Tears on My Pillow, Pain in My Heart

Dr. informs me I've crushed a bone in my wrist. It could collapse very easily and would then require surgery.

No running. No aerobics. No cycling. Not even on a treadmill. Brisk walking ok in a week or so. Recumbant bike ok.

I go back in one week for more xrays... to check my progress. Likely 6-8 weeks before the cast is removed. That puts me into mid-March. Just 6 weeks prior to the marathon.

I'm officially depressed. Maybe I can do the half?

The Activities of a Child

DH and I have always believed that the kids shouldn't be involved in more than one activity at a time. Because they are both young, this hasn't been an issue, but when they begin school, I know that it will be more difficult and require some thought and potential compromise.

A recent blog post by Scribbit on Time Management really put things into perspective for me and helped to reassure that I am doing the right thing for my children.

DD has been taking dance for over a year now and she absolutely loves it! The little guy just started in dance as well and he, too, loves the class. As a family activity, I take the kids swimming 2-3x a week. We play, mostly, but I also work with them on swimming skills. They are both progressing very well on their own so I haven't felt the need to sign them up for lessons.

For a long time, I have been planning to sign both of them up for martial arts when the little guy turns 4. Initially my intentions stemmed from my desire that my kids learn to stand up for themselves and be self-confident. I have horrible memories of being the victim of bullying when I was growing up. I certainly don't want my children to go through what I did. My little guy has Nystagmus, as did both of my brothers, and I know kids can be cruel. I expect my kids to walk away from those who taunt them, but I also want them to be able to defend themselves if necessary.

A recent article, Kick Together!, caught my attention and has encouraged me to go forth with my intention. However, I know now that I'll do it more as a family activity.

Crash & Burn

Well... the past couple of weeks have been a mixture of joys & sorrows.

Starting off the week of the 15th, we took turns being sick with some sort of stomach flu... causing me to miss several workouts/runs. My running log for that week:

MON - DS sick, couldn't swim or run
TUE - 8 miles (2 easy, 4 @ 8.20 pace, 2 easy)... the 4 were clocked at 9.09 / 8.58 / 8.43 / 9.05... slower than desired
WED - 2350m swimming (600m warm, 250m w/fins; 3x[50, 100, 150, 200])
THR - DD sick, couldn't run
FRI - 9 miles (easy run @ ~9 min mile pace)
SAT - off, lazy
SUN - 6 miles easy w/family, felt yucky myself, belly rumbly like jello
Weekly Mileage = 29 (should've been +40)

The week of the 22nd started off great. I had some spectacular runs & I felt strong. That is, until Sunday.

MON - 2100 m swimming (700m warm, 200m w/fins; 6x200m [evens 4x50m 10 sec RI; odds 200m] 30 sec RI after set)
TUE - ~4 miles (1 easy, 4x800 @ 3.45, 1 easy)... my 4 800s were 3.28 / 3.46 / 3.34 / 3.47 ... right on!
WED - 1850 m swimming (500m warm, 4th length feet first; 300m breast warm; 3x[150m frees, 5x50m back,breast,free])
THR - easy 4 miles in a.m.; 1 hour aerobics in evening
FRI - off, little sore from aerobics (shoulders,butt)
SAT - 7 miles (1 easy, 5 @ 8.25 pace, 1 easy)... splits were 7.42 / 8.26 / 8.24 / 7.59 / 7.50 ... AWESOME!!
SUN - 4.5 miles approx. (15 mile plan cut short)
Weekly mileage = 29.5 (should've been +44)

Patty invited me to join her & a group of women on Phil's Trail for a trail run. DH stayed home with the kids and I was elated to get out on my own (i.e. sans stroller) and meet others who share my passion. My plan today called for 15 miles. I therefore intended to do the 7 with girls and then take the kids out with the stroller when I got home (DH planned to go fly airplanes).

From the trail head, it did not appear as though snow or ice would be an issue... the past few days, temps were in the 50s so no one even thought about bringing Yak Trax. The first 2 miles or so were great... bare dirt. This started to change soon thereafter and we began to encounter patches of snow & ice. We were all slipping here and there. About the 5th mile, we started to head back towards the trail head and the trail progressed downslope.

Things were looking up, we were all being careful... even walking in sections or trompling the sagebrush. Lauren, who was running behind me, miraculously caught herself from falling during a complete banana slip. She was just starting to presume the conversation we had going when my feet went out from under me. I tried desperately not fall. I didn't want another injury like I had sustained in Sept. Despite my effort, I did fall. I landed with nearly all my weight on my left wrist.

I sat there on the trail for several minutes. I could barely move my fingers without pain searing up my arm. The others helped me up and fashioned a sling for my arm. We then proceeded to walk the rest of the way. It was about 18 degrees so it was decided that Jenn would stay with me as the others ran ahead. Someone would come back with extra layers for us.

We seemed to walk forever. Jenn allowed me to blab on about my marathon hopes, my teaching experience, my husband & kids... anything to keep my mind off the pain. We walked at a brisk pace when the trail allowed but frequently had to slow and step very carefully to avoid falling again.

The guys (2 significant others who had set out ahead of us girls) met us about a mile from the trail head with another coat and a blanket. Patty drove me to the hospital where DH & the kids met me.

When the nurse helped me to remove my coat as I was checking in, it was evident that my wrist was broken. Xray not required. Too bad I didnt hasve my camera as it was quite funky.

The ER physician consulted with the on-call orthopedic and determined they would need to pull on my fingers (primarily my thumb) to realign the bones properly. As this would undoubtedly cause severe pain, they gave me Morphine & Versed to consciously sedate me). After the Dr. requested 2 ml of Versed, I don't remember a thing until we were preparing to depart. Drugs are amazing!

So, here I sit... trying to type with just one hand... making a tremendous number of typos so it is taking forever to type this out.

I see an orthopedic tomorrow afternoon. I'll know more then. I can already tell you, however, that this is really going to humble me. I've always been so independent. I hate being waited upon. I am very depressed. I hope I can still train. Swimming is out. Pushing the stroller is out. Running in snow/ice is out. Cycling not an option. Anyone have a treadmill they can lend me???

Family Tree

When I was a little girl, I always admired the photographs my grandmother had displayed in a family tree. It was a classic, simple tree with hand drawn lines showing our ancestors for each side of the family. My aunt supposedly has this now and while I haven't seen it in years, I have always wanted one of my own.

A few months ago, I saw a 3-dimensional family tree with photographs at a girlfriend's home and was inspired to create something similiar for myself. While I haven't yet completed the project (I want to reprint the photos on photo paper and identify the people on little slips of paper), I thought I would post what I've done thus far.

I have pictures for my father's side of the family that would enable me to go back at least 2 more generations, but it wouldn't allow for a symetrical display as I don't have the ability to do so on my husband's side. If you would like to create a family tree of your own, let me know and I can provide a brief description of how I did this one. :)

Troubled Sleeper

With my first child, I used gentle sleep training, and it worked like a charm. She was in bed with us for the first week, but when I realized she seldom woke to nurse throughout the night, I moved her to a crib. I would nurse her for as long as she wanted before bed, swaddle her, and put her in her crib. If she woke, which was seldom, I used shushing and soothing, a gentle hand placed on the back, and would then tip-toe out of the room. I was never sleep-deprived and counted myself lucky.

My son seemed to be following much the same pattern for his first few months. A cheerful baby, he only cried when hungry, tired or in pain, and was easily soothed. By six months, he was sleeping 10 or more hours at night, and napping at least once during the day. At night, I would nurse him as I laid on the couch & watched TV or read a book, but unlike his sister, he would seldom actually fall into deep slumber before I would rise to put him into his crib. He was bright eyed when I would lay him down into his crib. I'd give him a kiss and tuck him in, "Good night my love, see you in the morning."

Then sometime after he turned one... once he had learned to walk and get around at whim, things changed. We tried everything. When he tried to let him cry it out, his cries got very loud and he would cry for 2 hours or more. It was awful! When that didn't seem to bring us in to him, he taught himself to climb out of his crib. For safety reasons, we switched to a toddler bed. A big mistake! When he awakes now, he simply gets up and comes into our bed, usually within 3-4 hours of sleeping in his own bed.

Generally, he still goes to bed easily (after we tuck him in and give him a kiss)... other times, I need to nurse him to sleep. I just can't seem to get him to stay there. I don't mind the occasional night visits (when he needs comfort from a bad dream or such - like his sister does once in a while), but every night?!

This brings up another issue. How does one wean a child from nursing??? He'll be 2 at the end of next month. I've got him down to nighttime (although 2-3x throughout the night) and morning, but it is a fight during the day. He desperately wants boobie. I keep having to tell him. "No. Wait for bedtime. My boobies are empty. All gone." He once even brought me the milk from the refridgerator apparantly thinking I could refill myself. :)

His sister was weaned nearly over night. She too, was down to just 2 feeding a day (before bed and morning) and even then, they were short stints. So, Memorial Weekend of 2004 when she was 20 months, I just stopped. She didn't fuss too much at all. I was surprised... but perhaps the presence of Grandma and Papa who were visiting for the weekend was a great distraction. :)

My little guy will be 2 at the end of February. While I love the initimacy we share while nursing... I am ready to stop. I swear he'll be potty trained before he gives up the boobie (he occasionally removes his diaper to use the toilet, although he's been successful only twice).

Scrapbooking for Others

Until now, I haven't posted any of the page I have done for my wedding album... just never got around to it. My mother called earlier tonight and requested that I post a few. So, here goes.


I like simplicity, especially with wedding photos. I have made 2 other albums similar to my own. With both, I used the colors of the wedding to choose the papers and cooresponding embellishments (generally just ribbons & metals). I did my album a little differently however, in that I chose black paper with silver writing; silver or pewter metal charms; and black & white ribbons.

I also thought I should post a few other samples. My style has changed a lot over the years, but I've always maintained a relatively clean, crisp layout.

I've had a few inquiries about how much I would charge to scrap for others. I haven't any experience in this (the albums I've done for others have been for gifts) yet I would love the opportunity. I scrapbook with both paper and digital materials...I'm biscraptual. :) Therefore, my customers would have the choice of the traditional paper scrapbook pages or digital scrapbook pages.

PAPER
The 3 wedding albums I've done were all 8x8 (works very well for the showcasing one or occasionally two photos on each page) and the pages were very simple, designed to let the photo stand out. One color backgound paper, a second patterned paper or vellum (torn and placed either on the sides, top or bottom of the 2 page spread) and a few embellishments (ribbons, metal charms, etc.) are all that I use on the pages. For an album like this, materials alone were about $70. Therefore, a premade (i.e. no photos) album with 20 pages (with similiar embellishments/format on each page) would be $100.

DIGITAL
Digital kits range in price from $3-20 and include all the coordinated papers, embellishments, etc. Depending on the desires of the customer, one or more kits may be purchased. With these kits, I can then create layouts or pages that showcase the customers photos (I'll need the photos in advance).

In choosing the digital route, the materials or kits purchased on behalf of the customer would be given to the customer on a CD at the completion of the project. This would enable the customer to use those kits again in future projects. Please note, I don't sell these kits... the customer will have the choice of which kits are purchased and will retain full ownership of the kit.

I will create four digital layouts or pages, regardless of size, for $20 (plus the cost of selected kits). Digital layouts will be provided on a CD in jpeg format which allows for printing at a local photo developing lab. Pages can then be framed or put into a traditional scrapbook. For an additional fee, I can print the pages for you.

I hope you will give me the opportunity to create your family keepsake. If you have questions or would like to see other examples of my work, please contact me at bud underscore eva at hotmail dot com (you'll need to decipher the email, shown in this way to avoid spam). :)

You can also click upon the link to my galleries at two online scrapbooking forums:
My Gallery at 2Peas
My Gallery at Jen Wilson's

Blogging Frustration

I recently became aware that my blog looks completely different in Firefox than it does in Explorer. As I typically use Explorer... I didn't realize before that in Firefox, the format was all wonky and the right sidebar pushed down below the posts. Frustration!

To correct this, I fixed the wrapper or column widths... the sidebar is now in the proper place. However, still looking all funky are the sidebar category titles. The font is HUGE in Firefox. I don't have a clue how to go about correcting this.

Addiditionally... now that the columns are narrower, the index tabs on the top that allow my readers to move to the category of posts of most interest are now goofy in Explorer. Frustration again!

If you might know how I can correct these things... PLEASE please let me know.

:)

Great Week (FIRST Week #15)

This past week incorporated some awesome workouts! I'm feeling stronger and (on occasion) faster!

MON - 2150 meters swimming (equiv. ~5.37 running miles)
600 m (mixed strokes) & 200 m kicking w/fins = warmup
300 m (form)
300 m (faster)
225 m (form)
225 m (faster)
150 m (form)
150 m (faster)
... I was supposed to do a 75 m set as well, but ran out of time - had to go get the kiddos from the Kid's Corner which closes at 1 p.m.

TUE - 5 miles speed work (goal: 20 min warmup, 4x800 at 4.05, 10 min cooldown)
25 min warmup
4 x 800 m at 3.17, 4.05, 3.36, 4.22
10 min cool down
... This was a fun and enjoyable workout, even with the stroller! I did it on Poplar (straight stretch w/ slight incline when going west, hence the slower times; same route going east has a slight downslope, hence the faster times). The kids put their arms up and would shout, "Wheeee!" as we zoomed up and over the driveways.

WED - Off
... There was no space in Kid's Corner for childcare (I had neglected to sign up the week prior)... so I was lazy today.

THR - 6 miles (goal: 1 easy, 5 @ PMP of 8.40, 1 easy)
... Snowing hard, no stroller. Took it easy to foot bridge and attempted to run the river trail portion at a brisk pace; completing the ~3 mile loop in 25.28 (a pace of 8.42). Had it not been snowing and thereby difficult to see rocks, etc. under the accumulated snow, I think I could have run a little faster. Took it easy on the way back as well.

FRI - Off. Lazy again,no excuses.

SAT - Easy 4.6 miles
... No stroller. Sunny. Had fun. Completed COI loop in 42.25 (a 9.1 pace).

SUN - 9.4 miles (goal had been 13)
... Pushed the stroller. DH went ahead to check mileage for 1/2 way turn-around point but when we met him on his way back, I elected to turn back as well. Thinking I'd finish the last 3 once the kiddos were at home with him... when I got back, he had a call from a friend and we decided to go to the 2:15 showing of Charlotte's Web. I wouldn't have time to finish the last 3... oh well. Pace = 11.5 Eeewh!!

Granted, we stopped near Red Robin along the river to observe a family of river otters play and enjoy a little fish snack... we also stopped to down 3 gels and some water... along with stopping on several occasions to answer questions of inquiring toddler minds and help open their animal cracker snacks... this must have taken at least 10 minutes... so my pace could have been 10.53... still Eeewh!! My long run easy pace should be 9.40. We'll work on that.

This week is starting off with a sour note... My little prince has the stomach flu. No swimming for me today. I'll do an easy run though. Let's see.. Coach Bob would probably have us do at least 1800 meters so that would be 4.5 miles at the least. Patty just called, so I'll have adult company as well. Maybe the week isn't so sour? :)

Don't Forget the Extra Cheese

Urgh - I was 90% finished with my entry when my little prince decides to push the on/off button on the computer! My lengthy post was lost. So here goes attempt number 2.

This past summer, my kids were really into a series of DVDs that we borrowed from the library, Signing Time. The series, created by a mother of 2 young children (one deaf, one hearing), utilizes music and clever graphics to teach children of all ages how to communicate with American Sign Language. The songs are very catchy. One of our favorite songs came from Vol 12 - Time to Eat. The children learn a variety of words associated with common foods (tomatoes, cheese, salad, spaghetti, soup, sandwich, etc.) and they then utilize all the words they've learned to build a crazy pizza. I'll have to find the lyrics for ya'll. :)

Nearly a year ago, we were in the big city for a concert (Bon Jovi!). For dinner, Amalia and Bar treated us to a homemade pizza night. The pizzas were amazingly delicious. Months later, while Bef, BuD (DH) and I were in Hawaii, we took an informal poll and all agreed that Amalia's pizzas were THE best pizzas we've ever tasted. :)

When I returned home, I was on a quest to find the book Amalia had recommended, American Pie by Peter Reinhart, and start my own tradition of a weekly pizza night. I already had a few of the tools (pizza stone, rotary cutter) described in the book and thought I would give it a go. Unfortunately, the first few pizzas I made back then were more akin to a calzone than to a pizza pie. The pizza would always flop over onto intself in a heap of dough, cheese and toppings... most of which ended up on the bottom of the 500 degree oven.

When Amalia gave me a pizza stone, a peel, pastry knife, flour wand, and Semolina flour for Christmas, I was overjoyed! The stars were aligned last night, allowing me to begin my pizza endeavors anew! I purchased the ingredients (onion, pear, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella cheese, parmasean cheese, basil, and cherry tomatoes) and looked forward to a wonderful meal.

I made the dough early in the morning and went for an awesome run as the dough was left to rise on the counter. Later that evening, as I began to make the sauce, I realized that I had neglected to buy a can of crushed tomatoes. The recipe stated I could substitute canned whole tomatoes... so I did just that, crushing them by hand as suggested. Unfortunately, I also neglected to drain them sufficiently beforehand, so the sauce was rather runny. I added a small can of tomato paste (helped a little) and heated the sauce on the stove top (as Amalia suggested - this also helped a little).

DH invited a friend from work over for dinner (they had business to discuss)... the perfect opportunity to try out my new skill. The first pizza I made was one of my own creation, caramelized onion and pear (pictured below). I also made several suggested by the book: Margherita (sauce, basil leaves, mozz. & parm. cheeses), con Rucola (cherry tomatoes, arugula, mozz. & parm. cheeses), and con Rucolo w/Prosciutto. The sauce was a little runny yet, which made for a bit of mess (particular for the kids) but everything tasted great!


The kids and I had a great time making the pizzas... all the while singing the pizza song from Signing Time (albeit with the lyrics altered slightly to suit our ingredients).

The guys voted and the clear winner for the evening was caramelized onion & pear! Yippee! :) I've posted the toppings for those who care to try it for themselves. I've topped a pre-made thin pizza crust (such as Boboli) in the past and it turns it well but, the Napoletana dough in the book far exceeds this method.

Sliced, caramelized red onions
One sliced Bartlett pear
Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
Chopped Walnuts

I don't know the exact amounts... I just play and go with what looks right. You can vary it according to your own tastes. :)

5 Things You Might Not Know ~ CHBM Carnival

1. I have lived my entire life in Oregon.
2. I have a butterfly tattoo on my ankle.
3. I currently have only 2 toenails (my pinkie toes!) - lost the other 8 during marathon training.
4. I have eaten skunk.
5. I spent a summer in Ecuador looking for caterpillars.

New Movies & Books

Like most people, I love movies. This season, I am particularly excited about a couple of new releases that are based on children's books. The one I am most looking forward to is The Golden Compass. It is based upon a triology by Philip Pullman. A 12-year-old girl starts out trying to save a friend whose been kidnapped by a mysterious organization in an alternate world but ends up on an epic quest to save our own world as well.

I have read all 3 and absolutely love the series. So much so, that I even read the first (The Golden Compass) to my 5th grade students the last year I was teaching before DD was born. There were a large number of 'fantasy' enthusiasts in that class and several were so taken by the characters (Lyra and Lord Asriel) that they too, read the next two (The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass).

I've also recommended the book to my book club, but alas, it hasn't been selected from 'the jar' yet. Hopefully soon. I'd love to read it again. :)

Another movie that is already in theaters is Eragon. Written by Christopher Paolini when he was just 15, Eragon is about a young farm boy who finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

I am looking forward to this one as well. DH and I have a date night in a couple weeks... hopefully it will still be playing in theatres locally.


In other accounts, I am currently reading Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore. I haven't read too many biographies in the past, but I am really enjoying this one. As it was selected as the Novel Idea selection for this year, my book club will be reading it in April. I know I am the first member to begin reading. I am fearful that most of the members will not pursue it to the end. If you are not into running, some of the material may be considered slow-going. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to everyone!

Holiday Hiatus

Does anyone even wonder where I have been? Likely not... but here I have returned.

The holidays were magical. In years past, DD has approached Santa (and in some respects, the whole season) with either fear or ambivalance. This was the first Christmas that she grasped the idea of Santa - that he was going to come in the night and leave presents. Over the last few weeks she has been giddy with excitement and anticipation - what a joy to witness that from this side of the fence. I think Christmas is almost more fun as an adult with a child who is INTO the holiday and the idea of magic.

We sang all the familiar Christmas songs together - Santa Claus is Coming to Town was the most frequent request as I sang it whenever she misbehaved - worked like a charm!

We baked Chex Mix for our neighbors ~ several of our neigbhors bake cookies and fudge - so we try to spice it up for everyone! We wrapped gifts - both those we purchased and those we hand made (this photo shows the kids working on the bear magnets/pins they created for friends/family).



The princess was elated with every gift she opened. "This is just what I wanted!" Complete happiness and excitement overtook her on several occasions; Bob the Burro (plush toy from Santa), Unicorn (plush toy from Grandma R), and Polly Pocket Cruise Ship (a surprise even to me, from Bef)... and she jumped up and down, giggling with delight. I wish we had videotaped a few of these moments but alas, we have at least captured a few on the digital camera.

The little guy, on the other hand, just took everything in stride. He was eager to open presents (whether or not they belonged to him) and would be so intent on playing with that one toy that he would neglect the others that remained unopened, momentarily anyway.



The holiday week was very tiring, however. We drove over the pass on the morning of Saturday 23rd to spend time with my family. We arrived at their home around noonish and spent the afternoon there... chatting, eating, playing, & opening gifts. Santa made a quick stop, leaving gifts for the kiddos on the doorstep. My kids were ecstatic about the arrival of Bob the Burro and a Bobcat (both Plush toys they had had their eyes on at the museum). We departed around 5:30ish for the coast. On the drive, DD remarked, "How did Santa know? I didn't tell him about Bob the Burro. How did he know I wanted him?" Santa is magic, Sweetie. :)

We arrived at DH's parents home around 8 in the evening. The following morning (Christmas Eve), I was able to go for a run with A! and then that evening we enjoyed our traditional Prime Rib dinner with DH's family. After dinner, we popped over to the Collins' home - exchanged gifts and got reaquainted. DD received the cruise ship / DH a toy shark. [Bef - you are amazingly clever and surprised me with your thoughtfulness.] The little man received a big GeoTrax set and I received a pizza stone, peel, and 2 CDs (Matchbox 20 & Sting). We were all very happy. :)

Christmas morning we awoke early (who doesn't, right?) and set up the GeoTrax for my little man. He loved it! When the princess came downstairs, she was a little groggy and slow to awaken. I think it all started to get a little overwhelming at this point... the Barbie Dreamhouse and the scooter (the 2 things she wanted the most - at least according to what she told Santa when he had breakfast with him) were both sitting in front of the tree but she hardly blinked. :)

Just before lunch, we popped over to my Aunt's home (where my mom's family has traditionally always gathered on Christmas Day). Fewer folks this year as there had been some minor flooding and some couldn't make it... others had to work... and at least one, was officially 'missing' (a long story). :) Anyway, we enjoyed our traditional meal, reaquainted ourselves and exchanged gifts again.

We departed around 3 ... heading back over the pass (nearly a 5 hour drive). Yuck!

Enjoyed Tue and Wed at home (DH had to work).

Thursday afternoon, we headed to the big city. Service appointment for our Honda on Friday morning. Spent the rest of the weekend festering. Came home on the morning of New Years Eve (we had planned to in advance - many days away from home with 2 little ones ... becomes very taxing). DH also had to work on Tue (again) and he always likes to have at least one day of rest before returning to the grindstone.

We didn't really 'party' at all - in fact, we were all in bed by 9 pm on New Years. But we enjoyed ourselves and played many games (I must buy "Shipwreck" and "Saboteur" - both very fun and relatively easy for the kids).

The new year is now upon us and marathon training now begins. No more slacking. :)