Solo 5-miler

Saturday is running group day.  I wanted to go, but my daughter had a 9:00 volleyball game.  I am very happy with myself because I got up and ran five miles before her game.  I haven't run that far by myself since a run or two this summer.  It's funny--until October I never really ran with anyone.  Now I'm hooked on the comradery.

It was a fairly easy run.  Though the weather was a little chilly, I dressed appropriately.  I completed the run in under 10:30 pace.  Peaceful outside--as if on cue, my ipod played Louie Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" as I finished.   (I'll have to blog on the strange mix of music to which I run--it just screams "middle-aged Christian mom share an Itunes account with young teenagers")  I'm very pleased with the workout.  After sitting for 55 minutes watching my daughter's game, my old knees were able to waddle down the bleachers, too.  I'd say that is a successful run in my book.

Mom's New Toy

I love coffee.  I prefer hot coffee, but will drink it lukewarm, cold, or iced.  I like my own brewed coffee (ranging from Kroger's brand coffee to expresso made from kona beans my husband brought me back from Hawaii).  I really loved my french press (until I broke it).  Love my ten-year-old Mr. Coffee expresso maker.  Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Mr. Donut, or Tim Horton's drive thrus--they are all good.  I do not, however, like vending machine coffee--a girl has got to have SOME standards.

After two weeks of "research" (aka--salivating and surfing the web as well as surveying friends), I decided to purchase a Keurig machine.  I love it!  My husband and kids have now moved to the number two slot in my home.  I might have to buy a second machine if I work full-time next year.  The biggest problem I am having is to resist the temptation not to break my limit of two beverages a day.  Life is good!

Tortilla Chip Day

I've been trying hard to keep clutter out of our house.  It makes cleaning easy(er).  I contend I spend less money because I know what I have and I buy only what the family needs.  This being said, I did save part of the newspaper from January 1st.  The newspaper printed an article called "365 reasons to Enjoy 2011."

In my clutter free home (note:  said with sarcasm), I rediscovered this article to learn we should celebrate Tortilla Chip Day.  Guess what the kids and I will be enjoying for an afternoon snack?  I might even whip up a batch of my own homemade ones--yum!

BTW--tomorrow is "Pistol Patent Day."  I don't believe everyone needs nor deserves the right to bear arms, so I'll pass on celebrating.  I may just have a second helping of tortilla chips!