November Challenge?

I mentioned that I am interested in joining my MIL’s gym (which happens to be down the street from my house as well). My MIL thinks that I should wait until their joiner fee is “waived”, which isn’t until December. So here’s what I know. I’m not sure if I want to join alone or as an adult + children. Here’s the breakdown.

Alone: $50 Joiner’s Fee + $51/month = $101
Adult + Children: $75 Joiner Fee + 68/month = $143

The gym has a pool, all fitness classes included, machines/equipment, yoga, daycare etc. My MIL suggested just doing it alone and using my guest passes for when I want to bring the kids to swim. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. My main reason is I want to run in the pool while I heal up. I’m almost ready for a pavement run, but honestly, I would rather run in the pool. It really helped me back in 2010 during my IT band injuries and I definitely want to get back in. I even looked for my aqua jogging shoes. Thank goodness I was able to dig them out. So what can I do for the time being? I could take a running in the pool class at another gym – $60/6 classes. But I mean, if I do that then I might as well just pay the %50 joiner fee. Right? There’s also this yoga class on Tuesday nights at this one studio. $10/class, I might as well get them at the gym whenever I want — though I guess that will also depend on the times they’re offering. I think I’ll just have to check out their class schedules.

For now, I’m thinking of doing this as my November Challenge.

30-Day Nap Challenge

Mayhaps I will double up too. 🙂

I had no idea what I wanted to eat for lunch today, so I got breakfast. A ham and cheese omelette and sausages. So good.

Brunch

You know you have problems at work when the hardest question you have to answer is, “What do you want for lunch?” EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!!!!

What do you usually eat for lunch?

Do you put ketchup on your eggs? I do. Some people find it vulgar. Yeah, I’m using that word because some people look at me as if I broke a law. It’s not like I put ketchup on my spaghetti (My husband does that…).

Getting Back on Track

Cici and I are heading to the track today and we’re both excited. I think we’re just both excited to see each other though. HA. 🙂 Usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays my in-laws pick up Lili so we’re I am good to go. Although, I do LOVE picking her up. She’s the best. When I dropped her off at school yesterday she said loudly, “MOMMY, I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH” (opening her arms wide). Some of the moms turned around to look at us and I felt kind of special. When I picked her up from school, she said the same exact thing. And once more at work, she said, “Mommy, I love you so much!” My co-worker heard her from afar and said, “THAT IS THE SWEETEST THING EVER!” Her smile and laugh is contagious. I wonder if I was this happy as a kid.

My Assistant

She was actually about to start singing Happy Birthday in that pic above (which I videotaped). She sings Happy Birthday while washing her hands so she knows all the germs are killed off.

Her backpack was filled with goodies that I ordered from her fundraiser.

Kitchen Goodies

Looking forward to making some french fries and taco salad bowl. Though, I heard some reviews on the french fry cutter. Ever have one of these?

And yes, this officially happened:

See you in 2015

See you in 2015 NYC! I think it will be better. Not because Cici is running it (though it’s strange that this happened, it’s like someone wants us to run it together), but because both kids will be older and they can watch me win first place (I’m being sarcastic) at the finish line.

So, now I get to figure out what my next marathon will be this Spring??? Suggestions??? What is your favorite marathon?

One more question: Do you belong to a gym? What are your monthly membership fees?
I found one down the street from me. It comes with classes, the machines, daycare, and a pool. $51/month. If I do a family membership (just myself and the kids) it’s $68/month.

I am trying to justify that I will go even post-injury. There are some yoga classes too. Annual fee is $612. That’s not bad.

Pre-Halloween Festivities

First of all, a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all that ran MCM (or any other races) this weekend, especially to my friends Erin and Chelsea. You girls rock. Can’t wait to read the race recap, Chels.

Secondly, I’m not sure if I am paranoid, but I feel like I’m beginning to lose some of my leg muscles just from being on a break (I can only tell because I’m losing weight and I’m not eating clean — so it has to be that I’m losing my muscle!). I’ve been doing some upper body strength and still laying off on the ankle as it’s healing up. I would love to be up and running in a week or so, but I am not rushing it. A full recovery is vital. I want to run and train hard and fast. So #1 here is feeling NO PAIN whatsoever. I think this means I will be running in the pool a lot + yoga + strength and core. I need to keep up my fitness so I can get back stronger.

And onto the weekend. On Friday, I drove Lili to school and then Sebastian and I went food shopping. After we dropped off everything, we headed home and unloaded. I fed him and then off to the doctor’s for his second flu shot. Since it’s his first one, he has to have them in two separate doses. Poor kid was just so tired but we were visiting my girlfriend, Jacquie, who can give birth any day now… We stayed for about two hours and then headed over to pick up Lili from school. Unfortunately, someone fell asleep on the ride there.

Nap Time

By the time we got home, he was all sorts of cranked out. We watched some Frozen and I gave them snacks. Then I put him down to take a nap. When he woke up, I fed them dinner and then cleaned up. We had a busy day the next day. I was exhausted so P helped with bath time. We read books and then off to bed.

Saturday, we woke up early and had breakfast #1. I got Lili ready for dance class and then P woke up to watch Sebastian.

Queen Elsa ready for Dance

She was so excited to dress up for class.

Dance Friends

The kids were adorable. After dance class, I headed over to the bagel shop with one of the moms I met through class. Her daughter, Ava, was also Queen Elsa and is just stinkin’ cute. We ordered breakfast #2 and then headed home. We fed kids, P showered and then we headed over to the Halloween Parade at the library.

Parade Time

Playing Blocks

Story Time

Me with Olaf

We had so much fun!!!! We stayed about an hour and a half and then headed home. Kids needed to nap and then when they woke up, we ate — again — then off to the pumpkin patch.

Picking out Pumpkins

Sibs

❤

We picked out the pumps then headed over to Target for a few things.

FINALLY, after two hours of being out, we headed home to start some Halloween festivities. I made some popcorn, put some Halloween music on and had some fun.

I got this mom…

Painting Pumpkins

Cheeeeese

And finally….

Jack-o-Lantern

We love Halloween. Anyhow, the kids had a late bath and then off to bed. We were tired.

The next morning, we woke up later than usual for breakfast. I baked a banana bread and washed the dishes. Lili wanted to watch TV but first I made her do some school work. She had to practice writing some letters that she learned last week.

Homework Time

Sebastian went down for a nap and while he napped, I put some chicken wings in the slow cooker and then prepped a lasagna for dinner. P’s best friend, Pete, was coming over for dinner. Around noon, S woke up and then I got them ready to head over to the local fair.

Best Friends

Hanging with the Jabs

Me and My Girl

And my GUY

We got home around 2:30 and worked on some crafts. Then we just hung out while I cleaned and did laundry. P’s friend came around 5 and I started dinner. The rest of the evening was just spent giving the kids a bath, getting the kids ready for tomorrow and folding laundry.

I have so many shows to catch up on DVR. Revenge and Grey’s. What shows do you watch or DVR?

How many gyms to you belong to? How much is your gym membership? I am loking to join the Y. Still debating.

Ankle Update

Thank you all for your recent comments and advice and especially warm and well wishes. My ankle is feeling A LOT better. Yesterday, I picked up an ankle brace that my doctor didn’t have in his office on Monday night.

Fix me Up

I had been wearing a bandage for the time being but was happy to have the brace. It felt so much better than the bandage. The bandage wasn’t giving me as much support and it was kind of itchy. The new brace gives me stability. I am at about 80-85% better and there is absolutely NO pain if I am just sitting or even standing. The bulk of the pain comes in spurts if I am going down the stairs. Never up the stairs. I can tell it’s weak — so what does this mean? It most like means this:

NYC 2015

I am giving my ankle a rest and will most likely cancel and run in 2015. I haven’t hit the “cancel” button yet as they give you up to October 30th to make that decision. 🙂 I have been laying off the ankle though here and there I do some strength and core. I don’t want to lose my fitness. So how will I regain my strength?

1. Running in the Pool x 2-3 a week;
2. YOGA x2 a week
3. Strength and Core
4. Turkey Trot/Races
5. PR on the Hangover 5k

I absolutely LOVE winter running so I want to be 110%. I want to work on my speed. I want to be fast. I want to run forever.

What workouts do you do when coming of an injury?

How do you maintain fitness when injured?

Five Years + Things that Make Me Smile

I received a notification that Monday was my FIVE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY. I wasn’t “actively” blogging, not until early 2010 and even then it wasn’t consistent. I just remember starting this blog “single” — well my now husband was my then boyfriend. Two months later, he proposed, five months later we were married, four months later I was pregnant with Lili and two years after we were pregnant with Sebastian. It’s crazy how time flies. I’ve met some amazing friends through here. Some of my favorite posts are:

(1) The Day I delivered Lili;

(2) My First Marathon;

(3) Lili’s 1st Birthday;

(4) Marathon with My Solemate;

(5) Hangover Race

(6) Sebastian’s Delivery

Reading those past posts always puts a SMILE on my face.

Here are a few other things that puts a smile on my face:

Photo Editor: Yesterday while I was pumping milk (I sound like such a cow), I found myself extremely bored. So I looked through pics and decided to put some glasses and a hat on S.

Chillin’

He’s so cute…

Okay, now someone tell me where and how quickly I can score these babies???

Whaaaaaaa

I loved their Birthday Cake edition. I love red velvet. Hook me up!

After work yesterday, I scooped up the kids at my in-laws and my MIL made some homemade empanadas. They’re filled with dulce de leche. So ridiculously delicious.

Homemade

My Family! I love them to pieces. They’re just awesome.

❤

I especially love it when my husband decides to join us for story time.

Hi cutie!

And finally, I love that my kids love to participate and work out. They make me happy when they imitate (well, of course, it’s a bad word that accidentally slips out..)

Ommmmmm

What makes you smile?

Do you ever read back on past posts? What are you favorites?

It’s rainy out. I kind of wish I was home under the covers sleeping… It’s a good thing I’m not near a window.

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

“C” is for…

I thought this title was fitting since Lili is in the process of learning how to read. She’s recognizing sounds of letters and spelling them, so let’s start with “C” for today.

1. “C” is for the never-ending “COLDS” that my children have been fighting. No joke, they have been sick since September 9th. First with strep, then the flu, then the nagging cough and runny nose that just won’t seem to go AWAY! Numerous doctor’s appointments with “Co-Pays” out the wazoo. I am not kidding. We’ve spent about $1,000 on doctors visits + medications in a month. I won’t complain though because at least it’s something that can be taken care of with rest and medicine.

Sick Baba

Another visit to the doctor for Sebastian and this time we did not leave without medicine. Their doctor also said that we could give Lili nebulizer treatments as well.

Nebulizer Treatments

Trying to get Well

Still both kids are not 100% but they’re getting there.

2. “C” is for “Crafts”. Since Lili was sick, we took her off from school for a week (including yesterday as well). She went to school all last week, but since yesterday was a half-day and she still has a nagging cough, we figured it was best to keep her home. We did a lot of school work, spelling, writing, etc. But also, CRAFTS!

Box of Crafts

The kids, well more Lili, loves when I pull out the pink bin. It means something fun is going to take place. (On a sidenote, Lili calls it arts and craps!).

We had a ton of tissue boxes from both of them having runny noses. So we did something Halloween themed.

Monster

❤

Lili did an excellent job. She glued all the construction paper on while I was putting the baby down for a nap. When I came out, I was impressed.

3. "C" is for "Clumsy” — if you follow me on IG or are FB friends with me, then you’ll know where I am going with this next one. On October 12th, I was supposed to be running the Staten Island Half, but because I had a sick baby still and another one of his appointments, I had to step down from that race. When I got back from the appointment, I went out for my long run (taper). I was scheduled for 13 and was going to run it at my half marathon pace. It was going well.

Mile 1: I was to do a 9:00 and finished in 8:55.
Mile 2: Still feeling good and the weather was perfect. I finish with a 8:40 min/mi.
Mile 3: Okay, — I’m doing great, 8:44 min/mi. I turn the corner and don’t cross the street yet because I don’t want to mess with the momentum. I stick to the sidewalk, which I hate doing, and I’m waving to other runners feeling great when BOOM, I slip and fall on an apple. OUCH!!@$@$@#@# I could NOT believe it.

Sprained Ankle

I saw the swelling immediately. It’s like watching bread rise. I was 3.5 miles away from home and knew I could NOT walk back. I tried and it was fine, but I knew there was no way. So I called P and he had to bundle up two sick kiddos to pick me up. At this point, I was feeling it. He had to carry me inside. It was the first time I was feeling helpless. It was next to impossible trying to take care of two sick kids and get myself anywhere with one foot. “Celeste” was SO sweet and stopped by the house to leave food at our front stoop. Who does that??? Only your best friends. I took a nap with the kids after a shower and then woke up to eat. I knew it was going to be a tough night. My girlfriend’s brother is a foot and ankle doctor so she hooked me up with an appointment the next day. Best thing is it’s right across the street from my job. P dropped me and the kids off.

Icing at Work

My doctor took a look at it and an xray. Good news: It’s a grade 1 sprain and no fractures!!! Small bruise on a bone. Other than that, looks good. He put a soft cast on and told me that he has hopes for me to run NYC in 3 weeks.

Cast & Boot

Don’t get me wrong, it hurt, but I was doing the best I could do. Laying off the foot and elevating. I had my follow-up visit yesterday and it’s healing well. Soft cast came off and now just a bandage. It’s still in the recovering phase and soon I can start back up. Of course, NYC is in 12 days, so where does that leave me? While he still thinks I am capable of running it, I’m not sure I want to make it worse.

4. C is for “Choices” I want to be able to run for the rest of my life. I’m not the type of person that has that goal to run x amount of marathon by the time I’m x-years old. My main goal in life is to run pain free forever, if possible. The problem is, it’s NYC and who doesn’t want to run NYC at least once?!? So here I was, thinking, “I can’t cancel because I canceled back in 2012. After talking to NYRR, 2012 NYC Marathon is not counted against me because they were the ones that canceled the marathon (from Hurricane Sandy). So, YES, I can cancel this year and RUN NYC in 2015.

I have until October 30th to decide what I will do. While I know I am prepared (I’ve had three 20-milers + one full marathon since training started in July), I’m just not sure if it’s wise to run 26.2 miles post injury. I think I would be foolish. And I love winter running…

Have you ever had to make a similar decision? What did you choose?

Ever have a sprained ankle? How long did it take for you to recover?

Thank you to all my friends and family wishing me well wishes. I’m feeling so much better. It feels good to walk like a normal person. 🙂

Shoo Flu, Don’t Bother Us!

Well, yesterday was NOT how I expected it to turn out. After work on Monday, I scooped up the kids to see that Lili was really stuffed up. She did not seem to be getting much better. She still had an appetite, but that was it. Then, that night, while we were sleeping, Sebastian started to get really stuffy. He couldn’t breathe out of his nose. Poor kid. I tried to flush his nose out but he wasn’t cooperating, so we just dealt with it. I dropped the kids off at my in-laws but told them that I was going to try to schedule an appointment at the doctor’s office. I got to work and the “latest” time I could get was 11:30. I was hoping I could get an appointment at around 3-4, but that was the best they could give me. I took a bunch of files home to work on. So I had to leave the office at 10:40 to scoop up the kids. Of course, I was running crazy late and hit traffic. The worst part was, as I was driving to my in-law’s, I look down and notice my wedding band is missing!!!! AHHHHHHH. I panic, call the office to ask the girls to look. I was 99% sure I was wearing it at work, BUT they’re loose — and when the office is an icebox, they’re even more loose. Unfortunately, they search high and low and nothing. There wasn’t much I could do. I really needed to just focus on the kids.

I get to the kids 10 minutes later than I had planned and we were 5 minutes late to the appointment. We also had to wait to be seen. I knew it was going to be a wait since they were squeezing a “sick” visit into their schedule. It’s just annoying that they would say 11:30 when we wouldn’t actually be seen until after 1PM.

It’ll be okay, little bro.

Sick & Happy (till the doctor comes in)…

So, they redid the strep test and it came out negative. The doctor feels it’s just a bad cold and I say, “Well, what about the flu?” She says that she doesn’t think it’s the flu because Lili hasn’t had a persistent fever. I mention that all day yesterday she was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. So she said that if I wanted to have her take the flu test for peace of mind, then they can do it. Well, I mean, yes, that’s why I am here. I was a little annoyed because it’s not really a difficult test — just a swab up the nose to test. The doctor said they would just do Lili’s first because she had the fever — and if hers comes out positive, then they’ll test Sebastian’s. We wait again — tick-tock-tick-tock. I hear the doctor and she says to the nurse, “It’s positive for the flu???? Oh no!!!” So yeah, Lili has the flu. She calls in her prescription and then they test Sebastian. His comes back negative (He recently had the first part of his flu shot but still needs to go back for the second part). Of course, Lili is contagious for the next five days — and now we need to make sure that Sebastian doesn’t get the flu.

We also decided to take turns on taking off. Honestly, we don’t want any of the grandparents getting sick. So P took off today and I will take off tomorrow. It’s just easier and everyone else can remain healthy. 🙂 Last night was tough — Sebastian still had a hard time breathing through his nose. Lili woke up and almost vomited at one point but then got too scared and couldn’t stop crying. I cleaned out her nose and then she went back to bed. Exhausting night, indeed. Just 4 more days of Tamiflu.

So, since P took off today, I came to work and started to look for my wedding band. I searched and searched. Two hours later, still nothing. I start looking through files I was looking through and BAM, right by my printer, on top of a file, there was my ring!!! I knew it was at the office.

And on a last note, it’s been feeling more like fall these last few days, so on Monday I broke out the mini-crock pot at work. I had some leftover lentils from Friday night’s dinner. I ordered a salad and a side of sweet potato fries.

Lunch Post Run

Today, I ordered a Greek Wrap with grilled chicken. Yum.

Do you pack your lunch or order in?

Do you get your flu shot? When was the last time you got the flu?

I’m off to figure out if I can squeeze in a run or not.

Sick Again & Guess Who’s Walking

3-Miles Easy Run – COMPLETED

Oh, hi again, Monday! I would love a Monday (or any day really ) where I don’t start off like, “I’m so tired!” At least we had a semi-good weekend. Here’s quick breakdown.

On Friday, I headed over to my in-law’s house. I had a 20-mile run on the schedule — the last 20-mile run till NYC in November. I had the route memorized and gave P the post-it. He absolutely hates when I have to do long runs alone.

20 Mile Route

As soon as I dropped Sebastian off, I headed right out the front door and started out my run. I was trying to just run the mile I was in, but then I kept replaying the route in my head — “Okay, Lehigh Ave is a real boring 1.5-mile road…” At each fuel break, I made sure to just text P to let him know exactly where I was and how I was feeling. I also text Cici just to keep her in the loop. Unfortunately, the weekend was cramped for the both of us so we knew we wouldn’t be running together. 😦

I ended up changing the route a little last minute and running 2-miles in the park to add out the mileage before heading back to my in-law’s. It worked out better that way.

20-Miles: Done & Done

It started to get real warm out so I finished just in time. I was feeling a tad sore — ended up just laying out on the grass. My in-laws and Sebastian come outside and hang out with me for a bit.

Walking with abueli

They were both dressed up like they were getting ready to leave so I jumped into the shower, changed and came back down. I was SO tired and a little hungry. We hung outside for a bit and then sat in the kitchen and I had some coffee and a snack. Then my in-laws headed out but Sebastian gave a yawn so I let him sleep and I even closed my eyes for a bit. By the time we knew it, school was about to let out, so we left a little on the earlier side to pick Lili up.

Waiting for Sis

She was ready by 2:30 and we walked over to the supermarket next to the school. I had to pick up a few things as we had company coming for dinner. By the time I got home, I was EXHAUSTED! I did not want to do anything. I did not want to cook. I did not want to do laundry. I just wanted to lay down. BUT, by 5PM, I knew I needed to get something done. So I started the lentils and I started the tortilla. P got home around 6 and then I fed the kids. Shortly after, he stopped to pick up his girlfriend, Marian. She is so sweet. She moved out to San Francisco but has been back in the area for a job. We were lucky to have seen her three times! 🙂 And yet, we didn’t get a pic with her — instead she took a pic of us.

Mi Familia

The angle of this picture makes Sebastian look enormous. LOL and yes, both kids were a big ball of crank at this point. They just wanted to go to sleep. Anyhow, by the time they went down, I hung out with P and Marian and then Marian finally left around 11 and P and I hung out till 12:30. Late night.

Saturday, I woke up early with the kids and Lili felt a tad warm. I checked her temp and it was around 99. They ate breakfast and then I checked her temp again before dance. It went back down to 98 so we decided to go to dance. It was raining out — not fun. We got to dance on time. Lili was less than thrilled to be there, but I think she just needs to get used to it. Plus, she missed out two times in a row, so that didn’t help.

Sour Pus Face

It started to down pour while we were at dance — stopped a bit after — but then strong here and there. Not a nice day. We picked up breakfast for P and then headed home. After breakfast, we started to clean up the living room and decided to take down the gates because guess who’s walking now? Well, he’s been taking steps here and there, but now he’s pretty much walking and the gates being up doesn’t give him enough room to walk around. I also started the laundry. Then I took Lili’s temp again and it was 101.6. So we gave her medicine. The kids napped and then when they woke up, we just hung around and played and watched movies. Lili was still feverish so no bath for her — just a sponge bath and then they went into bed.

My sick babe

Sunday, I left P sleep in. The kids and I hung out. Lili’s temp was back to normal but she was congested. Not happy. Especially with everything that’s going on with the Enterovirus. P finally woke up around 10 and we all ate breakfast. We cleaned up some more and the kids just played. It was a nice day out — breezy and fall-like, but Lili was still not well. So we just stayed in.

Just hangin’

I tried to take a nap with the kids but when Sebastian was waking up, Lili was going down. Not a good transition. P was going to take S for a bit but he was taking too long so I just got up. I ended up preparing dinner. We decided to come up with a menu each week (thanks, Cici):

Sunday: Meatloaf, Mashed and Mac and Cheese. (I don’t need meatloaf).
Monday: Chicken Parm
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Pot Roast and Mashed/Baked Potato.
Thursday: Burgers
Friday: Burritos + Arroz Con Pollo
Saturday: Leftovers

We ate dinner on the earlier side and then I cleaned up. I also prepped the chicken for tonight’s dinner.

Leftovers!!!

I also made my oats in a jar and added pumpkin granola cereal from Trader Joe’s.

Oats in a Jar

Kids had their bath, I packed for my run today, folded the rest of the laundry, hung out with P and then to bed!

We kept Lili out of school for one more day. I knew she was very tired still and very congested. I really hope she gets better soon. I’ve gotten updates that she’s not coughing (thank GOD), no fever (YESSSS) but just a runny nose. She’s also eating, and that’s a good sign.

Do you meal plan for the week? Do you eat leftovers during the week?

I am trying to meal plan regularly because I hate coming home not knowing what I’m going to have for dinner. If it were up to me, I could eat leftovers or something simple. But I live with very picky eaters — so you know how it goes.

Do you nap during the weekend? I wish we had nap time at work. Though, I am sure I could get away with napping in my car during lunch if I were really tired.

Favorite Meal: Dessert

Yesterday at lunch, I walked over to Trader Joe’s. As soon as I walked in, I was in Pumpkin Heaven.

Oh Sweet Pumpkin

Oh yes, I got some Pumpkin Oatmeal and Pumpkin Granola Cereal. The pumpkin granola cereal is so delicious. I also picked up a few other items and then walked back to teh office shortly after. The real food shop will take place tomorrow at some point.

Last night, I came home from picking put up the kids at around 6:15. I had already peeled potatoes for dinner, so I started to boil them. I also decided to make Au Gratin Potatoes. So YUMMMMMMMY. I had everything prepped for the most part. Recipes attached and easy. When the potatoes were nearly done, I started to pan fry the chicken. I use just a little olive oil.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.

And who doesn’t like potatoes (except of course my kids… so weird!).

Mashed

Au Gratin

We broke bread at around 7:30. Everybody ate well and had full bellies, so everybody got desert.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Induced

This kid looked like he was about to pass out. After bath and fresh clothes, he was OUT.

Unfortunately, I had BIG plans to wake up early. Lili is still not eating much in school and it makes me a sad and concerned. Also, the cleaning lady is scheduled to come today, so I had to decide on making banana bread. I hate making a huge mess the next few days after the cleaning lady comes. HA. So I sucked it up and made banana bread, washed the dishes, changed the kids, made her lunch, straightened up before the cleaning lady came and we headed out.

Banana Bread

I ended up giving my parents a loaf to feed Sebastian. I also took a few to work for breakfast. So good when it’s fresh from the oven.

Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods? Which one do you like best?

Do you bake/cook in the morning?

I don’t mind doing it, BUT I hate that I am so paranoid that I’ll forget to turn off the stove/oven and then wonder all day if the house burned down. I checked 3x today and even took a picture of it on “OFF”. I’m crazy. I know.

What time do you go to bed?

Mine varies. Anywhere between 8:15-midnight. Eek. I know. That is LATE.

I have a long run on schedule tomorrow. Lovely. Wish me luck.

Hello October

Run/Strength – PENDING

I did my track workout with Cici yesterday and all I could say is, THANK GOD for her. I was cramping and not feeling it. She was EXHAUSTED. Together we were just not motivated. In a way, I was hoping she was going to say, “hey, I’m not feeling it; you’re not feeling it… let’s just do an easy run?” I would have chimed in. But she didn’t, so I didn’t and so 1.2 miles and dynamic stretches later, we started our 5k trial.

At each mile, I wanted to give up and say, “Just go… I’m gonna just take it easy!” But I kept by her side — and 12 laps + a tenth later, we were DONE!!!!

WE DID ITTTTTTT

Cici brought me her apple dessert dish that she made on Sunday. It looked so good I couldn’t wait for dessert.

Dessert for ME

I warmed it up for 30 seconds and added the topping she gave me.

Mmmmm

Almost tastes like apple pie without the whole crust. In any event, I finished the entire serving she gave and I don’t regret it! It was SO good.

On a funny matter, Monday I picked up Lili at my FIL’s house and she came running over to me in this ridiculous outfit that he changed her into.

Like my Outfit, mom?

Yes, she’s wearing her brother’s onesie as a shirt backwards as well as her shorts. HYSTERICAL. We were cracking up.

And the serious note, my daughter is beyond picky when it comes to eating. Of course she likes the usual junk that any other kid would love. One positive thing is she loves fruits. BUT, the only other foods that come out of her menu are rice (white and/or yellow), omelettes, soups, noodles. Packing her school lunch box is driving me up the wall. She will eat peanut butter but no nuts in school. Coming home, I get disappointed and worrisome for her because 75% of the time, she hardly eats a bite and comes home famished. I tried explaining to her that she needs to eat for energy to learn and play. I do pack her rice, but she’s also a very slow eater, so I don’t know if she just has the time to feed herself. I asked her what the other kids eat and she says, “sandwiches”. So today, I tried to make her an omelette sandwich.

Lili’s Lunch

I hope today is a better day for her at lunch. It’s coming to the point where I’m concerned for her health. She won’t eat cold cuts. I’m going to try and see if she likes jelly/jam. Maybe that could be an option.

Do you remember what you ate for lunch in elementary school?

My grandmother usually packed me peanut butter sandwiches. This was before the whole, “no nut” allergy. I never ever bought school lunch. I do know that Lili’s school lunch is $1.40. I wouldn’t dare spend it because it would go in the garbage. My kid doesn’t eat PIZZA. Is she really my kid?

Favorite Fall Dessert?
I do like me some warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Share your recipe!!!!