Tempation

Wednesday was my "off" day for working out, but I threw my swim stuff in the car and planned to head over for a quick swim.  Looking out the window at work for 5 hours seeing how incredibly gorgeous is was outside, the more I thought about a 15 minute drive to the pool, changing into my swim suit, swimming inside for forty-five minutes, showering, and driving back....kind of an easy decision to head home grab the boys and camera and take off....


Obie was in good form here.  I did my Saddlerock and beyond hike, which goes another 2 miles west of the rock.....he's old and slowing down

This is at the point we were waiting for Obie, Kaiser found a stick for me to throw!


As luck would have it, today was a rainy day, making it a perfect day to squeeze in that swim and go for a run!

Motivation in a 4-Legged Friend

He is the reason

 

These legs got out this morning!

 

It's a run/swim day.  I was sleeping so well and warm in my bed!  But  I promised Kaiser a run, he's doing well and loves it....somedays I just need that kind of motivation!

Done.

Three weeks of celebrating has come to an end. Lo had her friend party tonight, movie night and ice cream sundaes was the theme. I'm exhausted, but not sure why. At 11 these parties are easier than when she was 5, and it wasn't even at my house, but goodness girls exhaust me!

Thank you to everyone that came to her performance on Saturday night, to Rick for graciously allowing 6 little girls to take over his house, and his Mom and Sister who came for all of it, cleaned the house, organized and made time to teach Lo how to knit!

This really has been a great three weeks, not only for Lo but me as well. Because of the holiday weekend, the kids have been with me each weekend, feels a bit like a "normal" family life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Better than Spring

February is pretty great here. Sunny, in the 40's and less wind than Spring brings! This week Lo's been doing the Missoula Children's Theatre, which allowed several free hours in the afternoon for me. Managed to get in two Pinnacle Loop rides, and one Mission Creek. All amazing weather, today's Pinnacle's we had 20 mile an hour winds going out, but you know what that means for coming back! Plus I rode with Rick and another guy and they were gracious enough to let me tuck behind them going out!

 

Thursday's ride

At mile 33 this is want I wanted to get home to! Frozen blueberries and my pot of Blue Star! Allowed myself one cup before I left, but since I was riding with guys, didn't want to have "potty" stop!

 

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It Makes Sense

I read this quote a couple weeks ago, and have thought a lot about it.

"As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better" -Steve Maraboli

Very true.  It's funny how life evolves.  I have been thinking a lot lately about how amazing it is.  I have enjoyed (now that I look back) reflecting, thinking, figuring out ME, getting my priorities straight, and most of all taking time to experience life with the most important people in my life.

This trip gave me a lot of insight.  Flying back, I couldn't help but be happy at how my life is.  I feel as though for the first time in my adult life I am living the life I dreamed of, or at least feeling the way I dreamed I would feel.  I am an independent woman, raising my kids, running a business, traveling to all the places I have dreamed of sharing with my children, and in love with a man that I adore, and want to share my life with.

Two and a half years ago my husband walked out.  I couldn't possibly imagine at the time that it would be the best thing that ever happened to me.   A month or so later I got a message of encouragement from my friend Patti,  she ended it quoting Jeremiah 29:11.  Countless times I repeated it to myself.  Today I put something together,  when Patti sent that  to me I had no idea who Rick was, and it wasn't until almost a year later that I met him.  When Rick first moved to Wenatchee, over 12 years ago,  he and Patti became good friends, each are very dear to each others hearts, how fitting it was her to remind me to trust in the Lord, for he knows the plans he has for me,  plans to prosper and not harm me, for hope and a future.

I have also been thinking about what I enjoy.  Today I set out for an hour and half ride, got to Monitor and thought may as well go to Cashmere (Lo had play try outs, and I didn't need to be back), got to Cashmere and decided to take a right to do Stine hill, and from there figured I may as well ride to Dryden and come back the Pinnacle way.  2.5 hours later I came home.  This is what I like, riding, running, skiing, hiking because I enjoy it.  I like to be good, especially cycling so I can ride with the guys and not hold anyone back, but I don't think I need to race anymore.  I enjoy competition, but I no longer enjoy having certain workouts on certain days.  I  signed up for a HUGE race in July, kind of regret it, but I spent a lot (too much) of money to do it, so I will, but from there I don't believe I will race, unless its with a team for fun, or a running race I decide to do the night before.  What I want is to bike and hike with my camera and take amazing pictures to share.  Bike for hours if I want and not have to stop because it could effect the next days workout.  When I raced I did it because I needed that, perhaps I was compensating for something I didn't have, or wanted that order, structure...control in my life.  I know I exercise more when I am not training, because I enjoy it.  So after July, I'm done....at least for now.  I want to  be very present in the moment.

This is a blessed life.  Cheers!

Central Park.  I want more visits here.

Above the Clouds

Here we are high above the clouds, on our way home. Entertaining myself with onboard wifi. Its pretty cool! Couldn't get a coffee in the airport before we left, because the cab ride made both my son and I super nauseas, we're 0 for 2 on feeling good in NYC cabs! 3 more hours to go!

 

 

 

 

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The Perfect Long Weekend

Celebrating Lo's birthday with a weekend of Broadway was wonderful. I loved sharing this experience with the kids. No complaints by anyone, just enjoyed this experience together. It reinforces why I love to travel with them, why I want to expose them to all that's out there. It's not entirely for them, it awakens my soul, makes my spirit feel free, and truly appreciate the life I am living as well. We did all we came to do this trip, but we're already planning our return!

The four great, entirely different shows we saw. My son's favorite was Jersey Boys and Lo's Mamma Mia. We did buy all our tickets, except Lion King at the TKTS ticket box office for 40% off. All except Lion King were in the old small theatre's which is what makes Broadway so special. I don't think I can pick a favorite. I saw Mamma Mia in 04 and it was just as great this time around, Lion King was as amazing as the last time I saw it. Jersey Boys and Chicago were both new to me and wonderful! What can I say I love Broadway!

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Energy

And lots of it, that's how I'd describe NY. It's fabulous. Lo has dreams of moving here and I really hope she does, I would be visiting all the time!

Here's a few pics of what we've been up to. Having a blast, but exhausted!

On Friday it was 50 degrees and sunny. Had a wonderful walk through Central Park on our way back to our room.

Getting ready for Mamma Mia. Love Lo's sparkle!

We waited after the show so Lo could get her playbill signed (this was her #1 pick of show she wanted to see), not only did she get it signed by everyone, but a picture with all the main cast members. This was her favorite one with the gal that played "Sophie", she was wonderful. An interesting tidbit, I saw Spring Awakenings a number of years ago in it's first U.S tour in Seattle, and she played Wendla in that.

Today in Rockefeller Center....it's cold.

This afternoon at Jersey Boys. Awesome show.

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Couldn't resist

This is what a long day of traveling does, how can you resist snuggling that?!?! Goodnight.

 

 

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An All Day Adventure

I am one of those that loves everything about traveling (with the exception of finding overhead bin space for carry on luggage), including getting there. I know this is a broken record, but I continually feel blessed to have such awesome, funny, caring kids. Talking with my son in the car for 2 plus hours on the drive to Seatac is a treat. He goes on about anything from photography class, girls, friends, music, memories, you name it. As much as his Dad infuriates me, I look at L and think he has a pretty good mix of both of us in him, he's certainly got his Dad's sharp, dry humor, and I love it. For Lo, she just has that innocent caring spirit and excitement that makes traveling with her a treat!

On this Valentines Day my heart is happy and full

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The Best Day

11 years ago today my 9lb 2oz baby girl entered the world.  Undoubtedly the most wonderful thing I have ever planned!  I tear up thinking about what a wonderful, sweet, kind hearted young girl she is.  She has always been a delight,  at 11 years old she still has that joyful innocent spirit.   She LOVES her birthday so much, this whole month is pretty much for her, but I always want to make sure she has that one perfect day. 
This was Lo's day:  Our annual lunch together at school, she picked bagels.  Brought the treats (by the way this deserves its own post, I made  a last minute frantic change to the treats).  When I walked to get her I saw she had flowers and a balloon in her hand, my parents had sent this to the school.  SHe was on cloud 9, she said to me "well, this has pretty much been a perfect day", I can't tell you how much this means to me.  I have two kids, that's it, so in my book there are 2 days a year as a Mom I am responsible for making that day ALL about them.
Her birthday dinner choice was the WOK then onto Blue Spoon for dessert.  Thank you to my parents for joining us and ALL you guys do for my kids all the time!  Rick, so happy you get to be a part of this and share in it with us, and thank you for making my girl feel special, and helping with projects.  They say it takes a village to raise a child,  it's true.  The more love a child can have, the better!
(P.S.  Thanks Hakensen's Lo got her card, she'll be sending you an email soon)
Next stop:  BROADWAY

This seems like yesterday, 2nd birthday

We LOVE Birthdays!

There are some AMAZING cupcake and cake places in town, but my girl LOVES to bake. Unfortunately time doesn't permit as much anymore, but when it's Lilo's birthday that's what we do. I used to always make her treats, but now she is an equal participant. When it comes to Lo, nothing is ordinary!

Her colossal cupcake for the family party, this is frosting goodness at its best!

School birthday treats for tomorrow. She wanted Lucky Charm treats, the decided to add chocolate and sprinkles!

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Party # 1

Lo and Cal's family party was last night.  Cal's birthday is the 11th and Lo's is the 12th so we celebrated those two last night!  Thank you to my wonderful family for making my girl feel so special and have such a wonderful evening!


Ben "helping" Lo

Lo's gift from Gram and Pop, they were a HUGE hit (and a surprise to even me), she liked them so much, I came home from my run this morning, and she answered the door in them!

It was better than good

It was a great Nordic season in Leavenworth this year. From Christmas on I skied 80-100k a week on beautifully groomed trails, the most I've ever been able to.

We drove up the ski this morning as the sun came up, we were the second people on the perfect corduroy, came around for the second lap and realized this may be the end of my skiing here this season. No new snow in the horizon and the consistently warm temps, the conditions are quickly coming to an end. By our third lap, the conditions of the perfect trail had already deteriorated. It's ok, it was a wonderful ski to end it. Saw all of the familiar early morning skiers, wanting the beat the crowds and get the best snow, and in the coming weeks will see the same people on their bikes. Pretty amazing community of outdoor people around here. So cheers to a great season.

On that note, PLEASE people if you do ski the trail, pay for a pass. It's reasonable and supports LWSC, the group that makes it possible to ski with such great conditions. They are a wonderful organization, but it's through these funds they can continue to make it happen!

The sun peaking through

Pretty sweet if this was my last ski!

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Fear

The quote "do what you fear most" keeps popping up, and I keep asking myself what is it I fear?  I failed at marriage, and that was something I feared, but I came out stronger and with a lot more perspective!   I tried to think of a physical event I fear, swimming comes the closest, but rather than fear it's just a goal to improve!  At this point in my life the thing I fear most is still failure, but it's in failing my son.  He's almost 16 and it has set in, that my guiding role in his life is coming close to an end, that one day soon he will be an adult making his own decision, and I hope that I have raised him to be a competent, successful adult.  Its hard, and I am doing it on my own.  The illusion that his Dad would co parent was just wishful thinking on my part, he's more interested in being his buddy.  I don't think it's right, but I see where it's coming from, and it is what it is.  My child is a bright, smart kid, good kid, and good to his Mom and sister, but he's lazy at times and lacks ambition right now.  I am constantly asking parents with older kids for advice.  I originally thought without a doubt he'd go straight to a  4 year university, but his grades the last two years have been less than stellar, not because he can't do it, but because he does the minimum that's required.  He can take a test without ever studying and passes, but those grades don't cut it for a 4 year, nor do I want to send him to a 4 year school until he figures out the importance of hard work.....it's hard, and stressful, and right now this is what I fear the most.
I know he will be ok, and the path I originally thought he'd  take, might not be the one he takes at all, but eventually he will get there.  The ultimate wish I have for him is to be happy, and he will always have my love and support.  Rick and I often joke that if we build a house I may need to make a room for him.  He'd be welcome anytime and for however long, but when he has a family of his own, it'd be nice if he could support them!

Slowly but Surely

I've mentioned before I often go into a running funk at the beginning of winter, flat out don't want to do it, and don't.  I take a break, pretty much from the time Sage Hills closes until the roads are clear and the sun is shining.  In saying a break, I go from running three days a week to one.  I run one 5 ish mile run a week, just to remind my body what it's supposed to do when I get back into it!

I like to enjoy running, therefor if I'm not,  I simply take a break and know I will enjoy it again.
I didn't race much last year (travel become more of a priority than race fee's), but the year before, 2011, which was the year my divorce was final.  I raced and truly became a runner.  Not knowing how I would be able to fit everything in as a single mom, I decided running races would give me a great focus.  I needed that release and time to think in my day.  Running also requires a lot less of a time commitment than bike events or Tri's (didn't say easier, just less time).  The goal was a 10k, half then the marathon.  I ran my personal best in all three, the 10k I had never been able to break the 50 minute mark and ran it in 48minutes, same with the half, my very first one was 1:55 and had gotten it down to 1:50 but couldn't break it, until I ran with my dear friend and tried to keep up with her, pushing me to a 1:46 finish.  The same time I setting these goals, I found out my Ex's girlfriend was running the same marathon (yeah what are the chances of that ), so quite honestly a good goal was to beat her, and I did.  Training provided great motivation to stay on track and focus on my goals.  I enjoyed almost each run,  the closer I got to my goals, the more my heart and mind healed.  Running proved to be a wonderful therapy.  My long runs were often just my dog and I it was wonderful.

Since then, I've haven't been as focused, and I am ok with that.  I spent the winter skate skiing a ton, and enjoying it.  I opted to run this morning, my dog has been neglected in this department, since I took a break, and I think we both enjoyed it.  I ran happy.  I'm not to running 10 miles yet, because I don't want to push it.  I've stayed in great shape, but I know when I get too eager ed I get injured, so slowly and surely my dog and I are entering back into the running world, and happy to be doing so!

Now on to birthday prepping!   Lo's birthday is on the 12th, but every year, not really sure how this happens it always last the whole month.  This weekend its the family party, next weekend it's her birthday weekend in NYC, then the following week, her friends party! 

In writing this post, I have thoroughly enjoyed 3 cups of this!

My least favorite thing (along with chicken) to touch, but I've been told I cook great meat for a vegetarian!

Little of this a Little of that!

I was down and out with the cold for four days! Pretty much laid around and watched movies in my jammies, honestly for being sick it was dang good! Didn't even care that I wasn't out doing something, I wanted to rest and feel better. Monday rolls around and I am feeling rested, still got junk in my lungs but it wasn't stopping me. Managed to get in 2 bike rides, in insanely amazing sunny weather, 2 runs...the same, 2 swims (just to clarify, this was Monday-Thursday, not just a day) and today skied 24k (3 full loops), the weather and scenery was splendid, the trail could've been better (super icy, pretty thin and torn up), heading up tomorrow simply because the fresh air and sun on the face feels amazing, but taking my old ski's. My good ski's were a little angry at me for trashing then today!

My house on the other hand is in dire need of being cleaned, dang adult responsibilities!

the ride

 

The ski

 

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Resolution Time

I like New Years resolutions.  Quite honestly I put a lot of thought into them each year, about what it will be, how will it improve my life.  This years was easy, so easy I made a couple.

First on my list is cell phone off at 7.  We already have the rule  no cell phones in stores or at dinner.  Now after 7 mine is off, unless the kids aren't with me then it will be on for them.  I didn't typically get on my phone in the evening but here and there I'd be texting, and before you know it it's time for bed and there went my evening with the kids.  Evenings are somewhat sacred to me, I love our time, and rarely have anything scheduled, if I found myself wasting it by being on the phone, I'd be so disappointed in myself.  So off they  go!

Second, now I typically don't do any "diet" type resolutions, but this year it's about cutting out the fake stuff, as in all things labeled diet, or sugar free.  I've gotten better over the last few years, but it's hard to make the shift.

And last is kind of a beauty or perhaps lack thereof.  This past year or two, I have felt more comfortable with myself.  Beautiful and happy.  My favorite pictures of myself are often with my hair barely brushed and little make-up.  I like the natural me, always have.  But had always struggled with trying to be what my "other" wanted, tall and thin I had down, but I don't like the glamour and glitz.  I am a beach bum at heart.  I don't dye my hair, and  rarely even get it styled (I will say if I go grey I reserve the right to decided then whether to dye my hair or not),  I have thick hair, with a lot of body, I don't blow dry, or put product in it, now I am aiming to "train" it and only wash it every 4 days.  I've always been an every other day girl, but this year I am going even less maintenence, this I may or may not be able to pull off, but I like the idea!