If you're looking for a unique birthday (or holiday) gift for children ages 0-8, I've found a personalized book that children will cherish for life. It's a beautifully illustrated hardcover book called My Very Own Name. In the story, animals bring letters one by one to create theh first and last names of the child. The moose brings the "M", the anteater brings the "A", and so on. At the end, the animals celebrate because they've created the perfect name. This personalized book has been featured in Parents magazine and on over 13 television news shows as a unique, educational keepsake. You can also get a really cute animal t-shirt to go with the book.
My Very Own Fairy Tale is a personalized storybook for new baby girls through age 12, featuring the child's full name, birth date and a personalized dedication from the sender. This enchanting book transports little girls into a magical garden where flower and berry fairies crown her as their fairy princess. Beautifully illustrated fairies spell out the child's name, while describing character traits that make the recipient alone the perfect princess candidate.
Written by Maia Haag, and illustrated by Joyce Patti (former President of the New York Society of Illustrators), the story books are a powerful way to show the child how absolutely unique and special he or she is. These educational books are also designed to help children learn to recognize letters, spell their names and build vocabulary. It's a keepsake that will be cherised for life!
To order, go to www.iseeme.com or call 1-877-281-0536 and use free shipping code FSD8975. These books are always a big hit!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
How Fast ....
... can I run one mile ??
I have been wanting to know this for some time... thought today a good day to give it a go. Did a 10 min warmup at about 10 min pace. Then went right into the timed mile. I finished in 7:19. I am very pleased... but still wonder if I can't go faster. A new goal. :) I then did a 10 min cool down, again at about 10 min pace... so in the end, I covered 3 miles.
Following my short speedwork, I did a little weight lifting (same set as before) and abdominal work (decided to forgo the cycling). I felt the abdominal work I did on Mon the following day... therefore I know my efforts are working... best to keep at it. I'll only get faster if I work my core as well. :)
I have been wanting to know this for some time... thought today a good day to give it a go. Did a 10 min warmup at about 10 min pace. Then went right into the timed mile. I finished in 7:19. I am very pleased... but still wonder if I can't go faster. A new goal. :) I then did a 10 min cool down, again at about 10 min pace... so in the end, I covered 3 miles.
Following my short speedwork, I did a little weight lifting (same set as before) and abdominal work (decided to forgo the cycling). I felt the abdominal work I did on Mon the following day... therefore I know my efforts are working... best to keep at it. I'll only get faster if I work my core as well. :)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I've Missed Running
I have so missed being able to run... especially outdoors... the treadmill isn't that exciting. Still, I would love to have one. Sometimes in the evening, I get the urge to do an easy run but it's too dark to safely go outside (DH won't allow me to run at night anyway) .... and more than anything, it would be more efficient to run an easy 3-4 while watching TV rather than just laying on the couch and getting the urge to nibble on junk.
Today's plan was speedwork: 2x(6x400m) w/ 1:30 RI between 400s and 2:30 RI between sets. I neglected to look at my FIRST plan before I left for the fitness center so I wasn't certain what my pace for each 400 was supposed to be. I elected to go with 1:50.
I warmed up for 15 min at an easy, comfortable pace... covering 1.2 miles. I then switched the treadmill program to "Track Workout". It was not easy to figure out the exact timing or pace for each 400. Next time, I'll bring my watch. But essentially, I had the pace set at 8.2 and would attempt to calculate what time the clock should show when I completed the lap. Unfortunately, the clock was counting DOWN and as I increased or decreased the speed/pace between laps, the time wouldn't show so I was oblivious for a brief time. I think it was relatively close anyway.
As I started the 2nd set, I knew it would be difficult to do all 6. I was tired and my heart rate had registered about 166 a few times (cool thing about the machines is the heart rate monitor... I don't have one). I therefore elected to do just 3. I then did a 10 min cool down. All total I did just over 5 miles today. I stretched well after and then picked up the kiddos. When we got home, I checked my plan as I recorded the run in my logbook and discovered I should've been doing those 400s at 2:04. Oops! :) Knowing that, I probably could've done all 6. Oh well.
I plan to run just one mile tomorrow to see how fast I can do it. Then I'll cycle for an hour and do some weight training. Thurs I'll do my Tempo run. Fri I'll cycle and do more weights. Sat or Sun - I hope to do a long run (9-12 miles) but I'm concerned DH will be too worried to let me go outside. It will largely depend on the weather, I'm sure. :)
Today's plan was speedwork: 2x(6x400m) w/ 1:30 RI between 400s and 2:30 RI between sets. I neglected to look at my FIRST plan before I left for the fitness center so I wasn't certain what my pace for each 400 was supposed to be. I elected to go with 1:50.
I warmed up for 15 min at an easy, comfortable pace... covering 1.2 miles. I then switched the treadmill program to "Track Workout". It was not easy to figure out the exact timing or pace for each 400. Next time, I'll bring my watch. But essentially, I had the pace set at 8.2 and would attempt to calculate what time the clock should show when I completed the lap. Unfortunately, the clock was counting DOWN and as I increased or decreased the speed/pace between laps, the time wouldn't show so I was oblivious for a brief time. I think it was relatively close anyway.
As I started the 2nd set, I knew it would be difficult to do all 6. I was tired and my heart rate had registered about 166 a few times (cool thing about the machines is the heart rate monitor... I don't have one). I therefore elected to do just 3. I then did a 10 min cool down. All total I did just over 5 miles today. I stretched well after and then picked up the kiddos. When we got home, I checked my plan as I recorded the run in my logbook and discovered I should've been doing those 400s at 2:04. Oops! :) Knowing that, I probably could've done all 6. Oh well.
I plan to run just one mile tomorrow to see how fast I can do it. Then I'll cycle for an hour and do some weight training. Thurs I'll do my Tempo run. Fri I'll cycle and do more weights. Sat or Sun - I hope to do a long run (9-12 miles) but I'm concerned DH will be too worried to let me go outside. It will largely depend on the weather, I'm sure. :)
Monday, February 26, 2007
I Ran Today !
Just 5 miles... but I ran today. It felt so good and at the same time, I realize that cycling alone wasn't enough to keep up my endurance. 5 was a little tough. Perhaps I pushed the pace too fast ??
Because I was on a treadmill (my first time), I was able to maintain a consistent pace. I had wanted to do 40 min at 8:57 but my heartrate was very high and I was feeling fatigued, so I backed off for awhile.
10 min - 9:32 pace
20 min - 8:57
10 min - 11:01
10 min - 9:32
50 min - 5.16 miles - 536 calories burned
Good enough for the first day back. :)
Because I was on a treadmill (my first time), I was able to maintain a consistent pace. I had wanted to do 40 min at 8:57 but my heartrate was very high and I was feeling fatigued, so I backed off for awhile.
10 min - 9:32 pace
20 min - 8:57
10 min - 11:01
10 min - 9:32
50 min - 5.16 miles - 536 calories burned
Good enough for the first day back. :)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Cycling & More Cycling
... oh yeah. And a little weight training.
The past couple of weeks have been hit/miss in regards to training. The child care center was full, we went out of town (my MIL had surgery on Valentine's Day! - she is doing very well, btw), and then the kiddos got sick.
Mon 5th - recumbant bike 45 min (8.5 miles 'cross-country'/intensity 1-14)
Tue 6th - recumbant bike 60 min (10 miles 'cross-country')
Wed 7th - nada
Thr 8th - nada
Fri 9th - recumbant bike 20 min (3.73 miles 'cross-country') + weights:
leg press 3x14 @ 240 lbs
leg exten 3x10 @ 60
leg curl 3x12 @ 60
hip add 3x12 @ 50
hip abb 3x12 @ 50
calves (bent knee press) 3x12 @ 220
Sat 10th / Sun 11th - nada
Mon 12th - recumbant bike 60 min (11 miles 'cross-country'/intensity 1-14)
Tue 13th - recumbant bike 30 min (6.2 miles 'intervals'/intensity 1-8)
Wed 14th - Sun 18th Out of Town
Mon 19th - 'Cycle for Athletes' class 45 min (?? miles)
Tue 20th - nada
Wed 21st - recumbant bike 40 min (?? miles 'cross-country') + weights:
leg press 3x14 @ 240 lbs
leg exten 3x10 @ 60
leg curl 3x12 @ 80
hip add 3x12 @ 50
hip abb 3x12 @ 50
calves (straight leg) 3x12 @ 160
I'm enjoying the weight training. I awake just a tad sore the next morning but feeling stronger. Will definately keep this a part of my program.
Hated the Cycling class. Good workout. But, I couldn't "rise up out of my seat" on the high intesity sets as I couldn't support myself and maintain balance with one arm. In addition... the seat sucks! I suppose if I really wish to continue cycling seriously (as I do for I want that triathlon in July); I'll need to buy padded cycling shorts. But then, I don't intend to buy a special bike. I'm just going to use my cushy towner as running is truly my thing. I just want to try the tri. I'll have to do some test rides with mine when the cast is removed to see if my seat is comfy enough for long rides.
On a positive note, I had my 3 week check-up yesterday with my ortho doc and he said things are healing well. Should be able to avoid surgery and get the cast removed in another 3 weeks! Yippee. He also gave me the okay to start running again starting next week. Awesome! I'm already revising my training plans. :)
Fun! Fun!
The past couple of weeks have been hit/miss in regards to training. The child care center was full, we went out of town (my MIL had surgery on Valentine's Day! - she is doing very well, btw), and then the kiddos got sick.
Mon 5th - recumbant bike 45 min (8.5 miles 'cross-country'/intensity 1-14)
Tue 6th - recumbant bike 60 min (10 miles 'cross-country')
Wed 7th - nada
Thr 8th - nada
Fri 9th - recumbant bike 20 min (3.73 miles 'cross-country') + weights:
leg press 3x14 @ 240 lbs
leg exten 3x10 @ 60
leg curl 3x12 @ 60
hip add 3x12 @ 50
hip abb 3x12 @ 50
calves (bent knee press) 3x12 @ 220
Sat 10th / Sun 11th - nada
Mon 12th - recumbant bike 60 min (11 miles 'cross-country'/intensity 1-14)
Tue 13th - recumbant bike 30 min (6.2 miles 'intervals'/intensity 1-8)
Wed 14th - Sun 18th Out of Town
Mon 19th - 'Cycle for Athletes' class 45 min (?? miles)
Tue 20th - nada
Wed 21st - recumbant bike 40 min (?? miles 'cross-country') + weights:
leg press 3x14 @ 240 lbs
leg exten 3x10 @ 60
leg curl 3x12 @ 80
hip add 3x12 @ 50
hip abb 3x12 @ 50
calves (straight leg) 3x12 @ 160
I'm enjoying the weight training. I awake just a tad sore the next morning but feeling stronger. Will definately keep this a part of my program.
Hated the Cycling class. Good workout. But, I couldn't "rise up out of my seat" on the high intesity sets as I couldn't support myself and maintain balance with one arm. In addition... the seat sucks! I suppose if I really wish to continue cycling seriously (as I do for I want that triathlon in July); I'll need to buy padded cycling shorts. But then, I don't intend to buy a special bike. I'm just going to use my cushy towner as running is truly my thing. I just want to try the tri. I'll have to do some test rides with mine when the cast is removed to see if my seat is comfy enough for long rides.
On a positive note, I had my 3 week check-up yesterday with my ortho doc and he said things are healing well. Should be able to avoid surgery and get the cast removed in another 3 weeks! Yippee. He also gave me the okay to start running again starting next week. Awesome! I'm already revising my training plans. :)
Fun! Fun!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Dinnertime Conversations ~ WFMW
When I was growing up, my mother always managed to have a home-cooked meal on the table. In fact, it was rare that we ever went out for dinner. What I remember most about those family meals, however, is not the delicious comfort food (and delicious it was!) but the dinnertime conversations.
I loved sitting around the table with my parents and two younger brothers sharing stories of our respective adventures or mishaps earlier that day. It was family time. Bonding time.
As my brothers and I got older and our situations changed (my dad was frequently laid off and he had to frequently take jobs far from home... forcing him to commute home on the weekends), our evening meals together went by the wayside. I really missed those times. In some respects, I think that we began to drift apart when we stopped gathering as a family.
Recently there was an article about this very topic. It struck home with me and reinforced my belief that eating dinner together helps keep a family close. Now that I have a family of my own, I want to establish a family meal as a tradition... one that is sacred.
Here is a list of conversation starters:
* What was your favorite thing you did today?
* What did you do that was nice for someone today?
* What did you do on the playground today?
* Who did you play with?
* When you woke up this morning, what did you most look forward to doing today?
* Name five things that make you smile.
* If you are feeling sad, what meal could I make or order that would be theh one that would cheer you up?
* Go around the table and have each person share what they think is your best trait. Take turns doing this for everyone present.
* What talent(s) would you most like to have?
* Describe your day as a color and explain why you picked it.
* Explain why you are glad to be in your family.
* What would be the ideal allowance? How would you use it?
* What would the ideal teacher be like?
* If you could arrange it, what time would I come home from work? Then, what would we do together?
* If you could keep your room anyway you wanted, how would it look?
For more Works-For-Me-Wednesday ideas, please visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer.
I loved sitting around the table with my parents and two younger brothers sharing stories of our respective adventures or mishaps earlier that day. It was family time. Bonding time.
As my brothers and I got older and our situations changed (my dad was frequently laid off and he had to frequently take jobs far from home... forcing him to commute home on the weekends), our evening meals together went by the wayside. I really missed those times. In some respects, I think that we began to drift apart when we stopped gathering as a family.
Recently there was an article about this very topic. It struck home with me and reinforced my belief that eating dinner together helps keep a family close. Now that I have a family of my own, I want to establish a family meal as a tradition... one that is sacred.
Here is a list of conversation starters:
* What was your favorite thing you did today?
* What did you do that was nice for someone today?
* What did you do on the playground today?
* Who did you play with?
* When you woke up this morning, what did you most look forward to doing today?
* Name five things that make you smile.
* If you are feeling sad, what meal could I make or order that would be theh one that would cheer you up?
* Go around the table and have each person share what they think is your best trait. Take turns doing this for everyone present.
* What talent(s) would you most like to have?
* Describe your day as a color and explain why you picked it.
* Explain why you are glad to be in your family.
* What would be the ideal allowance? How would you use it?
* What would the ideal teacher be like?
* If you could arrange it, what time would I come home from work? Then, what would we do together?
* If you could keep your room anyway you wanted, how would it look?
For more Works-For-Me-Wednesday ideas, please visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Things are Looking Up
Things are beginning to turn around. The highlights:
1) My little 'Prince' is no longer nursing... we cut him off 'cold turkey' Sunday evening and while he cried for about on and off for 60 minutes, he did manage to settle down, close his eyes and eventually fall asleep. Each night and day that has followed has progressively gotten easier. My boobs are huge now though and are very tender. When either of the kids tries to give me a hug now, I'm jumpy (they tend to be a little rough and I've been know to get an elbow or 2). :)
2) I called the 'powers that be' at the Eugene Marathon and they gave me the okay to switch to the half-marathon. I don't know for certain where I'll be in training when I am permitted by my doctor to run again, but I'm fairly confidant that I'll be able to do 13 miles. I'll hold off, for now, on setting any goals for finishing times. However, the half and full marathons begin at 7 am... the kids fun run begins at 9. It would be great to make it back in time to see the 'Princess' run. :)
3) I've recently received several inquiries about designing scrapbooks, business cards/logos, and websites for others. Fun! Exciting! Challenging Prospects! The first job I've been hired to do is a 12x12 wedding album (lavender/silver) for a friend of my mom's. I've also been asked to create a logo and corresponding business card, letterhead, and tshirt for a friend's gardening/yardwork business. I'm looking foward to each and hope to gain more prospects as my work gets around. :)
4) I've done a few workouts on a recumbant bike (45-60 min) and have really enjoyed them. Each time I've selected the 'cross-country' or 'varied terrain' programs and the intensity has varied between 1-18. My legs feel so heavy and jello-like when I'm done. I love it! I'm hooked now and look forward to continuing even after this blasted cast is removed... even doubling up on swim/run days. :)
5) Because of the fun I've had on the bike, I am now more determined to complete a triathlon this summer. Please note I said 'complete' not 'compete'... my goal is to finish not to place. :) There was a little quiz in the current issue of Runners World to determine what kind of runner I am... I scored as a 'PURIST'... a runner who enjoys the sport for the the sake of running... I like how it makes me feel afterward. Running is a part of my routine; it makes me feel complete. The same can be said of swimming and cycling. Although, I do continue to struggle with my form while swimming. I'm still quite a novice in the water. :)
1) My little 'Prince' is no longer nursing... we cut him off 'cold turkey' Sunday evening and while he cried for about on and off for 60 minutes, he did manage to settle down, close his eyes and eventually fall asleep. Each night and day that has followed has progressively gotten easier. My boobs are huge now though and are very tender. When either of the kids tries to give me a hug now, I'm jumpy (they tend to be a little rough and I've been know to get an elbow or 2). :)
2) I called the 'powers that be' at the Eugene Marathon and they gave me the okay to switch to the half-marathon. I don't know for certain where I'll be in training when I am permitted by my doctor to run again, but I'm fairly confidant that I'll be able to do 13 miles. I'll hold off, for now, on setting any goals for finishing times. However, the half and full marathons begin at 7 am... the kids fun run begins at 9. It would be great to make it back in time to see the 'Princess' run. :)
3) I've recently received several inquiries about designing scrapbooks, business cards/logos, and websites for others. Fun! Exciting! Challenging Prospects! The first job I've been hired to do is a 12x12 wedding album (lavender/silver) for a friend of my mom's. I've also been asked to create a logo and corresponding business card, letterhead, and tshirt for a friend's gardening/yardwork business. I'm looking foward to each and hope to gain more prospects as my work gets around. :)
4) I've done a few workouts on a recumbant bike (45-60 min) and have really enjoyed them. Each time I've selected the 'cross-country' or 'varied terrain' programs and the intensity has varied between 1-18. My legs feel so heavy and jello-like when I'm done. I love it! I'm hooked now and look forward to continuing even after this blasted cast is removed... even doubling up on swim/run days. :)
5) Because of the fun I've had on the bike, I am now more determined to complete a triathlon this summer. Please note I said 'complete' not 'compete'... my goal is to finish not to place. :) There was a little quiz in the current issue of Runners World to determine what kind of runner I am... I scored as a 'PURIST'... a runner who enjoys the sport for the the sake of running... I like how it makes me feel afterward. Running is a part of my routine; it makes me feel complete. The same can be said of swimming and cycling. Although, I do continue to struggle with my form while swimming. I'm still quite a novice in the water. :)
Monday, February 5, 2007
Prince Rocks!
The best Superbowl performance ever!
****Edited again: The second YouTube video was also pulled. bummer
**Edited to add: Apparently, some people have too much time on their hands and have kicked up a stink over Prince's guitar solo during Purple Rain. The first YouTube video I posted had been pulled... this one likely will as well. Prince's performance was awesome!
He is an incredible guitarist and performer. His always performs LIVE (unlike most) and is always phenominal. My question is: Do people actually sit and wait for something "controversial" to happen during performances? If that is the case, then they are truly wasting their time. I don't think this was controversial in the least. These people need to grow up and stop acting like prudes! Don't like what you see? Turn the channel. If they didn't know that a guitar had that shape before superbowl night, they are not too bright. Rock on, Prince!
****Edited again: The second YouTube video was also pulled. bummer
**Edited to add: Apparently, some people have too much time on their hands and have kicked up a stink over Prince's guitar solo during Purple Rain. The first YouTube video I posted had been pulled... this one likely will as well. Prince's performance was awesome!
He is an incredible guitarist and performer. His always performs LIVE (unlike most) and is always phenominal. My question is: Do people actually sit and wait for something "controversial" to happen during performances? If that is the case, then they are truly wasting their time. I don't think this was controversial in the least. These people need to grow up and stop acting like prudes! Don't like what you see? Turn the channel. If they didn't know that a guitar had that shape before superbowl night, they are not too bright. Rock on, Prince!
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