The Year of No Runs

You may have noticed a severe lack of something on this blog for 2018.  An elephant in the room of sorts.

It's true.   I have yet to run a race in 2018.  

In fact, I've barely even run at all in 2018.  

Honestly, a part of me is sad for this.  But an even bigger part of me is somewhat relieved.  Between the move this spring/summer, having an active toddler, working full time, teaching part time, and wanting some personal free time for myself ... well, in a nut shell ... after having a baby, I came to realize it's OK sometimes to be lazy in the name of personal sanity.

So cheers to personal sanity in 2018.  

And to a slightly fatter bank account (which I very promptly spent on furnishing my new home instead).  

And to a more than slightly fatter waist line (which I'm not going to guilt myself over, for right now).

Here's to a possible race in the future ... but for now, no pressure or expectations on when that will be.

Talk Like a Pirate Day 2018

You may recall in 2017, I expanded my blog to include such non fitness/health related topics as the "being an extra mom" category.  In fact, I think the first ever #BeingExtra post was regarding Talk Like a Pirate Day 2017!

Looks like I forgot to include a picture last year, but here's our first ever #PirateTwinning:

Heh. He was so cute and little last year!!  Where does time go?!?!

For those of you unaware, Talk Like a Pirate Day is one of those "holidays" that's just meant for fun and silliness.  Officially, there's not a lot of history behind it aside from it started as a private joke between two guy friends - and then it accidentally blew up on social media.

In the past few years, for me, Talk Like a Pirate Day has meant sending a friend of mine in Texas random gifts (when the mood strikes me anyway, it's not like I do it on a yearly / consistent basis).  Historically, those gifts have included: having a bouquet I made out of black artificial silk roses and plastic gold doubloons arranged in a plastic skull trick-or-treat bucket couriered to my friend at work, sending a smiley face balloon bouquet with pirate eye patches drawn on them, and ... last year's piece de resistance - ordering a pirate battle royale pool set via Amazon Prime:

 

I know.  An impressive find even for a spaz like myself.  LOL!

High on ridiculousness, I decided last year that I needed to share the pirate love at my son's "school" (daycare) as well.  And so the tradition began.


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For 2018, I had started my preparations way back in January.  And no, it's not because I'm some sort of holiday nut ball.  I simply came across a happy accident and decided to make the most of it.  Turns out JC Penny tried to sell a winter ski cap that was none too popular, and I stumbled across it with my $10 off $10 or more coupons ... right when JC Penny was having their 50% off all winter clearance event.

When all was said and done, I bought 15 black ski caps with pom-poms on top and a white skull and crossbones on the forehead ... originally value priced at $5 each, marked down to $3 each ... for $1.50 each, minus $10 x 2 coupons (I figured out how to split the purchase and maximize my discounts LOL!)  Reliving the find with my husband the other night, as he shook his head and laughed at the ridiculous that this holiday has become for me, I said "I think I spent something like $3 total on all these hats!!"

Natalie Unicorn - professional bargain shopper, at your service!  Hit me up if you need assistance.  (I'm sure my husband will be happy I'm spending your money and not mine.)

So yes, last week I was unpacking all the pirate crap booty from storage, counting that I still had all the ski hats intact after the move and so forth.  And also doing my best Bob Ross impression while painting some treasure boxes from Michael's Arts & Crafts black:

I even lined the treasure boxes with red felt.  Because I'm just extra like that.  I mean, you can't give your son's "teachers" an UNLINED box of pirate jewels, am I rite?!?!?!

Thanks to Amazon for all the above charms, btw.  Gotta love the Chinese vendors who will ship you 10 charms for $1.  (Again, Natalie Unicorn ... professional shopper ... hit me up!)  Hopefully the charms don't turn the daycare staff's arms green.  Though I suppose they can't complain about a free nonsensical gift.

Beyond the hats for the kids, and the treasure boxes for the teachers, this year I decided to add in a coloring sheet and a story book so that the staff could make a day of it (if they so chose).  Modifying a gif I found online, I printed off a stack of these bad boys:

And I sent my son's copy of this book to school as well (though I have to admit, the book was much wordier than I anticipated, and I'm not 100% sure it was workable for the toddlers to read):

Not to be forgotten, on Pirate Day proper my son and I wardrobed up.  Because you know me and costuming.  Lucky for me, last year I ordered oversized, so this outfit eeked out one last wear for my growing boy ... who is definitely in his terrible twos, as you can see:

I guess next year, I'll have to spring for a new littles costume.  Can't you tell I'm so disappointed?  Heh.

And there you have it, mateys!  Talk Like a Pirate Day, 2018.  Booty and adventure!

Until next year!  Arrgggg!!!

Saying Goodbye in Fashion

In the process of moving and purging, a few months back I finally unloaded my pregnancy workout clothes that I had been meaning to re-home for ... well, over two years.

Originally I was hoping to find someone fitness-like minded like me to donate these to, since I had willed away all my other maternity wear, but no dice.  So, finally just to give them a proper home, I consigned them.

Imagine my delight when I discovered what I fashionista I was!  Instagram worthy workout wear?  Heck yes!

Thanks Bellies to Babies for the cash and the chuckle.

PS - remember those pants?  Yeah, so does TriUMah.

Me Being a Mom: Portion Sizes for Kids

A few weeks back, I came across this article about portion sizes for kids.  Now that I'm living the mom life, of course I was interested, so I clicked.

Nutshell summary?  I was really surprised by how much the article focused on keeping food familiar for your kids, and negotiating to get them to eat fruits and vegetables.

I mean, I'm not trying to brag, but I basically served my son everything I ate as soon as I knew he could handle all the foods (man, I'm glad to be done with the pureed single ingredient phase).  And he just ... ate it.

Honestly, I did this for two reasons.  Yes, A, because it didn't make sense to me to teach my son to develop a different pallet from me.  But B, why make life more difficult for yourself by making two meals every time your child needs to eat?!

And I'm not to say there aren't times where he declines things - let's face it, he's in his terrible twos now, so that definitely happens.  But honest to god, your kid doesn't know what's "familiar" (as the article likes to call it).  Everything is new ... that's why they call them newborns.  So why shelter them and encourage them to adapt to a lifetime of chicken nuggets and mac & cheese?

Soapbox aside, I couldn't help but snicker about the recommended serving sizes of foods, and the plant ratios suggested.  I guess your perspective is skewed when you have a two year old that is in 5T clothing.  #eatingmachine

True story side note: in our new house, because of the sheer volume of food I go through with my monster eating toddler in the mix, I added a combined fruit basket/banana hook produce keeper to the kitchen (in addition to the previous basket I had, which is now just for shelf stable vegetables).  During move in, this basket was solely been filled with apples and bananas.  Not knowing I was listening, my son stood admiring the basket last week, talking to himself:

"Apples"
"Bananas"
"Apples"
"Bananas"
-brief pause, and then switching to a monster voice-
"I EAT THEM ALL!!!!"

Kids.  An endless source of entertainment.

In case the link above ever dies, below is a condensed version of suggested serving sizes.  I took out the fluff so you could just focus on the proper portion sizes.  Enjoy!

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Toddlers & Preschoolers (2 to 4 years)

Appetites at this state can greatly vary based on height and activity level and will likely change from day-to-day or even meal-to-meal. 

For Reference:Protein: 4 thin slices of ham or 1 egg, at 2-3 servings per day
Dairy: 1/2 cup cow’s milk or 1/2 cup yogurt, at 3 servings per day
Veggies: 2 tbsp. of green beans, 4 broccoli florets or 8 celery sticks (small), at 2 servings each meal
Fruits: Half a medium banana or half a kiwi, at 1-2 servings per day (this can be subbed out for veggies only)
Grains: 4 potato wedges or 4 tbsp. of mashed potatoes, at 1 serving per day

Early Childhood (5 to 8 years)

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests upgrading to full portions of fruits and veggies at this age, such as a whole banana, apple and handful of grapes. For proteins, fill a quarter of the plate with beans, legumes or a lean meat. Avoid foods high in sugar, especially sodas. Water is encouraged at the dinner table!

For Reference:Protein: 2-3 ounces of meat or 1/2 cup cooked beans, at 2 servings per day
Dairy: 1 cup yogurt or 1 oz. cheese, at 3 servings per day
Veggies: 1 cup salad or 1/2 cup cooked carrots or broccoli, at 3 servings per day
Fruits: 1 medium banana or 1/2 cup pure fruit juice, at 2-3 servings per day (this can be subbed out for veggies only)
Grains: 1/2 cup cooked pasta or 1 slice whole-wheat toast, at 1 serving per day

Preteen (9 to 12 years)

Portion sizes can slowly increase to where most adults should be—about 2 1/2 cups of dairy, 3 cups of veggies and 5 ounces of protein.  This is also a really good time to ask your child to cook a meal for the family every once in awhile so the option is in their hands. They might even develop a lifelong passion for cooking!

For Reference:Protein: 5 ounces of meat, at 2 servings per day
Dairy: 2 cups yogurt or 1 oz. cheese, at 3 servings per day
Veggies: 2 cups salad or 1 cup cooked carrots or broccoli, at 3 servings per day
Fruits: 1 medium banana, at 2-3 servings per day (this can be subbed out for veggies only)
Grains: 1 mini bagel or 1/2 cup cooked pasta, at 1 serving per day

Teenagers (13 to 18 years)

Portions can be adult-sized by this point, but education on appropriate portion sizes should be a priority. Relate portions to everyday items (a deck of cards is a serving of protein) for ease–chances are, measuring spoons are nowhere to be found in the school cafeteria. Also, be cognizant of commenting on eating habits during this stage. Empower your children to make good choices, but don’t criticize or shame them for any unhealthy choices they do make.

For Reference:Protein: 8 ounces of meat, at 2 servings per day
Dairy: 2 cups yogurt or 1 oz. cheese, at 3 servings per day
Veggies: 3 cups salad or 1 cup cooked carrots or broccoli, at 3 servings per day
Fruits: 1/4 melon, at 2-3 servings per day (this can be subbed out for veggies only)
Grains: 2 slices of bread or 1 cup cooked pasta, at 1 serving per day

Long Lost Blogger

I guess I need to revive this blog from the dead, it's been so long.

Hm.  Since Michael could get Zombies to essentially line dance, I wonder if I could get Zombies to follow one of my workout routines.  Food for thought. 

As long as I don't become the "food".  Heh.

Anyway!  As I mentioned in my last post, way back in June (YIKES!), my husband and I somewhat impulsively put our house on the market after my New Orleans birthday trip in April.  In what boiled down to a maybe 6-8 week window, we:

- removed about 50% of our possessions out of our home and into temporary storage
- had the entire house interior repainted
- had the entire carpeted surface of the house replaced
- repaired about 5 years of random "to-dos" in less than a week
- put our house on the market
- showed our house
- went through the entire selling negotiations process, including inspection and mitigation
- moved out
- moved into temporary housing

Phew!  And yes, I said in a 6-8 week window we did all of that.  If you've ever sold a house before, you know how crazy tight that schedule is.  But, with the market on fire for our price point of home, it was basically a "strike when the iron is hot" kind of scenario.  So we wanted to go as fast as we could to chase the market, despite the whirlwind.

Plus, in addition to that crazy busy timeline above, we were also in the process of house hunting for our upgrade.  So once we knew the sale was finalized for our Carver home, we started power shopping for our new place on lunch hours, evenings after work, and weekends.

Not long after securing our offer on our Carver home, we thought we had found the perfect place in Eden Prairie ... and even put in an offer.  Alas, after spending over a week negotiating with those sellers (without them hardly budging an inch), we realized it was time to cut and run. 

Blech.  Starting over on the hunt when we knew we were about to be homeless was NOT fun.

Thankfully, the market we were looking at buying into had lots of options, and in addition - that market was a little soft.  Not soon after walking away from our first offer, we found our current home.

Quite honestly, I'm glad for losing the first house.  Looking back now, we both realized it was inferior to where we ended up.  As they say "everything happens for a reason".

Despite being ready to settle into a new home immediately, things didn't go as quickly as my husband and I would have hoped for - especially since we saw how quickly things COULD go if you really wanted them to in selling our Carver home.  But slowly, surely, after about a two month stint in temporary housing, we finally got into our new place.

So here I am.  I've been officially living in my new home for almost two weeks.  Yes, I am still unpacking.  No, I'm not box free ... yet, though I'm close. 

And thanks to a handful of local service companies, we were able to do a lot of internal updates to the house in a short time frame (prior to moving in), like this:

Goodbye, butter yellow.  Hello modern life.  (If you need a painter for a big interior project, call these guys).

Our last few major move-in projects include washing the final bit of clothing from storage, hanging curtains inside the house, and organizing my husband's shop tools and supplies.  Of course, this is not to leave out our longer term projects such as front entry sidewalk replacement, MAJOR yard work/trimming, deck restaining or possible total replacement, and more.  But that's all ongoing home ownership stuff - at least by then we'll be comfortably living in the new home.

And now, after all the craziness ... I hope I can resume this blog on a somewhat more regular interval.  Thanks for hanging in there during the transition, and glad to have you back!!