Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Would-be Wordless Wednesday!
It is supposed to be wordless, I know. But since I am posting on time and that hasn't happened in a while, well... I just had to say something. Nothing profound or all that funny, but, I am on time!
And to celebrate, I offer TWO photos from last weekend in Orlando. Perhaps tomorrow I can actually find a few minutes to tell you about it!
And to celebrate, I offer TWO photos from last weekend in Orlando. Perhaps tomorrow I can actually find a few minutes to tell you about it!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
And I Ran, I Ran So Far Awaaayy
I ran a half marathon last weekend. All 13.1 ridiculous miles. My first. Likely not my last. It's my sister-in-laws fault. She had signed up to walk it with some friends and caught me during my post Life's A Beach Triathlon (the Triathlon for Slackers) high.
The half marathon was in Charleston and they advertised shrimp and grits and beer at the end. How could I refuse the opportunity to be back in my city, see some family, and have a great excuse to eat food I love somewhat guilt free?
So I committed. The persuaded Jonathan to commit. And then, my brother committed. I must admit that looking at the 13.1 mile route on the map was daunting but we all began training.
Last Saturday was the big day. The Notorious MRA and ASA both had the flu and the forecast for the event was a sunny 37 degrees. But we persisted. And I bought some "cold gear" to run in.
On the drive up, MRA vomited all over Chik-fil-A and the forecast changed to include WIND! We decided if it rained we were throwing in the towel and sleeping in. We finally made it to South Carolina, dropped the boys off with my parents and were relieved to finally be in a car without incessant hacking coming from the back seat.
My runner friends all insisted that 37 degrees was PERFECT marathon weather but if you know me, I am a cold weather wimp. I turn mean and angry and I say things to people I love that are rude and ugly. I hate to be cold.
Long story short, I did it! We all did it. Chad clocked the winds at 19 mph around mile 10 which is about were my knee gave out (and my headphones died) but we finished. And we finished within our goals. Jonathan was super fast (although he doesn't think so) and my brother and I finished in stride, crossing the finish line together. Robin also finished with a great time.
I could not have crawled another mile.
My mother-in-law asked if I was going to get one of those 13.1 stickers for my car and all I could say was, "NO! I am more proud of 37*F. I'll take one of those stickers.
I loved finishing with my brother and hopefully we will all do it again next year and I learned that I can run in the cold but I can absolutely do without the wind.
And next year I need to add a little Flock of Seagulls (I Ran) to my play list.
And here are the stats so I don't forget them: Charleston Half Marathon Stats
The half marathon was in Charleston and they advertised shrimp and grits and beer at the end. How could I refuse the opportunity to be back in my city, see some family, and have a great excuse to eat food I love somewhat guilt free?
So I committed. The persuaded Jonathan to commit. And then, my brother committed. I must admit that looking at the 13.1 mile route on the map was daunting but we all began training.
Last Saturday was the big day. The Notorious MRA and ASA both had the flu and the forecast for the event was a sunny 37 degrees. But we persisted. And I bought some "cold gear" to run in.
On the drive up, MRA vomited all over Chik-fil-A and the forecast changed to include WIND! We decided if it rained we were throwing in the towel and sleeping in. We finally made it to South Carolina, dropped the boys off with my parents and were relieved to finally be in a car without incessant hacking coming from the back seat.
My runner friends all insisted that 37 degrees was PERFECT marathon weather but if you know me, I am a cold weather wimp. I turn mean and angry and I say things to people I love that are rude and ugly. I hate to be cold.
Long story short, I did it! We all did it. Chad clocked the winds at 19 mph around mile 10 which is about were my knee gave out (and my headphones died) but we finished. And we finished within our goals. Jonathan was super fast (although he doesn't think so) and my brother and I finished in stride, crossing the finish line together. Robin also finished with a great time.
I could not have crawled another mile.
My mother-in-law asked if I was going to get one of those 13.1 stickers for my car and all I could say was, "NO! I am more proud of 37*F. I'll take one of those stickers.
And next year I need to add a little Flock of Seagulls (I Ran) to my play list.
And here are the stats so I don't forget them: Charleston Half Marathon Stats
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
And Sometimes, There Is a Time to Look Down
A few weeks ago, I wrote about times in your parental life when you just have to look up. Well, conversely, as a parent, there are times when you also need to look down.
Case in point, the return from our vacation in Hilton Head. the drive went relatively smoothly. That is, until we got about an hour from home. It is at that point that the skies opened up and let loose such a volatile rain that I was scared to speak lest I brake Jonathan's concentration on the road.
Of course, this didn't stop MRA from speaking (ASA had FINALLY fallen asleep, I think). MRA jibber jabbered on and on peppering me with questions about rain. Finally, I told him that because the rain was so heavy, we needed to be quite so that Daddy could concentrate on driving. To which he asked, "Why does he have to concentrate on driving?"
The rest of the conversation went something like this:
Me: "Because the rain is making the roads slippery and its very hard to see and we don't want to have an accident."
MRA: "No, Mama. That's not right. Tell me again."
Me: "MRA, I just told you the rain is making the road wet and when its wet its slippery. The rain is also making it hard to see. We have to be quite so Daddy can drive."
MRA (Beginning to melt down): "No Mama, that's not it. You tell me! YOU TELL ME NOW!"
ME: "I don't know what to tell you. Ask Daddy, if you want."
MRA: "No Mama. Now I'm mad at YOU!"
Daddy: "Bud, Mama just told you the rain makes it hard to drive. Its wet and slippery and the car could slide off the road. We need to be quiet so that I can concentrate."
MRA: "That's not right eider DADDY! Now I'm mad at boat of you!"
The only think we could do was look at each other. And with our lips quivering up into a smile, we both broke out laughing. To which MRA yelled, "STOP LAUGHING AT ME!"
And that my friends, is precisely when it is time to look down. Shoulders shaking with our silent laughter and all.
Case in point, the return from our vacation in Hilton Head. the drive went relatively smoothly. That is, until we got about an hour from home. It is at that point that the skies opened up and let loose such a volatile rain that I was scared to speak lest I brake Jonathan's concentration on the road.
Of course, this didn't stop MRA from speaking (ASA had FINALLY fallen asleep, I think). MRA jibber jabbered on and on peppering me with questions about rain. Finally, I told him that because the rain was so heavy, we needed to be quite so that Daddy could concentrate on driving. To which he asked, "Why does he have to concentrate on driving?"
The rest of the conversation went something like this:
Me: "Because the rain is making the roads slippery and its very hard to see and we don't want to have an accident."
MRA: "No, Mama. That's not right. Tell me again."
Me: "MRA, I just told you the rain is making the road wet and when its wet its slippery. The rain is also making it hard to see. We have to be quite so Daddy can drive."
MRA (Beginning to melt down): "No Mama, that's not it. You tell me! YOU TELL ME NOW!"
ME: "I don't know what to tell you. Ask Daddy, if you want."
MRA: "No Mama. Now I'm mad at YOU!"
Daddy: "Bud, Mama just told you the rain makes it hard to drive. Its wet and slippery and the car could slide off the road. We need to be quiet so that I can concentrate."
MRA: "That's not right eider DADDY! Now I'm mad at boat of you!"
The only think we could do was look at each other. And with our lips quivering up into a smile, we both broke out laughing. To which MRA yelled, "STOP LAUGHING AT ME!"
And that my friends, is precisely when it is time to look down. Shoulders shaking with our silent laughter and all.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Worth Looking Up For
No one tells you that you likely won't remember your child's first step. I thought I would. Both times. And in reality, I don't remember either.
I do remember thinking that MRA would probably start walking while I was in Spain and my parents were watching him. And I think, think, he started walking right after I returned. I am sure I talked about in the letters I write to him. But his first step. The actual first step. I don't remember.
ASA, same thing.
Its funny the things you do remember, though. Or at least what I remember. The most vivid images I have of both MRA and ASA are sometimes doing the most regular things. Sometimes, it is merely their reaction to something that is what creates the strongest memory for me.
We just returned from a week long vacation in which the pool was a VERY important part of the trip and provided hours of entertainment, as it does for most children.
Now if you have been following this blog for a while, you are probably aware that MRA has been taking some form of swimming lesson since he was about 18 months old. The pool is not such a new thing for him. (ASA has had the same lessons, although he is not as fond of the water as MRA is.)
But, back to the Notorious MRA. His most recent swim teach introduced us to this thing called a swim jogger. It is apparently they only floatation device recommended by the Red Cross. You see, the swimmer must still engage their core and can use their arms and legs to practice their strokes, as opposed to the float-y wing things that go on your arms that keep a child afloat at the shoulder level.
We bought one from the teacher and brought it with us.
Back story: Jonathan and I decided we would alternate going to the gym in the mornings. This meant whoever was not at the gym, getting fit in peace and quiet, had both Notorious and Chubalicious in the pool... ALONE.
One of us, and I am not saying who, chose to put the swim jogger on MRA. He fought it at first. However, with in minutes, he realized he could swim. And swim some more. And then when he was a little tired, he could doggie paddle around instead of hanging off me. It was a break through moment for both if us.
I'm telling you, harps were playing and the Angels were literally singing in praise. This meant I only had to hold one baby in the pool.
MRA figured out, very quickly, how to maneuver. HE. WAS. A. SHARK. Within the hour, HE WAS UNSTOPPABLE. And he was having the time of his life.
Enter Daddy.
Jonathan comes strolling into the pool area post work out, spots our things and proceeds to take his shirt off. The three of us are about halfway across the pool.
I'm not sure I will ever forget what happened next.
MRA begins beaming... and screaming, "DADDY LOOK AT ME!, LOOK AT ME DADDY, DADDY LOOK!!!! DADDY LOOK!" And as most of us parents so frequently do, he continued with what he was doing, being so used to hearing "LOOK AT ME!". (I should add here, that if the situation was reversed, I would likely have done the same thing.)
MRA was frantically swimming towards the pool edge closest to Jonathan. I took off after him. I just kept thinking, "Look up. Please look up." I was willing my husband to look up to no avail. I thought, "Should I scream across the pool to get his attention. No, I can't do that. My voice won't carry enough for him to hear me and I will just annoy everyone within earshot."
MRA continued his yelling. Right about then, I got close enough to say, "Look at MRA. He's swimming by himself." And just as the words were coming out Jonathan looked up on his own and praised MRA. (In real time, this all went down in probably 30 seconds.)
The excitement that MRA felt to show off his newly found independence and the joy that spread across that child's face when his Daddy saw him and praised him will be forever burned into my mind.
Later, when the children had fallen asleep, Jonathan and I were talking about what happened. It was such a great reminder to stop and pay attention because that moment, was just that, a moment. We will never get it back. And it was so worth looking up for.
Happy Labor Day weekend, to all!
I do remember thinking that MRA would probably start walking while I was in Spain and my parents were watching him. And I think, think, he started walking right after I returned. I am sure I talked about in the letters I write to him. But his first step. The actual first step. I don't remember.
ASA, same thing.
Its funny the things you do remember, though. Or at least what I remember. The most vivid images I have of both MRA and ASA are sometimes doing the most regular things. Sometimes, it is merely their reaction to something that is what creates the strongest memory for me.
We just returned from a week long vacation in which the pool was a VERY important part of the trip and provided hours of entertainment, as it does for most children.
Now if you have been following this blog for a while, you are probably aware that MRA has been taking some form of swimming lesson since he was about 18 months old. The pool is not such a new thing for him. (ASA has had the same lessons, although he is not as fond of the water as MRA is.)
But, back to the Notorious MRA. His most recent swim teach introduced us to this thing called a swim jogger. It is apparently they only floatation device recommended by the Red Cross. You see, the swimmer must still engage their core and can use their arms and legs to practice their strokes, as opposed to the float-y wing things that go on your arms that keep a child afloat at the shoulder level.
We bought one from the teacher and brought it with us.
Back story: Jonathan and I decided we would alternate going to the gym in the mornings. This meant whoever was not at the gym, getting fit in peace and quiet, had both Notorious and Chubalicious in the pool... ALONE.
One of us, and I am not saying who, chose to put the swim jogger on MRA. He fought it at first. However, with in minutes, he realized he could swim. And swim some more. And then when he was a little tired, he could doggie paddle around instead of hanging off me. It was a break through moment for both if us.
I'm telling you, harps were playing and the Angels were literally singing in praise. This meant I only had to hold one baby in the pool.
MRA figured out, very quickly, how to maneuver. HE. WAS. A. SHARK. Within the hour, HE WAS UNSTOPPABLE. And he was having the time of his life.
Enter Daddy.
Jonathan comes strolling into the pool area post work out, spots our things and proceeds to take his shirt off. The three of us are about halfway across the pool.
I'm not sure I will ever forget what happened next.
MRA begins beaming... and screaming, "DADDY LOOK AT ME!, LOOK AT ME DADDY, DADDY LOOK!!!! DADDY LOOK!" And as most of us parents so frequently do, he continued with what he was doing, being so used to hearing "LOOK AT ME!". (I should add here, that if the situation was reversed, I would likely have done the same thing.)
MRA was frantically swimming towards the pool edge closest to Jonathan. I took off after him. I just kept thinking, "Look up. Please look up." I was willing my husband to look up to no avail. I thought, "Should I scream across the pool to get his attention. No, I can't do that. My voice won't carry enough for him to hear me and I will just annoy everyone within earshot."
MRA continued his yelling. Right about then, I got close enough to say, "Look at MRA. He's swimming by himself." And just as the words were coming out Jonathan looked up on his own and praised MRA. (In real time, this all went down in probably 30 seconds.)
The excitement that MRA felt to show off his newly found independence and the joy that spread across that child's face when his Daddy saw him and praised him will be forever burned into my mind.
Later, when the children had fallen asleep, Jonathan and I were talking about what happened. It was such a great reminder to stop and pay attention because that moment, was just that, a moment. We will never get it back. And it was so worth looking up for.
Happy Labor Day weekend, to all!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The one I cannot watch
I know that the older I get the more things seem to fall apart, on me, that is. I remember being a child and seeing my mother suffer with motion sickness. I just couldn't understand it and it was annoying.
Well, a few years ago, while driving around the hills of Tuscany (sounds romantic, doesn't it), I discovered just how annoying motion sickness can be. I was in the back seat and had to try and focus on a fixed point so I would not be sick.
Then, whilst pregnant, I discovered that the descent on an airplane made me horrible sick. Fortunately, that ended with each baby's arrival.
So I know, I cannot read in the car or sit in the back seat during mountain drives or use a micro-fiche machine too fast (thank goodness those are becoming obsolete) what I did not know was that I would not be able to watch videos of my children. This one in particular...
Well, a few years ago, while driving around the hills of Tuscany (sounds romantic, doesn't it), I discovered just how annoying motion sickness can be. I was in the back seat and had to try and focus on a fixed point so I would not be sick.
Then, whilst pregnant, I discovered that the descent on an airplane made me horrible sick. Fortunately, that ended with each baby's arrival.
So I know, I cannot read in the car or sit in the back seat during mountain drives or use a micro-fiche machine too fast (thank goodness those are becoming obsolete) what I did not know was that I would not be able to watch videos of my children. This one in particular...
21 seconds of pure nausea. But I hope Grandma and Grandpa enjoy it!
Friday, March 29, 2013
A National Airport and other such things
I was gone. To DC, well actually Northern Virginia, for several days. And Anderson came with me. It was a whirl wind of a trip and I regret that I did not get to see several friends or do some things I had wanted to - like more shopping. Although Jonathan is happy about the shopping part - the not shopping, actually.
I did get to see my great friend Christie. I miss her and love our conversations. Our babies played and napped and we talked and drank mimosas and I didn't want to leave.
I flew in and out of National. I know it is called Reagan Airport now, but having lived near there in the ye olde days, it is still National to me. And, quite honestly, no one has ever been confused by me calling it National Airport.
Dulles might be my favorite airport for architecture but National takes the prize for setting. Every. Time. I love looking out the window and seeing the D.C.'s grid. I like picking out monuments and memorable places. I have come in to land over the river which is both thrilling and frightening. I love taxi-ing down the runaway with a view of the Capital's dome and then seeing the rectilinear shape of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. I remember as a kid calling it the big pencil. I wonder what my children will call it.
And every time I leave, I want to go back. I never have enough time.
And for those of you who only want news of the Notorious variety, last night, after my shower, I was tucking MRA into bed. Here is how the conversation went down:
MRA: Mama, let me smell you.
Me: Leaning in so he can smell my shoulder.
Him: Hhhhhmmmmmm, you smell good, just the way I like it. I missed you.
I did get to see my great friend Christie. I miss her and love our conversations. Our babies played and napped and we talked and drank mimosas and I didn't want to leave.
I flew in and out of National. I know it is called Reagan Airport now, but having lived near there in the ye olde days, it is still National to me. And, quite honestly, no one has ever been confused by me calling it National Airport.
Dulles might be my favorite airport for architecture but National takes the prize for setting. Every. Time. I love looking out the window and seeing the D.C.'s grid. I like picking out monuments and memorable places. I have come in to land over the river which is both thrilling and frightening. I love taxi-ing down the runaway with a view of the Capital's dome and then seeing the rectilinear shape of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. I remember as a kid calling it the big pencil. I wonder what my children will call it.
And every time I leave, I want to go back. I never have enough time.
And for those of you who only want news of the Notorious variety, last night, after my shower, I was tucking MRA into bed. Here is how the conversation went down:
MRA: Mama, let me smell you.
Me: Leaning in so he can smell my shoulder.
Him: Hhhhhmmmmmm, you smell good, just the way I like it. I missed you.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Johnny Be Good
We've been gone. Away on Vacation. I have a lot of thoughts on this, but, not in this entry. This entry is all about some Chubalicious.
One of the things that I love about babies and small children is that they are not afraid of rhythm or music. They don't care whether they sing off tone or clap to the beat.
Babies seem to just feel music and let it move them instead of trying to move to the music. I think as we get older, we are more aware of rhythm and our lack of it. We seem to be a little more afraid to move to it (without some liquid courage anyways.)
I love watching my two boys enjoy music. I hope its something they will love all their lives.
One of the things that I love about babies and small children is that they are not afraid of rhythm or music. They don't care whether they sing off tone or clap to the beat.
Babies seem to just feel music and let it move them instead of trying to move to the music. I think as we get older, we are more aware of rhythm and our lack of it. We seem to be a little more afraid to move to it (without some liquid courage anyways.)
I love watching my two boys enjoy music. I hope its something they will love all their lives.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Peek A Boo
I love being in a hotel. But I imagine that for a child, hotels are even more magical. Everything is exciting to explore.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Haute Or Not
In just 12 short days I will be heading to PARIS. Yes, gay Pareeeee. Just me and my husband for an all adult all the time experience. We are both looking forward to the time away, some romance, some wine, some crusty bread and good cheese, oh and did I mention, the reservation we have at Le Jules Verne.
Here is the dilemna. While I have lost most of the baby weight, I haven't quite dropped enough to fit into my most fashionable clothes. Close but not close enough. I have 10 days yet to get there, and I might but I might not.
Seriously, I can only go without carbs for so long and I am already on day five.
So, you know how Paris is the city of light, the city for lovers, the city for fashion? And, everything is better in Paris - even cussing sounds good in French?
Well, here is the question. If I have to wear two spanx in Paris is it twice as haute?
Have a great weekend!
Here is the dilemna. While I have lost most of the baby weight, I haven't quite dropped enough to fit into my most fashionable clothes. Close but not close enough. I have 10 days yet to get there, and I might but I might not.
Seriously, I can only go without carbs for so long and I am already on day five.
So, you know how Paris is the city of light, the city for lovers, the city for fashion? And, everything is better in Paris - even cussing sounds good in French?
Well, here is the question. If I have to wear two spanx in Paris is it twice as haute?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
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