rainy running

Yesterday I squeezed in a run between church and all that is KidsWorld and heading to mother-in-laws house for pizza to celebrate Andy's Master's Degree. It had been raining all day, but couldn't decide between steady rain, downpour, and sprinkle. I set out during a sprinkle, and I think it hit steady rain at some point. It's hard to remember simply because I love running in the rain so much!:

1. People seem to inherently avoid the rain. I don't know why. Maybe they don't want to get wet--? I figure if I'm mentally prepared to be wet, it's wonderful, nay, fantastic.

2. Because people are avoiding the rain, I have the streets mainly to myself. Which is AWESOME. Few dogs barking at me, few hooligans on bikes to avoid, little to no awkward people passing by "do I or don't I try to say hi...". The only people out are fellow rain lovers:)

3. Sweating is great. It's swept away by the cool rain and one feels more refreshed than when one started.

4. People driving by look at you like you're a little crazy. Which is true. But is a good feeling nonetheless.

5. THE SMELL!!! Rain smells good. it makes everything else smell good. Lilacs, cherry trees, crab apples, apple trees, PINE TREES! wet pavement, grass, etc., etc...

In summary, I would run in 60 degree rainy weather any day, and I would choose it over a sunny day any time. The humidity is good for my lungs. And the soul!!

this isn't me, but look at how happy she is running:) and imagine what those pines smell like :D

grad school and errands

Andy finished with grad school last night:) graduation is May 11th, a Tuesday. We can't wait!! I haven't actually been in a relationship with him while he hasn't been in school, so this should be interesting. And fabulous:)

Getting consistent runs in is HARD!!! Carly had a few meltdowns yesterday. We started out in the stroller and got about 2 blocks away when the inconsolable cries began. People were looking at us from their yards. I tried to say witty things. But we just headed home. No run. Today? I hope for the best, but honestly I just want to ruN!!! I haven't figured out how to put Carly to bed earlier/help her stay asleep longer so I can sleep more and get up early and run. Hasn't happened yet and honestly I don't really WANT to. I hate getting up early. Anyway, I'm out now. Heading to the bank and maybe Mishawaka for a bit then for a run (**fingers crossed!)

Carly, Thai, Running, and DONE!

Well, Carly slept wonderfully last night. She woke up to nurse once, and about 8:00 this morning i was awakened to her cooing and babbling in her room. There's very little better than that! Shortly thereafter, she fell over while practicing sitting on the living room floor, and cried and cried, only to be consoled with nursing and falling asleep. It was morning nap time I guess.

Going to go get Thai with Londa (hopefully!) tonight. We've tried about 3 times now without success. But i hope tonight it is. We're going to Khun-Daeng in Mishawaka. Love their food. It's a hole in the wall place, but the cook speaks no English and the waitress is sassy. It's "neat."

Also doing better running. Went 46:38 yesterday. Felt really good! I have been looking for more races to run. Sunburst? Tecumseh Trail Marathon? Twin Cities? We'll see:)

Andy is done with wait did you read that?! DONE WITH his internship and grad school on THURSDAY!!!!! I haven't even known him NOT being in grad school. What a challenging season this has been. Grateful to God that our marriage withstood this first year and a half along WITH internships AND a new baby. That's a miracle in and of itself! I still have a deep seated love for the song "Two sets of Joneses" by Big Tent Revival....

This here's a song about two sets of Jones'
Rothchild, Evelyn, Rueben, and Sue
And just for discussion through random selection
We've chosen two couples who haven't a clue

Rothchild was lucky to marry so wealthy,
Evelyn bought him a house on the beach.
Rueben and Sue, they had nothing but Jesus
And at night they would pray that He'd care for them each

And the rain, came down,
And it blew the forewalls down
And the clouds they rolled away
And one set of Jones', was standing that day

Evelyn's daddy was proud of young Rothchild,
He worked the late hours to be number one
Just newlyweds and their marriage got rocky,
He's flying to Dallas, she's having a son.

Rueben was holding, a Giddeon's Bible,
And he screamed "it's a boy" so that everyone heard
And the guys at the factory took a collection,
And again God provided for bills they incurred

So what is the point of this story,
What am i trying to say
Is your life built on the rock of Christ Jesus
Or a sandy foundation you've managed to lay

Well needless to say Evelyn left her husband
N' sued him for every penny he had
I truly wish that those two would find Jesus
Before things get worse than they already have

There's two sets of jones'
Which ones will you be?

Sunday

I just woke up from a nap that had me dreaming within 5 minutes of lying down. I feel SO refreshed and rested! What a phenomenal feeling. I think I'm going to head out for a run. I need to keep up with running so I can sign up for a race. I was thinking Sunburst 1/2 marathon or 10K, but I need to be realistic if I can train consistently up until then--it's only 8 weeks away...we'll see! But my knees are feeling good, I'm building muscle in my legs again, and I'm more aerobically fit...it was a year since I'd run, and I'm amazed at how out of shape I became!

A woman at church had seen me using my nursing cover a while ago. I made it without a pattern, but I knew what I wanted and went for it. She asked me if I had a pattern (no) or if i bought it (no). So she asked me to write down the pattern. Hmm...never done that before. I did ask if she'd like me to make one...(hint!hint!) but she wants to make it, or one of her relatives wants to make it. so I'll give it a go.

Alright. after I chug some water, i'm off like a herd of turtles.

updates updates!

Wednesday night, Kenai went to live with Grandma Marty. Thank the Lord. Kenai is an alright dog. in small doses. alone. when he's been fed, ran, and is the CENTER of attention. This does not mix well with little Carly when Kenai believes he owns Andy and vies for his attention at all times. So marty's house it is. He can sleep on the bed there, guard her and her house, etc.

Carly is asleep. Finally for longer than 2 hours, which was last night! Poor dear. We aspirated her nasal passages a couple of times and she HATED it. but she had SO much snot pouring down her upper lip. (I don't do snot. Blood? Baby puke & poop? Spiders? fine. Snot? No.) (Puss either. No puss.)

So I had time to whip up a batch of nerd cookies. (oatmeal, almond butter, flax seed, raisins, choc. chips, whole wheat flour.) I don't know why, but I find it my mission in life to never follow the cookie recipe and always make my own additions. It drives Andy crazy. I love it:) constantly on the search for the perfect healthy and delicious cookie that I can make!

live like no one else...

and later you can live like no one else. Dave Ramsey said that during his "Financial Peace University" DVD classes. I've seen them 2 times now, once by choice, and once with kiddos from Bashor when they took an off-campus course. Well, I had a dream about Dave ramsey last night. He was handing out Financial Peace cloth grocery bags. odd. I told him I had student loans and a mortgage.

The jogging stroller came today! Andy is putting it together as I type:):) I am really happy. And we will be going out on a date tonight! YAY! Jason and Kimber are going to watch Carly. And I am trying to convince myself that taking those stinkin pills for my stomach/bacteria/cramps whatever are good for me, but it is really hard when all Carly wants to do is nurse, and all i want to do is nurse. 7 days. that's all.

back to an old passion. I hope!

Well, after all that research, Andy went ahead and ordered me a jogging stroller. He did it without even telling me. I was a little confused, not angry, because I thought "NOw, how would HE know what sort of stroller I want?" He went to consumer reports and read reviews, which is typical Andy:) It is an In Step, I believe. Ha! I don't even know what kind! Oh well. The main thing is that I can get out and run without having to wait on someone to come over and watch Carly. I am excited and nervous to get back in to running. Disheartened because NONE of my running shorts/skorts fit me anymore. So I'll be running in spandex capris until I can fit in the shorts.

blech. being "post baby" sort of stinks. Well, it's more that it is new and I don't know how to do it yet. I'll be sure to let everyone know when I do!