I have found my reason for living...

In most recent days I thought it was Sarah. I was sure it was Sarah. She is definitely the thing this past year that has brought me the most joy and fulfillment.

Then of course, there's running. Running is a reason to love to live. It brings joy and fulfillment one can't really describe. One must feel it to know. There are many of you that do.

Service too. Helping others makes me feel self-worth and a divine nature. Helps us to know from whence we came and what we are to become.

Romantic love is a good reason. Romance is fun and I like being in love.

But, I now am sure I know the thing... the reason for me to be.... what it is that is to bring me the most joy and happiness in this life. What will put a smile on my face every day and make me glad to be alive. Te amo, Facebook.

You know where you can find me after I get my kids off to school and do my AM runs from now on.

Must. Find. Friends....

Ok, today's the day...

That I am going to start those goals! I failed miserably last week. I have kept the house reasonably clean, but that's about it. Today Sarah woke me up at 5:00 AM. Great chance to start those early morning runs? No. I fed her, put her back to bed, and when I realized I wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep, I got on the treadmill. I really, really need to get outside for some different terrain. Anyone know a good nanny? Katie?

Future Treadmill Girl

Right after I took this picture she endoed off the front. I think she's done with the treadmill for a few years. Mini Chi turns 1 this month. So excited!..... so sad......

Could someone please come dust the mat under my treadmill. Gross!

Blueberry Galette

Oh, and I made this yummy thing yesterday. Blueberry Galette. I found it in Cooking Light magazine. I think the only thing that makes it "lighter" than a regular blueberry pie, is that there is much less crust. There might be a little less sugar too, but certainly had all the butter of a regular pie. The Blueberries had a little sugar and some flour mixed in. Mine was like 4 inches deep of blueberries. We ate some for desert last night and then I ate the rest this morning for breakfast! (Sans ice cream.) So Stacey, what do you think!?

I miss my gym!

TV remote was still missing since last night when we unfolded a blanket and, there is was! But for yesterday's treadmill run I was either going to be looking at a screen flashing tips on how to get the most out of my satellite subscription, or go run in 100 degree heat. (Because I have already failed at goal #1. I will get up and go running in the early AM.) The DVD player still works though, so the first disk I pick up is David Kress' Power Yoga series. Hey! If I'm watching this while I'm running, I may feel like I'm at the gym again. It will be motivating watching other people workout while I'm working out! It was actually really entertaining. Bryan has beautiful, flowing, curly hair. I bought the DVD about a year ago when I was trying to do more stretching. I only turned it on once and I realized I just don't have the patience for that kind of thing. I think I felt more limber after yesterday's run though.

New marathon, new goals...

This has been the year of "ME." My kids haven't been involved in any sports since last fall. We only took them one one vacation this summer. I haven't been a room mom or even a helper for all of this last year. I've been leaving my kids for over-nighters with Ron (and sometimes without) almost every month. I've pretty much become a really selfish, neglectful parent for long enough. So, while I'm planning out my training schedule for running, I'm also setting a few goals to get me back on track with the important stuff too. And you know what they say about a goal only being a dream until you write it down... So here they are:

1. I'm going to get my running done before the kids wake up so I can be available for them the rest of the day. This also means I need to try and get to bed on time even though I'm married to a night owl.
2. I'm going to keep my house cleaned up every day!! (sobbing....)
3. I'm going to read to Josh every day. (I've made this goal 5 times before. I don't know why it's so hard for me. Could be because it's 10:30 pm when he brings me a book.)
4. I will make dinner every night. (I think I will try and make dinner every night?)
5. I will go to the temple every month.
6. I will read something every day. Magazines don't count. (Some of you working people laugh at that, but you stay-home-moms understand, right?)
7. I will make my calling at church a priority. Not too hard, once-a-monther.
8. I will not buy things I don't need. (If you're wondering why it's not "I will stick with a budget," it's because I know by now that just isn't ever going to happen.)
9. I will limit myself to one serving of chocolate a day.

So, by the end of this year when I've run a marathon in record time, I will be a great in-shape combination of June Cleaver, Martha Stewart, Suzie Ormond and Dr. Phill.

If anyone can think of a good #10 for me, I would accept any suggestions!

First run post-marthon...

And the official beginning of training for the St. George Marathon on October 4th. I use the term "training" very loosely because as I've explained before, I kind of have to go with what I can tolerate on any given day. I am trying to stick as closely as possible with the training schedule in"Advanced Marathoning" by Scott Douglas and Pete Pfitzinger for multiple marathons : 8 weeks between races. (I actually have about 9.)

We have once again misplaced the remote to the TV in our room. I have a nice little setup in my room with a TV that turns and swivels in any direction I want, like towards the treadmill when I'm running or the bathtub when I'm tubbing. But, as with the phones, "people" tend to walk around with the remotes and set them down in odd places where we have to just discover them days later. It's hard to run on a treadmill with nothing to look at. I told Noah I'd pay him five bucks if he could find it for me. I was so surprised he gave up after 5 minutes. That kid will normally do anything for money. My kids earn alot of money around my house. Not by doing regular chores, but different favors for me. "A dollar to the first one to find a binkie!" is a common one.

Men at Work was on the playlist today. I said once before that Men at Work reminds me of playing D&D on Intelevision when I was little. But you know what else it reminds me of? Matt Sager had the coolest Men at Work tshirt in high school. The Business as Usual album cover that was yellow. If anyone ever sees Matt Sager, tell him I still want his tshirt.