Over the weekend, Katie asked me out of the blue why there are no races for kids. I said that there are, you just have to find them, practice running that far, and then go to the race. My example was our local Pumpkin Run, which has the 5K option as well as the 1 mile family fun run. That certainly caught her interest, and she decided that she wanted to run one mile with me. Natalie chimed in that she wants to run one mile as well, and they collectively decided that Colin needed to sign up, too, so that our family does it together.
I have 4 registration forms -- we're going to run one mile together!!!
To help us prepare, we drove the car around our block to measure it with the odometer and discovered it is 0.4 miles. Late Sunday afternoon, Katie and I put on our shoes and went around the block. We jogged 1 minute, then walked 1 minute, repeat, until we made it all the way around. She didn't seem tired at all and told me that we need to run longer next time. So we will! It is hard to run during the week with dance classes and soccer practice, but we will find time to increase our running time, as well as our total distance, until we are ready to go one mile in just over a month from now. It'll be exciting!!!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
500
500 Posts.
I write so sporadically, it's amazing to me that I made it to that number!
To my reader(s)... thanks for sticking with me. You've read about the birth of my 2nd daughter, the loss of one uncle, two grandparents, and three co-workers. A half-marathon and a 15K, also a stress fracture that kept me sidelined in between. Personal highs and lows in potty training, work tasks, and life in general.
I write this to get the thoughts out of my head with the hopes that somewhere, somehow, someone will relate to me and know that we can go through these things together. I appreciate all of you listening!!!
I write so sporadically, it's amazing to me that I made it to that number!
To my reader(s)... thanks for sticking with me. You've read about the birth of my 2nd daughter, the loss of one uncle, two grandparents, and three co-workers. A half-marathon and a 15K, also a stress fracture that kept me sidelined in between. Personal highs and lows in potty training, work tasks, and life in general.
I write this to get the thoughts out of my head with the hopes that somewhere, somehow, someone will relate to me and know that we can go through these things together. I appreciate all of you listening!!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Work Updates
It's been another challenging week at work as we wrap up the fiscal year, but I got some great news this morning... I finally moved to the top of the waiting list and got one of the coveted parking spots outside our building! My co-worker Michelle giggled and asked who was so happy with me to get me bumped up like that. Apparently the "list" has a little leeway to it, but I'll take it. It sure beats parking in a municipal lot and hiking in every morning.
Then, after lunch, I got the word that I'll be one of the fire wardens for our floor starting October 1. Again, I was talking to Michelle when this happened, and she giggled and asked who was so upset with me to make me the fire warden. It's a job that no one wants, but in the event of an emergency, I'm one of 2 people responsible for clearing our floor. I groaned, but Michelle said I have a natural ability that lends itself to being a good fire warden. I asked what that is. Her reply?
"You're used to herding around people that don't always want to listen to you!"
Yes, I suppose being a mom will make me a good fire warden. :)
Then, after lunch, I got the word that I'll be one of the fire wardens for our floor starting October 1. Again, I was talking to Michelle when this happened, and she giggled and asked who was so upset with me to make me the fire warden. It's a job that no one wants, but in the event of an emergency, I'm one of 2 people responsible for clearing our floor. I groaned, but Michelle said I have a natural ability that lends itself to being a good fire warden. I asked what that is. Her reply?
"You're used to herding around people that don't always want to listen to you!"
Yes, I suppose being a mom will make me a good fire warden. :)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Birthday
Today was my birthday, and we had a fabulous day together as a family.
First, I got up and ran 4 miles before the sun came up. As it peeked over the horizon on my last mile, the colors were just so beautiful. I really knew it would be a great day.
We went to church and got groceries, then headed out for some Mexican for lunch.
I'd made sure we ate at a particular Moe's, because it's closest to The Cupcake Spot!!!
So you are probably thinking, tacos and cupcakes... can it get any better???
Natalie took a nap and Katie used the quiet time to play Barbies. I talked to my grandma and both my brothers. When the girls were up, we went out for our next great adventure: The Lion King in 3D!
Colin had never seen The Lion King. The girls had, but not the whole thing all at once. I loved this movie when it first came out, so I was super-excited to go see it all together. And in 3D! That was pretty awesome, especially on the panoramic shots. I felt like the birds were flying in from over my shoulder! We really enjoyed ourselves. We wrapped up the evening by having some fried chicken on the way home. My parents called as the girls were getting ready for bed, so I talked to them for a long time as Colin handled getting the girls to sleep.
It was a great day.
But I missed my Grandma Eileen a lot. She's been gone for almost 6 months now, and it just really hit me more so today than any other day. No frilly birthday card from her, with a little note in that spidery cursive writing that seems to wander from the lines as much as it wanders between topics. She hadn't called me on my birthday in years, but I sure would've loved to hear her voice. For church, the girls picked out a dress for me that I hadn't worn in a long time... I wore it to my brother's wedding. Grandma Eileen was very vocal about her dislike of that dress and its uneven hemline. Just putting it on made me think of her. At church, the opening hymn was "How Great Thou Art", which we sang at her funeral. I always sing with gusto at church, but I had a little extra-extra gusto, just for her. Fried chicken was good. Not as good as she would've fried up on the farm, but still tasty.
It was a great day, and I know that she is with me. :)
First, I got up and ran 4 miles before the sun came up. As it peeked over the horizon on my last mile, the colors were just so beautiful. I really knew it would be a great day.
We went to church and got groceries, then headed out for some Mexican for lunch.
I'd made sure we ate at a particular Moe's, because it's closest to The Cupcake Spot!!!
So you are probably thinking, tacos and cupcakes... can it get any better???
Natalie took a nap and Katie used the quiet time to play Barbies. I talked to my grandma and both my brothers. When the girls were up, we went out for our next great adventure: The Lion King in 3D!
Colin had never seen The Lion King. The girls had, but not the whole thing all at once. I loved this movie when it first came out, so I was super-excited to go see it all together. And in 3D! That was pretty awesome, especially on the panoramic shots. I felt like the birds were flying in from over my shoulder! We really enjoyed ourselves. We wrapped up the evening by having some fried chicken on the way home. My parents called as the girls were getting ready for bed, so I talked to them for a long time as Colin handled getting the girls to sleep.
It was a great day.
But I missed my Grandma Eileen a lot. She's been gone for almost 6 months now, and it just really hit me more so today than any other day. No frilly birthday card from her, with a little note in that spidery cursive writing that seems to wander from the lines as much as it wanders between topics. She hadn't called me on my birthday in years, but I sure would've loved to hear her voice. For church, the girls picked out a dress for me that I hadn't worn in a long time... I wore it to my brother's wedding. Grandma Eileen was very vocal about her dislike of that dress and its uneven hemline. Just putting it on made me think of her. At church, the opening hymn was "How Great Thou Art", which we sang at her funeral. I always sing with gusto at church, but I had a little extra-extra gusto, just for her. Fried chicken was good. Not as good as she would've fried up on the farm, but still tasty.
It was a great day, and I know that she is with me. :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Trust Me
We had my birthday party tonight!
It wasn't a big crowd, just us and my in-laws, but it was great. We had steaks, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob, all from the grill. Colin worked really hard to make a delicious meal for us. After I opened gifts, we had ice cream: chocolate, and then 2 from Ben & Jerry's, Late Night Snack and Peanut Butter Cup. I looooved Late Night Snack, and the only reason I bought it is because it has Jimmy Fallon on the carton. But it was delicious with its little chocolate-covered potato chips. Yum!
Back to the gifts, though. I got a lot of nice things, so I'll just give you pictures of my favorite two. Colin's parents got me a medal display rack that I was looking at for my race medals.
Colin got me a collection of shirts to replace my aging white I'm A Pepper one that I happened to be wearing today...
Can you believe I have 4 Dr. Pepper shirts now? The white one won't be with us much longer, but I'll still have 3, and that's pretty awesome.
And it's not even my real birthday yet, so there's still more celebrating to do! I'll fill you in on how it all goes. :)
It wasn't a big crowd, just us and my in-laws, but it was great. We had steaks, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob, all from the grill. Colin worked really hard to make a delicious meal for us. After I opened gifts, we had ice cream: chocolate, and then 2 from Ben & Jerry's, Late Night Snack and Peanut Butter Cup. I looooved Late Night Snack, and the only reason I bought it is because it has Jimmy Fallon on the carton. But it was delicious with its little chocolate-covered potato chips. Yum!
Back to the gifts, though. I got a lot of nice things, so I'll just give you pictures of my favorite two. Colin's parents got me a medal display rack that I was looking at for my race medals.
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| I Run This Town |
Colin got me a collection of shirts to replace my aging white I'm A Pepper one that I happened to be wearing today...
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| Trust Me, I'm a Dr! |
And it's not even my real birthday yet, so there's still more celebrating to do! I'll fill you in on how it all goes. :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Resolutions
I had a training class at work this afternoon called "The Principles and Qualities of Genuine Leadership". Most of it revolved around actively listening to focus on the problem, not the person, and strategies to encourage and motivate employees to tackle things they didn't think they had the confidence to do. When I returned to my desk afterward and started talking about the class with my supervisor, he said, only half jokingly,
"Did it teach you about being firm and direct?"
Well, no, it didn't, but his not-so-subtle point is well taken. That is something I'm having a hard time with in my new role as a supervisor. I only have 3 direct reports. They all range from 15 to 25+ years older than me. I sometimes have a hard time being firm with someone my parents' age that I really think should know certain things without me having to tell them. I'm going to have to start bringing Mom Megan along to work.
Mom Megan and Work Megan are a little different from each other. At home, I can be quite a taskmaster, easily frustrated when my repeated instructions are not followed, annoyance increasing with each additional time I have to say, "Put On Your Shoes!" (or other command) without seeing results. I'm sure you other moms know what I mean.
But at home, I'm dealing with little people that have a hard time staying focused, especially if toys are around, books are open, or TV is on. Mom Megan doesn't really like that I have to stay on them like that, but I will if it gets the job done.
Work Megan thinks that older people should be able to focus better, to be able to get things done without repeated instructions. Over the last year, I have found that that isn't the case with some people. Some adults are just as bad as little kids. They need constant reminders. They need someone to be firm and direct, and that has not been me. Work Megan doesn't always like to take time away from what she's doing to focus on the problems that other people are causing. They obviously are not solving themselves, though. I think I'm afraid that if I bring a little of Mom Megan to work, my team members will not like her and will be even less cooperative than they sometimes are.
But it's becoming obvious that I'll need to change something if I want my team members to change their ways. And with my birthday coming up, I think it's time I make a new year resolution for myself. I resolve to be more direct when approaching employees about a problem situation. I resolve to be more firm when I speak with employees, and to document, document, document. They may not like it, so I hope that I am able to find a good balance between Mom Megan and Work Megan that has a positive effect on my employees' performance.
"Did it teach you about being firm and direct?"
Well, no, it didn't, but his not-so-subtle point is well taken. That is something I'm having a hard time with in my new role as a supervisor. I only have 3 direct reports. They all range from 15 to 25+ years older than me. I sometimes have a hard time being firm with someone my parents' age that I really think should know certain things without me having to tell them. I'm going to have to start bringing Mom Megan along to work.
Mom Megan and Work Megan are a little different from each other. At home, I can be quite a taskmaster, easily frustrated when my repeated instructions are not followed, annoyance increasing with each additional time I have to say, "Put On Your Shoes!" (or other command) without seeing results. I'm sure you other moms know what I mean.
But at home, I'm dealing with little people that have a hard time staying focused, especially if toys are around, books are open, or TV is on. Mom Megan doesn't really like that I have to stay on them like that, but I will if it gets the job done.
Work Megan thinks that older people should be able to focus better, to be able to get things done without repeated instructions. Over the last year, I have found that that isn't the case with some people. Some adults are just as bad as little kids. They need constant reminders. They need someone to be firm and direct, and that has not been me. Work Megan doesn't always like to take time away from what she's doing to focus on the problems that other people are causing. They obviously are not solving themselves, though. I think I'm afraid that if I bring a little of Mom Megan to work, my team members will not like her and will be even less cooperative than they sometimes are.
But it's becoming obvious that I'll need to change something if I want my team members to change their ways. And with my birthday coming up, I think it's time I make a new year resolution for myself. I resolve to be more direct when approaching employees about a problem situation. I resolve to be more firm when I speak with employees, and to document, document, document. They may not like it, so I hope that I am able to find a good balance between Mom Megan and Work Megan that has a positive effect on my employees' performance.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
New Camera
After the crummy pictures from the zoo trip, we decided to buy a new camera. We read some reviews online and decided to buy a Nikon Coolpix S9100. Our favorite features are:
- Burst! You can set it to take several pictures in quick succession, then keep the ones you want and delete the rest. Colin took several pictures of me working around the kitchen on burst, and reviewing them is like watching myself in a flip book. Cool!
- Smile detector! You can set the auto-timer for 2 seconds, 10 seconds, or when the subject smiles. I doubted it, but it works!
Friday, September 9, 2011
New Eye Doctor
I did it. I dumped my optometrist.
After last year's eye exam, I was so frustrated with that woman that I felt I needed to seek other options. With some asking around, I got several recommendations for the same practice. It's close to my house, has convenient hours, and has 3 well-qualified optometrists to choose from. So I went for it.
I had my annual exam right before Labor Day weekend and had a very positive experience. The office staff was friendly and helpful. The doctor was thorough, professional, and listened to my concerns. Since my right eye is in the middle between 2 different prescriptions, she let me try out the 2 different strengths for a week so I could decide for myself which one worked better in day-to-day operations. It is a monthly-wear contact, but a different brand than I previously used. So far, so good, though.
I had a follow-up appointment today, where we decided on the stronger of the 2 prescriptions for my right eye. I ordered my contacts, got the fit of my glasses adjusted, and was out of there. Everything was so pleasant, so easy... Just like it should be. I am glad I made the switch.
Colin will still be seeing the old eye doctor. He's never had a problem with her, and that's fine with me. But if he ever wants to switch, I know who I will recommend.
After last year's eye exam, I was so frustrated with that woman that I felt I needed to seek other options. With some asking around, I got several recommendations for the same practice. It's close to my house, has convenient hours, and has 3 well-qualified optometrists to choose from. So I went for it.
I had my annual exam right before Labor Day weekend and had a very positive experience. The office staff was friendly and helpful. The doctor was thorough, professional, and listened to my concerns. Since my right eye is in the middle between 2 different prescriptions, she let me try out the 2 different strengths for a week so I could decide for myself which one worked better in day-to-day operations. It is a monthly-wear contact, but a different brand than I previously used. So far, so good, though.
I had a follow-up appointment today, where we decided on the stronger of the 2 prescriptions for my right eye. I ordered my contacts, got the fit of my glasses adjusted, and was out of there. Everything was so pleasant, so easy... Just like it should be. I am glad I made the switch.
Colin will still be seeing the old eye doctor. He's never had a problem with her, and that's fine with me. But if he ever wants to switch, I know who I will recommend.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labor Day Wrap-Up
For our holiday, we started off with a trip to Lowry Park Zoo. I don't think Natalie had been there, so this was definitely a fun morning for us. There were a few sprinkles mid-morning, but overall, the weather was nice. My camera was having trouble focusing today (and I hope it's not pooping out on me!), so photos to share are limited.
We were so proud of Katie! She usually doesn't like touching animals or being near them, so this was a big moment... she rode the camel!
We missed giraffe feeding time, so Natalie was terribly disappointed. But we did enjoy seeing them, as well as elephants, zebras, rhinos, and all sorts of primates. Natalie and I also took a walk through the aviary, which Katie was happy to avoid.
We also spent time in the kids' area, playing, going on some rides, and seeing some of the smaller animals. I'm surprised Natalie passed up the opportunity to feed goats, but there's always next time. The girls rode the ponies, and Natalie went back for a ride on a llama!
It was a fun morning out. We didn't even get to some parts of the zoo, but we can do that another time. We had a late lunch at Sonic and came home to take a little nap.
The girls watched a movie this afternoon while I baked brownies. We had mini meatloaf for supper (recipe from Cookie Monster and the C is for Cooking book), and Katie was a great helper in putting the meal together. After dinner, we played Yahtzee as a family before it was time for the girls to get ready for bed.
A fun day! Now it's time to face a short week at work. :)
We were so proud of Katie! She usually doesn't like touching animals or being near them, so this was a big moment... she rode the camel!
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| Riding Wade the Camel |
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| All done! |
We also spent time in the kids' area, playing, going on some rides, and seeing some of the smaller animals. I'm surprised Natalie passed up the opportunity to feed goats, but there's always next time. The girls rode the ponies, and Natalie went back for a ride on a llama!
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| Pony rides |
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| Natalie and Admiral the Llama |
The girls watched a movie this afternoon while I baked brownies. We had mini meatloaf for supper (recipe from Cookie Monster and the C is for Cooking book), and Katie was a great helper in putting the meal together. After dinner, we played Yahtzee as a family before it was time for the girls to get ready for bed.
A fun day! Now it's time to face a short week at work. :)
Monday, September 5, 2011
See and Be Seen
I'm still enjoying my Sunday morning running, weather permitting, getting up at 6am to do so. Last week I got rained out, so this was the first Sunday for me to try my new toy, my head lamp!
I went 4 miles, and I will admit, I took it a bit slower, unsure of how this head lamp would work. It did great at filling in the gaps between streetlights. I was able to shut it off with about a half mile left as the sun was rising and I could see well enough. I'm not sure I'd want it as my only light source at about 1am, if I were to ever be out at that crazy hour, but it served its purpose well for running in a populated area. I wore it with a baseball cap, worried that it would be too heavy or bounce around a lot, so I wanted the bill of the cap to support it.
This morning I went out for 3 miles and decided to wear the lamp with no hat, just the Bondi band for my hair. I actually think this worked even better. It didn't slip or bounce around at all, and my head was way cooler. Also, I suspect that the lamp pushed into the embroidery on my hat, making a dent in my forehead on Sunday. I also fear the dent was there when I went to church 2+ hours later, and I'm thankful that people are kind enough to not say anything.
Head lamp gets 2 thumbs up from me! I'm glad I have this additional tool to allow me to run at other times of day that I might not have considered before.
I went 4 miles, and I will admit, I took it a bit slower, unsure of how this head lamp would work. It did great at filling in the gaps between streetlights. I was able to shut it off with about a half mile left as the sun was rising and I could see well enough. I'm not sure I'd want it as my only light source at about 1am, if I were to ever be out at that crazy hour, but it served its purpose well for running in a populated area. I wore it with a baseball cap, worried that it would be too heavy or bounce around a lot, so I wanted the bill of the cap to support it.
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| Fresh off my 4 miles |
Head lamp gets 2 thumbs up from me! I'm glad I have this additional tool to allow me to run at other times of day that I might not have considered before.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Peanuts and Crackerjacks
Or, a mouth full of gummy worms...
We celebrated our neighbor Gavin's 6th birthday with a Saturday night out at the baseball game. Lots of empty seats, which is too bad, because it was the last home game for our minor league team this season.
We had a GREAT time! Gavin loves baseball, so they had a patio party for his birthday. Back in the old days, I loved me a good White Sox patio party... This was almost as fun. We had plenty to eat, the girls got to bounce in a bounce house, there were cupcakes, and Gavin got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch (his mom has connections). True, we didn't make it ALL the way through the game because Natalie was getting tired and out of control, but we had a lot of fun. The weather was nice, the game was interesting, and the girls asked lots of good questions. My favorite was Natalie repeatedly asking, "Where's that guy going???" when the left fielder would pace around between pitches. :)
It was really their first baseball game, because it's hard to count Katie attending one when she was 3 months old. I think we'll go back next season! Tickets are cheaper than MLB and parking is easy, so this is definitely something we'll do again.
We celebrated our neighbor Gavin's 6th birthday with a Saturday night out at the baseball game. Lots of empty seats, which is too bad, because it was the last home game for our minor league team this season.
We had a GREAT time! Gavin loves baseball, so they had a patio party for his birthday. Back in the old days, I loved me a good White Sox patio party... This was almost as fun. We had plenty to eat, the girls got to bounce in a bounce house, there were cupcakes, and Gavin got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch (his mom has connections). True, we didn't make it ALL the way through the game because Natalie was getting tired and out of control, but we had a lot of fun. The weather was nice, the game was interesting, and the girls asked lots of good questions. My favorite was Natalie repeatedly asking, "Where's that guy going???" when the left fielder would pace around between pitches. :)
It was really their first baseball game, because it's hard to count Katie attending one when she was 3 months old. I think we'll go back next season! Tickets are cheaper than MLB and parking is easy, so this is definitely something we'll do again.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Welcome, New Little One
Congratulations to Becci, Abe, and Magnus, who welcomed baby Marit to their family this afternoon. At 4 lb 5 oz and 18" long, she's small but mighty. A few weeks early, but doing very well. I'm so thrilled for the new family, and I can't wait to see pictures of my cousin's beautiful new daughter!!!
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