Running to Where I Need to Be

Twice last week I stepped out of my comfort zone when it came to running.  Since most of my days are highly structured due to the schedules of the four other people living in my house, my runs and other workouts have to happen at specific times and days.  Ballet class at 10 in the morning?  No gym running.  School is only half a morning?  Going to miss ME.  That's this week and it rankles me. Last week I made it the exception and had two of the better runs I've had in a very long time. Not only did I need to complete those miles for training, I needed them mentally to get my head back in the training game. By stepping out of my comfy, albeit rigid area of schedules for training with this half-marathon, if I don't do it this way the training simply will not happen.  Race day will come … [Read more...]

Memories of my Grandfather

Re-posted from May 2009, I wrote this post about my grandfather.  It touched my Uncle David's heart and so I'm re-posting it today.  I'm hoping and praying that today is a good day.  I love you.    Sometimes when the whole house is still asleep, I will creep downstairs and read in the orange glow of my small kitchen light. I will pour myself a cup of coffee, settle into the quiet of my house, and just lose myself in whatever book I am reading. Later when I unfurl myself from my hunchback sitting position as I simultaneously realize that the sun has come up I remember this- … [Read more...]

What I Wore Wednesday

The Black & White Edition I was all about getting in my last bit of whites in the past week.  Not that you can't wear white after Labor Day but old habits do die hard.  One day it was white shorts, one last time, I hope. I'm sick of shorts.  Really sick of them. I yearn for jeans and cords right now. … [Read more...]

First Day, First Grade

TD starting first grade. Last night I checked on the girls before heading to bed, something we do each night, and I looked at TD in her sleep.  She still looks so much like the infant she once was when she slumbers.  It's hard to believe that she is big enough to board a school bus, for a second year. Here's to TD having a wonderful first day of the school year!  I don't remember my first day of first grade too well, but I do remember my teacher Mrs. Tessio telling us about the skeletons that she had hung in our classroom windows .  She said they were kids who would have been second graders if they only they hadn't misbehaved.  Any day is better than that one! … [Read more...]

Where’s Mummy?

I can't say this has been the week from hell but it has definitely been trying.  Suffice it to say I am so ready for back to school.  I am ready for a routine, a schedule and my impromptu trip out of town next week. More on that later.  Aside from test-driving two cars this month I have also been working on this- … [Read more...]

What I Wore Wednesday

We are truly in the lackluster days of summer. I'm putting forth no effort other than to get work done, not harm people at the grocery store while shopping with three kids (last week of it!) and getting us all ready to go back to school, dance and a bazillion other things that life has thrown at us lately. And if you want to know how to clean your car after you lose a full gallon of milk in it for 3 days.  Just ask!  It happened. It leaked. It still smells like cat barf. While I continue processing all this and everything else take a look at what I'm wearing! … [Read more...]

Six Questions with Lather Rinse Repeat

Meet Beauty Blogger of the Week, Michaela from Lather Rinse Repeat!  I discovered her quite by accident only weeks ago as I trolled beauty blogrolls.  Immediately I was hooked by her ability to make me snort with laughter while discussing beauty related items like chalking or American beauty hauls.  Her blog has become a fun little addiction for me and one that goes beyond nail art.  Isn't that a relief?!  I was overjoyed when she said yes to this little interview and then talked to me on Twitter.  I'm going back to my corner now. … [Read more...]

The Fifth Element Turns Two

H keeps saying it and I can't quite believe it either but after what has been a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows we have gone through the first two years in The Fifth's Elements life. The Fifth Element. The one who made our family complete. … [Read more...]

Fifty Shades of Summer

It's a week full of photos from Blogher and our regular summer days. I already feel like we are winding down and getting into school mode. Today is our first day of back to school shopping and yesterday we purchased our first pair of new shoes. Hot pink with flowers of course. Insiders view of the Rockettes area inside Radio City Music Hall. I really was enthused even if I don't totally look it. Kristen and I live 10 minutes from each other and yet we act like this just because we are going out to dinner. Maybe it's the fact that our combined six counts of mayhem, er kids, aren't with us.    Sarah and I.  I swear we do take other photos.   Proud of my three wristband status at the gym.  It only happens in the summer and makes each workout that   much tougher to … [Read more...]

Simple Wishes for Fall

I'm sorry did you come here for some pumpkin spice latte or an apple cinnamon muffin?  Were you looking for a cozy cup of cider to bring in the new fall season? Sorry, we have none of that here. Instead it is all about items I am loving/wanting/needing for fall 2012.  I personally think a good pair of biker boots will get you through the foliage better than a chai latte and pumpkin whoopie pie, but that is just me. … [Read more...]