I know I said there was no way I'd be able to run 46.5 miles in 22 days to round out my last minute "run 600 miles in 2008" goal, but I DID IT! And I still have 4 days (including today, because it IS morning still) left. :) A certain someone made a comment and a little challenge that it would only be about 2 miles a day, and well, when he put it that way it didn't seem so unobtainable. I posted my daily progress on my Facebook account until I'm sure everyone stopped looking at my page because they were tired of the countdown. Someone even asked me if I was doing some sort of marathon, in pieces. I'd like to train for a marathon, maybe when I finish my masters and have more time to train those longer distances.
I've been thinking about a New Year's Resolution a lot these past few weeks, and while I really want to make another goal to run 600 (or more!) miles in 2009, I'm afraid to set such a daunting task for myself. Who knows where 2009 will take me? I try to be religious about getting up early every morning to stretch and do my core workout so that my back will stay strong. It seems about once a year I throw my back out really good so I have to take off a month from any kind of exercise, and it makes me about nuts. I can't sit still for very long, and I need some kind of outlet for my pent up energy so I don't go stir-crazy! My legs are bouncing up and down right now as I type this. Anyway, my friend Jessica suggested breaking up the miles and concentrate on them month-by-month so it doesn't seem so huge. She has a great talent for putting life into perspective. 50 miles a month = 600 miles for the year. If I can stick to that (ish), then perhaps I can stay on track... (Yes, pun intended!)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Post-Chrismas Catch Up
Whew! Talk about a couple frenzied days, and once again I'm behind with my posting. Here are Sean and Ashton playing "Santa" passing out the presents at my parents' house on Christmas Eve. That's always been our tradition, to go to church and open presents the day before, then check our stockings in the morning. The boys did an awesome job reading the tags on the gifts- not something they could do last year! 
And my grandma, in full holiday spirit. :)
Let the frenzy begin! (Just kidding- it was actually very organized, everyone taking their turn. The boys were very good- super patient for 6-year-olds!)
A Leapster with a Wall-E cartridge- that was a great surprise! Thanks Grandma!
Next, it was Scott and Sara's turn- here's Sara modeling the new cold-weather running cap I got her. Which I went back and bought for myself after Christmas. Hee hee! I needed one too, I decided, that covered my ears properly, and that sported a nice pony-tail hole in the back. Ever do that? Find something really cool for someone else, and then end up getting it for yourself too? You know you have!
Scott and Sara are taking a trip to Patagonia in a couple weeks to celebrate her completion of her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Berkeley. Yeah, I know. Wow! Here is a link of to a clip of a video that was on the History Channel on which she was interviewed about her research on how things burn in outer space. If you've got a few minutes, watch it. It's fascinating. Yes, she actually works for a branch of NASA. We're so proud of her! :) Anywho, back to presents and Patagonia. Most of the stuff they got were for their trip, including ours. Here's Scott opening our gift- one of those multi-purpose scissor/knife/plier sets.
My mom and dad opening their presents:
And a two pictures taken by Ashton- I think I might need to get this kid a camera for his next birthday. My parents and grandma,
And Kevin, Me, and my brothers Scott and George.
Finally, one of all the "kids."
The next day dawned with snow, and a drive down to Gardnerville to spend the day with Kevin's parents and some fresh homemade tamales! Superb. Greatly enjoyed by all- and I should have taken a picture to post. Oops! Presents were a little more spread out in the morning- in fact, we did some migratory present opening. Presents in every room- talking on the video cam to Boston with Kevin's brother and family and opening presents in the bedroom, and in the dining room talking on the phone to aunts and uncles in L.A. It was great this way, making the Christmas spirit last all morning. Here are the boys opening their first gift:
And the watches we got them- they are learning to tell time, and the digital watches I got them at the Dollar Store lasted a whole day, but both of them insisted on carrying around the stub of a clock face in their pockets. The ones I found for them have hands, and the minutes (by 5's) around the outside rim. Plus they are water resistant and sport Velcro wristbands. They won't even know they're learning.
Think they like them? :)
Elf Ashton trying out his new hat:
And Kevin's parents opening the wine charms I made for them. We even got a chance to use them.
I love the surprise on Astrid's face. Makes it totally worth the time it took me to figure out how to make them.
I made Alice a flower necklace (which I had to take back home to fix- the thread came off the end link and I had to add a jump ring instead- think key chain). Yes, I was very crafty this year. Ha ha!
Me and my girl together:
And one last one of the man getting some opening time too~
Wow! That is a LOT of pictures! Enough to represent the fun and very special time we were lucky enough to share together as a family. Many tremendous thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts you gave us. Here's to a great New Year! (Sorry, had to end with a little sap there... :)
And my grandma, in full holiday spirit. :)
Let the frenzy begin! (Just kidding- it was actually very organized, everyone taking their turn. The boys were very good- super patient for 6-year-olds!)
A Leapster with a Wall-E cartridge- that was a great surprise! Thanks Grandma!
Next, it was Scott and Sara's turn- here's Sara modeling the new cold-weather running cap I got her. Which I went back and bought for myself after Christmas. Hee hee! I needed one too, I decided, that covered my ears properly, and that sported a nice pony-tail hole in the back. Ever do that? Find something really cool for someone else, and then end up getting it for yourself too? You know you have!
Scott and Sara are taking a trip to Patagonia in a couple weeks to celebrate her completion of her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Berkeley. Yeah, I know. Wow! Here is a link of to a clip of a video that was on the History Channel on which she was interviewed about her research on how things burn in outer space. If you've got a few minutes, watch it. It's fascinating. Yes, she actually works for a branch of NASA. We're so proud of her! :) Anywho, back to presents and Patagonia. Most of the stuff they got were for their trip, including ours. Here's Scott opening our gift- one of those multi-purpose scissor/knife/plier sets.
My mom and dad opening their presents:
And a two pictures taken by Ashton- I think I might need to get this kid a camera for his next birthday. My parents and grandma,
And Kevin, Me, and my brothers Scott and George.
Finally, one of all the "kids."
The next day dawned with snow, and a drive down to Gardnerville to spend the day with Kevin's parents and some fresh homemade tamales! Superb. Greatly enjoyed by all- and I should have taken a picture to post. Oops! Presents were a little more spread out in the morning- in fact, we did some migratory present opening. Presents in every room- talking on the video cam to Boston with Kevin's brother and family and opening presents in the bedroom, and in the dining room talking on the phone to aunts and uncles in L.A. It was great this way, making the Christmas spirit last all morning. Here are the boys opening their first gift:
And the watches we got them- they are learning to tell time, and the digital watches I got them at the Dollar Store lasted a whole day, but both of them insisted on carrying around the stub of a clock face in their pockets. The ones I found for them have hands, and the minutes (by 5's) around the outside rim. Plus they are water resistant and sport Velcro wristbands. They won't even know they're learning.
Think they like them? :)
Elf Ashton trying out his new hat:
And Kevin's parents opening the wine charms I made for them. We even got a chance to use them.
I love the surprise on Astrid's face. Makes it totally worth the time it took me to figure out how to make them.
I made Alice a flower necklace (which I had to take back home to fix- the thread came off the end link and I had to add a jump ring instead- think key chain). Yes, I was very crafty this year. Ha ha!
Me and my girl together:
And one last one of the man getting some opening time too~
Wow! That is a LOT of pictures! Enough to represent the fun and very special time we were lucky enough to share together as a family. Many tremendous thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts you gave us. Here's to a great New Year! (Sorry, had to end with a little sap there... :)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Pre-Christmas Catch-Up
Wow, I am behind with my blogging! I'll try not to make this too long. Backing up to Saturday: First off we went to cut our Christmas tree with Kev's parents up by the Mt. Rose Ski Resort. It was a beautiful crisp morning, and I would put up a picture of the sparkling snow, except it didn't quite turn out. So instead, here we are hiking out into the woods~
I put off my run on Saturday because my throat was a bit scratchy, but after the hike we got in, I don't feel guilty at all! Here are the boys taking a breather~
And Ashton peeking back at me~
"This one?" It was my pick, even though it looks a little small with the tall trees behind it, and bare at the bottom. But actually we were able to save a couple feet for firewood for camping, and made the perfect sized tree for our living room all trimmed down.
And the trek back to the truck, which included spotting a small grove of several awesome trees close to where we parked that we plowed right past in our excitement.
We set up the tree and headed out for an annual concert that Kevin and I play in every year: Tuba Christmas! It's free, and this year was held at the Wilbur May Center in Rancho San Rafael since Parklane now has a new owner. Now, I do not play tuba, but I did play euphonium in high school and in college, but other than that, this is the only time I get to play anymore. Kevin brought home a sousaphone and a Wilson euphonium for me for this special occasion. Here he is, being his usual self before the concert:
And a picture of me- sorry for the Holy glint off my horn. :)
Here is a pretty good one of Kevin playing too:
The concert went really well, and there were a TON of people there! There were probably three times more people in attendance than I've ever seen at any of the previous concerts I've participated in. And I'm estimating about 40-50 tuba and euphonium players as well!
After all that excitement, we went home and decorated the Christmas tree- Kevin set up the lights and the train and the boys did the decorating, with a little help from mommy with the high fragile pieces. Here is Sean~
And Ashton~
And the three of 'em settled in for the evening watching the train go 'round and 'round and 'round...
And Max watching warily from the corner as well- until the train derailed and she high-tailed it out of there! Ha ha!
I put off my run on Saturday because my throat was a bit scratchy, but after the hike we got in, I don't feel guilty at all! Here are the boys taking a breather~
And Ashton peeking back at me~
"This one?" It was my pick, even though it looks a little small with the tall trees behind it, and bare at the bottom. But actually we were able to save a couple feet for firewood for camping, and made the perfect sized tree for our living room all trimmed down.
And the trek back to the truck, which included spotting a small grove of several awesome trees close to where we parked that we plowed right past in our excitement.
We set up the tree and headed out for an annual concert that Kevin and I play in every year: Tuba Christmas! It's free, and this year was held at the Wilbur May Center in Rancho San Rafael since Parklane now has a new owner. Now, I do not play tuba, but I did play euphonium in high school and in college, but other than that, this is the only time I get to play anymore. Kevin brought home a sousaphone and a Wilson euphonium for me for this special occasion. Here he is, being his usual self before the concert:
And a picture of me- sorry for the Holy glint off my horn. :) 
Here is a pretty good one of Kevin playing too:
The concert went really well, and there were a TON of people there! There were probably three times more people in attendance than I've ever seen at any of the previous concerts I've participated in. And I'm estimating about 40-50 tuba and euphonium players as well!
After all that excitement, we went home and decorated the Christmas tree- Kevin set up the lights and the train and the boys did the decorating, with a little help from mommy with the high fragile pieces. Here is Sean~
And Ashton~
And the three of 'em settled in for the evening watching the train go 'round and 'round and 'round...
And Max watching warily from the corner as well- until the train derailed and she high-tailed it out of there! Ha ha!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Finger Trama (Warning: Graphic!)
This morning Ashton slammed his finger in the car door for the first time. 6 is not bad; I remember doing it much earlier in life, and still vividly remember the pain. He got his finger stuck on the inside of the door, on the side with the hinges- he had his right hand fingers clutching the frame while he closed with his left hand. He managed to open the door again, but then the blood started flowing. It was a nasty cut, one of the worst car door slams I've seen. Poor baby! I'm pretty sure he didn't do any bone damage, but he is going to lose that nail. Here's the shot I took this evening after a bath and a second bandage change because it hasn't quite stopped bleeding yet.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Runnin' Miles So Far This Year
I guess it's a running thing, to calculate the total miles you've run in a year. I've always kept track of how much I run (yes, the old fashioned way, with paper and pencil), but I've never done a total at the end of the year. But since it seems to be the trend with more serious runners- both to keep a total and make a yearly mileage goal, I pulled out my calculator and hopped on board. (With the tallying part, not exactly the mileage goal part.) I have two separate totals, and then one final total, because I count my walking distance separate from my running distance. This way I can include my hikes and warm up/down before and after my runs. I'd feel guilty if I tried to say I actually ran up and down Mt. Rose! So here they are, as of today, 12/08/08:
Running miles: 553.5
Walking miles: 48
Grand total: 601.5
This does not include all the biking and swimming distances I've accumulated in 2008, but they are far less anyway. I could try to set a running goal of 600 miles before the stroke of midnight on 12/31, but I know there's NO way I could run 46.5 miles in 22 days. I'll post a final total after the 31st, and possibly the total for previous years if I get around to totaling them up too...
Maybe it will be a new goal for me in 2009 to start keeping track online with my new Garmin ForeRunner 50. And perhaps I'll set a running goal of 600 miles as well.
Running miles: 553.5
Walking miles: 48
Grand total: 601.5
This does not include all the biking and swimming distances I've accumulated in 2008, but they are far less anyway. I could try to set a running goal of 600 miles before the stroke of midnight on 12/31, but I know there's NO way I could run 46.5 miles in 22 days. I'll post a final total after the 31st, and possibly the total for previous years if I get around to totaling them up too...
Maybe it will be a new goal for me in 2009 to start keeping track online with my new Garmin ForeRunner 50. And perhaps I'll set a running goal of 600 miles as well.
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