What it takes.....April 2010
This thread picks up where "What it Takes....." left off!
Here we go ladies! This is no April Fool. We are starting to archive our "What it takes" Thread on a monthly basis, and in return we get our beloved "Review" button back!!!
I'm off to a dentist apt this morning to have a crown prepped. Yeah, who is silly enough to make a dentist apt on April Fools Day!
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I did learn yesterday that Coppertone Sport sunscreen is FSA eligible. Nice.
There was also running in shorts! Because it was in the seventies.
It's gonna be in the 70's here too. Woohoo! A nice ride in the sunshine after work for me.
My morning started off with getting a flat on the trainer during my FTP interval, changing it several times (don't ask) and then breaking the trainer. Guess I need to start riding outside! Weather is supposed to cooperate, really looking forward to the change.
Still no topic review button. Boo.
I'm sure the guys will get it fixed. We just gotta remind them.
Back from the dentist. All went well except for the fact that the next Apt they have open to get the temporary out and put the permanent crown in wasn't until May 13! Uh, yeah, I'll be getting on a plane the next day to fly to California for a week of biking- I don't think that's such a good idea!!! They found another apt on May 10- but that's still a loooooong way to have this temp! They are gonna call me if something earlier comes up and the crown comes in before then. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm not too worried, it's just an inconvenience more than anything else.
Oh it's gonna be sooooo hard to go back to work this afternoon. It's simply BEAUTIFUL outside!
I am thankful you are healthy too M! Have a blessed Easter
@Nemo- temps are n;t that bad, but I guess it depends on where they are located though.
@Marianne- Sounds like you needed the rest. Have a wonderful Easter.
It has been ages since I have been on the forums. My life was too hectic and something had to give so I gave up my time on the forums. I get to follow some of you on facebook and that is great. Thanks for all your encouragement as I ramp up to IMSG.
I don't have time now to read through the posts but know you are in my thoughts and Steve and I want to wish you all a wonderful Easter. We hope you get a chance to see your families or just have some down time to chill out and be still. With our crazy active lives being still is so good for you:-)
Much love,
Carrie
Hold me to this, ladies:
No more trips to DMK Burger for at least two months. Because it is the perfect storm of feasting. A chef-made burger joint with delicious burgers, beer, ice cream sandwiches, and truffle fries. And I can walk there from my house. Too good!
I also saw a fantastic play last night that was about motherhood, wanting to have a baby, and hiring a surrogate in India. I think this topic sits in a different place as someone soon to turn thirty-two (and realizing baby by that mythical age of thirty-five won't likely happen) than it would have at oh, at twenty-six.
the play sounds interesting, the burgers sound good, good luck in tng carrie, and what else did everybody say? well have a good easter, Good Friday today!
I hope it dries up out east, Linda!
Hey Beth, have you ever run the Soldier Field 10? I'm trying to decide between doing that or Sunburst 1/2 mary in So. Bend.
Barbara, if you want to run the Soldiers Field 10 miler, you might also want to do the Ravenswood 5k on April 25th. If you race that in under 26 minutes, you'll get a spot in the preferred start corral at the 10 miler. Here's the info and here's the link to the Ravenswood 5k. I haven't done the 10 miler, but any race with 10,000 participants is going to be crazy if you get stuck in the back.
Happy April!
I've been MIA on this thread but wanted to say hi...
I may prep my bike for an outdoor ride this weekend... Gulp - but that will involve changing the wheel set and not dealing with the flat I got on the trainer yesterday (just one... my April Fool's bad luck wasn't as bad as Michele's)... still super nervous about riding out so I may chicken out and stick to the drill on the drainer another week - until Cherry Blossoms/tourists are gone and maybe my hand will continue to improve.
@Beth - nothing mythical about 35... that one came and went for me. Still baby-less.
At least I have a beau at 36 so perhaps there's hope for me yet... but I wonder how I can fit that one in with training/racing. But I'm getting way ahead of myself... only 6 months in with Dan. Anyway, rest assured, life doesn't end if you're baby-free at 35. It's funny, I had a friend in college and we both agreed we'd get married if we were still single and 30... then we kept moving it up... and now he's married with a kid. Oh well.
I'm still all over the map with my weight... I think I eat pretty well. I drink, but even when I'm in crazy training mode I don't give up my vino. I think/hope it's volume related... I haven't been this weight since I graduated law school (10 years ago), and that was when I just started running and a workout was 30 minutes on a treadmill. I'm hopeful that when I start running for "real" again I'll get back on track - I've been in non-stop marathon mode for 2.5 years and logging at least 25 miles a week (on top of swimming and biking 2x per week when I started triathlon last year)... so as I think about it, that's what's changed. Hmm... I know I should enjoy the OS and the low volume and time commitment, but I'm so anxious to get my body back that I'm looking forward to jumping into HIM mode in 3 weeks. I'm sure come September when I'm cranking inmy IM mode I'll miss the OS days and wonder why I was ever complaining... at least I hope. Grumble.
sorry to vent, I hope you all have wonderful Easter/Passover holidays!
The Easter Bunny came early for me... Dan paced me for my 5k time trial Wed night and had a plastic easter egg waiting for me when we were done... the egg had earrings to match the gorgeous silver necklace he got me for V-day! Yay! And he runs and bikes and swims and cooks... pinch me!
I get to spend 3 very special days with my Dad next week! We were given tickets to the Master's golf tournament and we used to play some golf together before I got so DARNED busy! Even though it really doesn't fit into my schedule to do this - he's 75 now and these kinds of opportunities are few and far between and it might be the last time we can do something like this - who knows? He loves a good restaurant too - so this should be a lot of fun and the weather is supposed to be great!
I have been trying to keep up on the forums, but have found it a little challengin as of late
Becky - Dan sounds DREAMY!
Linda - stay dry and I know you don't want to hear this, but we could really use some rain - send some our way!!! I hope all of your pumps are working and still keeping the house dry.
M - sorry Rudy's foot continues to be a problem - I hope he heals soon! I wish I had the motivation to get some mulching done - but that's not happening any time soon - oh well.
Gotta go cook the Turkey Burgers! Happy weekend everyone
Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter! I'll be counting bunnies on the bike!
That's just soooo sweet!
For those without babies, Joe and I got married when we were 27/28 (we dated a VERY long time before that) and neither of us had a big urge to have kids. As time passed I kept waiting for that "biological clock" to go off but it just never did. At one time we had serious discussions about our fears that much later in life (like when we're old and retired) we might regret not having kids (the concept of adult kids always seemed kinda cool- just never wanted the under 18 variety)! Anyway, we decided that a fear of potential future regrets was not a good reason to have kids and so we continued on forward just waiting for some magic moment when we'd have this urge to make a baby. The urge just never happened. We're now 44/45 and still very happy to have our family be just us and the two furry four legged kids- and frankly. I guess what I'm trying to say here is this- having children isn't just about having a partner, and even if you have someone in your life who you love- it doesn't mean you'll end up wanting kids. So don't sweat the date on the calendar or give yourself some artificial deadline to find a partner. We are fortunate enough to live in an era where when the time is right and you really do want to have a baby- there's lots of options out there for you.
smile.. okay so I started dating my hubby when I was 16 and he was 17 and we dated on and off for four years... I was going to college and then gonna go to law school and be some career lawyer.. and majored in history... but instead chose to get married to him and he went active duty in army and no kidding, within 2 weeks of being married, I wanted a baby!! we got married when I was almost 21, two weeks later..... so then I was forced to wait on him, for four long years might I say and we hopped around Germany and visited so many neat cities, but back stateside, boom, PG up in Chicago and I had my first child... and yep I was gonna go back to work and sure I did at 6 weeks civil service on base and I cried and cried cuz I wanted to be home with David, but again waited on my husband as he wanted me to work full time... and waited and then had another son,, and still worked and yes cried with him too, leaving him.. and I would visit them every day at lunch... and I prayed in earnest that I could stay at home, and finally when david was 4 and Andrew 1, we moved down to Arkansas and although our salary was cut over 1/2... I got to stay at home and really was thrilled and having seen both sides of the fence... both are hard! and then I had Daniel and I still had my clock going and again, waited on husband... and waited and prayed until finally he said yes to number 4.. and nope, clock still not off and more prayer and a little luck, smile and I got Grace!! well husband got a vasectomy and I was super sad, really blue and I got that post partum pregnancy with the sheer permanence of it all... I cried to the doc who did the procedure, yep I had five kids.... but honestly yearned for just one more... never happened but definitely have a heart for motherhood, and I would adopt or foster if husband said yes. Now I have stayed home for 17 years now...and I don't think I have it any better nor do I think my kids are any better than childcare kids.. but a personal choice that I stuck in the sand and drew a line and said "I want to stay home" and I have bumbled a lot on mothering.. and they are sure a pain! and costly too. Many of my peers went back to work after their kids started school and I lost friends with the # of kids I had! too... but for me... my teenagers need me just as much as the preschoolers.. they come home and have somewhere safe to hang out.. and I am always here whether or not they wanna talk or not, those chances are few. I think about my choice and I miss out on kudos, benefits, bonuses, lunches out and pats on the back... I feel sure I could have been a knock dead lawyer or anything else for that matter! and probably my kids won't exactly understand what it took to stay at home, suffering from loneliness many times as most women are away..... or "you work?" is a question that makes me smile!! do I say NO, or do I say YES! ha ha.
anyways, some people don't have kids, others haven't had the chance, and then there are women like me? I never babysat kids under the age of two growing up, thought they were ugly! and then one day, something happens.... and you change. and everywhere you look are babies and you find your head craning to stare at them... and you get this broodiness come over you and every day you think , I want a baby! and when you actually conceive and see that PG test positive, why it is a joy that can't be compared.... and then the immediate attachment of seeing the newborn baby is a moment that will never be forgotten. Hours of you and the baby just looking at each other.... and I got to do that five times...!
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Have a good EAster!!! going to bed, done the cooking and planting now it is raining will I have any mulch left? dog with another bandage, saga continues. somehow the old one got wet!! yep and caused more sore spots. now he has a collar to prevent him chewing it. what a mess and more money too. we are up to $700 on him. smile.
@M - Your kids (and husband) are all so lucky to have you and all that you have done and continue to do for them! You will continue to recieve the benefits of all of your hard work for many many years ahead.
@Beth - Interesting about the sunscreen being FSA eligible. Hmmm. I need to look into that! Good sleuth work!
@Becky - Love the story about the Easter egg. That is so darned cute!!
My body hurts today. Still from my 16.25 miles on Thursday. Not sure what the dealio is with that. I keep wondering about not doing all of my bike work this weekend because of all the soreness. But I also sort of wonder if that's not just me trying to weasel out of the bike riding and trying to start resting already.
Alright....i guess I'd better start eating for the day.
Kris, it will be nice to meet you in person in the Ville! So glad you will be a sherpa!!
Happy weekend everyone!!! I just finished a 5K in the pouring rain, and felt good the whole race! I'm still trying to regain some speed since I have lost 60 lbs. My time was 33:02 and I'm happy with that for now! I am excited about what I can do when I lose 30 to 40 more lbs.!!
@Nemo, Marianne, and Olivia - thanks so much for sharing... I don't know what the future holds for me... and I'm finally okay with that and not worried about checking the boxes. Living for me (finally) and getting comfortable with myself and listening to my gut is actually working out pretty well. Wonder why it took me so darn long!
I think, like a lot of girls, I figured i'd grow up, graduate, get married, have kids... shortly after law school I dated someone I was so incredibly happy with but he was dead set against marriage (had been divorced) and kids and at 27 I couldn't accept that as my future so we split up. Almost 10 years later my perspective has changed a lot and that's something I could live with now if everything else was solid. Whatever will be will be. I'm not so worried about checking the boxes. Although last summer I went to a cousin's wedding and it was definitely awkward - not only not being married but being single at 35... folks on my cousin's mother's side of the family were asking me if there was anyone "special," and definitely wondering what the heck was wrong with me. I felt like telling them I have fuzzy slippers, rocking chair, a flannel nightgown and 20 cats in my condo. Then again, most of those folks were born in Cleveland, grew up in Cleveland, are still living in Cleveland... not exactly a metropolitan area... so they really don't get the whole career woman thing.
I digress. I made Dan an Easter basket today, just candy and a fuzzy bunny... not exactly of earring caliber, but cute all the same. Speaking of Dan, he's planning to pit crew for me at Eagleman (I'll be sherpa'ing for him at Columbia since I scratched) so at least Nemo can meet him.
The weather is gorgeous here - but I chickened out on my outdoor ride today. 1:41 on the trainer (sans warm up, the set workout was 1:30, no exactly the 1:15 stated in the schedule) then a 15 minute Z1 jog. Everything is feeling pretty good!
I have always been hesitant to share my story. More because I am usually talking to young women (students) and they can't imagine being as "old" as me.
As a kid, I said I wanted dozens of children. I dated guys that I knew would make great husbands and fathers for someone else and others that I knew I did not want to have children with. In the mean time, I was growing my career, traveling, and having a great time. Then I met the one man with whom I wanted to have children. I was only 32, so I knew it wasn't the clock. But for him the timing wasn't right. Sadly cancer and treatment that was supposed to preserve fertility, but didn't, came next. We've been together almost 10 years and I would not change a thing. There are many ways that we could have a child, but I truly believe that if it were meant to be, it would have happened. It is not meant to be for us. At 41, I am actively working on being OK with the outcome. I think it's harder because I don't feel 41, but the docs have been telling me for 2 years that I'd better "hurry up". But I can't, it is what it is.
So I work hard to be the best at what I do for a living and the doting wife that Max deserves. I try to maintain relationships with my friends that do have children. I took care of my grandmother's and will likely take care of my mom, maybe my dad from a distance.
I've had to fill my life or wither away with a "poor me" outlook. After IMMoo I hope to get a new four legged baby or 2. Life is never boring.
Not trying to be a downer. Just another perspective on children.
So, on a happy note- I went riding with Keith and Linda Patch. I had an awesome time and we got work done. Still gotta download the data, but what a great day. Anybody in the area should join us!
I went out for my first mountain bike ride of the year yesterday. Still with a bit of a runny nose, but sore throat mostly gone. I anticipated some struggling on the climbs...then lo and behold! Up up up I went! Those V02max bike workouts WERE good for sumthin'!!
I'm in PA today to help my parents purchase and set up a new PC and router. Their last computer was set up by my cousins from Thailand---complete with pirated software like Thai Windows and some crazy Karoake program with 3000+ Thai tunes. After 10 years, it just crashed. Mom & Dad are very fascile with computer things, but only if it's in Thai. Now, they've got a brand spanking new computer and router with legitimate software. Last order of business is to put stickers of Thai letters on the keyboard.
Hope you're all getting to ride in the sunshine and eat chocolate bunnies this weekend!
Olivia - you ran 16+ miles on Thursday, and were still sore 2 days later? Maybe my perspective is whacked, but to me that's pretty normal.
and then I feel like I need to get away === uh yes me too!!! and I get on my bike or go for a run!!! lol.
okay so I think this women's forum has talked about it all this year..!! anyways Happy EAster to everybody!
Last night we went to church taking my mother in law,, this was right after service "quick the light is going" and I got a friend to snap a pic. our church now has live internet service, on FB and etc....and is a contemporary worship style...meaning electric guiitars, drums, "loud" music, but also a violin, piano. Drama, music, praise songs keep it all fresh and interesting and our Pastor is hilarious so keeps your interest while telling real stories on himself while using the Bible. We dress casual to dressy there so no pressure except trying to make it on time!!! David, 21, Andrew, 18, me, Grace 8, GMom, Joe, Joshua 10, Daniel 16.
Had a huge spread of food for us but we ate the leftovers today!
to include BBQ ribs that my husband made, wet/dry and medium to select and all were tasty! yum
Rudy had placed himself conveniently located to the grill just in case a rib fell off! you can see some of the spots where I ran out of mulch!!
speaking of the dog, how is this for pitiful?? and oh that night? he was able to chew his foot even with the collar so today? the bandage was wet so we had to change it then he got that bandage off and got the collar edge caught on a scab and ripped that off getting blood everywhere, so then another bandage and a trip to Walgreens! back to vet tomorrow and we are trying to keep it from being infected but he is a baby. the underside of paw we think is healed but now the wet bandage has caused open sores on the front of the leg.... I tell ya...of course we are all worried about him. The Dog Saga to be continued.
colored 18 eggs... hid them this morning.
This morning I was so excited to awaken early and catch the sunrise on the bridge overlooking the Arkansas River while listening to a new song, :embracing accusations".... I just ran or walked I think about 6-7 miles out there,yeah I know the Garmin had no charge, a historical problem for me!! and then I stretched and did some "balancing" in front of another little tributary.... I like to think of my Sunday run as "balancing my week" and the balance exercises like all those weird yoga poses standing up, one legged, and the like go along with the theme.
I finished and it looked and felt like a storm was coming in... yep the sun was only out for the "big show" and then gone the rest of the day and I counted myself lucky to be one of the fortunate to see it rise. Easter is a special Christian holiday and although busy with family, just another good time for reflection.
A group was up on the bridge also to see the sunrise and I took their pic and got them to take a pic of me! I am wearing my new shoes Saucony Triumph and will try them... and the jacket?? well it was just left at the house, unclaimed.... I have lots of teens over here and I guess she left her jacket!! and it was just my size!! lol. I am like Gina in that I run a lot by myself and have an IPOD. well gotta scoot.. have a good one.
If you ever want to know what I think about these huge life issues, it's this...One mountain, many paths. There is no doubt in my mind that people can live perfectly fulfilled and meaningful lives without children. The impact of having a child, however, if you have never had the experience, is so fundamental that one cannot fathom the limitless impact of love and connection. It changes you completely. What seems difficult is freely given, what sounds like sacrifice doesn't even register as hardship. And what you get in return--well the language to describe how you feel about your children has yet to be written. That said, I have always felt that those who remain childless find the same deep, just different, versions of connection and love. There is no one answer, no one right way to love and be loved. I will never be convinced that just because I have kids that I will leave this planet more complete.It's just that my mountain led me down that particular path.
I also know, through the animals in my life, that they touch that same place. People tease Keith and me all the time that we got Cali now because we can't stand an empty nest. The thing is, we got her now because I finally have TIME for her! (Well, OK we could have done it a few years sooner.
) I never agreed to a dog when the kids were little because I knew I could not raise one properly with four little kids. I know she's not a child, but she does touch those same feelings in me that my children do. I needed to wait until I could raise her, spend time with her, and give her the best life I could--just as I wanted to do with my children. That meant getting my first dog in many, many years at age 51. But trust me, sometimes I wish I could have crate trained those boys! Still do from time to time. 
Oh m, pitiful is right. Keep us posted. There's a T-shirt that reads, "It's all fun and games...until somebody ends up in a cone!" No kidding, huh? Poor Rudy baby!
Happy Easter, everyone! And Marianne, love all the pics and stories!
Also loved stories on family etc....
Yes, being an Auntie is Fun! Enjoy the faces covered in frosting while you can, cause they grow up so fast. My nieces and Nephews are 8-13 range. Where did the time go? Kind of fun text messaging them now. I also keep an eye on my 13 yo niece on FB. I would like to take each on a 1:1 trip when they are between 8th grade and HS. Just to let them know they have someone else to turn to in those teen yrs. May take my niece swimming with dolphins this summer- that is if I'm still cool enough to do so
I am also childless. Have not met the right guy yet, did not want have a child on my own either. At this point, at 45, even if I met the right guy, don't think I would start a family. I think for me, just not meant to be. As Beth mentioned- my story is still unfolding- one never knows. I plan to be the loving parent of a fury 4 legged doggy at some point. For a little bit, have not really been interested in meeting anyone, but that interest is coming back now. Once my running gets back to normal, will start going out to some group runs/rides
Becky- Dan sounds wonderful! Does he have an older brother that is single ( that also likes to ride/ do tris?) How didyou meet? Hopefully I can meet him at Columbia. Your story of going to the wedding reminds my of a book I just read. Too good to be true by Kristan Higgans. She describes a scene like that in her book. She does romantic comedy stuff- pretty funny, lol stuff IMO. The one I am reading now is One of the Guys. Amazing how she captures the experience of situatuions like internet dating etc. Easy reads to use to relax
M- loved the pics and stores as usual. Poor Rudy, yes he looks soooo sad- hopefully that paw is healing up
Carrie- It was good to hear from you
Olivia- hope your soreness goes away soon. Another 2 weeks til taper? How exciting
Kris- hope you feel better soon with those allergies. Last 2 days I wanted to scratch my eyes out
Barabara- Nice work on 5 k.
Robin- enjoy your time with your dad. Yes, you never know.
Kitima- hope you enjoyed your Thai food- Yummy. I'm sure it will make you feel 100% again too
Hope you all had a nice easter/passover! Sorry if I missed anyone
At work now- not much going on, the calm before the storm? One more night shift after tonight then a break from nights for a bit