3 Things Thursday :: 2nd Edition

Health / Training :: I am on the mend and looking to resuming training.  I ran 2 miles on Sunday ... barefoot.  It felt great and I only got a couple of minor blisters on three toes.  1/3 a mile was on black asphalt and the remainder of the distance alternated between concrete driveways and lawn.  I essentially ran a .33 mile loop in my neighborhood as my kiddos alternately accompanied me on their bike.  Sticking to a training plan depends a great deal on getting my little guy off his training wheels so he can comfortably ride longer distances. 


Thankfully, I haven't registered for anything yet and I don't feel the pressure to stick to a training plan.  I finally let go of the self-imposed pressure and am enjoying the opportunity to workout when I can, knowing that when things settle down I will be able to enjoy training again.  There is a season for everything I remind myself.


I essentially have no running base whatsoever, though with my swimming base, I can comfortably run a 10K (maybe a little more).  It is a little difficult to decide from where to begin a training plan.  My thought right now is that I will focus on building my foot & lower leg muscle strength by gradually increasing my barefoot runs.  I'll use the Vibram when the terrain warrants protection from gravel and slivers.  It is a lot of fun ... so you can be sure to hear more as I progress.



Traveling :: These past two months, we have been doing a lot of traveling ... a 10 day vacation in British Columbia & Alberta, Canada in early April was preceded by a short business trip to Olympia, Washington and a separate trip to the Oregon south coast to see our parents.  Last week brought us to the Columbia Gorge (Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington) for another business trip.  We will be traveling to the coast again soon in early May.  We're all looking forward to staying home hereafter for a while.  Fortunately, the kiddos are great travelers.  

Education / Well-Trained Mind :: Despite the fact that our schedule has been really full with our recent travels and additional obligations (GEMS Astronomy, Yearbook, an additional Roots & Shoots gathering each month), we seemingly are getting more formal lessons completed than we have previously.  I believe this is partially due to Buddy's personal growth.  He seems a little more focused and willing to complete his lessons.  There is less whining amongst the two of them and more effort on their part to put forth their best effort.  I am delighted.

3 Things Thursday

Health / Training :: I have come down with a head cold and feel miserable.  I was supposed to swim yesterday but I cancelled due to fatigue and a terrible headache.  As such, I doubt I'll do much in the way of exercise the next couple of days.  I just hate being sick.  No one really takes care of mommy.  I'm still expected to do all that I do when I am well.  Not fair!

Science Logic :: I am really excited about the little business that I have been building.  I have been writing all of my favorite science lessons as well as teaching other kids again.  Teaching is certainly a passion of mine - I feel so alive in front of a class of enthusiastic young learners.  Sharing my passion for science.  Best of all - as I'm teaching a K-3 class this time around, my own kiddos are participating!  We are all having such a good time.

I am hoping to develop a dedicated website (rather than a blog) but I've run into some road blocks with the URL so any help / suggestions ya'll could provide would be very much appreciated!  :)
 
Well-Trained Mind :: This past week has been really good.  The kiddos have been motivated and have done the work expected of them without fussing or complaint.  Buddy's attitude has really improved these past few weeks and he is even helping out with chores and tasks around the house.  I almost had to wonder if we brought home the wrong boy from Canada.



[Admin Note ::  In the past, I used to participate in the Thursday Thirteen blog challenge, on occasion.  That got to be difficult ... coming up with a list of 13 things for a given topic.  I love the short and sweet nature of the 3 Things Thursday so I hope to begin playing along.  I just wanted to note that I'll continue to use the 'Thursday 13' label to keep things cohesive. ]

My Man :: Wordless Wednesday

What's In Your Purse

Stacy over at Dare To Tri posted a fun little challenge today. I thought I'd play along as it looked fun.
I actually don't carry much with me and generally always have a relatively small purse.  In fact, my MIL teases me, "Everytime I see you, your purse is smaller and smaller!"  She is notorious for her bags so her observation is amusing.

What I carry:

• two sets of car keys - one for my XC90 and one for DH's Accord
• set of other random keys
• a USB drive
• band-aids (my little guy inevitably needs one at least 1x week)
• a pencil or pen
• earbuds
• my iPhone
• chapstick
• a tube of lipstick
• ibuprofen
• a small sewing kit
• my wallet

Occasionally, I will also have a wall charger for my phone and a book.  Not much really.  :)

The Help :: Book Sharing Monday

The Help
by  Kathryn Stockett

The latest book selected for book club this month is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Set in Mississippi in the early 1960's, Stockett weaves a startling, resonant portrait of the intertwined lives of women on opposite sides of the racial divide and the journey that binds them together.

This debut novel brings to life twenty-two-year-old Skeeter who has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. Aibileen, a wise, regal black maid raising her seventeenth white child. Minny, Aibileen's best friend, who can cook like nobody's business but can't mind her tongue. It is 1962, with the civil rights movement exploding all around them and these three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step that forever changes a town and the way women -- mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends -- view one another.

This is an excellent book. The storyline and the characters so intrigued me that my husband asked me to get it for him on audio. I frequently summarize books that I have enjoyed for him ... this is the first time he has said, "I want to experience this one too."

I am delighted to recommend, The Help. If you have read it - or once you have finished it, please let me know what you think of it.