Everyone should visit the following blog - if not to donate (and you should!) - at least appreciate the many artists renderings.... truly priceless many of them are.
http://ripplesketches.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Update on the ups and downs....
Ahhhh, a bit of a break from all the insanity going on lately...
Have missed keeping this updated and will try for a quick fly-by of everything since April 24th....
April 24th - ran the Crazylegs Classic 6 minutes slower than last year. I would like to blame age and the fact that I turned 35 that day, but I at least ran the whole thing and don't still really know why I finished it slower than the year previous when I ran/walked the race. ;-(
April - training for my 1/2 marathon in August really kicked into gear and currently I'm in some pretty high mileage (for me) runs on the weekends.... did a 9 mile two weekends ago and loved it, hope the 10 miler this weekend feels the same.
May - more running and met a new guy - Scott. He was great, a whirlwind set of dates - 5 in one week!!! And then, hardly anything since. I would really like to know where I go wrong and end up having them lose interest - but the one week was fantastic! Although now, I may be a bit soured to the whole dating thing.
June - so far so good, but busier than sin! Did the Lake Geneva Lake Path walk (half of it) with Kathy, Kristin, Kristin and Madeline and it was a lovely day and an interesting walk. Me being the history buff - I may do it again and purchase the lake path guide and do it at a more leisurely pace so I can get more pictures too. More running this month as well and it has it's moments - humidity and I don't get along very well.... or the crazy heat we've had the last couple weeks. I'm not able to run much in the early mornings, so hot afternoon runs after work are my cross to bear so to speak. I think eventually they will get easier as I find more ways to stay hydrated and cool.
BUT, I've been getting a lot of stuff done these past couple weeks - started baking again much to my waistline's dismay, was given a great idea about the name of my eventual dessert catering business (Sweet Endings) and have been applying for part-time jobs so I can finally move!!!! Home Depot, Borders and US Cellular apps are all in and have a few more to do, so keep your fingers crossed for me. ;-)
Have missed keeping this updated and will try for a quick fly-by of everything since April 24th....
April 24th - ran the Crazylegs Classic 6 minutes slower than last year. I would like to blame age and the fact that I turned 35 that day, but I at least ran the whole thing and don't still really know why I finished it slower than the year previous when I ran/walked the race. ;-(
April - training for my 1/2 marathon in August really kicked into gear and currently I'm in some pretty high mileage (for me) runs on the weekends.... did a 9 mile two weekends ago and loved it, hope the 10 miler this weekend feels the same.
May - more running and met a new guy - Scott. He was great, a whirlwind set of dates - 5 in one week!!! And then, hardly anything since. I would really like to know where I go wrong and end up having them lose interest - but the one week was fantastic! Although now, I may be a bit soured to the whole dating thing.
June - so far so good, but busier than sin! Did the Lake Geneva Lake Path walk (half of it) with Kathy, Kristin, Kristin and Madeline and it was a lovely day and an interesting walk. Me being the history buff - I may do it again and purchase the lake path guide and do it at a more leisurely pace so I can get more pictures too. More running this month as well and it has it's moments - humidity and I don't get along very well.... or the crazy heat we've had the last couple weeks. I'm not able to run much in the early mornings, so hot afternoon runs after work are my cross to bear so to speak. I think eventually they will get easier as I find more ways to stay hydrated and cool.
BUT, I've been getting a lot of stuff done these past couple weeks - started baking again much to my waistline's dismay, was given a great idea about the name of my eventual dessert catering business (Sweet Endings) and have been applying for part-time jobs so I can finally move!!!! Home Depot, Borders and US Cellular apps are all in and have a few more to do, so keep your fingers crossed for me. ;-)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Hey! I'm back!
Just a quick note that I'm going to resume my blog on this site instead of the wordpress one as it's just too user-unfriendly there to get anything decent posted and in a timely fashion.
The exciting news of the day is that this is my last day of being 34 and tomorrow I will be celebrating my bday in style by running in the 2010 Crazylegs Classic. My friend, David, has graciously offered to run with me although I've told him that after we get past Observatory Hill.... he should feel free to go ahead and run his true pace and as long as he waits for me at the finish, it's all good.
I have the day off from work today too and am still dogsitting Otis and Ellie through Sunday evening this weekend. Not sure what I'm going to do with my day off yet - probably shopping and a walk and going to bed early so i can be up at 0400 tomorrow to get the dogs up and outside and myself ready for my race and then on my way to pick up David.
And.... Sunday is brunch with Eric! Very excited about that as I haven't seen him in more than a month and I think our new go-round with our friendship is going to be a very good thing. It seems that we are much more relaxed with each other than when we were "dating" and I couldn't be happier about it.
Very excited about the race tomorrow!!! Maybe i'll get a chance to post pics from the race sometime tomorrow after we're back from Madison.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Erin
The exciting news of the day is that this is my last day of being 34 and tomorrow I will be celebrating my bday in style by running in the 2010 Crazylegs Classic. My friend, David, has graciously offered to run with me although I've told him that after we get past Observatory Hill.... he should feel free to go ahead and run his true pace and as long as he waits for me at the finish, it's all good.
I have the day off from work today too and am still dogsitting Otis and Ellie through Sunday evening this weekend. Not sure what I'm going to do with my day off yet - probably shopping and a walk and going to bed early so i can be up at 0400 tomorrow to get the dogs up and outside and myself ready for my race and then on my way to pick up David.
And.... Sunday is brunch with Eric! Very excited about that as I haven't seen him in more than a month and I think our new go-round with our friendship is going to be a very good thing. It seems that we are much more relaxed with each other than when we were "dating" and I couldn't be happier about it.
Very excited about the race tomorrow!!! Maybe i'll get a chance to post pics from the race sometime tomorrow after we're back from Madison.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Erin
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Summer picnics and stepchildren are the best things in life...
I love my stepchildren - or my kids - as they prefer to be called.... none of this "step" stuff. Absolutely nothing puts a smile on my face more than chatting with Molly on facebook and trying to message Nate thru her at the same time.... and then I'm even friends with Molly and Nate's friends too! Gotta love being one of the more "popular" parents with the kids. I can't wait to see one of Nate's football games!
And of course more friends were spending the day with us.... one of our gracious party hosts - Todd....
And, then there's nothing better to do with your friends than have a summer party! My friends Jodi and Todd have been married for 8 years now and look at all they have accomplished....! Yes, FOUR GIRLS!!! All under 4 years of age - the twins will be four this November! Now that I know where they live - I'm going to have to visit more often, especially once I move closer their direction! Left to right below - Camryn, Lauren, Avery, Payton
Payton and Camryn busy working on their "masterpiece"...
Of course, Kristin P got to hold Avery the most.... at least I got to get my "baby fix" in for about 10 minutes.
Kristin S and Lauren..... and then me and Camryn....
And of course more friends were spending the day with us.... one of our gracious party hosts - Todd....
The coach and best bud - Jim...
Katherine...
And our other favorite little family - Beth, Andy and Chloe!
A good time had by all of course and it was a beautiful day!!!
More pictures soon of other summer time activities....!
Have a great evening!
Erin
Thursday, August 6, 2009
My favorite things...
A couple years ago, I took to starting a list of some of my favorite things or things that just make me happy. It was a suggestion by my counselor at the time so that I would remember what parts of life I take some joy in. This last month just hasn't seemed to go my way in more ways than one, so I figured it's time to start focusing on the good stuff in life again so that the not-so-good doesn't overwhelm me again...
Some of my favorite/happy things:
1. Hours spent in a great bookstore
2. Skipping stones
3. A full body massage
4. Glass milk-bottle vases
5. Rereading old diaries
6. Anything having to do with Molly and Nate - the more, the better.
7. Listening to news/talk radio to and from work
8. Post cards from vacationing friends
9. Carmel apples with nuts
10. A "make you weak at the knees" kiss
11. Claw-foot tubs
12. End zone victory dances
13. Audio books
14. A runner's "high"
15. A luxurious bath robe
16. Being told I can be out of debt in 4 years.
17. Windchimes singing in the breeze
18. Thriving under pressure
19. Picking out pumpkins in the fall
20. Making apple pie
Just a few for now.... many more later - my list from a couple years ago is easily over 600 entries - a few repeats I'm sure - as well as a few that are specific to the people I enjoyed doing things with (car "looking" and Sunday breakfast out with Sam, laughing and my frank discussions with Jim, perusing the craft stores with Kristin, etc.). I do seem to be missing a few - my list is numbered (another thing I like - making lists) and I'm missing about 50 or so of them.... could have been misplaced in Alissa's recent flooded basement as that is where I rescued most of the lists.
Anyway, just wanted to prove that there are good things to think about too and I'm not some crazy, hormonal women bent on taking off the bumper of the first slow person that gets into the left lane on I-43 in front of me.
I will get pictures up - it's a big weekend of events, so I'll be sure to add some here as well as facebook of course.
Have a great weekend! I'm encouraging everyone to visit the Wisconsin State Fair and partake in some food on sticks! If I get a chance to go, I'm going to have cheesecake, crab cakes and macaroni and cheese on a stick!!! Although my eyes are always bigger than my stomach....
Take care,
Erin
Some of my favorite/happy things:
1. Hours spent in a great bookstore
2. Skipping stones
3. A full body massage
4. Glass milk-bottle vases
5. Rereading old diaries
6. Anything having to do with Molly and Nate - the more, the better.
7. Listening to news/talk radio to and from work
8. Post cards from vacationing friends
9. Carmel apples with nuts
10. A "make you weak at the knees" kiss
11. Claw-foot tubs
12. End zone victory dances
13. Audio books
14. A runner's "high"
15. A luxurious bath robe
16. Being told I can be out of debt in 4 years.
17. Windchimes singing in the breeze
18. Thriving under pressure
19. Picking out pumpkins in the fall
20. Making apple pie
Just a few for now.... many more later - my list from a couple years ago is easily over 600 entries - a few repeats I'm sure - as well as a few that are specific to the people I enjoyed doing things with (car "looking" and Sunday breakfast out with Sam, laughing and my frank discussions with Jim, perusing the craft stores with Kristin, etc.). I do seem to be missing a few - my list is numbered (another thing I like - making lists) and I'm missing about 50 or so of them.... could have been misplaced in Alissa's recent flooded basement as that is where I rescued most of the lists.
Anyway, just wanted to prove that there are good things to think about too and I'm not some crazy, hormonal women bent on taking off the bumper of the first slow person that gets into the left lane on I-43 in front of me.
I will get pictures up - it's a big weekend of events, so I'll be sure to add some here as well as facebook of course.
Have a great weekend! I'm encouraging everyone to visit the Wisconsin State Fair and partake in some food on sticks! If I get a chance to go, I'm going to have cheesecake, crab cakes and macaroni and cheese on a stick!!! Although my eyes are always bigger than my stomach....
Take care,
Erin
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Carpe Viam!!!
'Carpe Viam' is going to be my new life saying.... it means to "seize the road"! I read it in the March 2008 issue of Runner's World and immediately liked it. It doesn't even have to pertain to just running (real runners run on the road... just my personal belief) but for me, it can refer to my driving ability (more below) and to life in general. If I want to make changes in my life - "carpe viam" - seize the road to change then!!! I think I might even have that inscribed on a charm for a necklace or something......
And yes people - I know the current blog design is dull and lifeless.... I will work on changing it some more. I'm considering taking this blog to Wordpress instead.... but I'll let you all know.
Thanks for keeping up with me and take care!
Erin
And yes people - I know the current blog design is dull and lifeless.... I will work on changing it some more. I'm considering taking this blog to Wordpress instead.... but I'll let you all know.
Thanks for keeping up with me and take care!
Erin
Friday, July 10, 2009
Things that make me happy....
Just a random thought list....
1. Getting to go on a mini-vacation in a little over a week!!!
2. My kids and all the stories they have to tell me.
3. Watching summer baseball games - whether it be t-ball, Colt, Girls or professional... this is what summer is for - baseball!
4. Reconnecting with old friends and finding new and fun things to do with all of them!
5. Realizing how much growing up I did over the last year and even better - realizing how much happier I am now too.
6. A late night romp.... and lengthy text message conversations.
7. Flowers for no reason
8. Skipping dinner and only being given a hard time about it for 5 minutes instead of 60.
9. A Friday night with no pressing plans.
10. Making plans to go out with friends on a Saturday.... and two weekends from now and a month from now and all of a sudden realizing what a full calendar I have.
11. Having someone contact you via a friend for a side job that will bring in some much needed cash around the holidays this fall/winter!
12. Remembering dear friends who have recently passed away and being able to celebrate their life with other friends I haven't seen in almost 10 years.
13. Every day waking up and not having a single twinge of regret...
14. Walking barefoot through the soft, green grass
15. Really great kisses....
16. Having a best friend to talk to who will give me honest feedback and does more for my mental well being than any drug could ever do.
17. Finally finding a beer that I truly enjoy drinking - just to drink a beer!
18. My first "bar shirt". (how I found the favorite beer)
19. The really good karoke singer who sounds exactly like Neil Diamond! I'm serious - he could win a contest!
20. Getting some much needed time on the computer to work on my blog layout and this post.
There's so much more..... but in another post soon!
Have a fantastic weekend! Be good to each other!
Erin
1. Getting to go on a mini-vacation in a little over a week!!!
2. My kids and all the stories they have to tell me.
3. Watching summer baseball games - whether it be t-ball, Colt, Girls or professional... this is what summer is for - baseball!
4. Reconnecting with old friends and finding new and fun things to do with all of them!
5. Realizing how much growing up I did over the last year and even better - realizing how much happier I am now too.
6. A late night romp.... and lengthy text message conversations.
7. Flowers for no reason
8. Skipping dinner and only being given a hard time about it for 5 minutes instead of 60.
9. A Friday night with no pressing plans.
10. Making plans to go out with friends on a Saturday.... and two weekends from now and a month from now and all of a sudden realizing what a full calendar I have.
11. Having someone contact you via a friend for a side job that will bring in some much needed cash around the holidays this fall/winter!
12. Remembering dear friends who have recently passed away and being able to celebrate their life with other friends I haven't seen in almost 10 years.
13. Every day waking up and not having a single twinge of regret...
14. Walking barefoot through the soft, green grass
15. Really great kisses....
16. Having a best friend to talk to who will give me honest feedback and does more for my mental well being than any drug could ever do.
17. Finally finding a beer that I truly enjoy drinking - just to drink a beer!
18. My first "bar shirt". (how I found the favorite beer)
19. The really good karoke singer who sounds exactly like Neil Diamond! I'm serious - he could win a contest!
20. Getting some much needed time on the computer to work on my blog layout and this post.
There's so much more..... but in another post soon!
Have a fantastic weekend! Be good to each other!
Erin
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I'm in love.... with the Michigan commercials...
Okay, so it's an odd thing to love, but I literally turn up the radio and hush my riding companion (if I have one) when one of those Michigan commercials comes on. You know... the travel bureau of Michigan has these commercials - very simply worded, but the best part is the voiceover done by Tim Allen (Home Improvement, Toy Story, etc...). His voice is perfect with those commercials. I've even had a dream where he's providing the voiceover for my life...... very strange, because he makes comments on the side about the events that happen around me/to me.
Random pic of the day.... I would try for something that goes with the newest Michigan commercial that mentions water and all the things you do from being a kid running through the sprinkler to the enormous amount of shoreline Michigan has..... but I don't think I have a picture of water.... or maybe I do.
Yep.... a picture of the sunrise over.... Lake Michigan! I'm sure my mother-in-law was impressed with me at the time that I was even up early enough to see it.
So, that's all I have for today.... pretty amazing that I've been posting more regularly, right? Well, I think as long as I have computer access, I'll continue to post at least a couple times a week or more. There are more things I want to do and see this summer.... and I want to share them all with you nice people who still check in from time to time.
Have a great Saturday evening. An early Happy Father's Day to any and all father's that may happen across this blog.
I think tomorrow there will be another picture posted of water... the new, ever upward creeping shoreline of Lake Wandawega.... you'll see.
Erin
Random pic of the day.... I would try for something that goes with the newest Michigan commercial that mentions water and all the things you do from being a kid running through the sprinkler to the enormous amount of shoreline Michigan has..... but I don't think I have a picture of water.... or maybe I do.
Yep.... a picture of the sunrise over.... Lake Michigan! I'm sure my mother-in-law was impressed with me at the time that I was even up early enough to see it.
So, that's all I have for today.... pretty amazing that I've been posting more regularly, right? Well, I think as long as I have computer access, I'll continue to post at least a couple times a week or more. There are more things I want to do and see this summer.... and I want to share them all with you nice people who still check in from time to time.
Have a great Saturday evening. An early Happy Father's Day to any and all father's that may happen across this blog.
I think tomorrow there will be another picture posted of water... the new, ever upward creeping shoreline of Lake Wandawega.... you'll see.
Erin
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Lake glass hunting... and other hobbies...
This past Friday was my second time out this year for lake glass (also went 2 Fridays ago as well). Seems to be that Fridays after work is a good time to go - crowds aren't really out on the beach anymore and the lake has had all week to churn up a new batch of glass for me.
I've found a couple hot spots for finding good sized pieces too. When I was out this past Friday, the lake water was actually not bone-chilling cold for a change, which is surprising since it's only June... but I went out past my knees - just before I got my shorts wet. If I had brought my swimsuit... I could have gone swimming quickly!
Wanted to share a couple pics....
This is the vase that I'm now collecting all the glass in... found lots of green and clear glass this time - only 3 pieces of blue, but a couple aqua too! Come on folks - help a girl out - dump your empty glass bottles in Lake Michigan! That is the other thing about this past Friday - the lake was like glass.... I so could have gone out with tons of bottles and dumped them from my kayak!
And then my crocheting.... have started an 18 color blanket for Alissa and Keith for their wedding gift. This will be quite the undertaking as I want to make it large enough for them both to sit under at night when watching t.v. together - that is if they ever get their crazy work schedules to line up anymore. I have a ton of yarn for the blanket, but I'm actually worried that I don't have enough! LOL! We shall see - I'll post more pics as it progresses.
And a close-up of some of the blanket - I am varying the width of the rows of color as I go so it has a bit of a bohemian look to it - even if I did my best to arrange the colors in sort of a rainbow fashion. The next section will be a large block of cream..... with color interspersed.
And a close-up of some of the blanket - I am varying the width of the rows of color as I go so it has a bit of a bohemian look to it - even if I did my best to arrange the colors in sort of a rainbow fashion. The next section will be a large block of cream..... with color interspersed.
I have a lead on a part-time job for the summer, weekends in this area. And I responded to an ad about a job part-time gardening for someone in Wales.... which is nice as it would be on my way home if they don't mind me doing evenings and weekend mornings. We shall see.... I'm also still thinking about putting ads up on craigslist to do cakes/cupcakes and cookies/brownies for people for parties, etc.
Back to reading for a bit outside - The Book Thief. Very good now that I'm used to the varied interruption of the narrator - about a girl who steals books during Hitler's reign in Germany. Will post more about that later as well. Going to keep an eye on the fire dad started this morning while I read.
Missing all my friends, my honey, and my kids.... we'll all have to get together soon!
Erin
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A new baby.... for Jodi and Todd!
Avery Leah was born last night (friday, may 22nd) at 6:04pm - weighing in at 10 pounds even.
Mom, dad and baby are all doing very well - and so are her three sisters at home who are being watched by grandma and grandpa.
I remember the night Jodi told me she was expecting - it was between work and a bookcrossing meeting I was on my way to... and I was quizzing her about their new house and what were they going to do with the extra bedroom since the twins were sharing a room.... and she admited they were expecting again! And now I got a chance to hold little Avery... just like I have with Payton, Lauren and Camryn when they were all born.
And I'm not sure who all will check this blog post out, but I'm going to be an aunt again too! Ella is going to get a sibling.... I'm kind of pulling for another niece, but it would be nice for there to be a nephew in the family. ;-)
How much of my to do list have I gotten done from the below post... not much so far and seem to be doing it a bit out of order - but we weren't expecting Avery this weekend (she was 9 days early) so I have a very valid excuse for only having fit in the lake glass hunting so far on Friday after work and visiting a baby today.
Have a great remainder of the Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!
Erin
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