one thing if you do that to a spouse or close friend. They usually just look at me and laugh.
Being a mom, however, catches you off guard all the time. At any second in conversation you may be asked to solve any one of the world's most complexing questions. You have to know the answer that is supportive, loving yet truthful. Because mother knows best, right?

Here are some recent examples.

Example #1: Nike Girl walking out of the bathroom 30 seconds before we have to walk out the door to school. She had asked if she could wear some lip gloss. I said sure but please hurrry. She comes prancing down the stairs and says, I am ready mommy. How do I look? I turn and look at her with an affirming smile that stopped in mid track. I literally gasp! out loud with hand gesture over my mouth and all! Clear lip gloss was bright red gooey paraben infested lipstick from her toy princess bag used only as dress up. My gasp sent her to the bathroom in tears. I give her a 10 second lesson on blotting and how clear lip gloss is the way to go in the daytime hours. She makes it to school before the tardy bell with red smears but clear coated lips. I did not mention the smears on the side of her face. Parenting is so spontaneous.

Example #2: Nike Girl loves to act and sing. She attended a week long theatre camp toward the end of summer. They had try-outs the first day of the camp. She came home upset. She had been casted a Thug instead of a Princess. I sat her down and said that you can not get a lead part every time. You should concentrate on being the best Thug there is.....She told me who was cast as the princesses. One happened to be her dear friend with blonde locks like Cinderella. I said, Nike Girl, part of acting is looking the part. Your friend looks like she could play Cinderella with her golden hair so maybe....she stopped me and held back the tears as she asked with long dramatic pauses......"You mean to tell me Mommy....that...I.....look.....like....a....thug?" That is not what I meant at all but my words did seem to be leaning in that direction! I had to back peddle like no ones business to get out of that hornet's nest. She ended up in her mother's eyes of being the best thug ever!

I could go on and on with examples. Each day I wake up and pray that the words I say and my actions are encouraging and loving to those I encounter. I win some and obviously I lose some. I just didn't really give it much thought as to how important your words asa mother really become as your child grows and begins to question you, herself and the world. Mother knows best are big shoes to fill! It keeps life interesting! Besides,someday it will give them something to blog about.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Start of school has been all about running.....running around to activities and events....and finding the time to train. I have a half coming up in another week. I am excited! I still go back and forth with a full this fall. Time as I mentioned is by far the biggest challenge. I can't seem to find it right now. I need a big planner to get organized. Autumn is coming and I love love love this time of year when it is cool in the mornings again. Peace.

Summer's End

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

By summer's end, the 100 degree temperatures began taking a toll on everything. The grass was turning pitiful brown, the flowers were drooping, and the swimming pool felt like bath water. During these dog days of summer we decided to head to the "hills" and get some relief.

Euro Jumping on a mountain makes it seem like you are flying.

Do you know how hard it was to keep track of the three little duckies the entire trip? At least it is better than the package of wipes she slept with for weeks.

Hiking in the morning ROCKS! If everyone started their morning off with this I predict there would be no more road rage on the morning commute to work.

Converse and Weebok enjoying the awesome trail system. But remember what goes down...has to go up. Oops! Forgot that little physics lesson.

Nike Girl and I hoping the bike we rented made it back to town. It was a little shaky to say the least. Makes me laugh!

A great view with some great smiles.

Good-bye Hills! Thanks for the memories!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Heatwave 2011

2011-07-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for little backyard pools that allow me to work in the yard and garden on summer mornings. Hope you find some relief from the heat, too!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

A Day on the Farm

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Cowgirls

like to play

in Nana and Papa's garden


on a HOT 4th of July!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: HOT! Early am is the only time to run. Countdown to the fall race! Did I mention HOT?

Livin' in a Bubble

2011-06-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Every morning since Nike Girl could walk, actually run as she has never walked, we would raise her window shade to look outside and see if it could possibly be an outdoor playing day. Her little sister is now following in her shadow. We always say a little Thank you Lord for today and the sun or clouds or wind or rain. I even muster up a thank you for the snow because I know it is the right thing to do. This little morning tradition is expected around our house without fail.

I think the girls are following in my footsteps by becoming little outdoorsy active souls. On weekends, after my early morning long run, the girls are waiting by the front door with bed hair ready to go with me outside and "run" themselves. So back on the trail we head to go over to a neighborhood pond and throw rocks or see tadpoles. The newest adventure is to climb the rocks around the pond's edge and watch the girls spit into the water to make the little perch think it is a bug to eat. Gross but oddly fun and as Converse says....it is free entertainment.

We bike, we skate, we hula hoop, we pogo stick, we hopscotch, we zipline in the backyard, we dance, we climb trees, we swim, we jump on our trampoline for hours, we are a family that does not live in a bubble. Outdoor adventures make us happy. Well they did make us happy. Until this.......

Our first broken bone in our family (besides when I broke my leg in high school chasing a boy and fell down a flight of steps because untied high tops were cool). Oh the guilt......Weebok and Nike Girl were at a birthday party jumpin' and playin' on a trampoline like we do all the time. When "pop"Weebok fell and did not get up. I was inside and Converse had just turned his back for a second. So off we went to the ER. Oh the guilt of letting her jump on the trampoline.... at 2...... Poor baby! Nike Girl and I were quietly shedding tears along side Weebok when she chose "puple" as her cast color. Oh the guilt....did I mention that? And the looks of the nursing staff real or imaginary, probably the latter...saying," Why would a mother let a 2 year old on a large trampoline with older kids then go inside to eat a bag of chips " because that is why I left my sweet baby's side and went in...to indulge in junk food! Oh the guilt.....

We are a few days out. Three weeks left with a waterproof cast. The best possible fracture scenario.We have continued swimming per doctor's advice. The looks I see from under my sunglasses are funny really as the other mom's look from afar like I have a big red light above my head flashing...irresponsible! Ok, maybe a little dramatic. But I did have two fellow mother's say, " Well, I would never let my children on a trampoline, they are dangerous." Thank you for your opinion and sharing it with a complete stranger whom has cried every night with mommy guilt!

Bottom line is...as Converse and Weebok are sitting on a park bench, his arm in a cast and sling (previous post Wonderboy) and she is sporting a "puple" cast that we do not live in a bubble and never will. We will continue to be calculated risk takers because life is a lot of fun when you are challenging yourself to move and play. We will just be a little more careful when we chase bubbles.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Running almost daily in the early am which has done my soul good. The weather has made for some great outdoor playing days! I have been watching these 4 little geese grow by a pond near our house. The momma and dada geese are very protective and honk at me each morning. It makes me laugh out loud. I ponder if they will live in a bubble or let their little ones fly solo one day? Have a great day!

Summer Sailing

2011-06-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Aren't spontaneous "get-togethers" with friends on a clear summer evening fun?

Even more fun when they bring their little sailboat that could.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Wonderboy

2011-06-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

It was the bottom of the 9th. Thunder could be heard in the distant sky. You could smell the rain in the air. Bases were loaded with two outs and a full count. The batter's forehead beaded up with sweat. His teammates were yelling banter from the dugout. "C'mon Hobbs, knock the cover off the ball!" He dug into the ground with his cleats. The crowd roared. He remembered his dad always telling him to get the elbow high and squash the bug with his foot. "Dig in son and hit the ball!" He dared not blink. The ball came in hard and fast and a little to the outside. He rotated his torso and extended his arm with all of his might. Lightning flashed onto the field. The wooden bat made contact as a loud pop was heard.......

Oh how I wish for Converse's sake, this story had a "Rudy" ending. I wish the loud pop had been from the cracking bat. It wasn't. Here is how the story really goes.

It was the bottom of the third. The sun was setting at an angle sure to blind everyone who was up to bat. You could smell Copenhagen from a mile away because none of the player's wives would knowingly let them chew. No one was on base. No one really even made it to base yet. The batter's hamstring was hurting. His teammates were yelling banter from the dugout. ""I told you Hobbs, people don't start playing ball at your age, they retire!" He dug his cleats into the dirt noticing his socks did not match because his wife had folded laundry with two screaming children under foot. The one person in the stands was a newlywed wife of one of the players. She sat quietly while drinking her diet soda probably counting how many games she will have to sit through if she is married for 50 years. She was not smiling. He remembered his dad telling him to" not play like a girl son". He dared not blink but the sun in his eyes made it an impossible task. The softball came in slow and high. He rotated his torso and extended his arm with all of his might. As he swung the bat a loud pop was heard. Actually a snap, crackle, pop echoed as his bat made contact with the air. His arm fell to his side. It was not pretty. He sat in the dugout for a few moments with a makeshift ice bag and a dangling arm, scared to go home. His teammates asked him if he was sure he could not play. He called his wife from the dugout to tell her he was contemplating whether or not he should go to the emergency room, the second time this season. His softball career was over. She sighed loudly.

Ruptured bicep tendon. Surgery. Full length arm cast. Vacations postponed. Modified self care skills. These are a few of Wonderboy's favorite things.

The raw truth hurts the worst. After many years of competitive ball starting with t-ball as a toddler, Little League through grade school, traveling ball as a high schooler followed with a stint in college, his ball career had ended. It ended abruptly on a Monday evening in May when he failed to make contact with a slow pitched softball in a men's recreational "C" league bracket playing the bad news bears.

The way I see it you had a good run, Converse. Never say never. Healthcare flexible spending account starts fresh after the first of the year.

Peace,
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: With humor aside, I am so thankful Converse will heal up in no time. I think he will play again as he loves the sport. Just like I have been loving my early morning runs. I am so thankful to be able to get out in the morning air and clear my mind. I have been running 4-6 miles at least 3 days a week and then run a longer run on the weekends. That seems to keep me occupied for the time being. I still dream of Boston which will be my "Rudy" moment. A fall marathon is sounding like the plan.

Tornado Alley

2011-05-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have always said I love the weather. Growing up in the Midwest on a grain/livestock farm has made me appreciate looking at the sky and analyzing the clouds for as long as I can remember. My family would be out in the fields trying to harvest crops or work up the land getting it ready to plant the next crop while always looking to the west and south for developing thunderheads. I may not of known the names of the clouds, but from the back tail gate of the farm truck, I would look up and I knew what was about to come. Take big puffy clouds mixed with a hot southwest wind and that spelled trouble. Sure enough by early evening, the lightening would begin in the horizon and we would be scrambling to drive back to the fields my dad and brother were farming to take them to safety. It drove me nuts that my dad and brother would turn and make one more pass in the field before stopping. They would wait until the last possible second, when the gust front would move in, to retreat out of the combine or tractor and into the cab of the truck for safety. I was comforted as I ducked in the backseat of the Pontiac, that it was just Jesus rolling potatoes down the hill. I find myself telling the girls that now as it makes storms a little less scary.
I have seen many funnels develop, 6 tornadoes, and hail the size of softballs fall. But Sundays outbreak has made me stop in my tracks. Our families live close by Sunday's Joplin tornado. Joplin was our go to metro area growing up. I knew that afternoon conditions were setting up. Even though, I do not live there now, I always watch the radar and analyze some maps for my parents and Converse's parents. As a matter of fact, my friends that are closest to me, that are strung out around the country, know my love of the weather. They text me and call me Supercell Suz, as soon as the skies start turning dark. It makes me smile.
On Sunday, there were several regions stretching into Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri that I began monitoring from afar, sending out texts as conditions changed. It was quickly becoming the perfect storm as the afternoon heated. Some friends were at ballgames, some were at outdoor activities, and others were at home. All it was going to take was for the cap of high pressure to break. It did not take long. It broke alright. The problem was....no one really knew what was happening. It happened fast.
The EF5 multi-vortex monster was rain wrapped. By report of friends, it looked like a wall of dark rain clouds moving in. My in-laws said the sirens sounded but they just saw heavy rain moving in. When the sirens blast everyone turns on the tv or turns up the radio to see what is going on. In the Midwest, the sirens go off at least 5 if not more times a season.It is not that you ignore it, it is just that you are use to it and your eyes go to the sky. Unfortunately, the eye did not tell the whole truth of the strength of this tornado. Thankfully, my parents who were leaving for Joplin but decided to just go to the local town found refuge at a church when the hail started coming from the north and south at the same time. The funnel started over their small town we later learned from the Weather Channel who drove through town that it then intensified from there. As it moved into Joplin, I later learned that a close friend and her family had just left a shopping center, that was minutes later destroyed. They made it to safety but the what ifs haunt them. My in-laws, were safe at home a few miles away watching it unfold on tv rather than eating out that Sunday evening, again thankfully. It did not take long for the lives of thousands of people to change forever....destruction set in.
The stories I hear fill my heart with intense sadness and empathy for the victims. I kept hearing more and more stories of loss and despair. It was overwhelming. One young person lost her husband and two children at Home Depot right after they dropped her off to work at the hospital. That is so incredibly sad. There are so many more like this story. Just when the stories of despair are heard, almost in the same breath you hear an amazing story of courage and miracles. It is difficult to watch it all unfold but it is impossible to understand something of this magnitude, don't you think? My prayers go out to those who have lost their children, husbands, wives, parents, grandparents, friends......the list goes on. Below is a link you can cut and paste that will show you the before and after pictures of the area.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389737/Joplin-MO-tornado-At-89-dead-twister-cuts-4-mile-swathe-Missouri-town.html

Together, we can make a difference, by praying for the people who are affected across the country and world by similar scenarios this spring. It leaves you speechless.

Peace.
The "New Balance" gal

Easter Memories

2011-04-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Bunnies... Big Hair Bows....Baby Ducks and Geese

New Jump Rope.....Mud Puddles....Sidewalk Chalk

Love.....Hope....Peace


Happy Easter!

I Heart ....

2011-04-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

I heart ..... my future "Title 9" girls loving a little challenge in nature on a cold early spring day.

I heart ..... Daddy-Daughter dances that result in big hugs, smiles, fruit punch mustaches and days of singing "The YMCA". Converse may have pulled a hamstring.

I heart.... that Nike Girl ran her first 1/2 mile race and full mile race this past weekend for a charity. And even cooler, she wants to do it again! So we are in May.....

I heart.... that Weebok makes her Barbie Jeep go so fast she needs safety goggles...or so she thinks. Oh wait those are my college chemistry goggles we have packed around for 7 states now. I knew I kept them for a reason.

Life gets so full of "things" that we need to remember what we really heart...... What do you heart?

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: I am training for a half in May. Very excited to race again. This past weekend I did a four mile run 35:29. That is a PR for me so it made me smile plus it was for a fantastic cause. What made me belly laugh, however, was that the female winner ran 20:03. She needed Weebok's safety goggles!

Winter Funlooza

2011-03-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been in hibernation with my blog lately. I have thought of several blog worthy topics.Actually some very funny things have happened in the past month. But I just never made it to the computer after the family went to bed to jot them down. The cloudy days,snow, and cold weather made me want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, watch House Hunters International , and drink some warm green tea.

But Spring is days away according to the calender. It is the topic of most everyone I have talked to lately. It has been a wacky winter. But we have made the best of it. Here is a quick glimpse of our "Winter Funlooza". Snow was the main theme.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Blizzard Warning

2011-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

A blizzard.....I think blizzards are for eating, don't you agree? I prefer toffee whirled into rich chocolate ice cream, my favorite.
What an impressive storm! When I first woke up this morning I thought maybe I could ride the blizzard out in the hot tub under the gazebo drinking Italian Hot Chocolate all day. Then I wondered what the noise was coming down the hall. A parade of very loud musical instruments and chanting. Nike Girl and her sidekick Weebok, were singing slash yelling "Snow day, snow day, we don't have school day." while beating the drums. Scratch the hot tub.
My day started taking shape as we planned pretend news broadcast, pre-preschool curriculum, changed baby doll diapers with Wet Ones, the same ones that Weebok sleeps with (see previous post) and voted on what type of cookies to bake while scripting out a cooking show. Throw in a few texts from Converse who is in a very warm muggy climate this week, informing me the wind chill where he is at is around 79 degrees. And whew....we may be home bound but we will not be bored.
Hope you are staying warm, entertained, and finding time for that cup of Italian Hot Chocolate.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report:
Inside obviously...4 miles at 9:13. May be just may be I am getting a little faster. When you have a 2 year old still in the exersaucer watching a movie and starting to want out at mile 2 coupled with a 7 year old asking 100 questions about the Titanic, it makes you run fast to finish up. Too bad I couldn't get the car out of the garage to go buy a Bizzard afterwards. This type of attitude toward food is why I am not fast...mental note. Peace.

Still I Ponder....

2011-01-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight I find myself pondering about parenting things that make no sense to me. You would think at our age, Converse and I could come up with some reasonable explanation to most issues that arise in our home. After all, I say to myself, I am the parent, well into adulthood, some would argue even middle aged, I pay a mortgage, I drive a car, I can buy lottery tickets......parenting should be a snap. No, not that easy.
At the top of the list for instance, why does Nike Girl , an avid promoter of Crunchberries, now insist on eating Fruit Loops with mustard squirted on top of the bowl and no milk every morning before school? I realize I could refuse to serve them to her, but it really isn't hurting much of anything other than my own appetite. I even secretly want to try it. Maybe she is on to something. Like the person who decided to put jalepenos in jelly or squeeze an almond to make milk, the results are quite surprising. Still I ponder....
Here's another one....why is Weebok, at barely 2, who plays with dolls all day, deciding to sleep with a plastic blue rubber duck, a package of Wet Ones, and a Clifford book? Nothing snuggly about the loveys she has chosen. Do you know how many times the blue duck, package of Wet Ones, and Clifford book have been lost? Too many times to count. I find this interesting and very, very stressful to locate each night. Still I ponder....
I suppose I will continue to ponder until I find the answers to parenting and really life in general. The best I can do for now is get a good nights sleep and wake up ready to see what surprises are in store for tomorrow. What will the new challenge be....I ponder.

Peace.
The New Balance Girl

Running Report: Ahhh...I have not written a running report in awhile. I have been on the treadmill most days which I usually can't stand. But I have been liking it thanks to some new i tunes downloads. I also find myself pondering about life on the treadmill since I don't have to be on alert the entire run watching for cars, bicycle bells and critters on the trail. I have been running about 24 miles a week. Slowly building up for spring running season. I love spring runs! I can't wait.

Simply Titled : Ashlie

2011-01-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is Ashlie, my 6 year old niece, looking at Santa with wonder and delight. Certainly questioning why are my parents letting this strange jolly ol' man talk to me about coming to my house. Great Christmas Eve. Who would have known that Ashlie would leave this world suddenly but peacefully Jan. 6, 2011. What wonder and delight she must have had when she entered Heaven!

Although physically limited, this little girl, was so able bodied to make a difference in the lives of everyone she met. That has been so obvious the past week especially to my brother and his family but also to us. Ashlie was unable to speak,. However, her inner spirit and crooked little smile spoke volumes. Story after story keep coming in of how each day those around her felt joy and love. Is that not amazing! The gift this child had and shared with others.

Ashlie had a tragic beginning to her sweet life when she suffered a traumatic brain injury . My brother and sister-in-law ended up crossing her path through life. It was fate. They already had a family. But they opened their arms and adopted Ashlie and gave her a home of love, joy, peace and support. Ashlie became a true princess! What an amazing thing to do for another human being! Give someone unconditional love, as you are, no strings attached.

Nike Girl told me that when you go to heaven you get to pick out what color of wings you can wear. She and I agreed sweet Ashlie was certainly wearing all pink! 100 % girlie girl! And lookin' good!

Ashlie we are sure you are running, jumping and playing hopscotch in Heaven. You most certainly are singing and talking nonstop. What a sight it has to be!

Peace.

The "New Balance" Girl

The Skinny on Jeans

2010-12-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Looking ahead to the upcoming holiday parties and outdoor festivities, I decided it was time to once again become fashion savvy. It has been awhile since I have looked for jeans. My daily life either requires me to wear a swimsuit, yoga pants,leggings or other athletic attire. I rarely wear jeans. I miss them. The 4 or so pairs of jeans I have in my closet are fading and a bit dated. I didn't know how outdated really until my shopping adventure. I am so not in the loop. Actually, no where close to even entering the loop.

My search for the perfect pair began last month. As I browsed several different top brand stores I realized that jeans nowadays are a bit different. A bit expensive. And they certainly have evolved over time. I use to wear bell bottom jeans from Sears in grade school, Gloria Vanderbilt pin stripe jeans in junior high, cuffed Levi's jeans in high school, ripped second hand store jeans in college, and only Gap jeans post college/early years of marriage.

While shopping I was overwhelmed at the different brand names. I noticed Lucky jeans, Diesel jeans, True Religion jeans, Hudson jeans and 7 For All Mankind jeans. The styles were confusing. It use to be straight leg or easy fit as I recall. But now, there are the boy cut, the boot cut, the flare, the rocker, the flynt, the A pocket, even something called the dojo. One I did see that caught my eye was the skinny jean. Does that mean you will look skinny wearing them or you have to be skinny to wear them?

The skinny jean, even in my double digit size, that if you round to the nearest 10 is almost an 8, looked small. Very refreshing. It came attached with promises to lift what needed lifted and flatten what needed flattened. The sales lady even said they may run big. Either very promising or she was good at sales. Sign me up and send me to the dressing room. I brought in three pairs, a size smaller just in case, a just right size for sure to fit, and a larger size to put on and say , "Oh that is way too big. " This calculated regimen I have found can temporarily build up the self confidence.

I started with the smaller size. Well, that didn't work so well for me. I was able to pull them up mid-thigh at best. I peeled them off, it was a pipe dream anyways. Next the just right size. I pulled them on slowly, twisting and jumping a bit, until I had cleared the thigh area and was able to button them up. This is where things became ugly fast. I realized the skinny jean was not made of a nice forgiving cotton blend. It apparently was made with 90% Lycra and 10% shrink wrap. Wow! The heat from by body, that had built up during the donning of the jeans, was causing some type of suction powered reaction. They molded to my thighs like plastic wrap near a flame. I knew I was in trouble. I had to get them off. I sat down, I stood up, I jumped, I stood on one leg, I twisted and I turned circles peeling away those skinny jeans. I called Converse on the cell phone and told him I may need his pocket knife. I am going to end up on Utube! After several minutes, they released once past my thighs. I sat in silence. The sales clerk, asked if I needed a different size. I thought, no, but I might need legal counsel.I could very well claim undue suffering and emotional trauma. I did not try on the bigger size for fear of a repeat episode.

So that night, I left without any jeans.I am lucky to be free of the jeans I had tried on. My self confidence was bruised. I went home and put on another pair of black lounge pants and a comfy sweatshirt. Maybe I will follow the mass crowd and wear a sweater with leggings to the next holiday party. Fashion savy without the drama. I guess I will have to resort to desperate measures to find the perfect pair of jeans.......

Dear Santa Clause,
Do you have any GAP jeans left from 1994? If not, all I want for Christmas is a new pair of cotton blend jeans that are stylish, comfortable and under 50.00. A magical size 6 would be fab!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Winter has stayed away as I have been able to run outside still without ice or snow. Kind of strange. Trying to stay up on mileage to build on it come January. I like just running and taking it at my own pace. Maybe that is why I do not fit into skinny jeans.

Holiday Fun 2010

2010-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

A Gingerbread House and mazes to explore.

The Claus...Weebok is so faking her smile she was scared and ready to bolt. Nike Girl told me after the visit that this Santa was not the real deal, he had cotton balls glued to his face. I agree...but you never know.


A tiny holiday train inside the window mesmerized the girls.

Enjoy your Holiday Fun!

Jingle Bells Batman Smells

2010-12-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

I absolutely, without doubt , love this time of year. The air is filled with so much anticipation. Anticipation about shopping and finding the deal of the year or at least a parking space somewhere within a mile of the chosen shopping center. Anticipation that it might snow on Christmas Eve. Anticipation to listen to my favorite Christmas carols which I have been trying so hard not to tune into until after Thanksgiving. Anticipation of going to the basement and dragging out storage containers full of ornaments, stockings and snow globes. Anticipation that if you cross your fingers just right last year's lights when plugged in will work.
This year we decided to even throw a 2nd Grade Holiday Party. There was much anticipation how this would all work out. Nike Girl wanted to invite each of the 19 children. I agreed, as it is a busy time of year, maybe half could make it. As the RSVP's arrived slowly, I realized everyone could make the party. Wow, this is great, right?
My anticipation grew as the party came near. I had planned to the minute that in two hours, the group would make a holiday banner, play flashlight candy cane scavenger hunt, participate in a small gift exchange, then carol in the neighborhood to collect food pantry items, then come inside to end the evening with cookie decorating and snacks. Deep breath. Martha Stewart for Kids plans parties like this, right. Oh what fun! I found myself repeating this phrase three times while clicking my heels together.
The night arrived. The anticipation grew. In they marched one by one. Within minutes, the noise level grew, the tumbling over couches began, the screaming of girls chasing boys started, the I'm hungry why can't we eat now started, the can we play football in the living room started, the is it time to open gifts yet started....The questioning of what was I thinking, started. This is going to be a long two hours. I gave a deer in headlight look to three mothers who agreed to stay. They were so calm. So experienced looking. Deep breath.
The craft was fun for the girls and the boys loved the candy cane scavenger hunt. I noticed the boys all stayed in a different room than the girls. Every once in awhile a boy or girl would run across the front room crossing sides to stick out their tongue then retreat back to their safe side. I was simultaneously having two parties at once. One for the boys and one for the girls. Mental note, coed parties probably over at this age.
We exchanged gifts as I read Twas the Night Before Christmas. Then we piled on our winter wear. This was the part I had anticipated most. I had never been caroling. I imagined the quartet singers with old fashioned wardrobes singing acapella with perfect pitch at everyone's front door. In actuality, it was nothing like that. Surprise. The kids were so excited and so energized they couldn't even stay on the sidewalks, they stomped through the neighbor's yards, belting out Jingle Bells with a Batman smells thrown in once in awhile, over and over again. Each doorstep the children collected canned goods then hurried to the next door. As we were returning to our home, out of nowhere, the neighbor's sprinklers turned on soaking everyone. I was speechless. Really really speechless. The kids screamed and ran home to count the number of items they collected for the food pantry, then finished up with hot cocoa and decorated cookies while their coats and hats dried. What a memorable night! Deep breath, again.
Later that night, I reflected on the Holiday Party. I didn't anticipate the night to play out quite like it did. I wasn't really shocked that the carpet had hot cocoa stains on it in the end, or that all the children would be soaked in 35 degree weather (ok a little shocked on that one), or that Jingle Bells Batman Smells is their favorite tune. What I was not anticipating was the excitement I saw in their eyes when they found out they collected over 50 items for a food pantry to feed other families. They truly were excited! This made me stop and think. Lesson learned...Life is so full of unexpected surprises especially when you least anticipate it!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Ran on the trail a few times since last post. Seem to be on the treadmill more these days. I do know on Sat. morning after the party, I ran on the treadmill, and could not get Jingle Bells Batman Smells out of my head. It actually makes a good beat to run to. Have a good day full of anticipation and surprises!

Nike Girl on Veggies

2010-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

" I will eat broccoli sometimes. But really only the tree part. The tree part is good. The trunk, the trunk I do not care for and will not eat." Just so you know mom.

Dum Dum.....Sums It Up

2010-11-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself in a very exciting situation where what appears to be factual actually turns out to be a big gigantic dud? I can think of several occasions where this has happened to me. One of those times I remember was when I was a child rushing to answer the phone, before caller id, to see who might be on the other line. You can only imagine my excitement when I picked up the phone and a sweet little lady with an angelic voice on the other line said, " This is Betty Crocker, (pause...long silence....) may I speak with your mother." I paused as I had a flashback to the cake mix with the sweepstakes label. We have won! I shouted in my head. I collected myself and calmly said "Just a minute." I practically ran through the screen door to get outside as fast as I could where my mom was working in the garden. "Mom! Mom! It is Betty Crocker on the phone! Hurry!" My mom stopped weeding the radishes and gave me this look of blankness which spoke the words are you crazy? She simply said, " Tell her I will call her back."( pause) "What! What! Call her back! Mom, it is Betty Crocker! We won the sweepstakes!" My mom just looked at me and said, " Calm down, it is not that Betty Crocker, it is the little ol' lady from 4-H." 4-H... well for pete's sake! I was so disappointed and embarrassed. I thought we had won the big one! But no, we had won nothing. Life went back to normal.

Well just this afternoon, I found myself in a similar situation. Only this time, the girls were a witness. We had bought a package of Dum Dum lollipops at the store yesterday on sale. Today after we all got home, I thought it would be a special treat to give Nike Girl and Weebok a Dum Dum to counterbalance the fresh apple.They were both very content as they took their first lick. I glanced down at Weebok's wrapper I had in my hand and saw the bold words "WINNER!". I looked closer at the wrapper and it said Grand Prize Winner! I looked even closer with my 40 year old eyes, to make out the words MP3, $2500, tour of the factory and a flavor named after you. I reread it twice! Then spontaneously shouted, "We Won! We won!" as Weebok was chomping on the winning flavor. I reached down like any good mother would do and pulled it right out of her mouth. After all, they may need the actual lollipop as proof of the winning wrapper! Weebok so did not understand that! Nike Girl started screaming, "Call Daddy at work! Call Daddy!" We were hollering and dancing, acting a fool, and eating Dum Dums as we all three marched to the office to get on the computer to confirm our winning wrapper! I called Converse in the process. Nike Girl asked if he was sitting down. His response, " What did you buy? " Nothing! In fact, I explained, we won the Dum Dum contest! I continued to scroll down the website. And there it was.....
The winner of the 2009 Dum Dum contest.....2009? I guess you find a wrapper last year then submit your name then a grand prize winner is picked. Our bag of lollipops were old, hence the sale, but the worst thing was that I managed to get the girls all excited! Then I had to call Converse to add to the humiliation. This was definitely a topper to the Betty Crocker sweepstakes. Nike Girl, just shook her head and said, "Maybe next time." Weebok continued to clinch her lollipop with her teeth so I would not snatch it out of her hands again. Converse just belly laughed for minutes. Dum Dum....sums it up!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Outside to run this weekend in the wind. Ran twice 4 miles both times. Nothing major just enjoyed the outdoors. Will be on the treadmill the next couple days due to weather I imagine. I have to bribe Weebok to stay in the exersaucer these days while I run. I guess the Dum Dums will come in handy.

Always Read the Fine Print

2010-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nike Girl gets lots of papers sent home from school. So many papers in fact, it is difficult to keep them all straight. Some have deadlines, others are keepers and still others are trashed when no one is looking. The paper stating basketball camp for 1.5 hours looked like something Nike Girl would enjoy. So Converse and I discussed it and decided if she wanted to go then we would fork out the cash and let her go have some fun. Meet new friends while shooting some hoops.
The camp day arrived and I reread the brochure to get the address. In fine print at the very very bottom it states benefits boys booster club. I think what about the girls? I quickly scan to the top of the page and it states in larger print, actually bold 24 point or maybe even 36 point font, Boys Basketball Camp.
Yes, I sent my daughter to an all boys basketball camp. The local high school coach saw us walk in and quickly walked over. I explained to him the mistake and he graciously said, "If she is not scared of boys let her stay and play some ball." Well Nike Girl is not scared of stinky boys as she calls them now. She jumped in and shot some hoops with the boys. She would run over to me periodically and say, " I can't believe my mother signed me up for an all boys camp!" I can dear. I seriously can.
Moral of the story, read the fine print and if you get a chance you might want to read the bold print called the Heading.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Give Thanks!

2010-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thankful for so many blessings big and small......


Thankful that I did not hire a professional photographer to do our Christmas cards this year. The girls were in rare form. Geese kept flying overhead. Weebok is yelling, "Goose" every two seconds.


They make us laugh, they make us smile, they make us cry, they make us dance to the Jonas Brothers and watch whiny Caillou on PBS.

We are thankful.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

The Life of a Candlemaker

2010-11-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

About 6 years ago, I began pouring candles. Soy candles to be exact. Soy because I like the motto: Friends Don't Let Friends Burn Paraffin, right? I was first introduced to soy candles at an arts and craft fair. I loved the fact that the wax used to make them came from soybeans that some American farmer was harvesting. As I went on to research, I found out the many health benefits of soy. From that moment on I was sold. Since I am an adventurous soul, I began reading articles on the art of candle making and decided to pour a few candles. I was shocked when I lit my first candle and there was fire and a nice scent. I thought for some reason they probably would not work. Kind of like the time I tried to make greeting cards with my new found calligraphy pen. I had all the equipment but no skill. Let me emphasis no skill. My pen kept leaking and I went around for weeks with a permanently tatooed right thumb.
After a few trials and errors, I began giving soy candles away as gifts and testing out new products on my poor friends and family. Over the years, I have consistently made candles for people closest to me and their friends. It has kept me fairly busy in spurts. Recently,I decided to bump it up a notch and start focusing a little more on the business/hobby. I attended my second craft fair this past weekend. It went.....well......well actually....see for yourself.
Nike Girl woke up at pre-dawn excited to go and participate in the craft fair. Against my better mommy judgment I said yes, she could go. She helps me pour and label the candles so I wanted to keep her involved. I absolutely love that she helps. Weebok was fast asleep when we left for the adventure or else she would have wanted to tag along , too.
It was a very organized event . Only complaint was that the booths were set up within 6 inches of each other so it was a tight squeeze. So tight in fact, Nike Girl got stuck in between our booth and the booth next to us. Unfortunately, the booth was manned by a rather cranky lady peddling her merchandise. Nike Girl knocked over an entire rack of earrings within 5 minutes of our arrival. Then 2 minutes after that I tripped on the corner of her table and knocked over a stained glass frame which did not break. Thank goodness. At this point I was offering the cranky lady free products straight from my table to her hands so she would not make Nike Girl and myself cry. 15 minutes after that I had lit a sample candle on our booth table. Nike Girl bent down to get her artwork bag and somehow managed to light her hair on fire. A customer who ended up not buying any products started clapping her hands in Nike Girls hair to swat it out. I turned around and saw the event unfold and stood in shock ,I believe. Nike Girl was okay but it sure did stink for awhile. Not good for business.
The rest of the day went smoothly until 30 minutes before closing. A lady was smelling one of my candles, Pine Forest , to be exact, when all of the sudden she just passed out and fell like a wet noodle. I went into professional PT mode momentarily and made sure she was okay. She was but had to be rolled away in a wheelchair while I chased behind trying to give her the merchandise she had bought and paid for. Kind of tacky on my part, but she paid for it. Again, not good for business. Even more ironic, was the sign that stated behind my booth that a portion of my company's proceeds goes toward Free Wheelchair Mission.
So there you have it, the life of a candle maker. It sounds uneventful, feels uneventful as I sit in my basement at the wee hours of the morning pouring candles, but actually it has proven to be quite the opposite this past week. I have three more shows lined up before Christmas. It will be hard to top this past weekend, I hope.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Running in a cold north wind wakes you up in the morning. Just an observation. I dread the treadmill months but realize that there are more days than not of running outside. Looking forward to a spring marathon.

Best Question of the Week

2010-11-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, are Crunch Berries considered one of my fruit servings?" As any good mother would answer, "Sure, why not." A novel idea since I think Crunch Berries make the best cereal milk to drink at the end.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

The Turducken Thanksgiving

2010-11-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Here in the states, all household cooks are fully aware that Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I am preparing a list of items to make for the feast. The magazines are full of recipes that look so delicious and fancy. It is hard to narrow down the menu. Well, sort of.... my culinary skills are a limiting factor. But I refuse to have the same broccoli and cheese dish, same green bean with french onion topping dish, or a canned pumpkin pie. This year Converse and I have agreed that we want to contribute something different to the menu. We however, disagree on our contribution choices.

For starters, I have issues with eating turkeys or chickens actually. On the farm, we use to raise both. The chickens had names until the coyotes got them. My sister's pet chicken even jumped onto the axle of our farm truck, without us knowing, and rode to my great aunt and uncles house 3 miles away, no joke. I even had a pet turkey that use to lay out in the sun with me under the sprinkler in the summertime. He was so ugly but fairly smart. So I have a weird emotional attachment to seemingly unresponsive birds. Eating them is difficult for me. ( Trying to understand life on the farm is probably equally difficult for you, as I think back it is a little disturbing, I will give you that. )

Converse actually wants to "fry" the bird. Last time he fried the bird was like 10 years ago. I became intensely ill with a stomach virus within a few hours of eating it. The entire holiday was spent in my parents guest bathroom. Needless to say, I put it on my list of done that and never doin' it again post it notes. But he insist. He enjoys lowering the poor Tom into a vat of emergency room hot grease and leave it to brown or blacken. I have decided to let him win, I mean I have compromised. I told him I would find an alternative to turkey.

This is where it gets more interesting. I am minding my own business at home last week when the doorbell rings. The Fedex delivery truck speeds away after leaving a rather large package on the doorstep. I rush in thinking it was a surprise Converse must have ordered for the holidays. I open it up anticipating anything but the large piece of frozen raw meat I found. The label said 8 lb. Turducken. I proceed to do one of those move the object out a little further to see it more clearly. Yea, it reads Turducken. Hmmm....not sure so I google it.

Surprise surprise. Seems like it is all the rage! A turducken is defined as a dish consisting of a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned duck, which itself is stuffed into a de-boned turkey.Good grief Charlie Brown that is a lot of bird! When I said alternative to turkey I was thinking spinach enchilada or even a bowl of Cracklin Oat Bran (two of my favorite foods). This turducken is going to be an experience. The reviews are amazing so why not, I suppose.Actually, why, is my honest response. I think I will have to pass on the bird. I saw an ad that Cracklin' Oat Bran is buy one get one half off this week. Sounds great! That will be my contribution. Problem solved. Got Milk?

Peace.
The New Balance Girl

Running Report: Been working on increasing my speed a bit on the ol' treadmill and the pavement. I have started doing the 30 Day Shred again. Love that workout. Hope to do a long run outside soon! I need to run in the fresh air for a couple hours. It does my soul good. Plus, I can decide what side dishes I want to go with my cereal. Peace.

Fall Fun

2010-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Nike Girl pretending she is a stunt woman in a Hollywood movie.

Weebook wishin' Mama had bought mittens not gloves.

Sisters


Calling a lawn service to help us out.

Don't you just love Autumn?
Peace.
The " New Balance" Girl

The Chain Reaction

2010-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at work I was sitting in the warm therapy pool with one of my little kids when I notice a swim lesson was taking place in the big pool a few feet away. I am minding my own business when I hear this horrific sound. A little guy taking swim lessons had started upchucking on the pool deck. The sight horrified me but I keep my professional demeanor. Translation, I did not gag. Not two seconds later, another little kid started upchucking. It was a chain reaction. The instructor helped the two kids to a trash can as I watched four other kids, around the age of 5, that were still sitting on the pool deck start laughing and reenacting the entire event. It was a site! Glad it all happened before lunch.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Top Ten List : Why I am not Mother of the Year

2010-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

10. Forgot to send coat to school with child the first morning we had a hard freeze after being out sick the day before.
9. Warm nutritious weekday breakfast consist of Fruity Pebbles in a baggie.
8. Let the Hermit Crabs out to exercise on the warm stone patio and then got side tracked and remembered them two hours later...not a good ending.
7. Left sippy cup full of milk in car I am pretty sure sometime this summer based on the smell.
6. Bought small children a trampoline then proceeded to jump on it acting a fool and managed to trip over small children and cause them to bump heads.
5. Dressed baby for church , arrived at church, and forgot socks and shoes.
4. Made mac and cheese for three nights in a row and seriously thought about it the fourth night.
3. Washed new white shirt with new red sweats.
2. Ate the last twix bar in the Halloween candy bag.
1. Put my own jogging pants on inside out , took child to school and walked into the classroom, chatted with a few people, and didn't notice my new style until noon.

Goin' to bed people for a good night's sleep. I will be tryin' to bat a better average tomorrow.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: I love to run this time of year. Crisp mornings, clear blue skies, leaves falling. So peaceful. I continue to run 3 days a week and one long run. I thought I had picked a race but due to some conflicts I shall pick another. So right now I am running for fun with no pressure. I like that a lot!

Boo 2010

2010-11-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

Weebok, is that you? The duck outfit threw us off for a second, but we know it is you. Please stop moving the candy away from the front door proclaiming , "It is Mine!"

The first kid I did not give sweets to until she was 5 or something insane. Second child, see for yourself. It is all about keepin' the peace. New trick this week, every time Weebok is scared she puts her fingers in her ears so no one can see her I suppose.


Jack-o Lantern grin....ready for the pumpkin to be filled.

Fun Times on Boo night.
Peace.

Recession Burrito vs. Depression Burrito

2010-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

In today's economic times, you have to find some humor. I recently read an article online that joked about the differences between a a recession and a depression. A recession can be defined as when your neighbor loses his job.A depression is when you lose your job. The article went on to state that there really is not a universal definition of either. If you ask 1000 different economists to differentiate between the terms recession and depression, you most likely will get 1000 different answers.

Today I came up with my own definitions to help economists agree upon the differences.

Just this morning, I ordered a breakfast burrito with sausage. I bit into the burrito to find only sausage. No egg or cheese. This is a Recession Burrito.

For 5 minutes the waitress and I could not come to an agreement as to why I was returning my order. I gave up.I left without a burrito and ate a week old opened granola bar from my car console.
This is a Depression Burrito.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Took the day off from running as I was in the pool most of the day. Will start back tomorrow after I make myself a breakfast burrito at home.

Miss Merry Sunshine

2010-10-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the feeling of anticipating a fun activity. Birthdays are good examples that come to mind. I am not much of a planner on daily routines. This has gotten me into some pickles in the past. I am however, a planner when it comes to parties. Every year I plan out a themed party for the girls. I pay attention to details from menu to decorations to games. I even do this for Converse. I love parties. I have a vision to how it should all pan out and want to create the perfect memory.
Needless to say, every year, someone always ends up crying because of things out of my party planning control. Like, the pinata breaks before everyone has a chance to swing at it, the toy called for C batteries not D, the red icing stains on a new tutu that was just put on, or someone pukes. It is only after the post party exhaustion subsides can I fondly look back and enjoy the not so perfect moments and laugh.

This weekend is another example of my preconceived vision. Nike Girl had a sleepover at her BFF's so it was just Converse, Weebok and myself to enjoy the evening. Weebok had an early nap so an early bedtime was to be expected. Converse marinated steaks all day to throw on the grill. Yum! So I dropped Nike Girl off at the sleepover and returned home to enjoy an evening I created in my head as relaxation and bliss.
This is what I got:
As I entered the house through the garage, I smelled smoke. The steaks had caught on fire on the outside grill and flames were flying. Converse was moving in action with spray bottle as his only defense. Result, blackened steak. Medium rare is over rated. At dinner, I snuck the pug dog a piece, ok, maybe two pieces, ok three..it was three pieces. Weebok went to bed only one hour later than expected. We then started the much anticipated movie. The movie that was so slow and boring I fell asleep and so did Converse. We woke up on the couch at midnight with enough energy to make it to bed. Sleeping continued.....sort of.....
1:00am: Dog barking, I let her outside.
2:00am: Dog barking, Converse let her outside. He mumbled, "What is wrong with her?"
2:30am: Dog barking to go out again. I let her outside.
3:00am. Converse is on call, phone rings in this most annoying siren tone.
3:30am: Dog barking to go out again. Finally admitted to Converse she might of had a bite or two of his blackened steak. He mumbles something under his breath that I am sure was quite nice and then lets her out.
4:00am: Weebok awake.
5:00am: I wake up to the dog barking again while still sitting with Weebok on my lap in her big comfy chair in her room. Neck pain. I let the dog out.
6:00am: All asleep! Relaxation and bliss finally.
7:00am: Alarm goes off to go run 15 miles. HA! Laughter fills the air!
7:45am: Converse asleep, Pug asleep, Weebok asleep, I go run.

Obviously, I wish I wouldn't have given the pug steak. Oops. But I also sometimes wish I weren't a dreamer. But I am. I always develop a vision as to how an activity will turn out. A little Miss Merry Sunshine. The problem usually lies in this expectation because as you know rarely do things turn out exactly as you plan no matter how big or small the activity. The bottom line is perfection does not exist. I need to just chill and enjoy the ride. The bumps are what make the memories even more memorable.

Peace.
The New Balance Girl

Running Report: Yes, I ran. It hurt. I have nothing else to say about that, thank you very much. I think I am going to go make some Snickerdoodles. That sounds good.Gorgeous weather. It is not hard being Miss Merry Sunshine today! I have no expectations for today except that I will make sure the pug dog is not eating leftover steak.

A League of Their Own

2010-10-16T05:40:00.000-07:00


"Hey cowgirls, see the grass? Don't eat it."

"Because there's no crying in baseball. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL! No crying!"

"Now batting for the Peaches, #5, center fielder, Mae Mordabito."

"A League of Their Own" had some great quotes! Loved that movie.

Girl Power!

Peace.

The Tooth Fairy

2010-10-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

   The tooth fairy arrived at 12:10am. I know this because I heard the tooth fairy stub her toe on the end of the bed frame and roll around in excruciating pain. Then I think she had to use her night vision goggles to locate the loose change rolling around under the bed that has 500 Polly Pockets stored. I love the persistence of the tooth fairy! Good thing she didn't break her wings. She arrived just in time for school picture day! Nike Girl is so excited to show off her jack o' lantern grin!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Completed my half last weekend. It was such a fun race.I will have to post about it. This weekend the fun is over. Running long, longer than I can even think about as I sit here. Will let you know. Have a great day!

An Early Morning

2010-10-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Nana and Papa's rooster woke us up early......good thing


We couldn't miss the launching of 15 hot air balloons!

What a way to start the day!

Peace.

A Gift Named Johnny

2010-10-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Gifts....everyone likes to give gifts and receive gifts, too. Gifts just make you smile. Especially those random gifts that no one suspects they will be getting. Like just the other day a neighbor brought over a bag of chocolates , dark chocolates (which no one likes except me...bonus gift), it made my afternoon. It just amazes me that something so simple can have such an impact.
In bible study we talked about the gift God gave us and the impact that has had on all of our lives. I mean that is the biggest and best gift of all right? No being a topper to that one. But we were curious as to what each of us liked more to give or receive a gift. Well to be honest I like both. Then we were asked to think about the best gift we have ever received? I thought about things big and things small. I thought of the diamond earrings (that I can't find since we moved last year...shhh...don't tell Converse), my first trip to NYC on our anniversary( when I wore cute shoes my first day there resulting in the mother of all blisters while pregnant with Nike Girl), the Mother's Day drawings Nike Girl and Weebok made (forever staining the kitchen placemats), or how about the spa day (promises of no more wrinkles nor muscle tension) I was surprised with on my 40th. All of these gifts I have a memory of and cherish. But what was the best gift I have every received?
Then it hit me. Converse and I had been in Denver for four years. We had just bought our first rowhouse that had a mountain view from the master bedroom window. We were loving our jobs (as much as one could love a job) and we were feeling settled. I had no desire to change anything. I decided to volunteer at a tumbling class that was designed for special needs kids. I was a teacher and I thought that would be wonderful to go and help out. I would help them and give them a "gift". So I showed up and was introduced to my partner Johnny. He was a little blond headed boy that had a rare genetic disorder. He could not speak clearly so he had few words. He was physically disabled making a simple forward roll seem like a mountain to climb. He wanted to do a somersault so bad. He worked and worked and worked. I was beginning to think it might just be impossible.
Until a few months later. I remember this like yesterday and it was almost 15 years ago. Johnny tucked his own head under his body and did his first forward roll with my hands their only to guide. He laid there for a moment in a daze, ( I thought maybe I had managed to break his arm or something), then he stood up and raised his arms in the air as high as he could and yelled , "Johnny did it!!!! Johnny did it!!!!" Then he hugged me and signed more. I obviously broke into tears. And with tears falling and excitement greater than I have ever felt, Johnny continued to do 5 more rolls. Then he wanted to go to the trampoline.
That day I had set out to give my time, a gift, to Johnny, but instead I walked away with Johnny giving me a gift I will never forget. It actually changed the path of Converse and I's life. At that moment I went home and began charting out my path to become a physical therapist. We moved from Denver, a gift Converse gave me to pursue my dream. Two years later, living in a spider infested apartment with lots of Ramen noodles in the cupboard, I walked across the stage and received my diploma and became a pediatric physical therapist. And thanks to Johnny I have lived a passionate life continuing to receive gifts from thousands of special needs kids. Thank you Johnny!
So I guess you may never know when that one little act of kindness, that one little gift, will make a difference in someone's life. What was the best gift you received? I would love to hear.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: I have been hitting the pavement on a regular basis and will be tapering for my half I will run next Sunday. I am excited but nervous because I have not raced officially for a year. Yikes! Hope you are finding cooler temperatures and able to enjoy the great outdoors.I love this time of year.

Ummm...I will try ...Origin of Laundry....Alex for $500.00

2010-09-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Laundry. I really have no idea where it comes from. We all leave the house with one outfit and return home with the same outfit as far as I know. By the end of the week it looks like the Brady Bunch had been visiting. I have tried to do laundry daily. I have tried to do laundry weekly. Maybe I should do laundry monthly.
I find it to be a love hate relationship. I feel such an accomplishment when it is all done and folded and put away. But so anti climatic because by nightfall the hamper is filling up again. .It never stops.
Converse and I were looking for houses a few years back in Dallas. It was our pre-kid era. Back when we took naps every Saturday while the laundry was finishing up. Back when I ironed and used starch from a can. We walked through this one house that on the outside was meticulous. Once inside, the newer home was lets say ...lived in. The dad was sitting on the couch watching football oblivious to our presence really. I think he mumbled,"If you like it make an offer." The walls were colorful from crayon markings running the length of the hallway. At the end of the hallway was the master bedroom and bath. Converse and I walked into the master bath to find a gigantic Texas sized garden tub full of clean clothes! It was an amazing sight. We certainly exchanged looks. I remember being critical and thinking how could anyone let things get out of control like that? Seriously? A little effort people is all it takes. Will we have to write in the contract excluding all your clean clothes?
Oh how I have wised up at 40! Now I know that poor dad was sitting watching football because his laundry was done and ready to wear again. If only we had a Texas sized garden tub to fill up. Our clean clothes land on our bed with hope to fold them by nightfall. If not, they are placed at the foot of the bed on a blanket chest or are thrown on the floor if I am really tired. Usually the clean clothes are on the floor. I wrongly judged that family and now I am paying the price. I eat my words Laundry Fairy. That man was wise!
Since I do not have a garden tub the size of a small Volkswagen bug, I need to take it a step farther and figure out this question....where does laundry originate and why does it increase in volume faster than you can say Ratsafrat five times? If you have the answer, let me know. Until then I will continue to sort, launder, fold and put away the clothes I could have sworn were just washed. As for ironing and starching, that is so the 90's right?

Peace.

The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Aw, cooler mornings, new shoes and great tunes. Running has been fun the past few weeks.Difficult but a little more fun. 1/2 marathon coming up in 4 weeks. Trying so hard to increase my speed. Hope you are enjoying the first signs of autumn where you live. Peace.

This Cracks Me Up......

2010-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Nike Girl has come home from school the past two days stating that she has been chosen to be a cheerleader for the boys kick ball team at recess. I asked her why she was not playing kickball because she loves kick ball. She said that all the girls need to cheer on the boys to make them run faster. I asked if she liked cheering and she said I guess. All the other girls do. End of conversation.
This morning she dressed for school with a white button down dress shirt with ruffled sleeves and a pink tailored skirt. She still chose her mountain climbing shoes. She had her hair pulled back in a slick ponytail and parted in the middle. Very flashy earrings.
I said , "Well don't you look ready to take on the world." She looked at me and said, " I have decided to be an attorney for the boy's kickball team in case someone gets hurt and needs legal counsel." Yea. I had the same reaction. I just looked at her and said, "Great plan Erin Brockovich, get your lunch we are going to be late." She just gave me one of those you are crazy mommy looks.

Peace.
The " New Balance" Gal

Date Night

2010-08-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Aww..date night. Over the years, we have found ourselves evolve through two very distinct phases of date night. The first I shall refer to as Pre-Kid Era Date Night. The night would start as soon as we got home from work. I wasn't really even tired. I would actually shower again then fix my hair, apply foundation, eyeshadow with a brush, and even mascara followed with that medieval eyelash curling device that makes you cringe every time you use it. Then I would iron my trendy new outfit and put on jewelry then head out the door. We would usually find a new restaurant, go to friends' houses, take in a ballgame or sit through a late night movie. Ok, maybe not late night as I have never been much of a night owl. The end of the date we would usually take the dog for a long walk when we got home admiring the night sky. We admittedly took this phase for granted.

Now we have entered the Post-Kid Era Date Night coupled with middle age. Sigh.....I know there are many disturbing descriptive words used in that last sentence. This last Friday night looked something like this....I wanted to celebrate Converse's birthday with something special. So I made reservations at a quaint little bistro that looked affordable but charming. I decided to be a little fancy for the evening. So I started to straighten my hair. A simple task in theory. In the process of straightening my hair, Weebok decides to find a marker and within a flash of a second she is tagging her entire face and body. Nice honey, paper next time please. So I run some bath water and clean her up. Half my hair is straightened. She gets out of the tub and smiles again only this time nature called on the bathroom rug. Back in the tub she goes. Take rug to laundry. Nike Girl enters the picture and wants to fix my hair. So I let her try. Rules though of no big bows allowed. She actually was very helpful. Despite sweating with all the heat that had built up in the bathroom, I managed to apply foundation, eyeshadow applied with finger as I can not find the brush, and even a little mascara. All I need is lip gloss. Hannah Montana lip gloss would have to do as I couldn't find mine. Wow I am going all out. Throw on a wrinkled dress. Tell the girls bye and we head out the door only 10 minutes late. Pretty good. The evening was fun. We actually were able to finish sentences. The night ended with a lightning storm from Mother Nature. Thank goodness we parked close to the front doors. Converse enjoyed his birthday and so did I.

I guess Pre-Kid and Post Kid Date Nights really are not that much different when you think about it. Both result in great memories despite the path you have to take to get you ready to head out the door.

Happy Birthday Converse!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: 11miles on Sunday early am. Lots of rolling hills.Good solid run. Not the best not the worst. The build up is always so slow and hard. Once the miles get up there running becomes fun again. I am waiting, patiently. I think all the carbs I ate at Date Night helped. Maybe we should have date night again this weekend. Wishful thinking.

One Foot In Front of the Other

2010-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Entry Three:
The months and eventually years went by after I announced that I was going to run a marathon. I continued to run most days but never could bring myself to sign up for even a 5K. That inner voice always said that I was a jogger not a runner. That inner voice existed until we moved to Dallas and I met a co-worker who forever changed my running path.
One day at work running came up. I mentioned that one day I would love to run a marathon but then mumbled how impossible that sounded. My friend asked why that would be impossible. I mumbled several excuses in a row. She invited me to run with her the next weekend. I am so glad I showed up that morning. She took me under her wing. After several months of running with my friend, she had talked me into doing my first race which happened to be a half-marathon.
I remember the half-marathon, which was 10 years ago, like it happened yesterday. I was so nervous I ended up running it somewhere between 10 and 11 minute miles. I vividly remember getting beat by two yellow labs and their owner. Converse loves to tell that story. But I finished and I was hooked and very very crippling sore.
Within 2 years we had moved again so no more running buddy. I did, however, find, a wooded trail that circled the most beautiful little lake by our new house. That was where I started training for my first marathon. The Walt Disney Marathon, it was suppose to be flat and fast. Sign me up.
During the training runs, which I did by myself, I learned about blisters, chafing, poor fitting shoes, and the importance of water and food. During my training runs, I saw lots of snakes and eagles, raccoons and deer, rain and sunshine. I was one with nature on that trail. It did my soul good. After 18 weeks of training, I was ready to get on the plane and follow by dream to the land of promised record speed and entertainment at every mile. I was goin' to Disney World baby.
To be continued.....

Peace,
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Still training. I run 3 days a week and then one long run followed by a short work out the aches and pain run the next day. I took on a monster hill last weekend. It was relentless. God sent me a distraction though as there were two beautiful fuzzy lost dogs with collars and tags on running along side me. I tried to reach for their collars to get their names but they thought it was a game. Once we all made it to the top of the hill they darted into a neighborhood like they knew where they belonged. It was early in the am so not much traffic, thank goodness. I am running around 9:20-9:40 minute miles over the distance. Slowly getting faster. Fingers crossed. Hope you have a blessed day.

Summertime means........

2010-08-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

Surfin'

Carefree Wild Hair

First Carousel Rides

Backyard Fun

Super Hereos

Brown Backyard Grass

New "Enjoyable" Experiences

Make-Believe Cooking Shows

Fun Redneck Water Slides

pseudo-Cirque du Soleil

Nature Hikes and Waterfalls

Running and Running and Running some more

Flower Child

Butterfly Gardens

Sand Art


Long Naps

Good Times, Good Memories, Good Summer.
Great God.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Sally on the Mend

2010-08-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

We started naming our cars after taking Nike Girl to the movie "Cars".She insisted in the parking lot of the movie theater that Converse's truck would be Mater and our family car would be Sally. The names have stuck after all these years.
On Friday, Sally got a boo boo as Weebok simply states.(Yes, she is still speaking her second language, BooBoo). She has no idea, of course, how thankful we are to not have real boo boo's. In a split second, things could have changed for all of us. I was driving along minding my own business with Nike Girl and Weebok in the back. Nana was in town visiting, so she was in the car, too. I remember entering the busy intersection when all the sudden I had to quickly hit my brakes as the traffic slowed in front of me. I glanced in my rearview mirror only to see a car approaching us from behind not even hitting the brakes.

I remember briefly thinking, this is going to hurt. My mind and body prepared for the crunch. I can not even tell you how fear overcame me instantly with the girls in the backseat. It felt like I hesitated a moment to even turn around. Then I heard Nike Girl say, " What just happened Mommy?" I , of course, usually a non-crier, was instantly crying and told her someone hit us with their car. Weebok was just sitting in her car seat looking at me. She is a quiet soul anyways so I made a funny face at her and asked if she was ok. There was the dimple on her cheek when she smiles that big toothy grin. She was fine. After Converse arrived on the scene, we took her to the doctor just for our peace of mind. Nike Girl had no complaints other than the tight seatbelt across her shoulder. We were all shook up but fine even the driver in the other car. So very, very thankful!
Once we got home, I had a chance to talk to Nike Girl. I said that Mommy is very thankful to God that we were kept safe today. She looked at me and said, " You know mommy, I already talked to God upstairs in my room. I told him thank you and he said , "Your welcome". No words can describe the feeling you have when your child takes it upon themselves to talk to God and start building that personal relationship. Warm fuzzies!
So Sally is on the Mend. I am not sure how they will fix her. I do know for sure that thankfulness is the word of the week.

Peace.
The " New Balance" Girl

Running Report: 10 today in the early am before the heat index rises to an unbelievable number. It was a great run with a running buddy I hadn't ran with in awhile. Lots to be thankful for as my mind drifted on the run this morning. Hope you have a good day!

The Fishin' Hole

2010-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

A fun family weekend in the woods eating smores, hiking, and swimming

One cold spring fed river

One rock eater ( notice smores on her face)


Two trout catchers ....who kept crossing lines.....all add up to FUN! I don't even mind that mama has been doin' a lot of laundry since we got home.

One Foot in Front of the Other

2010-07-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Entry Two

I started thinking the other day...when exactly did I start running? Ever since I was young I have loved being outdoors. Growing up on a farm was ideal for me. I spent my free time stomping on ant hills, attempting gymnastics on the propane tank, climbing trees, shooting hoops and riding my cowgirl bike. I loved to speed down the lane and hit the brakes to see how far I could slide on the gravel. I tried to jump ramps and do pop-ups before Xtreme sports were even popular. I also liked to walk down the country road with my dog Scampie Joe in tow looking at the clouds and just thinking. As I got older my walks turned into jogs.
My most memorable jog on the farm happened one summer. I was running from telephone pole to telephone pole listening to the wheat blow in the wind. I noticed a buzzing sound that started getting louder and louder. I looked around and saw nothing. The noise became so loud I stopped in my tracks. Headed right for me was a wave of bees as far as I could see. That is when I first experienced a pace outside my comfortable 10 minute mile. I looked like the roadrunner on Wild Coyote cartoons.I just knew the killer bees had arrived! I don't think I have ever ran so fast in all my running career. Somehow ,I am sure it was divine intervention, I made it home safely charging into the front door yelling, " Bees, Bees". The family just looked at me. Not exactly an easy thing to explain.
So from there I moved off the farm to college and my running continued. Then I met Converse and continued to run together. I never ran a race just jogged because I liked to find different trails and be outside. Then one day , I remember clearly, I announced to Converse that I was going to run a marathon someday. I was twenty-something, sitting on the balcony of our first apartment in Denver. He said if that is what I felt like doing then I should do it. Simple enough. I know deep down inside he was thinking this is another one of my off the wall ideas like starting a calligraphy business, when I had never written with anything but a ballpoint pen, or the time I told him I wanted to start an organic dog biscuit company but only made one batch of biscuits that the dog wouldn't eat. He wanted to believe in me so he did. Next I called one of my best friends and told her. She too knows I can get some crazy ideas but she did not judge me. She simply asked Why? I really could not answer her then. But she cheered me on. So the dream of my first marathon began. I had no idea what it would take or how to go about running 26.2 miles. I did know inside I wanted to try to do it as crazy as it sounded. Of course, life then happened. Only 8 short years after making the announcement, I made my first personal running dream a reality by putting one foot in front of the other.

To be continued.....

Peace.
The" New Balance" Gal

Charlotte Lives!

2010-07-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I really dislike spiders. We have had many spiders in our house the last few weeks. I know they really have never hurt me but I have heard stories and we have all seen movies with hairy scary spiders attacking the innocent in their sleep. This week I had to face one of my biggest fears. Unfortunately, it had to be witnessed in front of the children.
I had just stepped out to sweep off the deck when Nike Girl started screaming, "Spider! Spider!" I arrive in the kitchen and see a medium sized spider crawling on the rug under the table. It was picking up speed, actually record speed, heading right for Weebok's bare toes. I hesitated only for a second then grabbed the first piece of junk mail I could find. With Nike Girl's Halloween screams filling the air and Weebok yelling "Bug...bug...bug." I went into mommy mode and swatted that poor innocent spider like Albert Pujols in the home run derby. Story should end.
No, no...not exactly....to my utter surprise, 50 or more little babies started running in all directions! Yes, this is a true fact of horror. I had swatted and missed the mama spider who obviously was very very fertile. At that point, I commenced screaming LOUDLY sweeping Weebok up into my arms. Nike Girl saved herself by jumping onto the kitchen table. What in the world do I do now? The girls are depending on me, I have to be a role model. Converse is in the Gulf cleaning up a different kind of mess. I have to be the adult! I dislike being 40! I want my mommy!
So I believe divine intervention lead me to the sweeper because I was not able to make a coherent sentence. I managed to get the child proof outlet cover out in one shot without breaking a nail. Plugged that Kirby in, and with Weebok on my hip and Nike Girl on the table I sucked the baby spiders up. I felt sad and scared at the same time. These poor little baby spiders. But what was I to do?
After a few minutes, we all calmed down. Then I realized I couldn't find the mom. The hunt was on. She was nowhere to be found. Then we found her in the corner. I couldn't suck her up nor could I hit her again. Nike Girl found a jar and I trapped her. She was quite defensive. That poor mama spider had a really bad day and needed a new beginning. So I threw her over the fence. Sorry neighbors we do not know. I called the spiderman the next morning. I had been procrastinating all week. But not now, the battle is over. He informed me some spiders carry their young on their backs. Wonderful news. So now we wait until he shows up to spray. I just know Charlotte is going to leave me a nasty gram on the arbor one of these mornings. "Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print." (Charlotte's Web, 1978). Charlotte lives! I just hope in the neighbor's yard.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Hot and humid make long runs difficult. Did 8 miles this weekend. Continuing with my speed work which is not fast at all. Not nearly as fast as Charlotte going for my babies' toes! Stay cool in the heat!

Nothing Says I Love you......

2010-07-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today I saw a flashing sign in front of a retail pharmacy chain store that read, " Show Your Love...Buy a Flu Shot Gift Card." Now I don't know about you, but if Converse came home with one of those on our anniversary, he might find himself eating cold cereal for supper, bran cereal, maybe even with a fork. Forget Tiffany's.... nothing says I love you like a flu shot!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Still hitting the pavement and the treadmill in the heat. It sure is hot! Love summertime!

Life is Good

2010-07-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

On the farm growing up, I learned that you should never complain about rain especially when it falls in the summer. I know the flowers weren't complaining in our yard. The foliage has been amazing this year.

Hope you find peace today.... even if you find yourself standing in the rain.

The "New Balance" Girl

One Foot in Front of the Other

2010-07-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Entry One
The idea of this self imposed journey started a few months after I celebrated the big 40. Usually birthdays don't bother me. This particular birthday seemed to pass by without any major personal crisis. I guess I didn't have time to feel sorry for my aging self. The day started out with a clogged toilet and plunger around 5 am that rapidly turned into my girls getting the raging stomach flu. I look back and smile. God knew that humor would snap me out of the fog. The scenario of the day made me laugh and remember to count my blessings. On that day I could care less about the crow's feet and spider veins. I just wanted everyone to feel better soon. I felt content with where I was in life. It was a good day to remember.
A few months later, on a long run, I started thinking. Why am I still running? Goodness gracious, it really is silly when I stop and think about it. I am not exactly graceful nor do I make it look effortless. I am a pronator who you can hear coming from yards away. I have ran two marathons and many other races where I continue to finish in the middle of the pack I have saved all of the race t-shirts and bibs in a tote. Why? I know running is a health benefit, especially mentally. My family knows when I have ran and when I haven't. It is addictive. But why not be addicted to soap operas or homemade chocolate chip cookies? Why running? Why run and keep my same 10 minute mile pace? Why not go for it? Why not try to qualify for Boston?
Insert sound of screeching brakes. This is where the inner voice steps in and laughs like Count Dracula on Sesame Street. Boston is a pipe dream. Boston is for runners not joggers. Boston Creme Pie, I had to throw that in because I am always thinking of food. Boston is for....Why not end that sentence with....Boston is for me? So my little dream was born and the journey has begun. I may qualify or I may not. 40 is a good thing for time qualifications in Boston. It certainly won't happen easily for me. Did I mention I am a slow runner? It will take a lot of speed work and miles. My plan is simple. I am going to place one foot in front of the other and see where I end up. My running journey to Boston is now beginning. Fasten your seat belts it may be a bumpy ride.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Daily runs 4 miles, 4 miles, 6 miles, and 4 miles. Speed work 12- 400's at 8:56min/mile. Long run this weekend. Yikes, I guess I have officially put it out there in the universe. Have a great day!

.

Where is that Rascally Rabbit?

2010-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

As a little kid, I sometimes pretended to be a magician. I would find a big winter stocking cap and push a stuffed animal into it and throw it on my head. Then I would try to trick my family into believing there was nothing stuffed inside the crooked hat atop my head. They must have been so annoyed but never let on.
Nike Girl is having similar aspirations. I have found technology has really not improved much since the 70's. They do now sell magic sets that include a big plastic hat with a small trap door, magic wand with messy glitter, scarves, a deck of cards , a few balls and thimbles, and a styrofoam rabbit. The foam rabbit is a little lame but none the less it says on the outside of the box it is indeed magical. At the very least the entire kit probably contains lead and other harmful metals, not found in the 1970's version. Side note: Weebok, don't eat the glittery wand!
So Nike Girl sets up the show. She shows us the top hat has nothing in it. She didn't know that I had seen her place the foam rabbit inside the trap door in the bottom of the hat. She puts the hat on her head and taps it with her magic wand. Glitter flies. She then says some magical rhyming words and says "Poof a rabbit!" She takes the hat off and looks inside it, no rabbit. She looks on the floor casually, no rabbit. She looks in the trap door slyly, no rabbit. She turns circles and looks up and down and all around, no rabbit. Where is that rascally rabbit?
(Picture to come)
The foam rabbit is stuck on top of her head in her hair. She can not see it but the audience can. I was belly laughing. Weebok was clapping and signing, "more, more". I let it go on for probably longer than I should , but it was too much fun. Finally, she said, "it appears the rabbit has hopped away!" I laughed even harder. I point her to the hallway mirror. The rascally rabbit was found. I will let you know, and hopefully not 911, if she tries the saw my little sister in half trick with the plastic tool set I just bought Weebok. Hope it goes better than the rabbit in the hat trick.

Peace.
The "New Balance Gal"

Running Report: Difficult uphill 4 mile run. No magic shoes on here. It felt good to push a little harder today. Nike Girl had baseball this evening and Weebok had shots this morning. Poor baby! I absolutely despise when they have to get their shots. She was speaking BooBoo again. I wish I would of had a magic wand to make it not hurt. Thankful all is well again.

Get Your Shoes on Now!

2010-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ever have a morning like this? The following is sadly a true account and rather disturbing glimpse of my morning "off from work".
6:00am I did manage to wake up before the family to run. Then Hello Chaos.
7:30am Nike Girl and Weebok awake, get dressed and brush hair, teeth, and start eating breakfast.
8:00 am :"Get your shoes on, please." Cleaning up from breakfast.
8:08 am: Changing diaper. "Nike Girl, find your shoes and get them on please." Nike Girl reading the cereal box.
8:12 am Feeding the dog. "Do you have your shoes on? Please get them on."
8:15am Grabbing Weebok and looking for my keys that I thought I had left by the garage door. "We are leaving. You have no shoes."
8:18am "Get your shoes on Now! "Forgot diaper bag run upstairs to get bag.
8:20am "Nike Girl Get your shoes on NOW! " Wipe Weebok's face again.
8:23 am "Everyone into the car, march 2,3,4. Everyone buckled? " Oh .I forgot my purse. Just a minute. Run inside.
8:25am "Let's go kiddos! " "Mommy...MoMmY...MOMMY.... "I turn around. Nike Girl is pointing at Weebok's feet. Oh, Weebok doesn't have her shoes. Run back upstairs.
8:29am Headed down the road amazingly on time to participate in a workshop entitled, "Bring Peace to your Home." I am beaded up with sweat. It is a hot and humid day. I certainly can not get there fast enough! We need peace, like peanut butter needs jelly!

I sit at a round table with a group of gals, I do not know. We start going around the table to introduce ourselves and tell why we decided to join in and bring peace to our homes. I develop hives on my neck at the thought of any public speaking. I heard things like, "Our kids are so stressed", "We have activities going every night" "My husband and I work two jobs each", "I have 8 kids" , " I have 4 dogs" then it was my turn. " Hi. We need peace because I seem to be frazzled, disorganized, and tired of being the one always rushing and yelling "Get your shoes on now!" Blank stares. That seems so lame, almost embarassing. I know there are so many real things that are much greater to conquer but for me at that moment it felt so true.

My family seems to be living in a busy fast paced activity driven world. Always jetting out the door to get somewhere, work, an activity, or to buy something that we really probably in the spectrum of things do not need. There has to be a balance between these things. Sure we go on family outings, bike rides, hikes, and things like that. It is the everyday grind that is hard to find peace in sometimes.

The one common thread I heard over and over was that the adults especially the female in the family seems to set the mood of the household. I was at first defensive toward that statement because surely moi does not create chaos. Then I realized in our family dynamics there is truth to that statement. Converse always jokes and says , "If mama is happy then daddy is happy." Maybe he was on to something. It was suggested that we should get back to just relaxing at home. Kids should play and be creative with their own imaginations. Why all the pressure from our culture to be the best at anything when we are only 6? If one has a God given talent , it will come out one way or another. The grown ups should know their limits of being too stressed and stop and relax before you get to that point of yelling towanda. It is about finding a balance between it all. Things I know but am too busy to put into practice. We should stop and smell the roses even if they are wilting a bit.

So I left the workshop feeling a little more in control. A little more in control because when we got into the car to leave Nike Girl and Weebok had both shoes on. A little more in control because I just needed to know I was not alone in this chaotic feeling world. Get back to some simplicity. Find a balance. Pray, that is a big one for me. Use common sense, like just putting shoes by the back door would probably be beneficial. I am hopeful tomorrow will bring a little more peace to our home. Well ,until the dog refuses to go outside to do her thing because it is suppose to rain in the morning and she is disturbed by wet paws. But I will try really hard to find balance.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Ran 6 miles and did Jillian Michaels. The heat and humidity makes me not want to get my own shoes on and walk out the door. But once I am out there running, my mind clears and it is peaceful. Hope you find some peace today and remember to smell the roses even if some of them are wilting.

Do you Speak Boo Boo?

2010-06-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Weebok just turned 18 months. Everyday is exciting as she seems to have a new trick up her sleeve. More words, more opinions and more dance moves. All of these new tricks also lead to more boo boos. At the pool yesterday, she was standing next to the fountains filling her flowered pitcher, then screeching in joy before dumping the water out. Then she would do it all over again, and again, and again. A little boy , about her age, walked up to her and started playing with the same fountain. She stood back and sized him up, glanced at me and smiled, then started playing. I wish I knew what she was thinking. They took turns running through the fountain. The little boy got a little too excited and fell hurting his hand. His mom brushed it off and kissed it then set him back down to play. The whole time Weebok was just staring at the mother and her son. Once the little boy started playing again, Weebok got in his face and then said, "Boo Boo?" The little boy pointed at his hand and said , "Boo Boo. " Weebok then pointed to her knee and said "Boo Boo." The little boy pointed at his hand again and said, "Boo Boo." This conversation went on for two more rounds. The other mom and I just looked at each other and laughed. It was obvious they were speaking their own language, Boo Boo.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Back in the saddle again. Following a new program to increase speed, lots of tempo runs and 400's. Then one distance run a week. Today I ran 400's on the treadmill due to poor scheduling on my part and not getting out of the house before the heat set in. When I was finished I felt like speaking Boo Boo. It hurt.

Cheers Converse!

2010-06-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Converse and I were married a long time, 10.5 years to be exact, before Nike Girl entered this world. I will never forget when she was born. Converse's exact words were , " What did we just do!" as tears were streaming down his face. I remember being just quiet taking the experience all in and deciding that there was no other word ( besides the obvious word painful) for what just happened than a true genuine miracle. A few days later sitting at home the sleepless nights started, the constant worry started, the overwhelming feeling of responsibility hit us both. We wanted to be perfect. (silly thought) There were several days I shamefully admit ,thinking those very words , "What did we do?" Converse was feeling the same.

Then after a couple weeks, life started to return to a new kind of normal. And before you knew it Converse and I fell in love with the little thing. He soon didn't care if she projectile vomited on his shirt as he was rushing out the door to work, he didn't care if she put her slimy little hands on his face to point out body parts, he didn't care that the only thing that would calm her in a grocery store was singing Barney tunes. He became a daddy. And he loved his new found role in life.

Then only 5 1/2 years after that, Weebok came into our world. She came three weeks early to arrive on our 16th wedding anniversary. She came knockin' at the door at midnight. I woke him up to tell him and he said "What time is it?" I told him and he said, " Can you wait a couple hours I just got to sleep? Are you sure it is time?" I gave him my perfected " this is not the time to joke" look. I use that a lot in tense quiet moments, he can't help himself. So he rolled out of bed, brushed his teeth and a half hour later , we found ourselves cruising in the Accord thankful it still was not the Beretta. We started laughing, well sort of, because instead of jetting off to Paris on our anniversary like many friends our age, we were starting down another new path. This time when she popped into the world, Converse was ready and looked at the new baby, tears streaming down his eyes, and said "You have another beautiful daughter." I exclaimed, "What!" I just knew it was a boy. I was so secretly excited that it was another girl but more importantly she was healthy. Another true miracle! What a ride it has all been since.

Cheers Converse! You make us laugh everyday.
Happy Daddy Day!

Peace.
The "New Balance Girl"

Running Report: Foot healed, back to training on Monday. I have picked a race! yea!

Treadmill Anyone?

2010-06-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Wake up at sunrise.....check

Nike Girl and Weebok asleep still....check

Converse still at home....check

New running shoes on...check

Ipod blasting favorite tune...check

Garmin Forerunner set....check

Step outside ready to roll.....check

...uh...

Treadmill anyone?

Excuse Me...You Got a Little Something On Your....

2010-06-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

Me like brownie batter, A LOT!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Still cross training due to a foot injury. Should be healed soon, I hope. Until then, I need to stay away from all types of brownies smothered in homemade vanilla ice cream.

The 21st Century Male Cardinal

2010-06-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I was trimming up some bushes in the backyard. That is when I happened upon a bird nest nestled in the branches of a wild rose bush. The Mama Cardinal was sitting happily on her little birdies until I got too close. She flew away to a nearby branch and glared at me. I peeked from a distant at the three little birdies, ugly as could be, beaks turned upward, wanting food. So I backed away.

A few days later, I showed Weebok and Nike Girl my recent nature find. The baby birdies had grown bigger but still were ,well , quite homely. Kind of like the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and Elaine go to the Hamptons to visit friends and meet their new baby. "Is it me, or was that the ugliest baby you have ever seen?" ...."I couldn't look. It was like a Pekinese."......" Boy, a little too much chlorine in that gene pool." Poor baby birds.

A small thunderstorm blew through the other night. So yesterday, The girls and I went to check on the birdies.The rose petals had fallen on the ground and unfortunately there on the ground laid two little birdies. Nike Girl shed tears. Then we heard a little chirp. And this is what we saw....
One birdie had survived the storm! As we started jumping up and down with joy screaming, the birdie fell off of its nest! Uh... Houston we have a problem! The Mama Cardinal came flying in screeching at us and landed next to her baby to make sure all was ok. Step away from the bird! What do I do? Nike Girl is screaming do something Mommy.....Do I pick it up? Do I let nature take its course? The neighbor's big scary looking cat likes our yard. I can't take the pressure!
Then in absolute amazement, we witnessed the Mama Cardinal AND the Daddy Cardinal begin to teach the baby how to fly! They both chirped and took tiny little flights around the bird. The baby bird would hop and try to fly then crash. This happened several times in a row. Just like a toddler walking between her parents. The only thing missing were camcorders. Finally the little bird was able to fly up to a nearby branch of a lilac bush and sit there looking so proud. The parents stayed by its side the entire time! Amazing!
We proceeded to have a celebration service for the other birdies as I buried them under the rose bush. Nike Girl said a few words that went something like, " We did not know you , oh little birdies, but we wanted to. But really we didn't have a lot in common. The neighbors cat might have gotten you anyway. God loves you.Amen."
A few hours later I went out to check on the birdie in the lilac bush by the garden. It was on a higher branch with mom and dad still looking over it. Today the entire family was gone. It earned its wings! I hope.....
So kudos to this little Cardinal family with a 21st century dad! Helping out 50/50. Who would have known that nature had evolved through the generations, too! I imagine when the Cardinal family made it home, they put the birdie to bed, the Mama Cardinal finished dishes and made lunches for tomorrow while the 21st Century Cardinal Dad sat on his branch and peered into our living room window just in time for our 21st Century dad to turn on Sports Center to get the baseball highlights. There is no place like home.

Peace.
The New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Lots of cross-training this week. Lots of reading articles on increasing your speed over the distance. Lots of fun outside with bubbles, sidewalk chalk and learning to dance. Weebok has found her moves!

Coming of Age

2010-05-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

Nike Girl has been talking about getting her ears pierced for at least two years. Converse and I always told her when she was older and could make an informed decision maybe she could get them pierced. I am sure at age 4, she didn't understand that rationale.She kept asking and asking and asking. One day I let my guard down. I was tired of her wearing these clip on earrings that looked like she was modeling on a QVC segment. So I told her that when she turned 7 she could get her ears pierced. 7 certainly isn't a magical number but that particular day I was worn down from the persistent asking and just blurted it out. Silence, ah....the answer brought a closure to her asking. I know probably not the best parenting, but I was in survival mode. Besides I thought...she won't remember this conversation anyways.
Yeah, eat my words. Nike Girl turned 7 and today I found myself in her friend's mini van jamming out to iCarly theme song, on the way to the mall. Nike Girl and her BFF were getting their ears pierced. Excitement certainly filled the air. Our little girls were taking one step toward coming of age.
Things have changed since the days we use to pierce our ears. Today I had to sign a very detailed two page form that, to sum it up, simply said that they were not responsible for your child's ears falling off. Once I signed on the dotted line, Nike Girl climbed into the chair with a look of excitement and fright. The nice young clerk that was going to pierce her ears handed Nike Girl a cute little teddy bear to hold. Oh how sweet. As I looked closer, I realized the teddy bear had multiple piercings and hardware attached all over its body. I think it even had a tattoo. Interesting. Even teddy bears have changed.
Nike Girl then had to choose her earrings of choice to be worn for 6 weeks. Her eyes lit up. I knew at that moment she had locked her eyes on the 5 Carot cubic zirconia jewels. They were screaming put me in your ears. I was screaming please let her choose something a little more dainty, something that wouldn't stretch her ear lobes. I have seen in magazines painful looking pictures of people in villages in faraway lands wearing circular disc in their ears. Big earrings can do some damage. She looked some more. I was prepared to guide her to something a little more age appropriate. But within seconds she found the cute little pink flower earrings.Now it was time to get this done.
I held her hand while her BFF held the other. The countdown began and Ouch! Nike Girls's ears were pierced. She tried to not cry but the tears came down her face. I hugged her. She looked in the mirror and the tears stopped. "Wow, I love them! I look at least 25." Oh dear, she is growing up fast enough. I said , " No, I think you look like an amazing 7 year old with beautiful earrings." We left the mall, with a big smile and little earrings. Another first. So fun to watch her coming of age. Please remind me of that in a few years!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Ran 9 today. Lots of runners on the trail. That is always motivating. We love the fact that summer has begun unofficially. Swimming season is upon us! Worked in the yard and garden, visited with family, finished some house projects, ate BBQ and lots of popsicles. Don't you just love all the produce this time of year. I found some new veggie recipes to try. Enjoy your day!

The Park School Roadrunner Club

2010-05-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was groovy! The last several years I have been getting together with four of my closest friends. Three of us met in kindergarten and the fourth moved to town in first grade. She quickly fit in and became an official Park School Roadrunner. Who would have known that back in the mid 70's when we met that it would be the beginning of an amazing adventure in a one stoplight town trying to grow up and figure out how to leave the very thing we now all fondly remember.
We have experienced a lot together. Early on I had some sort of social skill challenge. We all remember me sitting on the metal merry-go-round flipping a twig (at everyone who got near me) soaked in sewer water that was being discharged from a pipe that ran through the school yard (hello people, this can't be good!). I blame my social awkwardness on not having preschool. Then there was the time we watched in horror as one of our classmates swang upside down on the jungle gym that was set into concrete and lost her grip. She lived to tell about it and never even swallowed her gum, but none of us dared repeat that trick. Then there was our 5th grade teacher who also happened to be the principal who ate an entire fudgsicle with his front teeth and never cringed. Only later did we realize they were dentures.
In junior high we learned about make-up, spent nights calling in love request to a local DJ radio show, (which the station was actually a camper by a big antennae in the middle of a wheat field) and how to use a curling iron. Farrah Fawcett feathered hair rocked especially with an Izod shirt. We loved certain teachers and dreaded others especially one of our 6th grade teachers who wore a scowl on her face all day long. She happened to walk by my desk with white pants on when I had taken the lid off my purple marker and I got some sort of hand twitch and left a mark all the way around her bum. Or the English teacher who was on crutches with a broken foot but miraculously got up from her desk and walked across the room to sharpen her pencil without crutches and not even a limp.
Then there was high school and parachute pants and untied sneakers which landed me with a broken leg as I tripped on my shoelaces and fell down a flight of stairs chasing a boy my freshman year. A teacher asked a group of football upperclassmen to carry me to the office, I didn't want them to know how heavy I was so I walked on a broken leg. The truth or dares...daring one friend to jump up in the middle of class and yell Toyota when the teacher left the room. I did it , then she did it and got caught. Three of us played basketball the fourth played trumpet. We survived prom and homecoming dances with really, really big hair, and really ugly dresses. Then we graduated.
Our paths each took different directions. We all went off to college and met new groups of friends but always stayed in touch. We managed to go on spring break one year with another good friend from the same town and continue to laugh each year at the memories that week brought...another blog of its own. Then we each graduated college , landed real jobs, moved across the country several times, went to each others weddings, had kids and dogs, and finally decided to have a girls weekend.
So last weekend marked our 6th year of the get together. We shopped, and ate, and laughed, and ate some more, and laughed so hard we cried. A group of friends that no matter what you are going through you can be yourself. Another blessing. I use to not understand why I lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I am so glad now I grew up in that small town. Even though to this day I don't understand the two traffic lights now installed. So here's to the gang! The Park School Roadrunner Club. Cheers!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Ran 4 miles each day and did speed work on Wed. I use the word speed workout loosely. I am 40 and running 800's. I felt like I was flying but the Garmin said not so fast. I will get there or pull something major tryin'. Hope to run long this weekend. Enjoy your weekend!

Da' Belly

2010-05-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Weebok never sucks her thumb unless she has food on her fingers. She looks at a pacifier like "What am I suppose to do with this thing?" and throws it on the ground. I have tried to offer her the same blankie she laid on as a newborn to snuggle up with at naptime. No luck. I have tried encouraging her to hold Polly the Pony when she goes to sleep but she throws that over the edge of the crib, too. What can we possibly offer her to snuggle with and love at night- night time?

The search is over! Weebok has the answer. It is called "Da'Belly". She love, love, loves her belly button! When she is deep in concentration or tired she finds her belly button every single time. At first we thought how cute, then we thought this is really becoming a habit, to the present where we realize there is no stopping her now.

When you think about it, it really has quite a few benefits. For instance, it can get quite dirty but quickly wiped clean, it cost nothing, it is always with her, she can't drop it on the floor or in the car while I am driving, it can't ever get lost. Da 'Belly is awesome! We should patent it!

Converse and I have really only thought about one potential problem. Imagine if you will, when she is 40, in her executive office with the door closed looking out of her high rise building over New York City, business suit and a hair bun, one hand on the phone screaming , " Tell them we needed it yesterday!" (hopefully she will say please.) while she is subconsciously finding her belly button. It could present some problems. Hopefully she will grow out of it. But for now, we just giggle as our sweet calm little toddler and her belly button. Enjoy it, Weebok, Da'Belly ain't so pretty to look at when you are 40.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Ran a little longer on Saturday. 7 miles. Finally found my Garmin charger so the Forerunner was good to go this time. The family rode bikes to keep me company. I just love that time together. We saw a beautiful Indigo Bunting bird that just sat on a branch by us singing when we took a water break. I think I had only seen one in a book. Ate cheesecake later in the day. Maybe that is why Da'Belly looks so poor at 40. But it sure was good!

A Physical Therapist's Daughter

2010-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

For two days now, Weebok and I have met Nike Girl for lunch at school. She gets to invite two friends to eat at the parent table. Yesterday she had two little guys join us, neither are in her class. One had a broken left arm with a yellow cast and one had a sling and white cast on his right arm. She asked them a million questions. Today she invited two new friends to lunch, neither in her current class. One had a walking cast with a sprained ankle and the other had a broken arm. Again, she was full of questions. It makes me wonder who will join us for lunch tomorrow. She helped each one with a broken arm open their milk and put the straws in. She even threw their trash away. I just hope she doesn't think it is totally cool and climbs a little higher up in the tree or zips a little too fast down her zipline. If she does, rest assured, Nike Girl already has crutches and an arm sling she saved up for and bought with her own allowance. What will this child grow up to be? For now I guess she is just a physical therapist's daughter.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Started speedwork today, Yasso's 800's. Hoping to improve my speed over the miles. My first ever running buddy just qualified for Boston! YAHOO! Weebok and I went for a jog this morning. Halfway through I realized the stroller had a flat tire. No wonder it was hurting so bad to push the blasted thing up hill. I thought it was from all the dessert I ate on the trip. We will just blame it on the tire.

Sun, Sand, and Surf

2010-05-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sisters

Sharing sunrises and sandcastles

Nike Girl turned 7! Before we left the beach she asked if we could please go to one more souvenir shop. I told her that she would have to use her own money. She looked at me and sighed, finally stating , "Well I was saving it for your senior living home but I am thinking I want one more t-shirt." Golly gee thanks! She left the shop with two hermit crabs, one for her and her sister, and a train whistle. Because as we all know when we think beach we think train whistle!

Like Mother like daughters!

Weebok will still share, Nike Girl not so much.
Love Weebok's face in the background. They make me smile.

Birthday breakfast at the beach.

The Family

The girls could hardly stand still for a photo.

   They wanted to get back to the sand and water!
   Actually I think they were looking for oil.
   Converse has trained his little environmentalists well.

Great Memories!

We were so glad Nana and Papa joined us!

Peace.

The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Ran on the beach each day. Awesome! Love, love , love sea level. Most of the time was spent playing, swimming, sunbathing, applying SPF 50, body surfing, biking and playing high priced putt putt. Oh, and of course eating!

I Ponder.....

2010-05-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I asked myself...how does one get the trash truck to pick up a trash can you no longer want? Week two and no luck with the trash truck taking our trashed trash can. I guess we will have to make a sign because stuffing it inside another trash can did not work.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: To qualify for Boston I will have to run 8:45 minute miles. That is a little faster than I thought to say the very least. This makes me ponder as I digest the mini chocolate donut, ok donutS.... I just consumed rather than an apple on the counter. What is my problem.
Nike Girl ran her first 1/2 mile charity race and got second! So cute! And she donated some money which makes a mama proud.

Lions and Tigers and Monk...eeks..Oh My!

2010-04-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

"Wake Up! " I rolled over. "Wake up Mommy!" I rolled over again as I must have been dreaming. " Can I get up?" Converse was still asleep. I glanced at the clock. 4:40am. I mumbled, "No one I know would wake up at this hour." Then I remembered....no one would be up this early except for Nike Girl on the day of her annual spring field trip. This year her class was headed for the zoo. I volunteered to help out. Nike Girl was ready to go before the sun could even come up. I was excited too, but I had no problem sleeping through my excitement. Nike Girl was not going back to bed so the day started. Just don't wake the baby quite yet!

Field trips are so exciting. Somehow a smashed sandwich in a baggie smothered in mustard rather than mayo (because all people know mayo will go bad) looks better when you are on a field trip. Let me digress for a moment....does mayo really go bad or is that an urban legend? Come to think of it our family doesn't even eat mayo it is Miracle Whip. What is Miracle Whip? It says it is a salad dressing but would you put Miracle Whip on a salad? I think not. Since I don't really know what Miracle Whip is and mayo reportedly goes bad in a hurry I always stick to mustard. So we packed our mustard sandwiches and water bottles. Lathered on sunscreen and headed out the door for an adventure.

As parent volunteers we were asked to follow the buses with our own cars. Smart thinking, no bumpy rides and no screaming. I turned up the tunes and followed along, and kept driving, singing out loud occasionally, planned supper for that night in my head, thought about life, kept driving.....thought about chocolate, thought about running, kept driving...wait the school bus I had been following was turning to go toward a suburb north of the city. Apply brakes, merge, exit, head back the other direction. I had been following the wrong school bus. So, that is embarassing. Justified it by saying they are all yellow.
Finally arrive at the zoo with my group of kiddos waiting along with another mom. Let the fun begin!

The girls in our group loved watching the sea lion show, most enjoyed feeding the lorikeets, and everyone enjoyed their "mustard" sandwiches we ate at 10:30 am. We ventured into all parts of the zoo looking at lions, tigers and of course monkeys. Lots of monkeys. The first group of monkeys in the refuge were quite friendly. They swung on the limbs and sat and looked at us. They chased each other around. One cute little fellow even sat on a limb and decided nature was calling. He just couldn't hold it any longer....another monkey, Curious George, started licking up the urine off the adjacent branch. Move right along girls. No need to take photos here, there are still lots of animals to see. Where are the turtles? Turtles seem to stay out of mischief.

Fast forward a couple hours. The girls were getting tired and decided to stop at yet another monkey exhibit in the cool shade. One little mama monkey came up to the glass and obviously had been nursing babies. Wow that poor mama looked tired. The girls became a little fixated asking lots of questions about the mama monkey. So the other mom was quick on her toes. "Oh girls look at the cute monkey in the tree....eee," she then shouted, "Oh my goodness!" All eyes darted to the boy monkey in the tree who was very well endowed and was swinging "the goods" in the air like a lasso. Quite impressive stupid pet trick. David Letterman would be proud. We both were actually in awe, seconds turned into minutes it seemed. Then one of the little girls yelled, "Oh my goodness, he is playing with his weiner" ....she has older brothers. Nike Girl was just staring eating a gummy worm with her head tilted to the right then the left. She took two steps back and said, " There is a lot to write about at the zoo." Great. The other mom and myself looked at each other and froze for a second. Fight or flight response actually. "Who wants to go to the gift shop?" When in need with girls, throw out the shopping trump card and it will work most everytime. So off we walked speechless as Cowboy Bill continued to impress the crowd that was gathering. I have never ever seen anything quite like that....EVER! and I grew up on a farm for crying out loud.

So there is our adventure, a field trip to remember. Now I am just waiting to get Nike Girl's April journal back. Lions and tigers and Monk...eeks....Oh my!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: Bought new shoes to train in. I went with a stability shoe vs. a cushioned shoe. I always buy a size up as your feet swell as you increase your distance. My feet must have grown when I was pregnant. I bought a size 11.5 and they fit. That is funny! This weekend we went on bike rides, played at the park (Weebok loves the slide now) and ran. The temperature was crisp in the morning. Perfect. So I ran 7 while Converse rode his bike along side me. Great time to spend together talking and enjoying all the things God has given us. Usually the girls are with us but Nan and Papa were in town visiting... so nice! It was one of those runs that you could have kept going forever. Plans this week include to start speed training on the treadmill and continue the Shred. I know I have said it before but the Shred with Jillian Michaels really makes a difference in core strength. Love it. Hope you enjoyed your weekend, too!

I Want Swimming Pool Hair

2010-04-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

When I was born the first thing the doctor said was "Wow! Look at all that coal black hair, there is tons of it." I am thankful it was only on my head and not on my back or arms. I have learned over the years that most babies lose the coal black hair and become pretty little blondes. But not me, I am one big dominant gene, an anomaly, who has fought this hair, that is neither curly or straight, for four decades now.

I use to joke with Converse and say someday if we ever have kids, the good Lord will know that we need boys. First we aren't exactly the most petite people on Earth , boys are more equipped to be linemen and second I can't fix my own hair let alone a little girls doo. Well, God has a sense of humor. Two little girls later, I have had to learn. But God knows just what you can handle as they do not have this mop. I seriously look like their nanny rather than their biological mom. They have beautiful straight brown locks and big blue eyes and so far hair that dries smooth without product and tools. They have great swimming pool hair.

As gals, you know what I am talking about...great swimming pool hair. Those girls you look at from afar who can twist their hair up in a cute little bun in back and even stick a pencil in it to hold it. One time Converse and I were on an airplane going to who knows where but it was humid and hot a recipe for hair disaster. One of "those girls" sat down in the seat in front of us. She did one of those subtle leans to the right and then the left, swiftly bent forward and sat back up with a perfect bun held together with an ink pen. Converse looked at me, grinned. The challenge was on. I flipped to my left and flipped to my right and bent forward, grabbed his pen and came up with a bun. That held together for 2 seconds, the pen fell on the floor rolled to the back and I was left with bigger hair than ever and no pen to do our Soduko puzzle. Don't challenge me bud!

One of my worst hair memories was in seventh grade. My mom took me to the "in place". Everyone seemed to rave about this place. Remember I grew up in small town America. Looking back there were several red flags.. it was in a converted garage by the railroad tracks in the country. I would sit in the chair and a train would blow by scaring the daylights out of me and the stylist. Not a perfect scenario with scissors. Another red flag, it was the early 80's, we were on the verge of the big hair revolution! Don't trust just anyone with your hair.

I wanted a perm, Teen magazine and Young Miss said it was hip and in style. So roll it up and perm it! Oh how I wish the sylist would of said, "Honey you already have that hair no need to perm." Three hours later I emerged with hair that was so kinky and frizzy, my mom even shed a few tears. My farmer dad who really didn't pay attention to hair exclaimed as I walked in the door. "What happened?" My mom called the stylist back and there were long pauses followed with the words ,"Well we will try it." I was hurried into the bathroom and sat on the toilet as my mom spread mayo on my hair. Feeling like a ham sandwich, I rinsed and towel dried. I was told do not use the hair dryer! Result... more frizz. I was an 80's poster child! Two days later after refusing to go to school we went to another stylist and got a summer doo in February that took 6 maybe 7 months to grow out.

So here I sit on the eve of requesting a loose curl perm to put some shape into my shapeless coarse hair before pool session begins. I do not have time to use hair product and flat iron this mop any longer. I am hoping for the best. All I want is swimming pool hair. I will let you know the result. I am a bit nervous.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report: The weather has been beautiful! We have gone on family bike rides, shot some hoops, and played outside every single day. It has been awesome. I have been running very consistently lately outside which feels good. Weebok sleeps so good in the jogging stroller. Nike Girl rides her bike along side, she wants to be in the stroller. Longest runs have been 7 miles. Slowly building back up. I am doing a half in June. I am narrowing down my marathon choices.

This is Supercell... Over and Out

2010-04-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thunder in the distance, lightning flashing while cumulonimbus clouds are gathering, I get excited! Oh how these are a few of my favorite things. Weather has always been a part of my life growing up in Tornado Alley. Being farmers, we were very in tune to the sky as it could make or break the kind of year you had. I was 6 when I experienced my first tornado. Rushed outside in the early morning hours to the cellar in my Strawberry Shortcake PJ's. We all filed down the little ladder one by one with my dad being the one to close the door. My mom tried to calm me as my older sister and brother kept talking about how cool it was going to be when we were sucked out of the cellar. I remember my dad kept peeking out of the cellar door to see what damage was being done. Each time he closed the door and crawled back down the ladder he gave a report. I remember how he had little pieces of gravel stuck in his forehead. That can't be good, seriously. When we finally came out of the cellar, I saw a double rainbow. The tornado took a grain bin and part of the roof of the house. We were lucky. From that moment on, I was hooked on weather.
Converse knew from the beginning of our courtship that I was a little obsessed with the weather. But it wasn't until later that I realized he had been tolerating my obsession all along. We were driving on an interstate in the southern part of the US. Converse was listening to sports radio while I was watching the clouds. Nike Girl was asleep in the back with the pug. The clouds built up slowly and then there it was in all its glory, a very distinct wall cloud forming before my eyes. I simply said, "Cool, oh totally cool, a funnel is about to drop out of that any second." I took Converse a little off guard. "What did you just say?" About that time a funnel dropped out of the cloud and touched ground south of the interstate. There was a debris cloud. I yelled, " Step on it, we've got cows!" Do you know how long I waited to say that phrase? Converse was eerily quiet as the Rodeo's RPM's were maxed out. I was smiling ear to ear dialing people on my cell phone to tell them the news. Then I glanced over and saw fear like no other in Converse's eyes, white knuckled and drivin' like a Nascar champ. We stayed ahead of it and it disappeared a couple minutes later. He kept mumbling, this is the end of the road, you are insane, and a few other things. Later, he confessed that he really does not find humor in my storm obsession and asked me to not talk to him about any of it. I apologized and realized how insensitive I was being.
So today I try so hard to keep it under control around the family. I still managed to go to storm spotter class with middle aged men wearing vests covered in patches proclaiming their ham radio handle names. They wore outfits similar to a boy scout vest and tube socks. Converse said that it is the same crowd that camps out over night to get tickets to the newest Star Trek movie. I think he is a secret wanna be. I like my peeps. My call name is Supercell. I call in storm reports from the comfort of my home. Oh how I want to be out in the action but I am a responsible mommy. I have a family safety plan ready with bicycle helmets and flashlights ready to head to the basement if a tornado siren goes off this spring. We are prepared. Inside, however, I am ready for some action. I long for the day Jim Cantore sets up shop on our street ready to report live. Weird I know. This farm girl raised in Tornado Alley just can't help herself. This is Supercell over and out.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl

Running Report:
Enjoyed my runs outside over Easter weekend to counterbalance all the chocolate bunnies I ate. I love spring runs in the morning. The fresh air, cool breeze. Nike Girl and Weebok played outside all weekend long! Laundry has been fun. Great Easter holiday. God is good!

Drive Your Chevy to the Levy!

2010-03-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Just Another Manic Monday

2010-03-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Alivia...I mean Rebecca....

2010-03-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!

Adirondacking- Not a Sport for the Weak

2010-03-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2010-03-11T23:02:00.000-08:00

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.

So Along Old Friend

2010-03-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

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!

We're Raptors Yo Yo We're Raptors

2010-02-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

Ever get stuck on a song and repeat it aimlessly and without direction while doing laundry, mopping the floor, driving to work, waiting in line at the grocery store, I could go on and on.......Well, you'd think I could at least get stuck on a song that had meaning. But no, no I am on day 4 of repeating "We're Raptors Yo Yo We're Raptors".
Nike Girl has a Spring Musical (I find the word spring a little misleading since tonight it is suppose to be 6 degrees people!) next week and will be performing a rap song about dinosaurs. She has one song and one line to memorize. She is going to be prepared ,well ,sort of.....she still has to look the part.
Why, oh why did I not pay attention in 8th grade Home Ec class? I mean I loved the cooking section because we got to eat. Food is simple, heat it up, cool it down, eat. But the sewing, that was out of my league. I found coordinating the gas pedal while it ate my fabric with a piercing needle only millimeters from my fingers, to be dangerous, very dangerous. But now I am regretting my cowardly avoidance. I have been asked by the music department to make Nike Girl a dinosaur tail and head. I am serious!
To make matters worse, Nike Girl is terrified of dinosaurs. She "hates" them and lets everyone know this fact. This all stemmed from her GeeGee and Grampy taking her to a 3D Imax theatre about dinosaurs when she was 4. Great learning experience right? She closed her eyes most of the time and would peek once in awhile until the T-Rex jumped out at the audience making everyone scream and then turned around and ...remember I can't possibly make this up......it turned around and poo'ed! And in 21st Century 3-D technology, the poo appeared to fly out and get all over the audience! We lost her at that point and to this day almost 3 years later she is finally getting over the flyin' poo.
So , yo, if anyone is out there following this blog please wish us luck. Break a leg. Don't sew your fingers together. Anyone have a used Barney suit from Halloween? Yo, Yo We're Raptors.....

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: It snowed , and is still flurring, and had minus zero wind chills. Ran 3 on Sat. in hopes of goin' long after church on Sunday. Also went ice skating at a new outdoor rink that was having a Kids Olympic Games. Fun Fun. Sunday I was goin' 6-8 on the treadmill. At 4 on Sunday I just couldn't go anymore. The squirrels weren't even in the trees playing. I was depressed. So I also did the Shred again while Weebok wanted a pony ride during the push-ups. That was added difficulty. Highlight of the weekend: Weebok told her big sissy "I Love You" and kissed her. She hasn't said it again. Priceless.

And Snowballs Fell from the Sky

2010-02-19T18:04:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. It snowed snowballs. It was beautiful huge wet clumps of snow perfect for a snowman. The pug didn't like it so much. She still doesn't get that she is a dog. Today Nike Girl started ice skating again after a little break and Weebok found sugar cookies to be delightful especially dipped in milk. Great weather to light the fireplace, make some Italian Hot Chocolate, pop some pocorn and snuggle up and have movie night.I have decided to embrace the remaining weeks of winter rather than fight it. Funny how a little change of mind set makes you see things so differently. Let the snowballs fall from the sky....8-12 inches forecasted this weekend.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Did the shred again today and took off running in hopes to go long this weekend. I can't wait!

Let Lent Begin....Got Milk?

2010-02-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

My husband grew up in an Episcopal church so Lent has and always will be a big event in his life. I grew up Southern Baptist not knowing exactly what Lent was about except that my best friend always stopped eating candy and had to bring her brown bag lunch to school and eat stinky fish on Friday. She smothered it in ketchup to choke it down. So my initial experiences with Lent were somewhat less than impressive.
Over the past 17 years I have grown to look forward to the season of Lent. We have meet in the middle over the years. We have lived in many, I mean many different states, since joining hands in marriage so each new part of the country we would try a new church, find new traditions, try to keep our personal relationships with God alive and growing. Our current church is a bible based Christain church that meets in a strip mall of sorts and has one rockin' band, lots of opportunities to serve, and a great children's program. We are really enjoying it. But Converse misses the traditional setting especially during this church season. And to be honest I do too.
So we as a family participate or reflect on how to make ourselves better during Lent. This year, Converse, decided to give up carbohydrates. He called me this morning to announce his plan. By mid afternoon he called again laughing and announced God definitely has a sense of humor. Two hours into his famine of no sugar, a delivery truck shows up at his make shift office at a semi-abandoned building at the edge of this small town. He has been working on a project there for months, which seems like years...(Oh I gave up complaining..oops). The delivery driver announces that the local Girl Scouts had ordered 1700 boxes of cookies for a fundraiser. Well, according to the delivery driver, the fundraiser had been postponed so the driver was instructed to drop off the cookies at the building my husband is working at right now. So there sits my carb-free husband surrounded by 1700 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! That my friend is very funny to me. Let Lent begin! Got Milk?

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Ran 4 miles today (on the treadmill again! ) and did Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred. Highly recommend. I ran each day this weekend which was so nice, once even outside, yeah! I am trying to pick a race and then will begin the mileage build-up. I was going to do a race in mid-March but I will not be ready. Bummer! I have been rehabbing a hamstring strain and fell down the stairs with Weebok last week.She was NOT hurt, Thank God! But the hamstring went ouch. It is better though. I could care less about the hamstring as long as she was ok.

I am 40...Hear me Roar!

2010-02-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I recently turned 40. It is getting easier to say. I am 40. I AM 40! Ok, a little easier to say. I woke up the morning of my birthday at 5:07 am to be exact to Nike Girl yelling HELP at at top of her lungs. The toilet was overflowing. So there I stood with a plunger as my dear husband whispers in my ear, "Happy Birthday, it can only get better from here." It was a good laugh. Then Weebok started crying from her room. Well, that little adventure quickly turned into the raging stomach flu for Nike Girl and Weebok , so the rest of the day was spent doing laundry. But I was needed and was loved ,so turning 40 was... I guess a little different than I expected but not all bad. God must have known I needed a distraction. Thank you God, I was distracted.

So now that I am 40 I am in the process of a "Decade To Do " list. The best part about making a list like this is that I have started reflecting on my past and realizing all that I have been blessed with.... it definitely puts a new perspective on my everyday existence. Maybe there is a purpose to encountering the same grumpy crosswalk guard every morning(or maybe not). I just feel like I am doing the same routine over and over again. Do you ever feel that way? I am not trying to complain as there is comfort in that, but I like adventure. My soul craves a challenge. So the "Decade to Do " list was born. It is almost complete! Maybe I will share.

So world this blog is a shout out to myself....I am 40...hear me roar! Oops baby crying ,gotta go. Kind of takes the wind out of the sails. God is Good!

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Cross trained today with weights and light cardio. Ab workouts bite!

The Legend of Mr. Blue

2010-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

It was the spring of Nike Girl's 3rd birthday. She was obsessed with owning her own pet. Something besides the family canine. An animal to call her very own. What about a hamster mommy? No. What about a rabbit mommy? Um, cute but no. What about a rat mommy? No No. What about a snake? Absolutely not. One day while skimming through a Martha Stewart Living magazine I saw the most awesome antique fish bowl with crystal clear water and green plants. A fish would be perfect. So I searched and found an antique bowl and filled it with natural stones and real plants. We ventured to the pet store and looked for the perfect fish. Within seconds Nike Girl found her first pet Mr. Blue.
Mr. Blue is a blue betta that is iridescent when the light hits him. He likes to hide behind the rocks, blow bubbles, and eat. The bowl sits behind our kitchen sink and gets lots of natural light. Nike Girl talks to him every morning for almost 4 years. Mr. Blue seems alive, happy and well....sort of....
Algae likes to grow on the bowl which requires monthly cleanings. No big deal , a simple task. Except that fateful Saturday evening last Feburary. Nana, my mom, had helped clean the fish bowl. Mr. Blue was so excited swimming under each rock enjoying the crystal clear water. A few hours later I was getting a drink and was going to say hello to Mr. Blue. Except I couldn't find him. Where was Mr. Blue? I turned the bowl from side to side, no luck. I called for my mom to look for Mr. Blue. We couldn't see him. So I simply said mom turn on the light. It was slow motion as she reached for the switch. Nooooooooo.......not that switch. The garbage disposal cranked as though it were full. The rest of the story you can fill in. Yep, so after the kids got to bed, the ol' Honda made a run to the supercenter in hopes of finding a replacement.
Next morning, there was Mr. Blue swimming in his new surroundings. Nike Girl looked at him and I was waiting. She simply said, " I think Mr. Blue has been exercising, he looks like he lost some weight." Right then the Legend of Mr. Blue was born.
Unfortunately, again this week Mr. Blue decided to dive into the big blue ocean in the sky after a slight chemical imbalance. However, the next morning, there he was like magic, swimming and hiding under his favorite rock. And again Nike Girl said , "Good Morning" and looked at him for a few seconds then off she went. Someday she will know the rest of the story about Mr. Blue's legend, until then thank goodness for supercenters! Oh by the way, we do seem to have more luck with canines.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: 4 miles on a snowy trail. Awesome! It was so quiet and peaceful. Then 2 miles on treadmill a little faster than on the trail. I was afraid of slipping. Maybe snow is not all bad.

No Sense Thursday

2010-02-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

Why am I able to talk to my husband who is shark fishing in the middle of the ocean 2000 miles away at 1am but drop calls when I am driving right past a cell phone tower this morning going to work? This makes no sense to me at all.

Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: Took today off in hopes to run long tomorrow. Probably a mistake because today I might have been able to run outside. Snow forecasted for 5 days straight.

Say it ain't so , Phil!

2010-02-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well the little bristle haired rodent saw his shadow. 6 more weeks of winter, please say it ain't so. I can't run on the treadmill one more day. I am getting ready to enter my mileage build-up. But besides that what about all the shuffling of coats and hats and gloves and boots in and out of the car, trying to keep the tile floor clean, indoor playgrounds full of germs and stinky little socks, icy driveways, the dog absolutely refusing to do her business in snow making me late to work, chapped lips, fly away hair, chili again tonight? Say it ain't so Phil!
Aw, but there is hope, the US National Climatic Data Center estimates Phil’s forecast is correct only about 40 percent of the time. Sounds like good odds in Vegas for Phil to be wrong. So maybe it ain't so.
Hope the sun is shining where you are today.

Happy Stinkin' Groundhog Day!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report: 4 miles treadmill Weebok played in her playpen and watched a movie. Seemed to work today. She misses the stroller jogs and so do I.

What shoes would describe your family members?

2010-01-31T20:16:00.000-08:00

Shoes seem to say a lot about people. Some people have a different pair for each color of the rainbow , some people wear the same pair until they no longer can keep their feet dry in a rainstorm, others dangerously live on the edge and wear high heels despite winter weather advisories, and still others prefer to go barefoot even when running.
I, myself, am a New Balance gal. I have a pair for running, a pair for walking and a pair for work and even church. I never really thought about it much but the name brand seems to fit my personality. I like a sense of cushion with stability in my life. I am always trying to find balance between motherhood, wifehood,  careerhood, and runninghood. Now that I have entered my 40's New Balance is definitely the shoe for me.
My husband, I shall refer to as perhaps Converse. We grew up in the era where wearing untied , how dangerous is that, hi-top Converse with rolled up jeans was totally cool. He and I have spent many years "conversing" about such things as what should we do when we finally grow up, why does our oldest daughter eat pencil erasers, why does our youngest daughter laugh like the cookie monster and growl while she eats, why is Converse still driving that old truck, why didn't we go on that Windjammer sailboat excursion? We converse a lot really about nothing. It is nice to run through this journey with a best friend even if we trip on untied shoe laces once in awhile.
The oldest daughter , Nike Girl, is so colorful and full of life. 100% genuine leather, you get what you see, and are not disappointed. She bounces on her Nike shock absorbers 24/7. She wants action and can not wait to rise at 6:30 am especially on weekends. She asks questions constantly like Mommy how old do I need to be to skydive? Daddy will you always have to be my boss? What is the point of doing math anyway?  What would happen if the sun stopped shining and on and on and on. I am fairly convinced she is smarter than I am already.
The youngest daughter, Weebok, is learning to walk and run and jump and climb. She will probably grow to be like a cross training shoe. She is laid back one moment soaking up the sun and then spinning in the middle of the floor the next. She is just beginning to see what life is about through her soulful blue eyes and trying to figure out her family. Good luck with that.
What shoes would your family be?
Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal

Running Report:  3 miles on treadmill watching squirrels play in the trees out back. That groundhog better not see his shadow!