This could go on the popular Face Book application: "25 Surprising Things you Might Not Know About Me."
Here's the surprising fact. I love running skirts. Love them. I don't even own a pair of running shorts any more. They are my favorite piece of running gear.
For some one who never wears skirts, this is odd. But, here's the deal: They are way more comfy than shorts. No wedgies occur with the skirts. And this is the other thing- it feels powerful to run in a skirt. In the rest of my life, I don't like skirts because they are so confining. You must "act like a lady" when you are wearing a skirt. (Thanks Dad). I have never been one to "act like a Lady" even on the rare occasion that I've actually tried to do so. Therefore, skirts do not have much of a place in my closet.
But the running skirt-now that's a different story. Short, lightweight, no wedge, Girl power all the way. A skirt that says "act like a lady"="kick some serious butt!"
My favorite is http://www.runningskirts.com/running-skirts.html
But, even Target has an inexpensive version to get you started. This is my theory: Running skirts are so cool, that putting one on will entice even the non-runner to get out on the road. If you decide to test my theory, let me know the results!
Peace.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Tough Decision
Earlier this month I introduced you to "The Bea". I was so excited to finally have a road bike! I knew when I got her that I would need to do some fit adjustments to her. So, I took her on a few short rides to get a feel for what adjustments would be needed. And, I began to suspect that perhaps she is just too big for me.
Two weeks ago, I took her into my favorite LBS (Local Bike Shop) http://www.ckcycles.com
This is a store where they never pressure me to buy any thing. They are incredibly patient with my silly questions, and allow me to dream endlessly as I ogle their beautiful inventory. On more than one occasion, they have encouraged me to buy the least expensive option of whatever item I am looking at that day. Like the $40 panniere's instead of the $120 set.
But, I digress... SO, I brought the Bea in to the store on a Tuesday morning, and the guy behind the counter proceeded to try very hard not to laugh when I said I needed a few things adjusted so the bike will fit me better. He looked down at his shoes for a moment to compose himself, then very kindly said, "Umm. Sorry. It can't be done."
I must have looked like a child who just lost her puppy, because he took pity on me then. He explained that, yes, there are several things he could do to adjust the fit. Every thing I had been thinking could be done. But, ultimately, the bike is just too big for me. All of these changes would cost so much, that I'd end up spending almost as much as I would on a new entry level bike. Plus, I'd only be putting a band aide on a complex fracture. After three months of riding, I'd start to have chronic pain in my wrists, neck, back and/or knees. Then when I came back to the store for adjustments there would be nothing they could do. He suggested that I resell the bike on CL, and keep my eyes open for something that will be a better fit for me.
He didn't even try to sell me anything!
It's taken me a couple of weeks to accept this information. I haven't taken the news lightly. I really like this bike- I'd love it. if it fit me better. I tried to keep it in the family, by convincing Shayna and Kevin to take it for a spin. I've even refrained from calling her by her name, when discussing this with Kevin, because he thinks I'm weird for naming my bikes. But, they've both "yessed" me, and neither one has even taken her around the block. So, I'm afraid she has to go.
I posted her on CL tonight. I hope I can find a good home for her. I hope her new owner will give her a name. And I really hope I find the right bike soon. Because, I just want to go faster!
Two weeks ago, I took her into my favorite LBS (Local Bike Shop) http://www.ckcycles.com
This is a store where they never pressure me to buy any thing. They are incredibly patient with my silly questions, and allow me to dream endlessly as I ogle their beautiful inventory. On more than one occasion, they have encouraged me to buy the least expensive option of whatever item I am looking at that day. Like the $40 panniere's instead of the $120 set.
But, I digress... SO, I brought the Bea in to the store on a Tuesday morning, and the guy behind the counter proceeded to try very hard not to laugh when I said I needed a few things adjusted so the bike will fit me better. He looked down at his shoes for a moment to compose himself, then very kindly said, "Umm. Sorry. It can't be done."
I must have looked like a child who just lost her puppy, because he took pity on me then. He explained that, yes, there are several things he could do to adjust the fit. Every thing I had been thinking could be done. But, ultimately, the bike is just too big for me. All of these changes would cost so much, that I'd end up spending almost as much as I would on a new entry level bike. Plus, I'd only be putting a band aide on a complex fracture. After three months of riding, I'd start to have chronic pain in my wrists, neck, back and/or knees. Then when I came back to the store for adjustments there would be nothing they could do. He suggested that I resell the bike on CL, and keep my eyes open for something that will be a better fit for me.
He didn't even try to sell me anything!
It's taken me a couple of weeks to accept this information. I haven't taken the news lightly. I really like this bike- I'd love it. if it fit me better. I tried to keep it in the family, by convincing Shayna and Kevin to take it for a spin. I've even refrained from calling her by her name, when discussing this with Kevin, because he thinks I'm weird for naming my bikes. But, they've both "yessed" me, and neither one has even taken her around the block. So, I'm afraid she has to go.
I posted her on CL tonight. I hope I can find a good home for her. I hope her new owner will give her a name. And I really hope I find the right bike soon. Because, I just want to go faster!
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Conversation with Jack
Last night I had to run a few errands. I asked Jack to go with me, so that Kev and Kenz could do a few things together. We had an interesting conversation. Well, it was more like an ongoing monologue with a few requests for feedback from me.
We got in the car and it went like this.
J:" We in Daddy's car. This Daddy's car. Mommy, you have the van. Right Mommy?"
M:"Yes, Jack."
J: "OH LOOK!! That's a digger! That's a big digger! Pops has a digger. Pops has a bullz-ah-dozer! I drive Pops's Bullz-ah-dozer! Why the worker guy not driving that digger, mommy?" then, before I can answer "He not driving cause it's almost dark out. Right mom?"
M:"Yes Jack."
silence for a minute or so. Then one of my favorite parts of the ride!
J:"Look Mommy! That ladies running!Right Mom?"
M:"Right Jack"
J: "She running to get exercise and be healthy. Right Mom?"
M:"Right Jack"
J"You run so you are healthy. Right Mom?"
M"Yes Jack."
J"Right Mom!" He watches the runner as she crosses the intersection in front of us. "You're faster than her. Right Mom?"
M: "I don't think so Jack"
J: "Yes Mom. You're faster than her. I know it Mom. Right Mom?"
M: "Right Jack."
J: "I love you too Mom."
There are so many things I love about Jack and this conversation! I love that he wants my vailidation that he's right. I love that he thinks I"m faster than the other guy, although I assure you that I am not.
And I love that he finishes with telling me he loves me too, as if I already said it to him.
Of course, the next part of the conversation, was the recount of when he threw up in the car a couple of weeks ago! Well, I can't expect a 2 year old to be charming all the time.
We got in the car and it went like this.
J:" We in Daddy's car. This Daddy's car. Mommy, you have the van. Right Mommy?"
M:"Yes, Jack."
J: "OH LOOK!! That's a digger! That's a big digger! Pops has a digger. Pops has a bullz-ah-dozer! I drive Pops's Bullz-ah-dozer! Why the worker guy not driving that digger, mommy?" then, before I can answer "He not driving cause it's almost dark out. Right mom?"
M:"Yes Jack."
silence for a minute or so. Then one of my favorite parts of the ride!
J:"Look Mommy! That ladies running!Right Mom?"
M:"Right Jack"
J: "She running to get exercise and be healthy. Right Mom?"
M:"Right Jack"
J"You run so you are healthy. Right Mom?"
M"Yes Jack."
J"Right Mom!" He watches the runner as she crosses the intersection in front of us. "You're faster than her. Right Mom?"
M: "I don't think so Jack"
J: "Yes Mom. You're faster than her. I know it Mom. Right Mom?"
M: "Right Jack."
J: "I love you too Mom."
There are so many things I love about Jack and this conversation! I love that he wants my vailidation that he's right. I love that he thinks I"m faster than the other guy, although I assure you that I am not.
And I love that he finishes with telling me he loves me too, as if I already said it to him.
Of course, the next part of the conversation, was the recount of when he threw up in the car a couple of weeks ago! Well, I can't expect a 2 year old to be charming all the time.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Best Parenting Advise Ever
Yesterday was my Dad's birthday. I won't tell you how old he is, but if you go here http://pennycandystwocents.blogspot.com/2009/05/dad.html
she spills the beans on him!
Seriously, PC gave a great tribute to our Dad. And, since she is the oldest, she gets that honor.
The only thing I'll add is that my Dad gave me the best parenting advise I've ever received. That was, "You shouldn't have to yell at your kids. Just develop a look that lets them know you mean business."
And I realized, he was right. My Dad did yell sometimes (what parent doesn't). But, he also had a look that could stop me in my tracks. I took his advise, and developed a "look" of my own. It works well. Sometimes too well. I've had (usually younger) co-workers who have said to me "oh no...I just got 'the look' " when they have crossed a line somewhere.
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad! Thanks for being rock solid and never waivering in your love for us.
she spills the beans on him!
Seriously, PC gave a great tribute to our Dad. And, since she is the oldest, she gets that honor.
The only thing I'll add is that my Dad gave me the best parenting advise I've ever received. That was, "You shouldn't have to yell at your kids. Just develop a look that lets them know you mean business."
And I realized, he was right. My Dad did yell sometimes (what parent doesn't). But, he also had a look that could stop me in my tracks. I took his advise, and developed a "look" of my own. It works well. Sometimes too well. I've had (usually younger) co-workers who have said to me "oh no...I just got 'the look' " when they have crossed a line somewhere.
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad! Thanks for being rock solid and never waivering in your love for us.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Back on Track
Last week was a horrible training week. The worst I've had in a long time. I did a total of less than 2 hours of workouts for the entire week! Life kept getting in my way...which left me with 50 excuses and some legit reasons for missing so much time on the pavement and in the pool.
But this week, I'm back on track! Look out http://fronhofertooltriathlon.com/ Here I come!
But this week, I'm back on track! Look out http://fronhofertooltriathlon.com/ Here I come!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Snake for dinner...
This is in my backyard.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_odd_snake_head_surprise
My resident snake expert, Mackenzie, informs me there are only 2 types of grey snakes. I doubt that's true, but as I have a strong dislike of snakes, I'll take her word for it.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_odd_snake_head_surprise
My resident snake expert, Mackenzie, informs me there are only 2 types of grey snakes. I doubt that's true, but as I have a strong dislike of snakes, I'll take her word for it.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Meet "The Bea"
Here she is...
Okay, this is a stock photo from www.togoparts.com
As luck would have it, our camera died. So, real photos will be coming soon, but I couldn't wait that long!
I've been searching eBay and CL for months now, waiting for the right bike at the right price to come along. I've traveled as far as Burlington, Vt. to look at a bike, that was a total joke. I've looked at old clunkers for $175. Some of them had potential, but not as road bikes. This weekend I got lucky and found The Bea. She's light, and faster than anything I've ridden! I haven't ridden much yet, because I need a shorter stem and I'm not used to the toe cages. The plan is to put her on the trainer tonight and get a feel for her before I get on the road in the next couple of days.
Stay tuned for real pictures. The new camera will be here soon!
Peace.
Okay, this is a stock photo from www.togoparts.com
As luck would have it, our camera died. So, real photos will be coming soon, but I couldn't wait that long!
I've been searching eBay and CL for months now, waiting for the right bike at the right price to come along. I've traveled as far as Burlington, Vt. to look at a bike, that was a total joke. I've looked at old clunkers for $175. Some of them had potential, but not as road bikes. This weekend I got lucky and found The Bea. She's light, and faster than anything I've ridden! I haven't ridden much yet, because I need a shorter stem and I'm not used to the toe cages. The plan is to put her on the trainer tonight and get a feel for her before I get on the road in the next couple of days.
Stay tuned for real pictures. The new camera will be here soon!
Peace.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Swine flu
Evidence that I might have Swine Flu....
1. My house is a pig stye at the moment.
2. My Kids are currently watching "Charlottes Web" for the 3rd time this week.
3.We ate slop for dinner tonight.
4. My front patch of garden was kindly turned into a mud pit by Jack this afternoon, as he was determined to find worms by giving them water to drink.
5. I haven't exercised in 3 days, so I feel like a fat sow!!!
1. My house is a pig stye at the moment.
2. My Kids are currently watching "Charlottes Web" for the 3rd time this week.
3.We ate slop for dinner tonight.
4. My front patch of garden was kindly turned into a mud pit by Jack this afternoon, as he was determined to find worms by giving them water to drink.
5. I haven't exercised in 3 days, so I feel like a fat sow!!!
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