I am a lucky lady…2 dates in one week.  This time I enjoyed a daytime date with my favorite little guy.  Carlos and I go on the occasional Mommy/Son date.  Today we visited Yankee Candle.  It’s one of the flagship stores and it is huge with lots to do.

Carlos was instantly disappointed.  “You took me to a store for our date?  Well then this is not a good surprise!”  So I decided not to make him wait for the good stuff.  We started with popcorn from their Popcornopolis store.  There was a variety of flavored popcorn but of course Carlos opted for just plain old lightly buttered and lightly salted popcorn. I tried a small bite and it was good, but a little boring. (As always my apologies for the poor photo quality.  I used my iPhone for these.)

Now that’s some popcorn!  Carlos was in toddler heaven.  We walked through the toy store.  Carlos played on a pirate ship with other kids.  There were pirate hats, a big steering wheel, ropes, nets and lots of other things that made it fun for the little ones.

Santa was in his workshop as always with Mrs. Claus, but the line was long and I think Carlos is still just a tad intimidated.  He stood and stared at him for a few minutes but didn’t fuss when I said it would be a really long wait.  We will see Santa next weekend at my work Christmas party.

Arrrgggghhh Matey

Curious Carlos with Curious George

We strolled through the Bavarian Village, took in a snow shower, dipped candles at the Wax Works, shopped a little and finally worked up an appetite for lunch.  We ate at Chandler’s Tavern right on site.  It is a nice restaurant, a little fancy for a 3 year old, but Carlos was well behaved.  Unfortunately he didn’t touch his lunch because his tummy was full of popcorn.  I enjoyed a roasted veggie panini.  The veggies were fresh and plentiful, but there wasn’t much flavor otherwise.

It was a fun day.  Carlos fell asleep in the car on the way home.  I even took a little nap before it was time to start preparing a few things for Thanksgiving.  I will be heading out for my own solo turkey trot in the morning.  I’m hoping to do ten miles.  At least that way I can enjoy myself at dinner (and dessert)!

I’m generally a patient person.  I am also extremely organized especially when it comes to appointments.  I immediately enter new appointments, meetings, events, etc. into my iCal and set an email alert for at least 3 days prior.  This is why when the hospital called to inform me that my son had an appointment this morning at 8 am I was quite perplexed.  Carlos is a tip toe walker and wears orthotics to help correct the problem.  We had to go a couple of weeks ago for a check up. They fit him for new braces and gave me an appointment card for 12/2/10 at 9 am to pick up the new braces.  Since I work nights I never make morning appointments any earlier than 8:30.

A woman called me last week to confirm my 11/23/10 8am appointment.  I immediately explained my confusion but she insisted that the appointment was scheduled for Tuesday 11/23.  She said that the braces were ready.  I hate to have Carlos wearing braces that are too small for him when new ones are available so I agreed to come to the “new” appointment.

I got home this morning around 7:15.  I rushed Carlos to get him ready.  I quickly brushed my teeth.  We left the house at 7:35.  The traffic was heavy on the way but we made it to the hospital at 8 am sharp.  Finally at 8:30 the man from orthotics called Carlos’ name.  He immediately began telling me that the appointment was supposed to be December 2nd.  I held the appointment card in my hand and told the man about the phone call last week.  He said that there was nothing they could do about that and essentially that we came all this way for nothing.

I left on the verge of tears.  My patience has limits.  Someone on their end made a mistake, but I am the one inconvenienced.  No sincere apology was offered.  I had asked the woman on the phone last week to please double check with the orthotics people and she insisted that what was in her book was correct. There goes one and a half hours of my time today that could have been better spent doing a number of other things.

On the positive side, Carlos and I are going to meet my mom at the mall in a bit.  I will then head over to the reservoir for a quick run while they shop ride the escalator up and down.  Work was really good last night.  I’m working again tonight but I have tomorrow off.  Thursday is Thanksgiving and I am going to make Mandarin and Maple Spiced Quinoa from Oh She Glows.  I baked two breads yesterday for a work bake sale today.  They came out delicious.  I baked one of each for us too.  Orlando has already eaten almost the entire Pumpkin Cranberry bread.  Good thing he has an Apple Cranberry bread waiting for him.

After my ten mile run yesterday I was not too enthusiastic about going for a run today.  It was another beautiful fall day, sunny and windy but not too cold.  We decided to head to a nearby reservoir for a family nature walk.  We hoped to hike up the mountain there, but unfortunately the trails were covered with leaves and we didn’t know where to begin so we stuck to the trail around the reservoir.  It is a three mile loop and the little guy did great for about 2.5 miles of it before getting a lift on Orlando’s shoulders.  Here are just a few photos of the walk.

Carlos carrying the backpack...for about 2 minutes before it was too heavy!

My guys

I love him!

Guy talk

After the walk we went home for lunch.  Carlos was thrilled that he didn’t have to take a nap.  He proclaimed emphatically that he was not tired.  However, we knew better, but  we were secretly plotting an early bedtime for him and he was none the wiser.  Orlando and I had plans for dinner out with another couple and we wanted Carlos sound asleep for our departure.  Separation anxiety never gets easier (for me!).

While the guys relaxed I braved the mall.  It was mobbed and I was having trouble finding a parking spot.  For a brief moment I considered turning around and going home, but I persevered.  I was on a mission – for pants.  Aside from scrub pants for work and workout pants I own two identical pairs of jeans.  That’s it!  I loathe pants shopping.

I am the essence of pear shaped…small on top, rounded out on the bottom, just like an Anjou pear.  Let’s just say Skinny jeans were not made with my body type in mind.  I wore a size 14 for the longest time, as long as I can remember.  I am currently in a size 12 but  bordering on a 10.  I am 5’2″ which makes length an issue as well.  I tend to have wear petite pants for the length, but they are almost always tighter fitting than a regular fit in the same size.

I generally have good luck at Loft so I set out there first.  I loaded up the dressing room with pants of all styles and sizes.  After about an hour I walked away with three pairs of pants.  They had an incredible sale, 30% off everything in the store.  I bought a pair of khaki corduroy pants size 12P, a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans size 12P and a pair of black lounge pants in a medium.  My sister is my style guru and she made the recommendations.  I think I followed her suggestions quite well.  I was happy with my choices.

I wore my new jeans with a simple red sweater (handed down from my sister the day before) and my high heel black boots.  It is amazing how good it feels to get dressed now that I’ve lost some weight and toned up a bit.  I didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable.  I wasn’t pulling down my shirt or adjusting things.  I was pleased with how I looked.  Looking good and feeling great are certainly motivators to continue on this journey toward a healthier life.

We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at an old stand by in the area, Judie’s Restaurant.  This is one of my favorite restaurants.  The couple we went out with had never been.  I enjoyed a small glass of Rosé Champagne.  My meal came with a house salad which is simply mixed greens and toasted almonds.  I had the house poppyseed dressing.  So simple, but so tasty.  Along side the salad was the reason why I love Judie’s so much…their famous popover served warm with homemade apple butter.  I could have stopped right there and been happy.  But I didn’t stop there.  I ordered the roasted garlic crust salmon which is grilled salmon filet slathered with roasted garlic served with sauteed leeks, spinach, portabella mushrooms, capers and Penne Pasta in a Basil, Cracked Pepper, Butter Sauce. My mouth was entirely happy after that meal and I have leftovers for lunch today.  Good food, great company = fantastic night.

It was pouring when I left work.  The temperature was balmy, not fall like at all.  There goes my run I thought.  I threw on my work out clothes anyway with a new plan to go to the gym.  I dropped Carlos off at preschool and thought I was going to the gym but my car had other plans.  I suddenly took a left turn instead of a right turn.  The rain had died down to a drizzle.  Within a mile it had all but stopped.  I knew exactly where I was going.

I walked about a quarter mile to the trail.  The air was warm.  The sky was cloudy, but the only drops were from the wet leaves of the trees overhead.  I set my water bottle down under a tree and turned on my tunes.  I set off for a 3 mile run around a beautiful local reservoir, not my usual running spot, another closer to home.  It was a great run from the start.  My pace was good, my breathing was even and I was in awe of the beautiful colors around me.  While most of the leaves have dropped to the ground they provided a soft colorful carpet on which to run.

As I rounded the back side of the reservoir a stunning streak of sun light emerged over the center of the water peeking out between the clouds.  The water sparkled.  Ducks floated by peacefully skimming the water.  And then I noticed something I had never seen before because the leaves were always too thick on the trees, but now amidst the bare branches I catch site of a rushing waterfall cascading down the mountain.

Before I even reach my water bottle I know that I am going to run a second loop around the reservoir.  I felt great despite having worked all night.  I was energized by this seemingly new reservoir I had discovered.  I had been here many times before but it was as if it transformed into an entirely different place with the progression of fall.  On the second loop around, I take extra time to appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape I am so lucky to be able to enjoy.

I finished 6 miles in approximately one hour five minutes.  It was a glorious run.  I walked back to the car bathed in sun light.  The clouds were gone and the rain a thing of the past for this day.

This afternoon the bug (another nickname for Carlos) and I did a very very basic take on the Thankful Jar for the upcoming holiday.  I would love to claim that on top of my usual daily activities I am also part Martha Stewart and come up with unique and creative arts and crafts projects for my son each and every day.  Well I don’t.  Instead we stuck foamy letters to a giant plastic cup that spelled out “We are thankful!”  I would take a picture and post it but honestly it is pitiful.  I cut out strips of colored paper and Carlos and I began with what we are thankful for today.  When my husband gets home from work we will include his in the jar.  I am hoping to write one thankful strip each day from now until Thanksgiving.  The kids did something similar in preschool and I thought it would be nice to carry it out at home.

Today I am thankful for a lot of things.  This morning after work I enjoyed a lovely breakfast with my Mom, Aunt and Carlos at my favorite breakfast restaurant.  I had a delicious spinach, mushroom and swiss omelet.  It was loaded with fresh spinach and thick, hearty mushrooms, light on the cheese and a side of their homemade sun dried tomato basil toast – perfection!  I rarely eat eggs so when I do they have to be something special.  It was a nice morning.  Carlos and I came home and I was thankful that he played with his train set for nearly an hour while I accomplished a number of tasks I just hadn’t been able to get to like posting a pair of barely used expensive North Face boots on Craig’s List, catching up on email, doing laundry.  I was quite productive.

I am also very thankful that Carlos took a 2 hour nap today.  I rested on the sofa and watched the Amazing Race.  I did a few more things around the house before he woke up.  Then we took a quick trip to the local library.  Carlos is currently addicted to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts.  We rented “My Valentine, Charlie Brown.”  He also got a Blues Clues DVD and a Curious George book just in case anyone wanted to know what 3 year olds are into!!

We came home and did our Thankful Jar.  Now Carlos is coloring while watching Charlie Brown and I am writing this post.  My husband just walked through the door which makes me thankful since it is pouring out and he commutes over an hour away.  I’m also thankful that my husband is home a few minutes early because that means I will hopefully get to bed a few minutes early.  I am in the midst of a three night stretch at work so sleep is of the essence.  Good night.

I signed up to run a 5K today with my best friend, her oldest son and my husband.  We just decided to do it a week ago.  I really had no expectations for the race other than to have a fun time since I had to work last night and the two nights previous.  The day was spectacular for running.  It was small race and quite laid back.

My BFFs older kids and her husband watched our little ones near the finish line as we made our way to the starting line.  We started 15 minutes after the half marathoners so it was great to be able to cheer them on. I became instantly nostalgic as I thought about my own recent half marathon experience.

At 12:15 we were off and running through the center of the small town.  The first hill came about a half a mile in.  It was a steady incline for probably a little more than a quarter of a mile.  I ran it at a slow pace as I focused on my breathing.  I felt just slightly off which I chalked up to working all night and eating yogurt for breakfast.  Usually I eat toast with peanut butter and a banana.  That combination really works for me.  However, we were out of bread.  Actually we are out of just about everything.  It’s been a busy week.

But I digress…Hill #2 was a doozy for me.  I ran it slowly again and this time had my breathing better under control.  I picked up speed on the decline but I honestly could have cared less about my time.  I had no clue where I was at and I just focused on the warm sun beating down on me in contrast to the cool air brushing my hands and arms as I took in the experience.

I saw the mile 2 marker and suddenly felt a little pep in my step.  And then I saw the 3rd hill, not funny!  I took it in stride and made my way back to Main Street and the finish line.  As I came closer to the time clock I was stunned to see 29:30. Tears stung my eyes as I sprinted to the finish saying over and over, “Oh my goodness I’m going to finish in less than 30.”  I’m  not sure what my official time was but I never saw the clock hit 30:00.  I can’t believe how amazing these races make me feel.  I cried a little after crossing the finish line because honestly I’m really proud of myself.  I set a goal to improve my time and I achieved it earlier than I had intended to.  It is so rewarding to see the training pay off.

My husband finished 9th overall in the 5K.  He is unbelievable.  He has never run a race before.  He doesn’t even run regularly.  He was an avid soccer player in his younger years but only plays occasional indoor soccer during the winter now and kicks the ball around with Carlos.  The first thing he said to me when I saw him after the race was, “Sign me up for that race you’re doing in December.”  I’m so proud of him.

On December 5 I will run another 5K.  This time it will be me, Orlando, my BFF and at least two of her kids.  My mom and my aunt might do the fun walk at the same event.  I have already gotten so much more out of running than I ever imagined, but to have my closest friend, her family and my family participate because they truly want to is such a joy.

It was like spring outside today, bright blue sky, brilliant yellow sun, with just the right touch of coolness to the air.  It was the perfect day for a run.

Not a cloud in the sky

But sadly I didn’t have time for a run today.  I was too busy doing this…

Squeaky clean

I waited an hour to see if the a cleaning lady was going to show up, but apparently she got lost.  Hey a girl can dream.  Don’t you just love my pink gloves though?  We got them at work for Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  I think they are fabulous!

I might not have a cleaning lady, but I do have a wonderful mother who graciously offered to clean my entire house take the little guy out for a few hours.  Since my husband was working, I had the house to myself.  I cranked up the music and set out to get this house clean.

Now I live like I’m always expecting a pop in guest so my house is never what anyone would perceive as dirty. However, life has been all kinds of hectic lately and I just haven’t been able to do more than spot clean and vacuum incessantly.  I ♥ my Featherweight Bissell! I also love to do laundry.  I very rarely have to tackle Mount Laundry because I am always throwing in a load.

So today was all about getting down and dirty with the dirt or actually dust in my house’s case.  I am trying not to revisit the rooms I have already cleaned because I know the dust will have reappeared rendering my efforts useless.  I made a lot of headway today.  My house is not exactly large.  In fact it is a quaint old petite colonial.  I just had so much to do there was no way to get through it all in one day especially given the fact that I worked last night and have to work again tonight.

I will just have to do the bathroom and Carlos’ room tomorrow.  There are actually very good reasons that neither of those rooms were cleaned.  Carlos is now napping and I just cleaned his room at the beginning of the week.  It could still use a dusting though.  My excuse for not cleaning the bathroom is simply, I hate cleaning the bathroom.  There I said it!  I absolutely hate cleaning the bathroom.  I despise cleaning the toilet.  My old ugly floor tiles just never seem free from fly away hairs, dust and toddler pee.  The bathroom will get a quick wipe down in a minute but I refuse to go any deeper than that.  I have faith that a cleaning lady will show up tomorrow.

My husband is currently eating a crumbly granola bar in the living room with no napkin or plate to catch the crumbs.  Hmmm I think I know who will be cleaning the bathroom tomorrow.

Horrible photo I know.  With each day that passes I become convinced that a DSLR camera is necessary.

Awww but who am I kidding I know exactly who will be cleaning the bathroom tomorrow.

Carlos took this photo a while ago.  So perfectly expressive at this moment!  I must go to bed soon.  At least I have a 5K to look forward to after cleaning the dreaded bathroom tomorrow.  The weather looks clear and a little colder tomorrow.  Excellent running weather.  Enjoy the rest of your Saturday.

I ran seven unplanned miles today.  My morning started out as usual for a Friday:

• get out of work at 7am
• home by 7:10am
• say hello and goodbye to morning babysitter
• make sure Carlos ate breakfast
• take Carlos up for a quick bath
• get Carlos ready for school
• change out of scrubs and into running clothes
• leave house at 7:30 to bring Carlos to school
• drop Carlos off around 7:45
• reservoir by 7:50ish
• run 3.5 miles around reservoir

That is the normal part.  Today, however, the preschoolers were singing “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” at the Veterans’ Day Mass.  So after finishing up my run I headed to the 9am mass.  I was dying to hear the children sing.  Carlos has been practicing the song for weeks now.  Let me just say that I have never see my child sit still and behave so well for so long.  He followed instructions and seemed to already know when to sit, stand or knee throughout the mass.  He looked back at me a couple of times, but each time had a very serious look on his face.  When it came time for the group to sing I think he got so nervous he didn’t even sing.  I wish I could have taken pictures, but the principal was sitting behind me so I didn’t dare!

At the end of the mass Carlos turned around and looked like he was going to cry at any moment.  I whispered, “is everything ok.”  Just then a cascade of tears rolled down his cheeks.  I rushed over to hug my little guy.  I asked why he was crying and he said, “because I just miss you Mommy.”  I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.  You see my son goes to preschool from 7:50am to 11am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Prior to this September he was home with me nearly every waking moment from the day he was born.

Carlos recovered quickly and moved along for refreshments and some playground time with his class.  I had about 50 minutes to kill which is not enough time to go home, shower and return so I headed back to the reservoir for another loop around.  It was a gorgeous day (how many times have I said that lately?).  We have been extremely lucky this fall.  I took my time, breathed in the fresh air and just enjoyed myself.  This run was definitely not about time and all about personal enjoyment.

Since this is my weekend to work getting in a long run today was a huge help.  I can’t wait for my 5K on Sunday!!!

I admit it, I watch the Biggest Loser.  Sometimes I dream about living on the ranch for a month to shed the remaining 20-40 pounds to reach a healthy weight.  In the past I have cried at least once an episode as the contestants undergo life changing experiences.  However, this season I don’t think that I have cried once.  I am watching episode 8 right now and I literally want to smack everyone.  They are just about the whiniest bunch of contestants yet.

I’ve heard more than one contestant say they are tired or exhausted.  Hmmm all they have to do is work out.  I would give my right eye ball to have all day to just work out.  One woman keeps saying that her desire to stay on the ranch vs. going home is 60/40.  It should be 100%.  I understand that it must be trying to be away from your family.  This is a once in a life time opportunity to not only lose weight but to increase your odds of living a longer, healthier life.  At least give it your all while you have the chance.  Besides the obvious health benefits there is a lot of money at stake.

The show doesn’t really shed any light on what day to day life is like for the players.  You get to see them exercising and competing in challenges, but you really never get to observe their eating habits while on the ranch.  Occasionally they will learn something about nutrition or they will make a meal with a famous chef.  I just wonder how much they are learning about strategies to make better food choices.  It would seem impossible to continue working out for hours and hours a day once the contestants return home.  At some point they will have to evaluate what they are eating.

I actually stopped weighing myself a few weeks into half marathon training. I lost a little then gained it back.  The scale fluctuated and it frustrated me.  I wanted to focus on the running.  My eating habits have changed quite a bit over the last year.  I felt confident that I could at the very least maintain weight.  Within a couple of months the weight loss was noticeable.  I could not only see that I had lost weight, but I could feel it in my clothing.  I hadn’t obsessed about weight loss.  I made better choices and I moved more.  I’m not insinuating that it was easy or effortless.  I worked hard and I continue to work hard.  I feel better than ever before.  I have absolutely no desire to go backwards.

The weight loss definitely tapered during the last month of half marathon training, but it was not accompanied by a weight gain.  I am looking to spark the weight loss again.  I don’t plan on bringing back the scale, but I’m contemplating the return of the food journal perhaps in blog form?  I haven’t decided yet.

If I have learned anything over the last couple of years it is that weight loss requires a commitment to living a healthy life, making the best decisions possible, and moving whenever possible.  Life happens, Halloween candy infiltrates the house, people celebrate birthdays, holidays come and go…I intend to live and enjoy life, but I refuse to let food rule me anymore.