I AM A RUNNER

For several years now, I've been dying to call myself a runner. You've seen them.  They're those fit people, dressed in skinny black spandex pants.  They're those people who wear tight, brightly colored "Under Armor Cold Gear" shirts.  They're those people who wear reflective vests and flashing lights.  They're those  crazy people that run in the rain, on Thanksgiving morning, and even during a snowstorm.  I've always wanted to be one of them. 

As of 8:36 this evening, I have accomplished that goal.  I AM a runner.

While I don't consider myself "fit" (yet), I played the "Runner" part well.  I wore skinny black spandex pants and a reflective vest.  It was raining.  And. I. Ran. 3.32 miles to be exact.  I feel like a fitness ROCKSTAR.  I ran through piles of wet leaves.  I ran through puddles.  I ran as raindrops pounded on my face.  I loved every single minute of it.  I have never felt more powerful.  My head has never been so clear. I feel relaxed and refreshed.  I am addicted.  I cannot wait to run again.

The most frequently asked question I receive is how do I find the time to do it all?  And my answer is, I DON'T.  Not everything can happen in one day -- there just aren't enough hours.  But, I do my best, and that's all I can ask for.  I make to do lists that are a mile long.  I re-organize, re-prioritize and edit as I go.  I pull my hair out.  I get frustrated and annoyed that I can't do it all, but I have to realize that I am human.  So, if I can't make my bed every morning--oh well. If I can't do that certain load of laundry--oh well.  If I need to order take out because my fridge is empty--oh well.  I am human.  BUT wait--today I became a RUNNER! And now for the first time ever - I can cross that off my "to do" list!

(Mommy Note:  I want to say thanks to my cousin Jenn for being my running partner this week.  She's been there with me in the dark and in the rain.  And a BIG thanks to my sister, Stef, for keeping both  Jenn and I motivated and inspired.  We're trying to keep up with you and make you proud.)   

    

Back to Basics

The last time I stepped into a library was over 7 years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was studying for the NYS Bar Exam.  Day in and day out  for three straight months.  It sucked.  I was traumatized.  I vowed  never to walk into a library again. 

Despite the fact that I banished libraries from my life, I knew I couldn't pass this on to my children.  So I decided to take Giuliana to the Huguenot Children's Library in New Rochelle.  I spent about an hour trying to explain to her what a "library" is.

Giuliana:  Mommy, what is a library?

Me:  Gi - it is a big building that has a ton of books, and you can get a library card, and they let you borrow books, you can take them home, keep them for awhile and then you bring them back and you can take out more...cool right??

Giuliana:  Wow, really cool. Do we have to pay for them? (I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.)

Me:   No! Can you believe it? You just check them out with your library card and bring them home.

It dawned on me right then and there, that libraries are indeed a phenomenal idea. 

Now listen, don't think I'm this horrible mother who hasn't taken her kid to the library ever...it's just that it was my custom and practice to simply buy whatever books Giuliana wanted, in excess amounts.  Today, however, I brought it back to basics.  We went to the library.  I got a library card.  And we took out seven books (there's not even a limit on how many books you can take out!).  Giuliana loved every second of the visit and asked to go back again.  I promised to take her as many times as she wants.

Mommy Note:

The history behind the Huguenot Children's Library is a very interesting one and one worth reading about.  It is beautiful lesson in determination, perseverance and vision.

No matter where you live, find your local library and visit it.  I promise you that the feeling of being surrounded by books and silence is an amazing one. 

 

 

Mohonk Mountain House

November 8th marks my sixth wedding anniversary.  I was feeling nostalgic, so tonight I dusted off my wedding album and went through it page by page.  It is incredible how much can change in just six short  years (or long depending on how you look at it).  In six years, we have moved twice, renovated our house, created a beautiful family, added a dog to our already crazy house and made some serious career moves.  Despite some curve balls, all in all, it has been a pretty damn good six years (thanks to my amazing hubby).  We've been wracking our brain trying to decide how to celebrate.  Well, really it's just been me banging my head against the wall.  I get the impression that Ray really doesn't want to be involved in my endless research and constant chatter about what we should do.  He just wants the final product, and rightly so, as being inside my head is exhausting.

A friend of mine had mentioned the Mohonk Mountain House as a possible destination, but warned that it could get quite expensive.  I didn't even look into it partly because I'm not into "expensive" these days.  I'm into bargains, sales, coupon codes, free shipping both ways and signing  up my whole entire family, including cousins, for Enfamil coupons.

Despite all that, I couldn't resist to call Mohonk just to see if they were running some type of promotion or special.  It must have been my lucky day because, indeed, they were!!! If you visit during a "weekday" - the rates are literally HALF the price 

The best parts of the deal: 

(1)  Sunday is considered a weekday (so you can stay Sunday to Monday) AND

(2.) Three meals a day and most amenities on the 2,200 acre property are included  in the rate.

Here's a picture to tempt you. 

I can't get over how stunning the property looks and I am quite impressed by all of things that you can do once you get there (hiking, yoga, ice skating, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, carriage rides -- etc...).  Mostly, I can't wait to spend one whole night with my hubby.  I wonder how long we can go without talking about the girls..  While things have certainly changed over the last six years, I wouldn't change a single thing.

Haunted Gingerbread House

I've been missing in action the past few weeks.  We all go through those spells when life gets so hectic that you don't even know if you're coming or going.  When you combine a busy work day (can't complain about that in this day and age) and a few late nights out at functions, you have a recipe for disaster.  Basically, we've run out out of food.  The dishes haven't been washed.  Laundry is piling up. I'm tired.  And to top it all off, I'm feeling guilty that I haven't spent enough time with the girls.  A rainy Sunday was just what the doctor ordered.  We didn't change out of our pajamas.  We lit a "Warm Cinnamon Bun" candle.  I had lentil soup simmering on the stove.  It was a perfect afternoon and what I thought was a truly perfect time for an Arts and Crafts project. 

I bought this contraption at Michael's for $9.99.

 

I'd be lying to you if I told you that this Haunted Gingerbread House was easy to put together.  It's not-- unless of course you are an experienced gingerbread house putter together-er.  I am not.  Anyhow, after mixing 3 different frosting colors, putting together the gingerbread house walls, letting it dry for an hour and then reading through the complicated and unclear instructions, we were ready to decorate.  Giuliana had a blast putting the little candies on the house.  As you can see, she was really into this- project-- just look at her concentration. 

She kept saying "Mommy, that looks just like the box...good job!"  I needed the cheerleading section because, seriously, gingerbread house making is messy and really really hard.  When all was said and done, this was our final product.

NOT BAD for a virgin gingerbread house maker right???

It was a great craft, but mostly it was just wonderful to spend some quality time with my girls. 

So Much On My Mind

1.  My sister, Stefanie, is one of the most amazing people on the planet.  (I'm not just saying this because she is my sister, seriously, ask anyone who knows her, they'll tell you the same thing).

Stefanie got engaged this past New Year's Eve in Times Square to a wonderful man, named Lenny a/k/a "Laser" Lenny.  Too cute right?  Almost immediately, she embarked on the same journey almost every "Bride To Be" does...weight loss.  Stef's journey is different though.  This isn't about fitting into a size 2, looking like any given celebrity or even about dieting.  Her journey, as she explains it on her Blog "Watch Stef Go",  is about "becoming a fitness rockstar".  She has made lifestyle changes, committed to her goal and has shown unparalleled dedication to accomplishing it.  She has since lost 27 pounds, but has gained so much more from her journey.  I urge you to read her Blog, because it is ridiculously informative, positive and inspirational (not to mention she is getting her Masters in Public Health, so she knows a little bit about the subject). 

I love you lil sis.

2.  In keeping with the "healthy" theme - Stef introduced me to this movement called Operation Beautiful.  Quite honestly, I think it is a brilliant - and if we all made an effort to participate it in, I think we would all feel a bit better physically and emotionally.  In a nutshell, the founder of Operation Beautiful wants to end "Fat Talk", (e.g. "Do I look fat in this?", "Oh boy, I can't believe I ate that...I feel so fat" etc...).  In order to combat "Fat Talk" the founder started leaving Post It Notes with positive messages like "You are beautiful the way you are" in public restrooms, at work, the grocery store, the gym - wherever.  She encourages you to do the same.  You can even send her a picture of Operation Beautiful note. 

Unfortunately, we have all engaged in "Fat Talk", but we never really think about what we are saying and how it affects us personally, or the people around you, especially children.  Interestingly, I watched the "Fat Talk" video that's posted on the site and it is scary - I was stunned to learn that 81% of 10-year olds are afraid of being fat! Are you kidding??  I have vowed to stop "Fat Talking" today. 

3. I am always on the lookout for recipes for HEALTHY but QUICK meals.  As busy moms, we don't have alot of time to cook - so I found these Superfast Supper Recipes (20 recipes in each category that take 20 minutes to prepare) -- Genius.  They all sound delicious.  Let me know if you make any of the recipes and how they turn out!

**Remember - You are beautiful just the way you are! Now, go leave your positive note somewhere, today!

 

The Smiling House

For the past two years, on my way to and from work, I have driven by and admired this truly beautiful and well maintained house.  For some reason, I was always drawn to this house.  Maybe because the color of the siding is so soothing, or the landscaping was so perfectly manicured, or because I could relate to the toys being strewn across the driveway, or because it was always lovingly decorated for every season.  There is something about the aura of this house that just makes you smile.  It makes you want to sip hot cocoa or apple cider while snuggled in a blanket on a brisk day.  I always told my husband that when we're ready to renovate our home, I would knock on their door to ask them how they made their design choices, who did the work, but most of all to give them compliments on how they have literally made their house smile. 

Last night on my way home, I noticed that there were many more cars in the driveway of this house than usual.  I also couldn't ignore the Yonkers Police car sitting out front.  I really had no idea what to think, other than that it looked like an odd situation.  Late last night, I was shocked to learn that the house I have admired over the years, the house that makes me smile every morning, the house that literally looks like it is smiling, is that of fallen Yonkers Firefighter, Patrick Joyce.  My heart broke.

I never knew this man, nor did I know his family.  All I know is what I have read in the papers and heard on the news.  However, the story seems to be the same, that Firefighter Joyce was an incredible man.  I can only say that if the Joyce house itself can make a stranger smile on the way to work, I can only imagine what the man himself was like.  God bless Firefighter Joyce, his wife, his two little girls, his family and friends.  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. 

There's A Stranger in My House

After dinner was finished, the dishes had been washed and the girls fast asleep in their beds, I found myself face to face with someone who I thought looked familiar, but was clearly not the nice, calm, man that I married.  Unbeknownst to me, there must be a telephone booth in my bedroom, because clearly Ray had been inside it doing a quick switcheroo into his "personal trainer" uniform.

I was tempted to spray paint the word "Trainer" on the back of his black pull over, but I have to honestly say, I was a little scared of Trainer Ray.  He means business. 

Let's back up a moment -- You see, Ray sent me an email this afternoon that detailed my Monday night workout.  It said something like this:

Chest and Tri's (3 sets 15 reps)

Mary Katherine Lunges from the P90X Plyometric Tape (10 each leg)

Incline Dumbbell Press (3 sets 15 reps)

Wide Arm Push Ups (3 sets 15 reps)

10 - "X" Jacks

Skull Crushers (3 sets 15 reps)

Overhead Tricep Press (3 sets 15 reps)

8 - Tires/Run Back

Here were my initial thoughts:

1.  He's totally going to forget he emailed this to me by tonight;

2.  Who the hell is Mary Katherine and what the eff does she have to do with my workout? Is Mary Katherine hotter than me? Where did he meet Mary Katherine? I mean, really, why is the chick so special she has a move named after her?; and

3.  He's totally going to forget he emailed this to me by tonight.

Well, since I am now sitting here dripping in sweat, it is clear that Nos. 1 and 3, did not happen.  My new trainer, Ray, is apparently on staff and means business and I am fine with that, because he's kinda hot.   

P.S. I soon remembered that Mary Katherine isn't a threat at all...it's just the name of a funky lunge to kick your butt into gear.  Here's the best video I could find to demonstrate the move--try it when you can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87BGmWrVH2Y

Hudson Valley 2009 Fall Events Guide

Every season, like clockwork, we receive this amazing Hudson Valley Events Guide in the mail (courtesy of my fantastic father, Nick).  The guide covers Westchester, Putnam, and  Duchess County and is organized by Towns/Villages/City.  It provides tons of options for things to do and places to go! I love getting it each season and now I can share it with you - just in time for the weekend!

(Side Note:  When you open the guide, don't get thrown off by the picture of that random guy in the left hand corner...that's my dad! The guide comes from Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty where he works as an Associate Real Estate Broker). Thanks Dad!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

31 Days to Healthier Kids

As I logged into http://www.sparkpeople.com/ to this morning, I was reminded that they have these awesome things called "Motivational Calendars".  Each month they focus on developing one healthy habit and then give you daily tips on how to achieve it.  October's topic is "31 Days to Heathlier Kids".  I thought it would be great to at least print out the calendar and try to apply some of the tips to my own family's life.  I wanted to share it with you because I think it could encourage some really fun family time! And who doesn't want that?

Here's the link to the calendar:  http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calendar_2007-10.pdf

Have a great weekend everyone! Make time to get out an enjoy this great fall weather!!