Best Mail EVER

After moaning and complainning on facebook about my utter lack of ability to win anything durning the roll up the rim campain guess what comes in the mail today....

 Sure it is not a car, but has even more love. Thank YOU Angela Hins.

I don't have to do it again- ATB 2011

My goal for this race has always been a silver metal or sub 2:30 time..... and third times a charm! Honestly I really do not like it. The hard pavement, the crazy unknown of the weather, I find the course boring, having to pay $20 to park. etc etc. Anyways based on how cold the weather network was saying it was going to be I didn't even want to do it this year if not for the race/ hotel already paid for. I have been so cold this year, and so done dealing with it have never spent so much time on the treadmill.
Going out I was thinking 49, 49, 50 for 10k splits leaving a two minute buffer. Accounting for I would have make up a start line deficit along the way as well. However my mantra this week was you don't know how the day will feel until you get there, you don't how the race will feel until you start and you don't know the finish line will look like until you are there so be prepared. I magically ended up seeding myself well due to a back alley and was off and I wasn't feeling the joy. I just wasn't happy to be there. I was dressed ok. Threw away my sweatshirt at 3k, and held on to my hat and mitts from 5k to the finish. For some reason I thought I might get cold if I slowed down and I actually really liked the hat I was intending to throw away. Again back to the joy, I was feeling no pain so it was a real effort to be in the joy place so I worked on the stress place. I focused on how absolutely devastated I would be if I didn't meet on my goal and how Luke would be disappointed and think I didn't work hard enough. So basically I ran scared for 30k. Scared I would get to the finish line and they would be putting away the silver metals and I wouldn't get one.

Back to pacing. I have never looked at my garmin so much. My thoughts were just keep it under 5min/k and not faster than 4:30......but when I did look down and see faster times I just thought it was banked time. The only pain I felt was my hip flexors, and mental boredom from road racing. Only walked at the water station. Ran abeit slowly up the big hill, but managed to catch up with people I was running with quickly. Did a fair bit of random singing of two to three words. The last four k's I found to be challenging due to the stress of thinking they were putting away my silver metal. Focused on a skinny guys bum encased in back tights. ...even told him to speed up. He got a hug in the end. Sprinted the finish line shoot and got my silver metal..... and kissed the lady who gave it to me.... and now I do not have to do that race again....until next year when I am trying to convince my husband that 2 person really would be fun. He is not a runner.

Once at the finished and a permismile on my face, and having met up with my husband we headed back out so I could run the last 1k in with my friends who have to put up with me endlessly running loops around them.

2009-2:31:27
2010-2:37:04
2011- 2:25:20

Freedom

I  jumped right on the eat seasonally locally bandwagon. We belong to a summer and a winter CSA. I read labels religiously, go out of my way to buy the cheese produced in Tesswater, only buy butter from the local co-operative, meat cooked in this house is from one or two select farms, if there is Ontario fruit available there will purchasing of non local fruit. Hence we spend a small fortune on food. It is a priority in this house and so it is ok.... but....

At this time of year, the CSA is done. I am slightly burnt out from cooking, and we slack a bit. We generally have bananas in the house, I will buy items that are not in season, and come from lord knows where... and it is slightly freeing.

Back on the bandwagon in a month.

An Education

Yesterday Maya informed me that the president of Canada was Barack Obama.
Oh dear.

Definitely the programming on CBC radio is to blame.
Brainwashing session followed.

"Stephan Harper is the PRIME MINISTER of Canada." Let there not be an election before she memorizes this.

0315 Poetry

The dreaded hospital gown.

It is always in the way, too long, trailing in the pee.
Oh so Ugly.
Being sat upon, twisted around.
Is it not uncomfortable?
Never- even if I am dead put one on me.

Just for the record...

My name is Anne.

I really do not like being refereed to as hon, honey, girl, sweetie, or peach tree. Unless of course I am your .... and I think that role has been taken.

Could somebody please let everybody in my life know I do not like those terms of endearment.

Lesson

Today while shopping with Maya, she was informed of a very important lesson.
Sometimes when you try on clothes, they just don't look good.
She does not believe me.

Why I Love Luke reason #7476

The in sickness and in health part of our vows has definitely been well utilized. Lets face it Luke has had to do alot more of the caring for me than I caring for him.
He has nursed me:
- Through two pregnancies
- Two labours
- Two post pardom periods
- Surgery
- Post wisdom teeth out.
- Post many hard races where I could not move.
- I am a miserable sick person so even average colds, and gastros require extra special loving.

And Luke what does he get in return??? I was working nights the last time he got sick and wasn't even here to hold back his hair while he threw up. Oh and his vasectomy. Not that I am wishing he would get sick so we could even the score a little bit but I do feel bad. I was expressing my concerns to the man in question and he assures me that just as long as I continue to cook dinner every night it is all good. I say that's a good deal.

Cause I am sitting around all day...many blog posts.

This is a meal from last summer. I like taking pictures of what I eat sometimes.

I like this article on ultrarunning. I see many truths in it and simlarities between my my life. Although I am not as hardcore as the subject ...yet. I am wondering if I will be able to do my first 100miler in 2012?

Conversations in our house...

One
Maya....".......Mommy and Daddy are all about the roll of the rim.' For the record I am at 12 loses- 0 wins. The hot chocolate I got Maya was a loser too.

Two
Anne- You can tell me, are my thighs getting big?
Luke- No of course not.
Few minutes past
Luke: I just don't understand how a person who does so much has so much jiggly bits.
Violence erupts.

Todays Lesson... Genetics Suck

Bright and early this morning I got two wisdom teeth extracted and one root canal. Yes at my age. Should have gotten rid of the wisdom teeth durning the brief window I had coverage and to prove genetics suck I needed a root canal at my age. Thus I just had the most expensive hour of my life. Should have known it would have been that expensive based on the pourche in the parking lot.

I am very very frozen right now, so much so I can not swallow my drool and it is running down my chin. I am so frozen I can not close my mouth. I am so so frozen I can't talk. I am so frozen my ear and armpit are numb. I am soo frozen I can not actually swallow any pills yet.

But honestly the time in the chair was great. Bang get the freezing in, than bang pull them out. Fast. I was going to post a picture of the actually teeth... but I think it is too graphic. I am thinking of getting them framed so the kids will brush their teeth more. The dentist was even good at putting the needles in- which is a reason I have got fillings done without freezing in the past.

I was thinking Luke keeps going on about losing a part of my body. Well I lost two othedr 'things', and that wasn't that bad. Didn't take painkillers then.

So the next couple of days are all about painkillers, naps, movies, and no running.......perhaps a bike ride or two though.

Costumes

I think a costume would be really great to wear in a race... kinda like these, only maybe not Jesus.

Trauma Drama

An incident involving the swing set. Don't think anything is broken. Complete denial of pain.

ABCs

ABC

The Abc of me cause I saw it on a strangers blog that I stalk and cause I have not posted in a bit and cause we all want to more about Anne. ( There can be a collective gag now).

A-Age- 32... soon another depressing day is coming up.

B-Bed Size- Queen...my advice to couples buying their first mattress is just go for the king. Who knows who/what will end up in bed with you.

C- Chore you hate- Dishes. Firmly Luke's job.

D- Dogs- Mosty hate them. Did like a doggie named Popcorn and Brew.

E- Essential Start to your day- Oatmeal, berries, chia seeds, almonds, maple syrup.

F-Favorite Colour- Blue

G- Gold or Silver- Silver

H- Height- 5,4

I- Instruments you play- You really don't want me doing that.

J- Job Title- Registered Nurse

K- Kids- Two. One of each variety.

L- Live- Hanover ON.

M-Mothers name- Kathryn June

N-Nick Name- Annie- But only from persons older than me.

O- Overnight hospital stay- I guess when I was born.

P- Pet Peeve- Really is there anything that does not bug me?? I will offend every single person I know if I even start.

Q- Quote from a movie- Got me there.

R- Right or Left- Very right dormant. Might as well get rid of the left.

S- Siblings- One of each variety

T- Time you wake up- As late as possible. When Luke leaves in the morning then I have to.

U- Underwear- Victoria's Secret

V-Vegetables you dislike- Beets- but I will still eat them- I just don't like to cook with them. Or cold, but I like most food hot.

W- What make you late- My children fussing.

X-rays you have had done- Right arm, both ankles, tib/fib many many times.

Y-Yummy Food you make- Everything I make is yummy.

Z- Zoo animal of the most favorite- Giraffes.

Prayer tonight

During fmaily prayer time tonight Ever prayed that all the bad guys and pirates have a good day and Maya prayed for Mommy not to get so angry when it was time to clean up the house.
Just so you all know.

Happy Post

Luke told me I had to write a happy post.

What I am happy about these days....
-I got some new nuts and grains at Bulk Barn.
-I bet I will be running trails in less than 30 days.
-My month of working nights is almost over.
-Apparently the drain in the bathroom is unclogged.
-Luke says he has not been sneaking my chocolate milk.
-It is time for new road shoes.
-Mayas reading is coming along so well.
- I have some other top secert news that I am doing really well to keep in, I am nurturing it and dwelling on it just all to myself for a bit longer though so keep your pants on.

Pain= Grumpy

I hurt my shoulder being silly pulling the kids ( As in both of them) in the wagon really fast.

Can't have that.

Fun Anne going firmly back in the box.

Cold

It is winter and it is Canada and apparently I do not belong cause I am fricken cold all the time.
As evidenced by my wardrobe.

Other people can wear 3/4 length sleeves, and cotton, and skirts. Me.. I'm dressed in wool from November through to April. My clothing choices every day are made based on how cold I will be, and if my long johns can fit over those pants. Where wool is not practical I wear five layers and a hat. I am the nurse who wears a toque.

So cause it is winter and I'm depressed I thought I would engage with a little online retail therapy and realise I must be the only cold person out there. There all these thin flirty cute sweaters and a serious lack of turtlenecked bulkiness.

I really should learn to knit.

What I hate...

Opening a book from the library and having to endure second hand smoke.

Junie B Jones

Maya is mildy obsessed with Junie B Jones books. She can't quite read them herself- well maybe she can but she will not so she makes me. The books are first person kindergartner lingo. Problem is I have read so many of those silly things I am starting to think like a kindergartner.

Screwed

Well there goes that dream....
Knew I should have ran a fall marathon. Crap

Swim

For my valentines present Luke is giving me time during the day to do some workouts. Swim today, yoga tomorrow( don't ask).
Thus I was at noon hour swim at the Hanover pool. Definitely different crowd vs night swim. For one I was one of the fastest there. I also think I was one of the few still menstruating so perhaps not a big deal. During night swim most people are super aware of who you chose to be in a lane with, are conscious of your abilities, and generally let people pass.... yep not so much during noon swim. I mean I know I am a crap swimmer, more engine ability than skill but that was frustrating!

The lifeguards just need to be more controlling I think.

Mr Cool Guy

Valentines Day Sweetness

Blond Buddies

Story

Last night instead of calling Telehealth for medical advice an individual called the hospital for a situation. Part of my phone assessment including asking if they took any medications including herbs, vitamins, and birth control.

Opps.

Seems I was talking to a man.

Potential Races 2011

Heres hoping I get the time off and Luke lets me.

Feb 20 -Refridge Eighter
March 27- Around the Bay
April 2- Ouser Spring Warm up
April 9- 33km on my Birthday
April 30- Pick your Poison
May 15 -Mississauga Half Mary
May 28- Sulphur Springs
June 5- X-terra Duel
July 2 -Creemore Vertical
July 16- Limberlost
Aug 6- Dirty Girls
Aug 20- Iroquaia Trail Test
Aug 28 X-terra Tri
Sept 10 Haliburton
October 15 Vulture Bait

The Bible

Anne and I plan on reading the whole Bible this year. I started it with a couple of guys I meet with every week and Anne decided to follow suit.
Primarily we are going though The Message version, but I flip between that and I my study NIV  as it has notes and stuff to add context that the message doesn't have.

Hopefully we can keep it up over the year. The kids are also finding it interesting and ask us questions as we go though. We are only in Exodus right now, but i have learned a lot more than I though I would at this point.

I am also surprised at how readable the iPhone 4 is as a sort of e-book.

Ministry Council

So this fall I  joined the Ministry Council at my church. Its the same as a Board you would see in another company or church.. We discuss and decide on boring (and not so boring) business stuff, as well as other more interesting things like staffing and various projects, and membership, etc, etc.

I guess thing reason I am posting this (mostly for myself) is because I am really surprised at how much I am enjoying it. Its pretty much a committee and yet is a lot of fun, the people are good, and its feels good to have real influence over change in an amazing church.
We'll see how that goes over the years :)

Churchill

Its been almost exactly 10 years since any did her nursing placement in Churchill, Manitoba. She was there for 3.5 months and we somehow managed to talk on the phone most nights (I think I remember that anyway).
Yes she saw a polar bear, and she did make some good friends that she still keeps in touch with.
I found this pictures on the computer and though it would be an interesting post.
(posted by Luke)

Tooth Fairy

Maya finally lost another of her teeth yesterday. She seriously worked on that tooth from the time she got up, until when it came out at almost lunch time. She was rigging up all sort of contraptions around the house to try to yank it out, but in the end it just finally got loose enough that she just pulled it out with her fingers. She was very happy and proud that she was able to do it all by herself.

She is also not into putting it under her pillow. I guess if you take it to school, you get some special thing to put it into? In the mean time its in a clear plastic baggy so she can look at it. We will probably put something under her pillow or whatever anyway :) (posted by Luke)

Investment

This post isn't about Maya skating, it is about her skiing, I just don't have a faltering photo of her skiing.

We, meaning I have decided that we are not going to do the downhill ski sport with the kids as cross country skiing is simply more accessible. There are more places to ski locally and equipment is slightly cheaper. With Maya we have the co-ordination factor. As in she has none, so if we had started her downhill I'm sure she would be dead by now. But all that isn't the point of my post.

The point of my post is that being with Maya learning to ski is an investment in time. In the future I want to be able to spend all day skiing as a family, but that requires putting in the time now for harvesting in ten years.

She is trying her best, and she is making fabulous progress in skill and speed but regardless it is slow, slow, slow. She is skiing her little heart out wearing a t-shirt, coat and snow pants. My heart rate is below 60, I am wearing three layers on the bottom, five on top and I am freezing to death. I am getting anxious about making it back to the car before night fall and my fingers falling off from frost bite. Maya is just getting frustrated from the hills but being positive- despite not actually liking the forest. I am being super encouraging and making all sorts of bargains with her just so she will ski faster with out letting her know just how miserable I am. Part of the problem is that I totally over estimate what she can do vs what I do....and I am not even that fast!
That being said, to make the investment a little more enjoyable on both ends, I think she is getting a lesson from a complete stranger,

Saturday Morning Poetry

Want to sleep to nine

Mommy, mommy
Kicking, cold feet, talking

GO AWAY

I hate my children Saturday morning before eight.


Hows that for selfish and self centred?

Longing for Summer

SwimP3

You know all those amateur athletes who are sponsored and do gear reviews in return for free product, well I'm not one of those. Although would be certainly willing to start. Think I need better results but here's hoping there is a company out there looking for a tired shift worker who occasional goes running, biking and swimming while feeling guilty and selfish looking to make my life slightly better by giving me some gear and in return I will give them rave reviews here on the blog, facebook, and I would actually start tweeting instead of just stalking.

OK- enough of the 0220 rambles. My loving and adoring husband, he emotionally sponsors me so I got to give a shout out to him every once and awhile or he might revoke our deal, was tired of hearing me complain about how dreadful and boring swimming laps were so in my stocking at Christmas was a SwimP3 player.

The swimP3 player is a cute little device that hocks onto your goggles to provide tunes via bone conduction. Thus far I have been pleasantly surprised by how well it works. I have seen people in the past fiddling endlessly with earphones and knew I wanting none of that. It just works- and it can even be loud... and yet I are not tuned out of the world cause my ears are still there so I can still hear whats going on around me.... Although I admit it I have used it to ignore people a couple times.

And todays wrath of anger goes towards....

Snowmobilers...

Just skiing along, minding my own business, when snowmobile tracks come from the right thus destroying the wonderful groomed track. Groomed track at Glenelg. A cross country ski club. A ski club where members pay for groomed tracks. Are these idiots or what? Is it not obvious what with the no trespassing signs? Well maybe they can't read the no snowmobiling signs. Guess they are blind cause it is evident they could not make out the symbol no snowmobiling signs.
My guess is they are selfish people who think their several hundreds of kilometres is not enough and thus need to obliterate our 25kilometre trail.

Anger

I admit it, I like groomed trails. Today through knowing full well that I could be getting into a mess of a trail I went to Allan Park.
A happy surprise was , although not groomed it was evident that alot of skiers had been through breaking trail, which made for a somewhat happy ski. I should note I am post nights and I am not in a good mood.

Then out of no where in the middle of the trail snowshoe tracks appear, thus eliminating the track set. Anger is building. All I could think about was how evil and selfish those snowshoers were to destroy the track. As my anger is bubbling I can't help but notice now super fresh these tracks look, well 2km later I catch up with them. At first sight I scream "STOP". I skied my little heart out to get passed them, just saying how I was anxious to get back to the beautiful track set. Cause I knew if I shared how I actually thought then it could come to blows.

Was I selfish to think that it is nice to enjoy the track set, will I be criticised for sharing my feelings on my blog??

Off Road

I'm thinking of doing an off road duelthlon in June. The runs on trail should be super easy for me but it is the bike that causes some worries.....
The ride is 18km long. On the road that should take me around 39-40min. So I'm thinking on trail that would be one hour at least. And we also have the problem of a mountain bike... I don't have one. I can use Luke's- it is a little big and I don't have pedals for it, I could switch out my pedals Can you even use road pedals/shoes on MTN bikes, Or is there a whole other system? As well I don't have any actual Mtn biking skills, but it should be that hard, right?

I am going to play the rest of my races this week so I can get the time off work. Of course, with me.. races tend to be added.

1/66 Completed

Because Luke set the goal of reading the bible in a year and because I thought that I'm just as good as he his... and because I am too competitive for my own good, now I have the goal of reading the bible in a year.

I am now done Genesis the first book of 66 in the bible. The goal is to read four chapters a day. I admit I will skim all the genealogy and frankly I hate poetry soo there might be some skimming of the poetic books. I am reading the message version which is really readable.

So this here is my public decoration of this goal so I can be held accountable to strangers.

So tonight Ever was pretending to be me while he and Maya were playing house.
So Maya says, "Ever, you're at work now!"
Ever doesn't something with his hands and says "I'm fixing Windows"

I have no idea where he would get that from *sigh*
Although he didn't say which windows, I'll assume it was Vista.

Boots

I get it, boots carry in dirt and snow. So in our homes we take off our boots. In public buildings... nope don't think so. Why would I want to take off my boots are risk my feet getting cold and wet? Why would I want to stumble around where there is no practical sitting arrangement to do so? Thankfully it is accepted practice for kids to have indoor shoes at school. But at church? In the hospital? Nope not taking off my shoes, nor are my kids. That's disgusting I always say.

What I really do not understand is why people do it? It can't be comfortable. Why do they make their kids go without footwear and themselves keep their boots/shoes on?

That said, we have white carpet, get your boots/shoes off NOW.

Lazy

It took me an hour and half of sitting and surfing. It went so far that I had a cup- not glass of wine in my hand before I was able to gather up the energy to get on the treadmill for a sad 30minute run.

Either I'm slightly seasonally affective or I need some work on motivation.

I think a southern holiday would solve this.

Boots

Andrea broke it to me gently ".... You just are not made to wear tall boots."

She is right.

Devastation.

3 for 1

Went swimming tonight and as a result of the new arena I now have to walk a kilometre from my car to the change room. But thats not my point.
Apparently the weather is really bad tonight.. sorry didn't notice so the pool was closing at 9pm, giving lane swimmers from 8:30- 9pm to swim. I got in the pool and started swimming at 8:39. I have never focused so hard in my life. I actually got 700metres done. I think it is a miracle.
So cause they had it open for only half a hour you didn't have to pay, and they gave you a free pass, and a friend who has a membership gave me his. Productive evening I would say.

Resolutions....2010

In typical Anne fashion several are repeats....

• Drive less
• Surf the Internet less
• Spend more time at work doing work related reading/ note taking.
• Attend more concerts
• Clean and organize the basement
• Blog more
• Run 2011km in 2011
• Run with people more
• Volunteer at races
• Don't do races that I really don't feel the love for/ have done really well at before.
• Become a OAT Triathlon coach.

Totals

This is the first full calender year that I have kept track of the kilometres I have completed in workouts. Not included are family time bike rides, etc. Wish some of the totals were higher but this is what I get.

Swim: 76. 19km

Bike:1124km

Run: 1876.51

Ski: 58km

Copycat

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2010/12/27/alanis-morissette-baby-boy-christmas.html

Wrong Address

As I jumped right on the gmail bandwagon at the beginning of time i managed to get what is apparently a coveted address. Or at least the variations are common.
As a result I get a almost something daily that is intended for another 'Annelizabeth'. I even have had correspondence with AnneElizabeth about the issue.

Today I received the following

Dear tammy,

To start with I want to thank you for your confidence. As promised, I will prepare your Confidential Free and Urgent Reading. I agree to send you this In-Depth Study completely Free, within 48 hours at the latest. You can count on my help, tammy.

I send you my best wishes and full support. Your devoted friend.

Tara
Visionary Medium

Can't wait to get the next one from my devoted friend.

Good Vamprie Reading

For all those looking for another vampire read, rather enjoyed The Radleys by Matt Haig. The ending was a little too happy for a story involving vampires, but otherwise satisfactory.

Merry Christmas!

Family photo by person who we love who's name will go unsaid. Follows is our Christmas letter.

As a family, we traveled to Mishewah Family Camp. This past year sets the bar high for future years. Simply amazing swimming weather, lots of good eats, wonderful cabin stay, relaxing, and fabulous times with old and new friends alike. Join us next year?

Running continues to dominate Anne’s life. She completed her first marathon of 42.2k in 3:48, but she found she really didn’t really like the distance so completed her first ultra, 55.9k in six hours. Many other running and triathlon races took up many a weekend. A highlight being second at Haliburton 26k Trail race. She would have had first but she got a little distracted by the bear on the trail. Anne enjoyed being part of the Saugeen Triathlon Club’s Board of Directors this past year but in leading several learn to run clinics has found she has a heart for encouragement and will be a coach with the club next year. She continues to work as a registered nurse at the Chesley Hospital to fund races and running shoes. To occupy herself on the night shift sewing has become Anne’ s resting hobby. Maya’s closet benefits . Just to add another sport, Anne has started cross country skiing.

Luke continues to enjoy his computer consulting and repair business in Walkerton, which continues to gain businesses and home clients. His competitive side did not allow Anne all the glory, did some running this year and won a medal for a 24 minute 5K fun in Owen Sound, one of his main goals. Involvement at Hanover Missionary Church increased, with Luke accepting a seat the ministry council there, which acts as the board. It’s something new but also something he is really enjoying so far. Luke still maintains his interest in rally car racing and once again attended the Tall Pines Rally in Bancroft this year.

Maya baby girl isn't so much our baby girl anymore but an opinionated, expressive, seven year old. She continues to attend grade two french immersion at Dawnview Public School. All of a sudden one day, seemingly like magic she started reading both English and French. A whole new world has opened to her. Although she still loves being read too, her current favourite being the Junie B. Jones books. Mondays she has piano lessons; we only have to threaten her occasionally to practice. Surprisingly she prefers theory over actual playing. Mondays also mean ballet. A highlight of last year included participation in a festival where her class achieved 89% for their rendition of “baby elephant walk”. Tuesdays are Brownies. In typical Maya fashion has opted out of the regulation uniform and would rather wear the older brown dress uniform. Other highlights include new swimming levels and the ability to go down the slide at the Hanover pool. She accepted personal challenges of riding her bike from Walkerton to Hanover, and riding from Port Elgin to Southampton. Amazing what the promise of ice cream can do.

Everest continues to be our adventurous, thrill seeking three year old. No one is to big for Ever to tackle, no really, he will try and take you down. We are taking bets on how long it will be until he breaks a bone. There is simply nothing that boy is not interested in doing- especially if it means a drastic vertical jump. We have gotten quite good at calming strangers fears for his well being. To channel all this energy Ever completed the fall session in gymnastics. We are rather proud and relived Ever potty trained rather easily- right on the same schedule as Maya did. Frankly all he had to do was get sick of us forgetting to change his diaper. Ever was disappointed he didn’t grow enough to ride a tricycle this year- short genetics but consoled himself by playing endless games of trucks, motorcycles, and crashes. Anne and Ever get into frequent ‘discussions’ on the merits of bicycles vs cars. At age 38 months we think Ever is weaned from nursing.

Excuesses

I was going to go for a run tonight at 9am. I put a call out for company.. no takers.
Realised it was really cold, thought I would use the treadmill.
Treadmill has no Internet access as computer and laptop are at the church.

Think I will work on my wine drinking instead.

Corners of my life

To anybody who complains their mcmasion is too small.
This is my sewing room. It is also the dining room. The kids colour here, paint, and do play dough. The piano is just out of view.
Every time I do a project I move the sewing machine up from the bottom shelf where it is stored and move it back again when it is time to eat. Most of my supplies are kept in the cold dark basement bins. So if I want to work on more than one project at a time I keep them in bags and the scraps stay. To store them for ease of use I push the bags under the bookshelf. This picture was taken after I pulled everything out to look for a particular scrap. The ironing board is always ready. Of course I guess it is a good thing that I don't have a serger... where would I put it?

The rug is completely failing apart. Could really use a trip to ikea for a new one..it is eight years old and made of sisal so I think we have gotten our moneys worth.

Cross Country Sking

I am very pleased with my ski purchase thus far. I have been skiing at Sawmill, Allan park and Glenelg norctic. I liked glenelg so much I joined. I is a 30min drive but I think it is worth it and Hepworth has a cheaper day pass. As I downhill ski it is funny trying to do something that I would expect my downhills to do but the back country's just don't respond that way.

Had a lesson from Ang but I didn't really listen so I didn't snowplow so I fell eight times. Pulled a muscle in my leg, snow up my coat and down my coat... serious good fun.
Luke was asking if there is any races I can do. Perhaps this can be a non-competitive sport....but skate skiing looks really fun.

Justin Bieber

This morning at breakfast I pointed out a Justin Bieber doll in the flyer to Luke. His response:

"I don't know why he is soo popular, when I had helmet hair I was mocked and ridiculed."

I think Luke has unresolved issues.

I think the only tv show I am watching these days is The Biggest Loser. I wait until I have three epoisodes to watch and just fast forward through them. There is alot of repeated footage and product placement. Overall I am not going to pass judgement on whether loosing weight at the rate the contestants do is sustainable but I do find it inspiring,
One of the contestants recently said in the finale..

"Stop making excuses and change your life."
She went on to say that we sometimes need to do whatever it takes to reach our goals but our goals are important and there is nothing more important than our fitness. Or something like that, perhaps I am paraphrasing and adding it it to make my point. Take that woman at church who said I was a bad mother for taking the time to run.

Egg Nog Jog 2010

I must remember to double knot my shoes.
Repeat x10.

Wet wet day, tough footing mixed in with intense calf pain with some very fast/fun( 3:20)k's with Ron. Tied my shoes three times in the first two km. Stopped once to massage my calf.

So first in my age category was 52:14
I was third in 52:31
As first got a $50 gift card and as third got $20- not tying my shoes cost me $30. Hows that for a lesson!

And that's my Egg nog jog. Solid effort put forth considering my mileage went from 260k in October to 70k in November.

Sadly the tri club had only two people dressed in green as Ang and soon to be member Bodo thought skiing would be a more appropriate activity for a stormy day??????

Just a note..

If you are driving usually it is advisable to wipe off your car, in particular mirrors and rear windows, and if you happen to be drivng 50 in a 80 zone with 10 cars behind you, please just pull over as you really should just stay home.

I have not ran in 8 days.
I have skied once... and that is about it for my physical fitness.
I had a xray today as a first step to deal with my ankle pain.

I have a race on Sunday.....it isn't going to be pretty.

As seen in the Hanover Parade..

Maya Bellamy appearing on the Girl Guide float.

Four in the bed and the little one said..

Birthday Creativness

Birthday Outfit- I made her the skirt and the headband

For her adult party I made Maya Hostess cupcakes... complete with the filling. Baking note- remember to use icing sugar not granulated sugar. Or else you have to make it twice.

Birthday nightgown. Rather big..in fact I have to fix the hem as it has already been stepped on and ripped.

Birthday cake for her swimming slumber party. I followed the jello websites setting instructions and thus had to drag Ever out kicking and screaming to get more supplies to make it a second time. Second round the jello was set separately then scooped in. Under the jello was money. I thought Maya would LOVE it...wrong she started crying and grabbed at the playmobil mermaid and sea horse and ran them up to her room. The sand was icing covered with graham cracker crumbs. The cake wasn't so much for eating as for looking at, thus *gasp* it was made with a mix.

Seven

Maya is 7, entering the year of perfect and eating her birthday cereal Reese Peanut Butter sugar in a box.

She is wearing a PJ shirt I got in a bag of clothes that she mad me sew down to her size...she has lots of room to grow into it.