Leetra

May 16, 2013

I found the perfect post-run snack! Actually I made it… for my kids… then stole it… for myself. And the Mother of the Year trophy goes to… not me. My girls LOVE Popsicles, and I make them all the time for them.

Yummy (and Just a Little Messy)!

Well, this time they were just too good. I helped myself, and then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, I may or may not have hid the last one, so I can sneak it after my run. Too healthy, too creamy, too delicious… to not steal. With potassium from the banana and coconut and calcium from the yogurt as well as a little good fat and carbs, it is, in my unprofessional opinion, perfect to eat after a workout. And so easy to make. You only need three ingredients, and they are under 75 calories each… what more could you want? Don’t say you want mine because you can’t have it. It is well hidden. Don’t look under the frozen vegetables. It’s totally not there! Make your own!

Momsicles

One banana broken into quarters

One fat free vanilla Greek yogurt

About 1/3 cup coconut milk

Pulse in food processor or blender leaving some banana lumps and freeze into four pops. Steal from your children.

It’s so simple, it almost seems silly to call it a recipe. You can also throw in a handful of spinach to make them bright green, and call them Frog Princess Pops. Just blend it until it’s smooth before adding the banana. You don’t taste the spinach at all. In fact that is the only way Isla will eat the unmentionable green stuff. Also because of her hatred for spinach, I sneak it in ninja style. Ohhh maybe I should stop doing that. Then I’ll get them all for myself!

Today I am on a health food and clean eating kick. I also made peanut sauce marinated tofu.

Delicious!

It’s for me but the girls have already stolen several tastes, so I guess we’re even.

Aliana is also trying to eat healthier.

What foods do you sneak when your kids aren’t looking so you don’t have to share (you know you do it!)?

Do you like tofu?

The Lady Who Can’t Follow a Recipe

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A tribute to this lady:

I get to call her Mom.

Since Sunday was Mother’s Day, I’d like to honor my mom by talking about something practical. Why? Because my mom loves practical things. You could give her a vacuum cleaner for her birthday, and she would like it… not just pretend to like it, but actually like it (weird, I know)! We should also talk frugal. She is really into that too. She couponed before it ever became a verb, and way before there were TV shows like Extreme Couponing. As a child, I may not have always appreciated little sayings like “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” but I do now. My mom was green before green was cool. We reused and recycled everything. Does anyone else wash and reuse Ziplock bags?

So what’s more practical and frugal than leftovers? Um nothing! We had pot roast the other night, and leftover pot roast should be put to good use. I Googled leftover pot roast ideas (also tried leftover pot roast recipes). Hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, soups and stews… Really Google, really?!?! Is that as creative as it gets? I mean, I like to think I (or anyone else in the world including most three-year olds) could have come up with those without the help of Google. Sorry Google, you disappoint me.

I did what my mother would do. I made something up, and I think it was good enough to share! My mom can’t or won’t follow a recipe (I’m not sure which it is), and that is a trait she passed on to me. A little if this. Some of that. A bit if the other thing. Oh we’re out of other thing? No problem… substitute something else. The funny part is she does all this with a recipe in front of her (sometimes). She measure nothing, uses only some of the listed ingredients, adds others, and comes up with her own delicious meal. Well thanks to her, my measuring cups and spoons are in pretty pristine condition. I never use them either. I love the way we cook. The only time it’s a problem is when someone wants the recipe.

Bear with me as I attempt, for the first time ever on this blog, to share a recipe… If you can call it that. This is also a great use for leftover rice… Another one of those “what do I do with this?” foods in my refrigerator.

You need:
Leftover meat (it doesn’t even have to be pot roast. Chicken, steak, whatever you want). I had about a third of a roast that started out approximately the size of a loaf pan.
About a cup to a cup and a half cooked rice
One egg, beaten
Cheese (I used cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan)… cheese is a food that should never be limited to an amount. Use as much as you want.
A can of cheese soup
A can of tomatoes (chili spiced if you have them or add extra chili powder which I would recommend doing anyway)
Other stuff I threw in because I had it:
A packet of Taco Bell hot sauce
Three cloves of fresh grated garlic
Salt
Tabasco
Garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400. Mix the rice with the egg and about a third of a cup of cheese (I just used mozzarella and a little Parmesan). Season with a dash of Tabasco, garlic powder and salt. Press the mixture into a casserole dish or pie pan and up the sides. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 350.

As the crust is baking, cube your meat and mix it with the cheese soup, canned tomatoes and about 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Add chili powder to taste, along with whatever other spices and seasonings you feel like adding Pour the meat mixture into the rice crust and top with more cheese (I used all three). Cover and bake until bubbly (take a shower, dry your hair, then check, or you could just give it about 40 minutes). Uncover and bake for about 5 more minutes. And voila!

There you have it… whatever it is. Unfortunately this recipe has no name. Scott likes his food to be named. Every night he wants to know exactly what’s for dinner. “Something I made up” just doesn’t cut it. I asked Isla what we should call it, and she said “Jelly.” I’m not so sure that would fly either as an answer to the “What’s for dinner?” question. Chili Pot Roast Pie? I guess that works. Then if you use some other leftover meat, you can just change the name. Chili Chicken Pie, Chili Beef Pie, etc.

You can also make this ahead, minus the baking, and refrigerate it for later. That is actually what I did. I love doing that, so I can go for a run before dinner, then I do the shower and bake thing. It’s getting to that time of year in Florida where you should really run in the morning or the evening to avoid heat stroke. Oh who am I kidding? It’s always that time of year. However, evening runs get in the way of making dinner. If I do a make ahead dinner, everyone is happy. I, because I get my run, and the girls, because they don’t have to wait too long to eat.

And in honor of Mother’s Day (or just because I like any excuse to post pictures of these girls).

My Mother’s Day (and all other days too) Blessings. I love them more than anything! The way I see it, there are two kinds of Mother’s Day Gifts to be extra thankful for. 1) Great children. 2) A wonderful mom. I have both! Other Mother’s Day gifts (with the exception of a vacuum cleaner… sorry Mom) are lovely too. But these are the best!

Do you follow recipes or just wing it?

What is your favorite time of day for a run?

- I actually prefer mornings but sometimes it just doesn’t happen

What did you do for Mother’s Day?

Going Dancing with the Girls

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Yeah I still do that. Getting all dressed up, having a few drinks, and dancing the night away with the girls. Getting all dressed up… in sweatpants (and maybe a tiara). Having a few drinks… of coffee. Dancing the ~~night~~ morning away… with the little girls. So I won’t pretend having children hasn’t changed me. It has. A lot. This morning’s dance party reminded me of just how different Mommy Life is. Isla asked if we could have a dance party. I was tired. I had a cup of coffee and everything changed. Why yes, I would love to put on some music and dance like crazy. Go get dressed up in your Cinderella dress (I’m not changing out of my sweats). Let’s shake it all morning.

Aliana can really “get low.” She has a bit of an advantage considering that she is already pretty low to the ground. Her dance actually looks a lot like when she tries to mimic me doing squats, but bouncier. Isla’s moves are like basketball had a baby with ballet… A lot of jumping and twirling. And as for me… don’t you wish you knew? I will keep a shred of dignity and not describe my own dancing.

Dancing with the Girls Then and Now – Compare and Contrast:

Then:

Now:

Dressing up and showing some skin.

Then: Mmm hmm…

Now: Dressing up (Isla as Cinderella) and showing some skin (Aliana in just a diaper because she really dislikes clothing).

Drink of choice

Then: Strong whatever. Anything sent to us for free.

Now: Drink of choice. Still strong… coffee (for me). Mixed drinks (aka chocolate almond milk) for the girls.

Time

Then: Late night into the early morning… you know, whenever we were ready to pass out. After dancing, at least one girl would usually fall asleep in the car.

Now: Early morning until whenever… you know, know, whenever we are ready to pass out. A girl sleeping in the car… still happens.

Drink Spillage

Then: Yes

Now: Yes

Drama

Then: “She took my boy!”

Now: “She took my toy!”

So you see, mamas still have fun! Some things may change, but so many things remain the same. I still love dancing with my girls! Dancing and laughing will always win the award for most fun way to burn calories. Back then, I counted going out dancing as my workout, and now I still do… well except for the going out part. In fact, I am using this morning’s dance party as part of the Family Fitness Month Challenge from A Mom Runs This Town. If you’re not already doing it, you should… so much fun!

And while I’m being all nostalgic and thinking of my younger days, here’s another thing that ~~doesn’t change~~ changes a lot more than I’d like to admit… “getting those digits.”

Yesterday, shortly after posting this…

…on my Facebook timeline and asking for opinions on getting hit on while working out, guess what happened. I got hit on while working out. I was running past a group of boys, when one of them said, “Hey girl, let me get those digits.” Yes, they still say that apparently. I would have expected that by now there would be some new slang that I would need an interpreter to understand. Notice I said “boy” not man. That was intentional. He was closer to my daughter’s age than mine. I only wish I was joking right now. I did the math. Okay, so I don’t know his exact age, but even estimating on the high side, he was closer to 3 than 30. Eeeeeeek I feel old. Flattering? Yes, in a weird way. Creepy? Yes, in every way! So then I got to thinking maybe he was talking to Isla, not me. I mean they are closer in age. That’s when protective Mama appeared with her claws out. Good thing I was running, so I was far away from the poor boy by then. The only digits you’ll be getting from her are the three she holds up as she sweetly tells everyone (and I mean everyone) her age. Heaven help anyone who ever does hit on my little girls in front of me. Just the thought… Grrrrr.

Thankfully, I will never have to worry about that because Isla is saving herself for Prince Charming. And Aliana? She will be a baby forever! She has to… because I told her to.

Parents, what is one unexpected change brought to you by having children?

What has stayed the same?

Let’s Talk About Food, Baby

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…Food, Baby. Not Food Baby.

See how important a comma is? Although I just might have a food baby at the moment too.

Food, it’s what’s for breakfast. And usually my breakfast is just about as nondescript as that. I don’t frequently talk about what I eat other than to mention that I had some delicious froyo. I do eat other things. I just don’t talk about it because most of the time lunch, for me, consists of leftover whatever Isla didn’t finish for breakfast eaten standing up while doing dishes or playing with the girls. It is neither memorable nor notable. Also I am not really an expert on anything, but I have enough experience with running and working out, that I don’t feel too off base posting my work outs and advice and tips. When it comes to food, I just don’t feel as qualified (said the girl who’s lunch yesterday was coffee, grapes, absolutely everything that could be scraped out of the last remaining peanut butter jar, and some awesome super healthy chocolate protein pudding (I’ll be sharing my recipe for that one soon. That wasn’t sarcasm… It is actually healthy.)

Today I have running fuel (aka food) on the mind. I just made breakfast for the girls and myself… breakfast which they loved and I consider to be great fuel for my run.

I always fan her avocado out and arrange her food like that.
I’m totally not showing off for my blog… Of course not!

Scrambled eggs with a little white cheddar, topped with tomatoes, avocado and a side of grapes served on a Cinderella plate. For once Isla, Aliana and I had the same food at the same time (mine was on a less awesome plate). You have no idea what a big deal that is. Well, if you’re a mommy, you might know. Sitting and eating a meal… Ain’t nobody got time for that! I am currently congratulating myself on using that phrase… and correctly too (I think). I’m so hip. It won’t be long until Isla (and then Aliana) will be telling me just how uncool and not at all hip I am (only they probably will have much cooler and hipper words for it, as those are most likely outdated even now as I type them), but for now I can pretend.

Back to the breakfast… Isla declared it to be “the best breakfast ever.” Aliana couldn’t get enough. “Maneeno” (tomato) and “Avocado” (which she says perfectly). Her favorites! I really made a big mistake as a mother introducing them to my favorite foods. Now I always have to share. They are both as crazy over tomatoes and avocados as I am. In fact, Aliana saw the plate of chopped tomato on the counter as I was cooking the eggs. She couldn’t reach that high. She proceeded to push me as hard as she could in the direction of the plate while saying, “Tasteeee, tastee, maneeno? Please? Maneeno?” She is surprisingly strong… and not surprisingly stubborn (she gets that from both sides).

“Maneeno”

I have been known sneak avocado either in the laundry room or while ducked down behind the kitchen counter, so I wouldn’t have to share. I’m not proud of it, but hey, Mamas are human too!

Avocado

To me, this breakfast was the perfect pre-run meal. Protein… check. Delicious… check. Not too heavy on the stomach… check. That’s about all that I need. I’ve said it before, I’m no nutritionist, but it works for me. Later I’ll have my post-run recovery banana… probably with a little peanut butter if I make it to the store today.

And now that you have that ever so important information of what I had for breakfast, I am off for a run… 6 or 7 miles most likely. I’ll tell you later.

What is your perfect pre-run meal or snack?

What food do you crave after a good workout?

Tell me about your idea of “the best breakfast ever.”

A Place You Should Go and a Good Problem

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I’m playing catch up here. We had a lovely weekend, and I didn’t bring my computer (purposely). Scott had a whole day and a half off. As busy as he’s been lately, that is what we consider a long weekend, so of course we had to take advantage of it. Saturday afternoon, we packed the girls into the car for an impromptu road trip.

She must have known we were going somewhere exciting!

Crescent City, California, here we come. Now before you continue reading, I should warn you about a problem I am having. I have too many good photos. Yes, it’s a great problem to have. However, I am about to be that mommy AGAIN. You know, the one who finds it necessary to post a gazillion pics of her children? The one for whom the word gazillion was coined just to describe her over-abundance of pictures. I confess, that is me. But here’s the thing… I am not posting every single picture. In fact for every one I include, I have weeded out at least ten… ten good ones at that. My point is this, if you think I have too many pictures, please realize I have done my best to cut the number down. And for those of you who would like to see more (Mother), there’s always Facebook, Instagram (follow me), and I’ll be coming to see you soon. (That last option only applies to my parents. I promise not show up at any one else’s house, all creeper-like with more photos). It was just such a great trip with so much to see, I couldn’t help becoming the mad photographer (it’s in my genes). Here goes!

From here (Medford, Oregon), to Crescent City, CA, it is about a two hour drive. That’s a long time for a three-year old and a one-year old to sit still(ish) in a car, so we stopped to play in a river along the way.

Not a bad rest stop

It was a pretty steep path down to the water. We slipped and slid our way down helping each other as we went. It was worth the effort when we got down to the water.

Playing in the icy water

Convincing the girls that this was just a stop on the way to somewhere even better was no easy task. They wanted to stay. I was happy we stopped, but excited to get to the beach.

From the first glimpse of Crescent City, it was breathtaking…

Our first view of Crescent City’s rocky shoreline

…Breathtaking and cold!

It’s warmer inside Daddy’s jacket

We did brave the weather long enough to ~~walk on the beach~~ climb everything in sight for a little while.

By the time we were ready to get some dinner and call it a night, we were all shivering. Isla, was shaking so much she could barely get out the words, “But I’m not cooooold! I don’t wanna leave!” We promised her a lot more beach time after some food and a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, the first order of business was to get warmer clothes. I’d only packed sundresses. We were going to the beach after all. It’s sundress warm in Medford. Of course the beach would be as warm or warmer, right? Wrong! As cold as it was, Walmart had almost nothing with long sleeves. Finally we found some way too big, t-shirts for the girls, hats, and flip flops (those rocks can hurt bare feet), and we were ready for a day of fun.

The tide was low, so we walked up to that lighthouse behind the girls for a tour. It was totally worth the $6 suggested donation (for all four of us). The history was fascinating and the view beautiful!

Enjoying the View

Hey look! It’s proof I exist!

We spent the rest of the day just playing and exploring. Of course that’s always the girls’ favorite! Mine too. And they learn so much that way. Me too, Actually. Did you know starfish, as slow as they are, can be predators? They get on top of their prey (clams, snails, other mollusks, etc.), wrap themselves around it, and crush then eat it. Their stomachs actually come out of them, eat the food, then go back in. Weird right? I didn’t know any of that, until after this trip.

This one was in the process of eating that snail. The snail lived to…um… do whatever snails do, another day. Sorry Mr. Starfish.

Playing = Learning

A few more pictures…

Giant driftwood makes a nice bench

Sitting pretty for a picture

Enough pictures already! Get me off of here!

It was a wonderful weekend! I want to do it again. I would highly recommend a trip to Crescent City Beach if you ever have a chance.

Has anyone been to Crescent City, CA?

Tell me about a happy day that you remember (either with your children or one from your own childhood).

Do you ever do impromptu trips or are you more into planning ahead?

The Best Medicine

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Laughter! I’m happier and healthier with Isla and Aliana to keep me laughing pretty much all day long. Time to share the laughs.

She is cute AND funny!

Funny Girl and getting funnier every day

Isla: It’s a good day for a princess unicorn to go to the park…
Long pause
Isla: Mama? Did you know I am a princess unicorn?

I complimented Isla on doing a great job folding washcloths (and without even being asked to). She said, “Well I just thought it would be too hard for grown ups to do, so I did it for you.”

Isla: Can we pretend this [fruit shaped candy] is real fruit?

Me: Mmmhmm

Isla: Okay! Then it’s healthy. I can eat it alllllllll!

I explained to Isla that she needed to be a good example because Aliana would try to do everything she did, and she’s too little to do some big girl stuff even though she wants to. Isla’s response: “She can be a baby big girl. I heerd of those.”

Both girls were literally leaning on my knees bouncing up and down as I attempted to “go potty.” I said, “Do you think I could have a little privacy or at least some space?” Isla said, “Haha.” Aliana (aka Parrot) repeated seriously, “Haha.” They didn’t even laugh they just said it. The joys of motherhood… At least I will never be lonely!

You won’t ever be lonely!

Isla wanted to have a tea party, and I was distracted. She asked a few times then she made an offer she knew I couldn’t refuse. “It’s chocolate peanut butter tea!”

This girl knows me well. Of course I stopped working at my computer and had tea with her… how could I not?

Me: May I please have my shirt?

Isla: Why?

Me: I need to wear a shirt to the bakery.

Isla: Right. Because otherwise they will think you are a snake.

In case you’re wondering, I’m not a nudist. I wasn’t topless. I ran to the bakery and was in a sports bra by the time we got there because Isla was cold, and I was letting her use my shirt as a blanket.

Isla was telling our Harry and David tour guide about how she helps me make pizza. The guide responded that she would love to have a helper like her. Isla said. “Sorry! I belong to my Mommy!”

I tucked Isla in and told Scott I was going to go run on the treadmill. Isla wasn’t too happy about me leaving, “Maaaamaaaaaaa, why are you going to the fatness center AGAIN?”

Isla made some friends at the park, When Aliana came over to them, the other little girls thought she was cute and started playing with her and talking to her. Isla told everyone. “Oh, that’s my baby sister. Watch out, she bites,” Aliana nodded her head in her exaggeratedly serious way and said, “I bite!”

A Few Random Quotes

“Are we going I the girls bathroom or the humans bathroom?”

And another time when Scott took her potty, “Mommy, Daddy took me in the HUMANS bathroom!!!”

Sorry, ladies, apparently we are not humans. On the bright side, our bathrooms are probably cleaner and nicer than the humans’.
“I love you… But sometimes I don’t listen to you.”

“Twader Wate, that’s wite Twader Joe’s.” Translation: Crater Lake, that’s like Trader Joe’s. It only makes sense in Isla speak

In other completely unrelated news, we had a wonderful weekend at Crescent City Beach in California. I got some great pictures that I can’t wait to share just as soon as I have time to catch up. Hopefully I’ll have a boring day soon, so I can do it

Now it’s your turn. Share something funny your child said this month.

About that Goal

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So last month I set a goal to run at least 150 miles this month. And now you’ve been dying for April to end, so you can find out how I did, right? No? Oh well, you do know I’m going to tell you anyway… especially since I did it! That’s right I did it! If I hadn’t succeeded, I’d probably be tempted to delete the post where I told you about my goal and never speak of this again. Thankfully that will not be necessary.

Total miles for April: 162.19.

Total miles for 2013: 487.04

Hopefully I’m not like a used car, losing value as I get more miles on me!

It’s been a great month for running, and not just because I met my goal either. I have absolutely loved running the trails here in Medford for the past few weeks. I have never really understood why everyone loves Spring until now. In Florida, Spring is just early summer. They are the same. Fall is late summer. They are also the same. Winter is a little different. Sometimes it gets cold enough that you can turn your A/C off, and you might not feel like going to the beach. But here in Oregon, it’s different. Everything is in bloom. The trees are pink, purple, white… so colorful! The weather is perfect. Not too cold, not too hot… really just perfect!

It is so much easier to run when everything is this beautiful. The girls love it too. We stop to pick wildflowers, picnic and play.

The best my hair has ever looked post-run (it’s amazing what a flower can do).

Another reason April has been a good running month for me… one word… Bob.

April miles bring May smiles (yes I just made that up, but it seems like it would be true).

What are your running/ fitness goals for the month of May?

What is Spring like where you live?

What is your favorite season and why?

I Was Wrong (3 little words you may never hear from me again)

1 Reply

Did you read my last post? You know, the one where I ever so modestly proclaimed myself to be amazing and super woman after assembling my new Bob and even fixing a flat. At least I thought I’d fixed it. Here’s the truth. I was wrong (I know, I know. I am as shocked as you are!). It wasn’t fixed. I’m not super woman. I am, however Wonder Woman’s mommy. As in,

“I was wondering if we could go to the park?”

“I was wondering if we could have sushi and strawberries for lunch?”

“I was wondering if I could run you?”

“I was wondering if you have any gum?

Yes, three is a wonder-full age.
Skipping back to my unfixed flat tire, it seemed okay when we left the hotel but before we even got to Trader Joe’s, it was flatter than flat… Like the kind of flat my abs dream of. Fortunately I had my new bicycle pump and my slime. If at first you don’t succeed… Right? The ~~second~~ third time just might the charm. We got our TJs fix. I got my trail run. The girls both got naps.

Sleeping on the Run

Then the fun really started. Chalk. Isla had been waiting for weeks to use this new chalk ~~my friends~~ her friends, (she has claimed all my friends as her own and gets mad if I refer to any of them as my friend) Elyse and Beth sent her. By the way, if you want to delight a child, mail her a box filled with things like chalk, bubbles, lips gloss, stickers, craft supplies… Extra points if it’s all princess themed. Isla was twice as excited to use her new chalk because it came in her princess package.

First she had to run ahead to find the perfect spot for her art

Aliana woke up and watched Isla draw for a while

Then Aliana wanted to join the fun

I loved watching her draw. This was my favorite.

As you can clearly see, it’s me. Cute ears, don’t you think? Also, it has been brought to my attention that I have amazing hair. It’s true. I kind of do. To my left, is Aliana, and to my right, “a toy that you told me to put away, but I forgot.” Art mirrors real life.

Amazing hair in the making

I asked her to look at me and smile. She informed me that artists don’t smile for pictures. Oh right. Sorry brooding artist.

Every artist should sign her work.

I-S-L-A

As a completely unbiased observer, I should probably point out that my child is a genius.

Tell me something fun you did (or will do) today.

Other Trader Joe’s lovers, what should I try next?

Mommies, how old are you little geniuses and what are they into?

What About Bob?

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As you may already know, I got a Bob… The Bob Revolution Duallie to be exact. Are you wondering why I haven’t written a post singing its praises yet? I mean forget Raymond… Everybody loves Bob! Every mommy does anyway. I never envy anyone else’s car. I certainly don’t covet my neighbor’s ox nor his ass. But the mommy with the Bob, now she makes me jealous. Or she did. Not anymore. I have my own. And yes, I love it! I haven’t written about it because I’ve been too busy enjoying my new ~~love~~… ~~obsession~~… stroller.
First let me brag for a second. I put it together myself.

Aliana had no faith. She looked at the stroller in its “assembly required” form, looked at me and said “Uh oh.” Come on, baby, don’t you know your mama is super woman? At least that’s how I felt when I got it together. But let’s be honest. It was simple, had good instructions, and there may have been a call to a very helpful Bob representative involved. I may or may not have asked where the thingy that looks like a tiny silver flower pot goes. I’m sure they get that question every day.
After the wheels were attached (yeah that’s all the assembly it required), we spent the rest of the day strolling. First, errands… Target for some boring necessities. Then my new favorite, Trader Joe’s for all kinds of yumminess

Ahhh Heaven

Errands done, and picnic packed in the roomy undercarriage, we were ready for the trail.

Plenty of room for a picnic

Oh yes, the trail! The beautiful trail! It did not disappoint. It was by far the prettiest trail I have ever run. I was glad I’d trained on the Louisiana Hills because let me just state the obvious, Oregon is not Florida! Wow! Of course what goes up, must come down. The ups were a challenge (I like that), and the downs, sweet relief… Or as Isla said, “Wheeeeee! Roller coaster!” She made me laugh on the way up one particularly steep hill, saying in an exaggeratedly strained voice, “This is the hardest thing ever!” Um sure… You do realize you’re sitting back eating a snack while I push you, your sister and alllll our stuff uphill right?

I ran a little over twelve miles and loved every step. The Bob was great. It’s a smooth ride…

… Apparently comfortable too. It’s easy to push. I could go on and on. I think we will be very happy together, my Precious.

Super Woman, Two Days in a Row

Sorry to brag again (I’m not sorry). Today, Bob, the girls and I (I should probably say the girls, Bob and I, in order to sound less obsessed, eh?) headed back out to the trail with promises that we would play at the “princess castle park” we saw yesterday. Not even two miles into the run, poor Bob got a flat. I left the trail and got air at the closest gas station. It was only another mile or so to the park, but by the time we got there, the tire was flat again.
We played and picnicked anyway. Why not? A promise is a promise, and besides, it was too gorgeous outside not to.

After a few hours of fun, it was time to fix this thing. Now I’m not really a fix-it type. It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I’ve always been one of those girls who tries to look cute and lost enough that someone will help. Yeah, I know it’s awful. In defense of this method, it is a much cleaner way to change a tire. But did I fix my flat that way? Not today! Today I fixed my own problem. Okay, there may have been one or two damsel in distress phone calls for advice. Scott may have kind of talked me through what to do. But I did not ask him to come rescue me.

That’s right, people, be impressed. I fixed my flat.

Of course, I did it outside Yogurt Hut, so I could reward myself for my amazingness.

Stripes and Polka Dots? No problem! It’s all about matching the spoon to the hat!

I’ll admit, I nearly gave up. Valve core? What does that even mean? I totally considered positioning myself outside a nearby tool store and looking forlorn (hey, it works). In the end, I did it, and I felt great!

We made it back to the hotel in one piece, well three pieces (four if you count Bob as a person… I do.). Sure flat tires are a pain, but it was a lovely day. Our little misadventure was actually fun and, well, empowering in a way.

What’s your favorite piece of baby equipment?

Favorite running gear?

My answer to both questions… BOB!

Are you a fix-it yourself type?

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever run?

The Treadmill: Love it or Hate it?

5 Replies

We are staying in the lovely, mountain surrounded, wildflower filled, Medford. The trail that runs through this town covers 28+ miles of pure Oregon beauty… Or so I am told. Due to a series of unfortunate events, I don’t have my beloved jogging stroller (may Rocket rest in peace… In pieces to be more accurate). I am itching to get out on those trails. I have been strollerless for a whole week! Scott ordered me a new one… A Bob Revolution Duallie! Excited is an understatement! There is just one problem (as Isla likes to say). It was supposed to get here Friday. Now it’s Monday, and this girl is impatient! What’s that you say? What about my New Year’s goal of being a more patient person? Totally does not apply in this situation! I want it, and I want it now! Give it to me, Daddy! I am going full blown Veruca Salt, accent and all here! I want a golden goose… Ten thousand tons of ice cream (no, really. I do)… But mostly, I just want to run. I want my Bob!
On the bright side, I have been spending some QT with the treadmill in the hotel gym (aka the “fatness center” thanks for that one, Isla) each night after the girls go to sleep. It’s funny actually. MapMyRun keeps congratulating me on my speed. Oh yes, I’ve gotten so much faster. Or could it be that I am not pushing two people along with, snacks, drinks, toys, the kitchen sink (okay maybe not that… Just making sure you’re paying attention) and the weight of the stroller itself in front of me? To be honest, I would prefer to be running the Oregon trails with my girls…even pushing all that… even at my slower speed. I think that goes without saying. However, I am learning to ~~love~~ like the treadmill. I enjoy the instant gratification that comes from seeing my times and knowing my exact pace as I run. It’s easier to set speed and distance goals. I am definitely faster on the treadmill.

True story

Yeah, so that’s why it was a good thing I was alone in the hotel gym (and have been every night so far). I get a little competitive if someone is next to me. Also these treadmills sound exactly like a jet taking off… only the noise doesn’t lessen once you take off. They are obnoxiously loud. Add that to my elephant stomping run (why do my feet sound so loud on a treadmill?), and I’m pretty sure any other person in the gym would have lost their sanity. I didn’t mind it though. I tuned out the treadmill sound, and I like the rhythm of my feet even when it is loud. It somehow helps me clear my mind.

After ten miles, I came back to the hotel room definitely feeling the exhilaration that comes from running. I told Scott I had a great run. He informed me that I say that every single time I run. Well maybe that should tell you something. I really love running! As I ran, I was thinking how great it is to be able to run. I could feel sorry for myself for not having my new stroller yet and missing out on those trails. Or I could enjoy every chance I get to run (be it on a road, a sidewalk, a trail or a treadmill). Right now this impatient girl is choosing to be thankful. I have two legs. I can run. Life is beautiful!

If that isn’t enough to be thankful for (it is), I did get a chance to enjoy some of the natural beauty Oregon has to offer during the day. Scott drove the girls and me to Crater Lake.

A beautiful place with my favorite people

Snow Angel!

Snow Cuddles – Aliana and Daddy

It was strange starting our trip out with temperatures in the 70′s and then about an hour later playing in snow… snow at least 12 feet deep in places. Strange but fun. Isla had a blast. We all did really. But we didn’t all have serious meltdowns involving lots of tears when it was time to go. I think she liked Crater Lake.:

She liked it from the very first second she heard of it. In the morning, I told Isla we were going to Crater Lake. She got really excited and started jumping up and down. “Twader Wate! Twader wate! Is that wite Twader Joe’s?”

Ummm well it is when you say it, Baby. I guess she likes “Twader Joe’s” as much as I do. “Twader Wate” was even better though.

The Treadmill: Do you love it or hate it?

Does anyone feel this way about it?

What did you do over the weekend?

Running My Life

Why Walk When You Can Run?

Leetra

May 16, 2013

The Lady Who Can’t Follow a Recipe

Going Dancing with the Girls

Let’s Talk About Food, Baby

A Place You Should Go and a Good Problem

The Best Medicine

About that Goal

I Was Wrong (3 little words you may never hear from me again)

What About Bob?

The Treadmill: Love it or Hate it?