Turns out you CAN go home again

So I'm a reunion crasher. Last weekend, I attended Aberdeen Central's Class of '73 40th reunion.

As I mentioned earlier, I went to school with this class grades 1-8, and then switched to the Catholic high school. There is something about being around people who knew you way back when. Man from U.N.C.L.E. fan club? Check. Candy-stripers at St. Luke's? Building forts under the dining room table? Tree house? All those things. With few exceptions (hi Jane!), in high school we didn't spend much time at each other's houses. I think the reason I felt so close to my friends from w-a-y back is that we spent so much time with each other without the distractions of jobs, boys, sporting events, cars, and since it was South Dakota in the early 70's, 3.2 bars. Kid days back then were being outside from after breakfast till dark, only going inside for lunch and dinner. We biked all over town (Southside Pool!), and when we got too cool for biking, we walked downtown. Anyway, it just did my heart good to reminisce. 

I have known these girls since I was SIX!

Here are some photos of my trip down memory lane:

The first house we lived in when we moved to town in 1961. By the time we moved, we had 6 kids in the fam

Our second house. We moved here the summer before 9th grade, and there was yet another sib added to the family

My high school - less than a block away from where we lived. Convenient!

Where almost every teenager worked in high school. Or college. As you can imagine with those demographics, more than a few hook-ups happened here.

A Kessler's specialty: basically raw ground meat with onions and spices. I remember it being delicious on Club crackers, but I'm not sure I'd eat it now.

If you were raised Catholic, you know just how much time you spent in church. (I remember growing up and going to 8:30 Mass in the middle of winter. In northern South Dakota. In a miniskirt. With vinyl car seats). But I also remember thinking that Sacred Heart was the most beautiful church, and while I don't darken the doors of too many churches these days unless it's to attend a wedding, in my memory, my childhood church is still the prettiest. I asked Genola if she'd mind if we stopped by, and it is every bit as lovely in real life as in my mind:

Look at that sky! These are just iPhone photos, so imagine how beautiful it would be with a real camera.

Confessional. Shivers! Really - what sins can a 7-year-old have?

Back to real life after the sanctity of Sacred Heart. Oh yeah:

The theme of the weekend. Oh hell, of life in general:

We did our best to comply!

On a totally different note, the half-marathon is in two more weeks. Only seven miles tomorrow!

TTFN

And (49) miles to go before I sleep (or run my half)

I guess when I said that I wanted to keep this blog updated and that I planned to do it twice a week, what I really meant was once a month. Oops. I'll try to be better - not that you care, but the reason I started this whole adventure was to keep myself accountable, and it really works best for me if I see it in print.

So last week was my peak mileage training week for the half. My long run this past weekend was 13.2 miles (and remember, "running" to me is fast walking with some jogging thrown in. But as my coworker Marcy says, if I run at all, then I'm a runner). So it was actually longer than a half - and I felt every inch of it. Trust me - if I could have made it be 13 exactly, I would NOT have gone that extra .2 mile. It was the worst I felt during any run ever, and I'm not sure why. I've been hydrating, sleeping well (for me), and - oh wait - eating like crap. Maybe that's it. Hmmmm.... But I didn't give up, and I finished the miles. I saw this on Pinterest (where else) a few weeks ago, and it was my mantra on Saturday:

I am all about the motivational saying. This is one of my favorites, which for me really describes all the hard work that goes into actually crossing the finish line:

In the meantime, I have three more long run weekends - of 8 miles, then 7, then 6 before taper week, and then the actual half. I am pretty excited to run it with my girls! But - I have 49 training miles to get through first, not that I'm counting.

[Okay, totally off the subject, but right now it sounds like I'm living in a horror movie. Quite literally. We have tree guys here, and all I can hear are chain saws and wood chippers!]

And now for some randomness, which really should be the theme of this blog.


FAVORITE FITNESS APPS:

I would link to them all, but just go to the App store if you're interested.

Thanks to Erin for finding iSmoothRun. I have used a whole bunch of running apps (MapMyRun, Runkeeper, JogLog, and some others I can't remember) but this is my favorite. The audio feedback is great. I like that it gives me my cadence. If I find myself slowing down (it gives pace too), I try to at least keep my cadence up.

Thanks to Kathy for WaterMinder. She got it for free, but I was so impressed that I actually paid 99 cents for it. I always thought I was drinking enough water, but when it came down to entering my totals, I found out I was short. Who knew? My husband the doctor thinks water intake is grossly over-rated, but I feel better when I drink what is recommended. (Which the app sets as half your body weight in ounces per day).

I know I've told you about MyFitnessPal. Still the best for tracking food.

Pandora. I know it's not a fitness app, but it sure helps on my runs. I was using the Pop and Hip Hop Power Station because the beat is great, but I was getting tired of hearing about booties and BJs. And my kids were making fun of my ringtone. (I thought I was getting "Hey Ya" but I actually got "Yeah". Two different songs!) I switched to 80s Cardio Rock but that just made me want to drink beer in a smoky bar. I am currently using Today's Adult Hits Radio, which is what I'm pretty sure plays at work. LOVE IT!!!


NEW-TO-ME FOOD FINDS:

Again, thanks to Kathy. At her house, they had the chocolate-peanut butter mix, but I know I can't have that around - way too easy to eat!!!

Way easier to use for an apple dip than regular PB

And the calorie count is pretty good compared to regular. I'm all about volume!

I picked up some cilantro-lime shrimp from the deli at Costco, and paired it with some Texas Caviar (also Costco.) The portions were pretty large, and it was really good all mixed together.

NEW RECIPE:
Spinach artichoke pasta with vegetables, from where else - Cooking Light. And the secret ingredient:

Who would've thought?

I put in extra veggies, and it made a TON and was pretty delicious. I was trying to carbo-load prior to my 13 miles last weekend. I'm not sure that's really a thing - I should just eat like I normally do (when I'm being healthy), with maybe a few more calories the night before.

I have a fun weekend in store - I'm headed up to Aberdeen with my friend Genola as her plus-one for her class reunion since her husband can't make it.That's right, I'm crashing the party. I went to school with the Class of '73 from first through eighth grade, and then I switched to Catholic school for 9-12. My parents had a Catholic education wild hair; not quite sure why because I know Central offered higher level math and science classes than Roncalli did, but I guess I turned out okay. Anyway, it will be fun to see everyone, and if it isn't - well, I'll just hang around the bar with the other spouses! I'm really looking forward to driving around town and seeing all the old spots. Be ready for pictures!

The noises have stopped outside so I should venture out to see how naked our yard looks. I'm a little nervous to see our 9-feet tall burning bush - they were cutting it back to waist-height. Our maple is trimmed, a big yew is gone, as is one of our river birches. Maybe our yard will have some curb appeal now. Time to go get some mums!

TTFN!

First free weekend of the summer...

... and what do I find myself doing? That's right - missing my kids. It has been so hectic with showers, weddings, bachelorette parties, 30th birthday parties, and whatever social life Dwight and I have, that now that I can sit and catch my breath I miss everyone. At least I'm catching up with the laundry. And finally stripping the extra beds from when everyone was home for the wedding. I would hate for anyone to drop in unannounced!

I don't know about where you are, but we have unbelievable heat and humidity here. Well, it's pretty much August in Omaha, but still. (My brother and sister-in-law in Kuwait officially win though - Linda said it was 120 degrees last weekend with a dew point of 73). I went out for my scheduled 9-miler yesterday, but that didn't happen. I had planned twice around Zorinsky's big lake, but I only made it around once - and that with two rest breaks. When I stopped sweating and started shivering I knew it was in my best interest to stop. I had every intention of finishing up on the treadmill here but that just didn't happen. I pretty much spent the afternoon on the couch with the cats. Ever since I had a little episode of heat exhaustion several years ago, I just can't tolerate heat well.

[Okay, that's actually a funny story. NOW. It was seven years ago on a Friday in May, and for some reason I wasn't scheduled on that particular day, even though I always worked at the museum on Friday. Oh well - it was nice and warm out and I used the day to plant, weed, haul mulch - I spent the entire day doing hard manual labor outside with not enough water to drink. We were to go to a surprise birthday party for our friend that night, but when Dwight got home from work he found me on the couch with a cold wash cloth on my forehead, feeling pretty terrible. He wanted to take me to the ER, but I convinced him to go to the party, give Judy her gift, and get back home ASAP. About fifteen minutes after he left, there was a knock on our door and it was our next-door-neighbor. Amy told me to get dressed, slap on some lipstick, and basically put on my big girl panties because our kids were at the club, along with all our friends, and they had planned a surprise 25th wedding anniversary party for us! The first thing I said was, "I'm sick you know", and the second thing was, "But our kids don't have any money!" It took a few minutes to register since Emmy and Alex didn't even live in Omaha and Erin was supposed to be at a graduation party - so tricky those guys! So now the kids refer to it as the surprise party they threw us where I didn't show up.]

Surprise!

Our hosts

So back to my training for the half: I am just going to repeat last week. I'll do the two 4-milers during the week and the 9 miles this coming Saturday. It's supposed to be every bit as hot, but I will get out earlier and plan for it.

Now I have to pass Trader Joe's every day on my way home from work, and while I don't stop too often, I'm not a stranger there. I have two new-to-me items that I have to show you. 

The first was recommended by a friend when we were talking about our mutual love of ice cream.

from my friend Genola's Pinterest board

Anyway, Mary told me about these, and when I asked her what they were she said she didn't know but her grandkids told her about them and they all loved them:

What they are are little balls of ice cream surrounded by this thin delicious dough made with rice flour and regular flour. And they are ABCDelicous!! These are the green tea flavor, and I may have also bought the strawberry and the mango. I have yet to open those boxes though.

The second item of decadence and deliciousness was discovered on a blog I read: The Girl Next Door Drinks and Swears. She seriously has the best sense of humor. Along with The Bloggess - two writers that can both make me laugh and cry. But anyway - are you ready:

It's everything good and wonderful smashed into a paste and put in a jar. I figured it would be heavenly in place of peanut butter in my oatmeal, and along with the coconut-almond milk, I was right.

Pretty much candy-for-breakfast

However, the best way to eat it is straight out of the jar. For only 90 calories a tablespoon, it can seriously satisfy a sweet tooth. The problem is stopping at one tablespoon. I had to put it in the back of the pantry so I wouldn't see it every time I open the door. It's seriously that good. And yes, I do trick myself like that.

And now for something you can find in your regular grocery store. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was, "Wow. That would taste amazing with vodka." And it did. 

Have I made your mouth water? Then my job here is done. Time to go transfer clothes to the dryer and make myself cute for tonight. Dwight has a meeting and I'm meeting the Hot Mama girls for dinner at Kona. 

TTFN!

So I've been busy...

All my good intentions of keeping this blog updated are pfffftt ...... gone. But I do have an excuse this time. August 10th was Erin's and Tim's wedding at Oak Hills Country Club! When they told me they wanted an outside wedding, I totally was planning on rain - but I told them to go ahead. After all, our wedding on May 23rd, 1981 was supposed to be outside but ended up at the Holiday Inn where our reception was. In retrospect, perhaps a spring wedding in Grand Forks ND wasn't the best outdoor venue. And then Aly's and Alex's planned outdoor ceremony last August - the only day it rained all summer. We don't have a good track record. But the day was absolutely gorgeous! Temp in the low 80's with a slight breeze. I guess the third time IS the charm!

Look at our beautiful bride!

I didn't take hardly any photos of the wedding (busy being the mother-of-the-bride, you know), but our friends Kären and Al sent some that they took so I got to peek a bit before the professional pix are done. I appreciate everyone else (Aly!) sending me pictures they took. Thanks you guys!

The "before" photo at the salon when Dwight dropped off Jimmy John's for the hungry female half of the bridal party. The guys went out for pizza while we were getting beautified

Erin and Tim look so happy. (Many thanks to Pastor Denny for a beautiful service!)

Rehearsal

 And now for two of my favorite photos of the weekend. In this one, Erin is going down to the lake for Tim's first look at his bride, while Emmy is keeping the train from dragging. What a good maid-of-honor!

If you look closely you'll see Emmy's nude platform pumps - and Erin's crocheted blue Tom's

And I have no idea what they are talking about during their father-daughter dance ("The Way You Look Tonight"), but the looks on their faces are priceless!

Love, love, LOVE this!

I'll get back to the healthy lifestyle blog soon, but that's it for now!

Eat dessert first

Especially when it's from Jones Bros., bakers of the best cupcakes ever.

Especially when your son and pregnant daughter-in-law called from Michigan to tell you they had ordered gender-reveal cupcakes for you and your husband!

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A grandson will be joining our family sometime in early December! We are all so excited to welcome this little one! It made it even more real when I saw Aly's tummy this past weekend. (She looks way better at 20 weeks than I ever did!)

A new job! A wedding! A baby! This year is bringing almost too much excitement to handle. Thank God my meds are adjusted!

And now on to the mundane:

Boring dinner: chicken breast, summer salad, roasted peppers

Half-marathon training is going well; I just wish we lived in a less-hilly neighborhood! There are no flat parts at all. You'd think with all these hills my butt would look better, but I guess it takes more than that to counteract 58 years of gravity.

 Have a great day, everyone. I'm off to run some errands before what promises to be a busy day at work. I get to relax late this afternoon though - it's much-needed cut and color day!


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Party on!

The bachelorette party was SO MUCH FUN!!! Emily did a great job planning it all, and all the ladies had a wonderful time.

The bachelorette and her maid of honor

Aly had flown back to spend a few days with her parents, who drove her up to Omaha on Saturday morning so the two of us could drive over to Des Moines together. It was wonderful for me to spend two uninterrupted hours with my favorite daughter-in-law. Every mom of a son should be so lucky to get one like I got!

We picked up Emmy and Jeanie (who had driven in from Chicago) and went to Palmer's for salad - figured there would be way too much non-salad food for the rest of the day, so we wanted a healthy start. I love girl (daughter, DIL, and sister) time!

By the time we finished lunch and got to Emmy's apartment, Gail had arrived from Minneapolis so we started cooking and decorating. And visiting. I am so lucky to have such wonderful women in my life!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here goes:

Wedding night finery

I did make it to one bar after dinner before the girls went on to more fun, but no one wants to see dark pictures of people drinking beer. You've all been there. I was seriously the oldest person in that bar, as I discovered when I had to find the bathroom all the way at the back of the establishment. The bathroom was full of drunk girls - I was just hoping no one would throw up or start to cry. Or both. When did I get old? And why did I think this used to be fun? This is the text I sent Dwight when I got back to the hotel (and had a Templeton in the lobby like a nice sensible adult):

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I think I have a tapeworm

Seriously - I am so hungry all the time lately! Like yesterday, my stomach was growling out loud at 10 a.m. And after this breakfast:

What is going on? Could it be that I am eating just too much junk lately? Probably.

Our friend Dave was in town yesterday and we went to one of our favorite local restaurants, Jam's, with several other friends. One of our friends who is back on the market after a few years of being in a relationship had recently lost some weight (because, as he told the guys, "You know who you're getting undressed in front of at night; I don't!")  I asked him how he did it, and he said he basically doesn't eat bread. Hmmmm.... I DO eat bread. I love carbs. Maybe if I cut out a bit of the carbs and fill up on protein, veggies, fruit, and good fat instead... This was today's breakfast: an omelette of 1 egg, 2 egg whites, and 1/2 an avocado, with fruit:

A few days ago I felt like I needed to get in a few more veggies, so it was the Green Monster to the rescue. Just check out all the spinach! There is a banana in there, a scoop of protein powder, a cup of skim milk, and about 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.

I have been in love with Paradise Cafe's Asian Chicken Salad, and after watching them make it so many times, I thought I'd give it a try at home:

I think it really looks like the restaurant's salad, and better yet, it tastes like it! And even better, it's super easy. I chopped up some napa cabbage, mixed it with Paul Newman's sesame ginger dressing (seriously delicious), topped with edamame, shredded chicken, and some chow mein noodles. I know I could leave off the noodles, but I like the crunch.

Another good meal/snack is some black bean/corn salsa (again with the corn - Nebraska you know) mixed with chopped avocado. Yum.

We call this Bev's salsa because I got the recipe from my friend Bev. Give me a recipe, and it's named after you: Troy's dip, Aly's Oh Sweet Jesus Bars, you get the idea.  You can really use anything you want for the salsa, but I used 2 cans of corn, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of Rotel's, some chopped scallions, diced pickled jalapenos, cumin, and cilantro. It's good with Doritos (what isn't?!), on baked potatoes, scrambled in eggs, or straight out of the tupperware - you name it, it works.

Erin's bachelorette party is tomorrow and she is so looking forward to it except she's already dreading how she'll feel on Sunday. The mom in me wants to say, "Now you know you don't need alcohol to have a good time," but hey, it's her bachelorette party, and yes you do! Emily has been working on the menu for the cocktail party at her house while I'm doing the decorations, and then we're all headed to downtown Des Moines for a night of fun. There will be photos. In the meantime,

[If you follow this on Facebook - hi kids! - I did create a page for Showing Up. If you go to the Showing Up page and hit the "like" button, it will show up in your news feed when I update. Please. Validate me! Because I'm that needy and insecure.]