This whole broken computer thing is a real PITA.
Shayna's been home and has graciously let us use her laptop while she's home for the holiday, but she goes back to school today.

Thanksgiving turned out to be much better than I anticipated (lots of potential family drama) but luckily, it went well. The highlight of the day might have been when my Dad announced to all 15 people present that he couldn't believe Kevin had actually married me. It was one of those times in my life when all I could do was laugh because it was so unbelievable. I think what he was really saying was that he couldn't believe they would be so lucky as to have Kevin for a Son in Law, and that he couldn't believe any one would marry me because I'm so "independent and stubborn" (his words). I take all of those things as compliments, but the way he presented it was pretty comical.

Friday evening 2 of Kevin's siblings and their families came over for dinner and much laughter. His parents stopped in to say hi also. It was great for so many of our nieces and nephews to get together. The age range is from 19 to 3, and I love that they all just have fun together. The teenage girls don't try to go hide in Shayna's room and exclude the middle school and elementary kids.
Here are my three on Friday Night:

And the holiday season is now in full swing!

I've managed to get some running in, I just have to make it a priority for myself, because no one else is going to say, "Hey Heid, why don't you go take a 40 minute run."

On that note, I'm off to the gym!

A Few Quick Notes

My home computer has caught it's own version of H1N1, and is completely out of commission at this time. Booo!
So, just a few quick notes from me today.

First, the Essential Triathlon Swimming video did arrive. Jack and I have been watching it diligently, as I prepare to get in the pool and try some of the drills soon. Jack is enthralled with this video! Stay tuned for a full post on this.

Second, the 18th was my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! A full post is coming on this too, but I want photos. In the meantime, check out my Sister's post honoring our Mom.

Finally, I have committed to a Winter Workout Challenge. It's the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge!I found this through 2 blogs that I've been following for a couple of months now.
I think that both Mel and Runninglaur are taking part in the challenge.
Sorry, for the vague post. I hope to get to the library for some computer time this weekend!

Help is on the Way!

I need help with my swimming.Desperately.
I learned to swim as a kid, at the town lake. The lessons were free to all town residents. Now don't get me wrong. I am eternally thankful that my Mom took the time to bring me to these lessons every summer. She sat on the cold beach with all the other Mom's and watched us learn to swim, year after year. This was even more special, given the fact that my Mom doesn't swim, and I don't think she likes lakes or pools. I'm also thankful that this was a completely fun, noncompetitive environment, because I was able to develop my love of water and swimming without any stress.
But, with all that being said, the fact remains that I have zero technique. In the past 2 years, I've taught myself a few of the basics. Like, bi-lateral breathing and to keep my head and shoulders down. But truly, I'm clueless.

So, when I saw a post on Beginner Triathlete, looking for people to try this out, I jumped at the chance. I emailed Kevin Koskella of Tri Swim Coach, and told him I'm interested in trying his program. He agreed, and now I'm waitng (anxiously)for the DVD to arrive!Lord knows, I need all the help I can get!

In other news, I ran 4 miles outside today! In shorts and a t-shirt! This is an amazing thing here in upstate NY on November 15!

The Week in Review

In the Tri world:
I got in 2 runs this week. My pace is picking up, and I feel like I can consistently go longer at a faster pace. I feel like a 10 minute mile is within grasp, for the first time in 7 years! That is exciting for me!
I broke down and put the bike on the trainer last night. Jack loves when I ride the trainer. He stands by and watches me. Plus, he's the best support crew I have. He cheers me on, and then he takes a towel and dries the sweat as it hits the ground.
It's going to be a long winter, so I went to ebay and bid on season 3 of Gilmore Girls. GG's is such a guilty pleasure for me. I started watching the show with Shayna when it first came out, and it struck a chord with me. Hopefully, Season 3will get me through a month or 2 on the trainer.
I'm not sure why I've been avoiding the pool, but I have. The goal this week is to get in the water at least once. We'll see if I make it.

In other news, Jack and Shayna are both feeling better. But Kenz is sick now. She has been spiking fevers since last night, and we are planning to keep her home tomorrow. Let's hope she feels better soon.

Bonus: Picture of the week:


This is my Great Uncle Pete, and his wife, Aunt Nete. Shayna took this picture on Saturday, at Uncle Pete's 90th birthday party.
I want to be them!

Truly, I don't think it's possible to be their age, and not be beautiful.
Peace.

Halloween Fun

Shayna was home with us for the week before Halloween. Although she was home because she was pretty sick, we were still able to do a few Halloween activities. The kids were thrilled to have her here for an extended stay! She worked on Halloween costumes with Mack. And they did such a great job on the sword, that Mack has now refused to use it as part of her costume. She doesn't want to take any chances that it will get ruined.

We started the week with some pumpkin carving.



Unfortunately, Shayna had to return to school the day before Halloween. So, she didn't get to join us for the trick or treating fun. That was really okay, because Halloween was rainy and cold, so Trick or Treating was cut quite short.
Jack changed his mind daily about what he would be. We have several superhero costumes that I've picked up on clearance in the past few years, to have as dress up clothes.He ran the gamut from firefighter, to police officer, Batman and Spider man. On Halloween morning he decided on Superman. Complete with the fake muscles and the cape.
Here he is, showing off his muscles. Of course, "Favorite Blankie" is never far from Jack's reach.

On the day of Halloween, Mack was a pirate. But the costume was not very interesting, since she wouldn't carry the sword, or wear the bandanna on her head. Luckily, we also had plans for a Halloween festival on Sunday in Saratoga. Sunday morning I did my usual trip to Target, and while there found that all Halloween costumes were 50% off. I picked up a Ninja costume for $5. She loved it, and here she is:

Sorry for the blurriness on this one. But it's pretty cute anyway.