To Do or Not To Do List is My Friday Question.

Welcome Friday!! Woo-hoo! It has been one of those weeks. How 'bout for you?

I started my day around 4:30am trying to catch up on some laundry and decided not to do my exercise routine, but instead hit the road for a run. More on that in a minute.

So, as I was getting lunches ready, I also prepared my To-Do list, and if you remember from my Bucket List post, you know how much I like lists! This one is a doozie....not sure I will get through it today, but will try.

First thing on the list was to take the kids to get their braces tightened. Yes, that was a plural. We have both kids in braces and it's been so much fun, I recommend it to every parent of a teenager! *yes, sarcasm*

Here is what my kids look like when they hear that it is time for "The Visit" to the orthodontist.

image via Google search

A tip for those of you that are venturing into world of orthodontic care...and have managed to keep your arms and legs (payment is pretty steep for these things), before the wire tightening visit, be sure to help your child deal with the pain by giving Motrin/Tylenol BEFORE the visit. Did you catch the be-fore? Me? I should listen to my own advice, because I forgot. It wasn't pretty when they walked out of the back...both holding their cheeks saying "Ow."

Next on my list was to go to the bank...check....next....run...

Yes. Run. I have not really done any running in about a month. I have walked, done weights, worked out with kettlebells (which I am in l-o-v-e with, btw). But no running because I have been rehab-ing a past knee injury.

So, today was the day to test the waters. I went for a very easy 30 minute run and it was good. It felt great to see the fall colors and get some cool air into the lungs. I am still in the wait and see mode to make sure that the knee stays "normal".

So I am up to 4 things checked off my list....

Not. even. a. dent.

How is your "to-do" list going?

Goin' In Circles

Good morning!

I have been waiting for my laptop to figure itself out. What do I mean by that? Well, for almost a week now, I have tried to sign on to blog and read other blogs, but my friend just kept going in circles trying to connect itself...this morning it decided to join the party, so I am going to write as much as I can while it is in a good mood.

I went for a run this morning to help clear my head and for some reason it just didn't work. Too much going on upstairs, which is making things cloudy. In fact, while striding up a hill on mile 3, I couldn't even focus on a 'To-Do" list. All I could think about was why is it so freaking hot at 6:30 in the morning?

Hopefully, after my second cup of coffee (which I am savoring as I type), things will be a little less muddled and I can get some things done today.

Enjoy your July 4th...we have a hot one in my neck of the woods....

It's Monday Already?

Last week had me running and the weekend was no different!

I have not been writing as much as I would like-my new job and umpteen after school activities have left me very little "me" time. In fact as I frantically type this, I am watching the clock as I only have 10 minutes to get this post done so that I can begin my Monday Madness! Maye that should be a new "series" post.

In any event, I have 3 big blogging items that have been hanging on my To-Do list...and I hope to get them done this week. Fingers crossed.

This weekend was crazy- we enjoyed our second baseball game-sans hail. In fact, it was sunny and 80 degrees. After this we met some friends and went for a bike ride...now it was 85 degrees....and I forgot the sunscreen. As I started out..psssssssst. Flat tire. 22 miles later, I was fried- in more ways than one.

Got home and took my daughter out shopping. Mother shopping with teenager for prom shoes= H-E-L-L. This is a story that is coming later this week, so I don't want to give away too many details. Let's just say that we are still shoeless.

Went to a Honky Tonk bar to see a friend sing with his band. Again, another story...and a great one at that. I was floored at how well our friend sang....again-don't want to give too much away, but I hope his story will inspire someone!

And last but not least...ran a 5k yesterday in sweltering heat and humidity to help support the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. No story here...except that it was really, really hot and fun!

Ok...10 minutes are up. Gotta go. But I will be back. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

Have a great day!

 

Attitude Adjustment

I wrote the other day that I was not "feelin' the love" for the ice or skating.  I called it a maintenance day, however I did finish that post with the fact that I knew the next day would be completely different.
 
It was.
 
About 10 years ago, I was an avid runner and learned that if I was stressed about the full plate for the upcoming day or week, I could go for a run and mentally organize everything.  I really liked how a run could bring clarity to the mind.
 
The day after that post, I decided not to skate, but to go for a run instead. It was cold but the sun was out in full force and it made the 3-something- mile run enjoyable and mood-changing. It was exactly what I needed to end my stressful week. Amazing what 30 minutes will do to get you pumped and ready to take on a new day with a smile!

Good Day Sunshine

My morning run yesterday was gorgeous. I started just before the orange-pink sun made its way over the horizon. There is something extremely peaceful the dawn after a snowfall. All  is covered in fluffy white, creating a softness to everything and as the sun peaks, it makes the snow shine that special sparkle. The road traveled was icy and made my pace slow and deliberate.

Probably not the best time to take a picture. I just held it in front and snapped, making it a little blurry. Better blurry than falling!

What a great way to start a day!