Thirteen Point Freaking One Plus!

I have been running with Black Girls Run for a full year now. When I started, I could comfortably run 3 miles. I never had a desire to push myself to do more. Hell, I was training for a triathlon and my distance in the race portion was 3 miles. Why run any further than that? Who actually LIKES running?

Well, since running with BGR, something has happened to me. I have allowed myself to make friends with actual runners. Cool right? Well, not really. See what happens is they start to push you. They encourage you to go further. You start to drink the Kool-Aid and lo and behold…I found myself going from running 3 miles to completing ten miles this past May in the Broad Street Run here in Philadelphia.

Today, one of our team members decided to host a 1/2 marathon in honor of her daughter who is leaving to attend college. Yes, both mother and daughter run. How fab is that? Well, I have had it in my mind that I want to run in the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon coming up in Philly. I have been following a training schedule but have kept it quiet. See, I hate failure and I am uber competitive. I have been so scared of the distance. 13.1 miles. *sigh*

Well, I had a 10 mile run scheduled for today but got dragged into doing  decided to join in on the 1/2 marathon. Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I was up at 4am just laying there. I was sweaty and anxious. Even though it wasn’t a real race, I was concerned because my pace partners are REAL RUNNERS. I kept hoping I could keep up without falling behind. I laced up my sneakers, ate a peanut butter on wheat and headed out the door.

When I got there, everyone was so excited. The ladies warmed up with some stretches and calisthenics. As we broke off into groups, my stomach was doing flip flops. Everyone was geeked. Me? Not so much. I laced up. Took a few deep breaths and said a silent prayer. “I Can Do ALL THINGS through Christ, Who Strengthens Me.” It was time to go.

Not only did I manage to keep up, at certain points, I was the rabbit and helped set the pace for the group. At one point, they told me to slow down. LOL

Today, I did something I NEVER thought I could do. I completed my first half marathon distance. Not only did I run 13.1 miles…I finished at 13.47 miles.

I called one of my fellow tridivas and she made me smile. She reminded me that I couldn’t swim and I conquered that. I was not a runner and now, I can do a half marathon.

When I look back on how far I have come in such a short time, I am amazed at myself. However, I know I have succeeded because I worked hard, I stayed focused, I believed in myself and I had the support of my family and my fellow athletes. Who knows what new challenges lie in wait for me? I am excited to tackle them all.

I don’t do these things for any other reason than the fact that I wanted to reclaim my health and set an example for my children. There is no quick fix, it starts with baby steps. From drowning to swimming. From walking to running. Believe that you can because it’s true.

13.47 miles later and look at me…..I am ready for that next race because I too, am a REAL RUNNER.

Juggling Act

Since the Tali’s spent most of the summer in Trinidad and summer camps in Philly close either this week or next, we were left with a three week gap of time where I have to both work from home and entertain the boys. I can’t lie, it hasn’t been easy. Mr. 1969 has done a great job of working from home 1/2 days to assist me in getting out to all of my scheduled sales calls.

I also have a great network of fellow parents who (on a day like today where I have an important meeting from noon to 2pm) will take my boys for a few hours so I can get my corporate America on. I am enjoying having them home and the break from them has made me appreciate them all the more. I guess I realized how fast they are growing up and I value being around them a little bit more.

Speaking of time flying, yesterday was our 12th anniversary! On Friday, I woke up with a bad sore throat but I was scheduled for my long run. I shook it off and hit the pavement with my BGR teammates and completed 9 miles. I came home and started feeling progressively worse. My head started hurting, I got a fever, runny nose…I had a dreaded summer cold. I collapsed around 7pm and hit the bed. Saturday morning, Mr. 1969 took the boys out and stayed out so I could sleep. I needed to feel better because we were supposed to attend a Black and White themed party that evening.

When I finally woke up, it was 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I took a shower, ate something and tried my best to get my game face on. Once the medicine hit my system, I felt so much better. We dropped the boys off at their friend’s house and off we went. We had a great sushi dinner at POD and headed off to the Aquarium. The venue was great. We took a picture in our Black and White attire in front of the sharks (who looked hungry and agitated!)

Yes, I drank one glass of wine with cold medicine. I think it made me feel better. However, please note that I am not a Doctor and I don’t play one on TV. The guest DJ was the world famous Biz Markie. Now there are few things I love more than old school music. I was standing on the sidelines, getting my two step on as the old school disco classics played.  However, when Biz gets on the mic, I start hearing the strains of Big Daddy Kane and he asks the famous party question “WHERE BROOKLYN AT?”…..I swear the cold medicine and wine combo took over.

The Philly/NJ folks had to move back cause Brooklyn had to break down the wop for them when I heard “I came in the door, I said it before….” and from there it was a plethora of dance challenges which culminated in me doing the Pee Wee Herman to Joe Ski Love (Yeah…Google that one kids.)

Needless to say, it was a crazy night full of fun and I am so glad I made it to the party. Our lives together have always centered around us making each other laugh. Nothing has changed in the last 12 years. We are still crazy. LOL

Hope you all had a great weekend.

April 6th, 2002-April 6th, 2012

Today is a milestone for our family. My sweet Tali 1 turns 10. A whole decade has passed of my baby boy’s life. I have watched him grow into a wonderful young man.

Tali 1, age 3, holding his new baby brother at the hospital

All mother’s think their child is the greatest but I really couldn’t ask God for a better son. His most endearing quality is his heart. My son cares about his family, his brother, animals, those suffering….he really is the sweetest, kindest kid ever. He always wants to help someone and never hesitates to go out of his way if needed.

Tali 1, age 3 Tali 2 at one month old

He is a great student and a great athlete. He really is my little superstar and the future leader of the Free World.  He is the child that always comes to check on me. “How are you feeling mom? Can I get you some water mom? You look really nice today mom!” Tali 2 has never known a day with us all by himself but those three years with just Tali 1 were so special. I had the chance to focus all of my energies on his life and well being. He and I share a special bond and we always will. He is the first child and he will always carry the very best of me with him wherever he goes.  These ten years have flown by and I can’t imagine how fast the next ten will go.

Happy Birthday to my boy. I love you so much son and wish you continued success in all that you do. Enjoy life and know that Daddy, Tali 2 and I will always be your biggest cheerleaders. We love you son. Especially mommy.

So Blessed

I posted a while back about Tali 1 applying to a very prestigious school for their middle school program. I tried not to talk about it too much cause I didn’t want to jinx us. (Be quiet….I’m superstitious!) Well, the letter just came and it was a skinny letter. I swear I held on to it for a solid ten minutes. I finally took a deep breath and opened it and my baby is ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t lie, I cried like a baby. He is the newest student at arguably, the best middle school in PA and one of the top in the nation. At the Open House, they told us that almost every student accepted is a straight A student. We knew that competition was going to be thick and we didn’t want to put too much emphasis on him getting in. We continued to focus on his grades and keep moving forward but believe me, it has been in the back of our minds for the last year.

When I walked into the school, a few things jumped out at me…the diversity, the type of child at the school and the environment. It felt exactly like my alma mater, Brooklyn Tech. Students from all backgrounds, all nerdy (in a good way) in a positive and safe environment where learning is the focus. I knew instantly that my son was a perfect fit for the school. I just needed the school to agree.

I am on pins and needles and can’t wait to go pick him up today. He is going to be so excited. Now he will take the bus like a city kid into school everyday. I will probably have to get him his own *gasp* cell phone.  My baby (who turns ten next week) is growing up right before my eyes and his future is looking so bright.

When you have a child, you have big dreams for them. You want only the very best. Today, one of those dreams came true and it totally validated the choices Mr. 1969 and I have made regarding his education. What’s also great are the calls and texts pouring in from our family and friends that are cheering for him. We have a village around our son. I am so grateful for that support system. With all of these loved ones behind Tali 1, this will be the first step on his journey and he will get wherever he wants to go.

I AM SO PROUD. THANK YOU GOD. I AM HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL.

This Triathlon Training IS REAL

I have been MIA but it’s strictly because I am adjusting to Mr. 1969 working long hours, re-learning how to manage my household and fitting in the intense training schedule for this triathlon. How intense? See for yourself…. TRI SCHEDULE

Yep….this is the insane weekly schedule I am on. Currently, it’s Week 4 and it has indeed been a shock to my body. Last year, I did not train hard enough and it showed in my last place crawl across the finish line. I also ate like I normally do. I eat pretty healthy meals, but I would indulge in sweets. Anything with frosting has always been my weakness. Despite all of the training last year, I really only lost about 5 pounds and gained it right back when the race was over.

This year, I decided that if I was going to train, I was going to find a schedule and stick to it. I am taking this race seriously. The workouts are tough but I constantly prove to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought.  My swimming is getting better, and my biking and running are improving.

The biggest change I have made over the last two months has been my eating. I am proud to tell you all that I weighed in at my GOAL WEIGHT this morning. I am so excited. What have I done? I downloaded an app on my phone. If you are interested in seeing how many calories you are consuming a day (and trust me, it was an eye opening experience for me) try it out. The app I use is called “my fitness pal”. The cost? NADA

For the last two and a half months, I have been using it and I have officially lost my weight. I started by entering my goal weight and my current weight. Based on my height, etc…it spit out a daily number of calories I should eat to get to my goal weight. When I saw that number, I almost passed out. Who can live on that tiny number of calories? Guess what….I can. Once I started putting in the calories of stuff I was eating, it all clicked for me.

Here is what I go through daily “Hmmm….a donut is about 300 calories. If I eat it, I will waste those calories and still be hungry. For 300 calories, I could have a chobani yogurt and a bowl of oatmeal and be full. DONE.”

It has become a game to see how I can make it to my daily calorie goal without going over. Plus, everytime I work out, I log it and I get those calories back to eat that day. Swimming for 40 minutes gives me about 300 calories to play with. That way, if I want a treat…I can have it but only on a day I worked out. I have to earn that treat. Now I firmly believe that you have to find something that works for YOU but I can say, this is all working for me.

It finally clicked.  I am at the weight I was before I got married and had those children that ruined my body the Tali boys. I am feeling strong. I am balancing work, mom, wife and athlete. Like I said, it’s all clicking for me right now. This is a GOOD WEEK.

In other news, today is a special day. It is Mama 1969′s birthday. Everything I am….I owe to my mom. She raised me to believe in myself and was the epitome of a strong female role model. This tenacity comes from her. Wishing her nothing but love on her special day. I love you Mommy!

note: How fitting…this is my 1,000th post. God is good and I am so thankful for all of my blessings. Thank you all for reading!

Kryptonite

Mr. 1969 has started a rigorous new job. He is in hardcore training for a year, at the end of which, he will own his own business.  I fully support him in this endeavor and know that the long term outlook for our family could be huge. I never blogged about it but the last year has been a challenging one for our family. My hubby was laid off from his job last year. While we weren’t affected too hard financially due to a good package and unemployment, it was a hard adjustment for him personally. I didn’t share it on the blog because some family stuff is simply private and I didn’t need my hubby’s business out on Front Street as he dealt with that transition.

I can’t lie, I was so spoiled having him home for that time. Our house was immaculate, he dropped and picked up the boys every day so I could work, train, etc. All I did was cook dinner. With him undertaking this new endeavor, my life of leisure has come to a screeching halt. SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

Mr. 1969 has to now leave the house by 7:30am. The boys have to be at school at 8am. I have also started the Triathlon training schedule. Most mornings, I am up at 4:45 and at the gym by 5-5:30am. I swim laps or run or bike for a good hour then roll back in at 6:30am. I have to come back, get the boys dressed and make breakfast and then drop them to school. After which, I come home and get ready to work.

While I do work from home, I usually have appointments and sales calls daily. I now have to be back by 4pm to pick up the boys, do home work, make dinner, etc. Mr. 1969 works till 6pm most evenings and till 8pm two days a week.

Right now, I am doing EVERYTHING. While I am not complaining because I am so excited for my husband to have this opportunity and I will support him 100% in this endeavor so he can focus on what he needs to do to be successful…..can I just share that Superwoman is TIRED?

Yesterday was the 2nd day of my training calendar. The first day I swam 1,o00 yards and biked for 30 minutes. Yesterday, I swam 1,250 yds and then got out of the pool and ran 3 miles. I worked all day. I came home and whipped up a Valentine’s dinner for the men. I also baked red velvet cupcakes. When I finally stopped moving, I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling and realized I was completely and utterly exhausted.

I know that two weeks from now, I will be used to the flow. You know me, I will just make it work. I have been spoiled for months by a great hubby who did everything for our family. Getting back into Superwoman mode is taking longer than I thought.

As I type this, I am about to get ready to head into the city for a lunch appointment and a meeting with my boss. *sigh*

I take on too much. Usually it’s because I want to. This time, I have to.  This is what sacrifice is all about. I am focused on the long term goals for my family and when my hubby comes home late and still has homework, I know that it’s worth it to have his back and keep our house running smoothly.

I just needed to tell someone….I really am tired.

There, I said it. Off to work. Somebody get my cape!

Couples Night Out

One of my favorite sorors recently bought a home a few blocks away from us. On New Year’s Day, they held a lovely brunch that we had the pleasure of attending. At the brunch we connected with another couple that also bought a home in our neighborhood recently. We all clicked and decided to have a couples night out last Saturday.

We found sitters and headed out to see Red Tails and to dinner afterwards. Over the last few months, I have attended several events to support my wonderful friends that promote business ventures, clubs, after work happy hours, parties, etc. Can I just tell you? I am over that whole scene. Yup, it’s official, I AM OLD. I am not trying to stand around a club in heels all night with random men trying to approach with their best lines. UGH. I don’t miss that at all.

Sitting down with a glass of wine, enjoying a nice dinner and good conversation? Count me in every time. The three ladies rocking jeans and sweaters and snow boots due to the snow? EVEN BETTER. Comfy, casual, grown up fun is underrated.

The funny thing is, I felt like such a SUBURBANITE. Couple friends? Wine? Dinner and a movie? What’s next? Playing mahjong and hosting Tupperware parties? This may be the first step towards being uncool people. I can’t wait to do it again.

 

Happy New Year

2011 was all in all a good year. Definitely a year of growth for me in many ways.

Financially, my family faced a few challenges this year. It was a year for us to really stick to a budget and we did a great job. I am ending the year with minimal debt and for that, I am truly blessed.

I was able to secure a slight promotion and continued to have the opportunity to work from home. This schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family as well as fit in my continued health goals.

I started the year making a huge time and personal commitment by training for and completing my triathlon. I can honestly say that I managed to stick to a consistent workout regime for an entire year. I even ended the year with a 3 mile run this morning.

I learned how to swim. I rode a bike after not being on one for over 20 years. I completed my race. I learned that I am not a quitter and that I can do anything through hard work and determination. I learned that 42 is not too old to learn new things. I learned that the first step is believing.

My first nephew was born this year. I also made some great new friends and lost a few dear ones. My uncle and cousin-in-law are both currently battling cancer. Praying to have them both for another year of life.

I learned that Mama 1969 is human as I watched rheumatoid arthritis limit her mobility. I plan on spending even more quality time with her in 2012.

I enjoyed watching my brother grow into a fine Uncle and have never been prouder of the man he has become.

I truly enjoyed this year of watching my children grow. I loved seeing them work hard at school, sports and get brighter and more curious about life every single day. I thank God for them. They are the most wonderful gifts I have ever been given. They make me a better human being and give me a reason to wake up in the morning.

I also learned even more about my husband. I watched him face adversity and always maintain a positive outlook. I saw him rise above setbacks and remain the head of this household. Watching him continue to be a wonderful husband and father is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am so thankful for him.

I am thankful for all of you guys for sharing the daily shenanigans that go on in my little corner of the world. Sometimes we agreed to disagree and that’s okay. I’m just happy you continue to stop in and check on me from time to time. I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2012 and hope you find love, peace and a lot of joy in the coming year.

As for me and my family? Big things are in store for us in 2012. I can’t wait.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Love,

Sixty

The Triathalon Chronicles

I realized after my terrible performance in the Schuylkill River last year that I needed two things to be competitive in my next tri…a road bike and major correction to my swimming technique. Well, I recently acquired the road bike (thanks Mr. 1969!) but I needed to find the right swim method. You may remember that a few months ago, I took the total immersion swim class. It was a great day and I left there feeling like I picked up some great new techniques that would help me move forward and be a better swimmer.

Well, I have still been working out and hitting the gym but I have to admit that I slowed down majorly on the swimming. Well a few weeks ago, I hit the pool and lo and behold….I couldn’t remember half the stuff I learned in the class. I felt like I had forgotten everything and I left the pool feeling extremely frustrated.

This morning, I was determined to get back in the pool and try it again. That alarm clock going off at 4:30am was not fun and I did curse the Universe but I got dressed and left the house. This time, I studied the swim drills online right before I left. When I got to the pool, I did so much better and it all started coming back to me. This was a much improved swim practice. I was gliding and skating through the water instead of beating the water up. I am going to stay focused and try to swim every other day or at least three days a week up until we really start the training schedule in March.

I think I am getting some water confidence. I WILL BE THE DOLPHIN!

Cause We Like To Party

This weekend, Mr. 1969 and I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of his cousins up in Harrisburg, PA. I knew it was going to be a memorable trip when we drove by a jeep with a 6ft dead black bear strapped to the roof. Now I have seen deer strapped to a car but a bear???? Who does this?

Poor Yogi!

When we arrived at the reception, we noticed our table had a name  “I Feel Good”. As we looked around, it appeared that every table was named after a song. We didn’t think much of it until after our meal when they announced that they they going to play each song and the table had to get up and dance. At the end of every table dancing, the happy couple would select the best table for a prize.

For anyone that knows me….winning makes me happier than Ch.ar.lie Sh.een. I am competitive by nature and if I have to make a fool of myself, then I need to win a prize for doing so!

In ten seconds, I had an idea and the whole table was set with their marching uh, dancing orders. We watched all of the tables get up and it was so much fun. Our biggest competition was table 7 who danced to “Midnight Train To Georgia”. They had their Pips moves down!

When our turn came up, the strains of James Brown filled the air. The ladies at our table were in backup dancer mode and I was out of site. The star of this dance? Our secret weapon, Mr. 1969 who has been practicing to be James Brown all of his natural born life. He LOVES James Brown. Well, he put on a James Brown show for those folks. He did spins, the side step moves and had the crowd on their feet. They weren’t ready for our showstopper though. He broke down and got on his knees and out I came with a floor length coat and covered his shoulders. The crowd went wild. If that wasn’t enough, he jumped back up, knocked the coat on the ground and started dancing again and ended with a half split.  Not only did we win, we were the highlight of the party. Everyone is still calling us and laughing.

It turned out to be a great party despite the poor bear (my heart is still broken). What a celebration to have family and friends join you as you celebrate 50 years of love. If that doesn’t make you feel good….I don’t know what will.