Adventures in sports and getting old

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to join her and another lady to participate in a 5K Mud Run in Sanger, TX.  I thought it would be fun to do another Mud race since the last one I did was in 2003.
So Saturday was our day!  Our 5K - 18 obstacles - Mud Run started at 9:30am.  So as any good team would do we prepared for the event by making matching outfits which consisted of a bright pink t-shirt and bright pink zebra print bandannas.  We did a bit of brainstorming for what our shirts could say and came up with  Team JAC.  JAC is our first name initials (Juli, Andrea, Constance).  So these are our shirts.

We pretty much had the brightest outfits in our heat so we became known quickly at Team Pink which was fun as the race staff yelled encouragement and cheers as we ran along.  The first obstacle we came across was a giant bail of hay which had to be jumped on top of in order to climb over.  It was pretty high so pretty much we just beached ourselves on it and pulled up the rest of the way.  There was only one bail so everyone had to wait their turn to go which thinned the group out for the rest of the run.  Our third obstacle was our first mud pit which you had to army crawl through! We were instantly mud covered and drenched.  Good times!

The rest of the obstacles pretty much involved climbing over things...

like this... nothing to catch you at the bottom.

Prior to the race I had tweaked both ankles and so I decided that I better get ankle braces for the race, and boy am I glad I did!  It was fairly rough terrain for my weak ankles (we saw a guy with a broken ankle after the race) and so I was glad for the added support.

We finished the race in about 53 mins so under an hour which we were happy with considering all the mud and obstacles.

Final Mud Pit!

Muddy Team JAC!

So that was the race!  So glad I did it.

Then Sunday Phil and I had a soccer game.  He some how convinced me to play in this indoor league - I have no idea what I am doing, but I run around and flail.  This week I made a GOAL!!!!!  But playing soccer has its consequences.  Last Sunday at the soccer game I tweaked my ankles... yes that is both ankles, at separate times during the game but nevertheless both.  Then Tuesday we played a little baseball at the park and I hobbled after the balls in the outfield because actually running was kind of a joke.  So thus ankle braces were required for the Mud Run and then Sunday I had to tape my ankles for the soccer game. But now both knees hurt and I'm really hobbling around like an old woman.  Today (Monday) I don't have ankle bones that are visible I just have cankles :(

So I'm not even 29 yet and today I feel OLD!

Book Club

A few months back well maybe like six I joined a book club.  It all started when we first joined a small group through church.  I met a gal who was fairly new in town and she had joined a book club through meetup.com and invited me to tag along.  (this is the same gal of course who we ended up going on our Colorado rafting adventure with)  Anyway,  since I have joined the group we have read Love in the Time of Cholera, The Help, Jerusalem Maiden, and I just finished The Violets of March. I thought I would do my own little synopsis of the books and ratings for those who are looking for books to read this fall/winter.

Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
First of all,  a little on the author: 

Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter and journalist, known affectionately as Gabo throughout Latin America. He is considered one of the most significant authors of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, and is the earliest winner of this prize to be still alive.

He pursued a self-directed education that resulted in his leaving law school for a career in journalism.  His works have achieved significant critical acclaim and widespread commercial success, most notably for popularizing a literary style labeled as magical realism, which uses magical elements and events in otherwise ordinary and realistic situations. Some of his works are set in a fictional village called Macondo  (the town mainly inspired by his birthplace Aracataca), and most of them express the theme of solitude.
This book was on Oprah's list as well as this book has been made into a movie, which I haven't yet seen. 

My take on the book:
These are not meant to be plot spoiling just an overview of my thoughts.
Basically I thought this was the book that would never end.  "Gabo" is known for being very descriptive, and that he was.  I appreciated the detail with which he described the setting; however, the plot just wasn't one I got into. Well actually, I guess I got into it and then I got sick of it.  I loved the idea and the first part of the book and the end, but for me, the middle was a drag.  The main character Florentino drove me crazy.  He needs a therapist.  And his coping style was obnoxious.  Gabo created an elaborate story with so many characters with small parts it is almost impossible to remember them all  - let alone correctly.

Okay so that isn't a raving review but I'm glad I read the book.  I feel a little more cultured.

The Help, Kathryn Stockett
So again I will start with about the author,  

Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she moved to New York City, where she worked in magazine publishing and marketing for nine years. The Help is her first novel. 

So of course I found this quite intriguing because in so many ways she is writing her story.  Many have seen the movie so I don't really need to talk about the plot but I enjoyed the book immensely and I was pleasantly surprised at how closely the movie followed the book with only a few changes which I understand for movie purposes.  As far as characters, I adored Minny she has the stubbornness yet faithfulness I find within myself.
I never cease to be amazed that such hatred and racial turmoil that took place not very many years ago -- not even a lifetime ago (and let's be honest it still happens today) 

Jerusalem Maiden, Talia Carner
I have to admit I don't know much about this author but the novel was very intriguing to me.  Several people I talked to said they had a really hard time getting into the book and my personal thought on this is because they aren't "religious" people.  I found this book so interesting because it depicts the life of a Hasidic Jew in the early 1900's.  Her inner turmoil of her creative passion fighting against her strict religious society and her desire to honor God the way she had been taught creates a battle and a dynamic worth considering.  The first few chapters are kind of smack-you-in-the-face religious sterility but the story that follows is far from stale and definitely crossed bounds from what I expected. 

Violets of March, Sarah Jio
I read this book so fast!  I don't know how many pages it has cause I didn't look it up and since I read it on my Kindle I never see that but I read it in about 3 sittings which was unreal!  It was certainly a fluff book compared to the others.  Just a life book - about hurt, love, betrayal, secrets, forgiveness, all that good stuff.  Can't say my life was changed by this book it was a bit predictable but since I read it so quickly I didn't mind, I mean everybody can use a little soap opera in their life whether they are daytime soap's or Gray's Anatomy.... this book hit the spot for an easy read.   


Well that's it for book club reads so far.

Some other books of interest I have read:
Water for Elephants, which I loved and can't wait to see the movie. 
Same Kind of Different as Me, I cried - so will you.
Kite Runner
Confesssions of a Shopaholic
 If you want a review let me know I'll be glad to share my take.

And more...  if you like to read and what to keep up with what your friends are reading a great site that I use is www.goodreads.com

Goodwill Hunting

The List

I decided the other day to reembark on an adventure I haven't participated in since high school; that is, hunting for treasures in thrift stores.  Of course, Pinterest is the culprit behind this long lost desire.  So I decided on Wednesday during my lunch break to take twenty bucks and see what what I could find.  I started my hunt at The Goodwill.  I took with me my list of things to look for so I wouldn't get lost or discouraged -- sometimes the hodgepodge of stuff is overwhelming to my type A personality.  So I headed right in to the housewares area looking for brass candle sticks, mason jars, cool mugs, old chandeliers, etc.

I found a chandelier that would be pretty awesome painted a bright color but I think it is too big for my low ceiling house.  I guess if I was truly committed I could get it and paint it and sell it for a good price, but that sounds like making a hobby a job and I don't think I'm ready for that.  Maybe one day...

Unfortunately... no wait fortunately I got a bit distracted in the dishes area.  I was inspired!  Much of my house is very eclectic well I actually describe it as modern eclectic because I love to mix the modern with the vintage eclectic. But as most engaged couples do we registered for dishes and kitchen ware for our wedding and were blessed by our family and friends to receive plenty.  But it's all the same!  I don't know maybe it just matches too much but I love the idea of mismatched dishes.  So each place setting is unique. So I started gathering dishes that were in my favorite color palette which is greens, browns, and golds.

I also found a few other things I couldn't resist.

Note: the blue one has Ray etched in it!!!!

The clear glass mug I am hoping is actual glass and not pyrex... I don't really know how to tell.  I need to look into that, anyway I really want to etch it.  Here's to hoping!

So The Goodwill was a success... although I didn't find much that was on my original list so I decided since I  still had money from my $20 left over that I would hit one more store.  Hear I found brass candle sticks!  This store had TONS of clothes so I could probably find some good shirts for making skirts or quilts but I was pretty much out of time on my lunch break so I took my candle sticks and went home.

The idea behind the candle sticks is that I paint them... but then I got them home and kind of loved them just as they are - so I don't know if I'm going to paint them or not.

Well I really had a good time and I hope that my hubby isn't too annoyed with the my rekindled hobby and joy of great finds.  Oh I found a large black ceramic vase at a garage sale in my neighborhood today, as  I rode by on my bike, for $3!!! So awesome.  I'll probably re paint that one!

Sun Pictures

I was syncing my phone the other day and in the process decided I should download all of my phone pictures so they would be safe.  I synced them into iPhoto and began sorting them into their proper folders.  As I was doing that I realized a had quite a repetition of photos.


The main categories were:

• Me (I sort of use it as my mirror)
• Food I Made
• Dogs
• Sun

The category with the overwhelming majority of photos was Sun.  I realized that I take a sun picture about once a day, generally in the morning because my commute is usually around sunrise or just after but sometimes the clouds provide exceptional midday photos that just can't be passed up... if you can get the phone out and app loaded before the moment is gone.

I decided that I should display these images... so here they are:

I made a movie.

enjoy.

My new addiction... no wait, hobby... no wait, idea motivator

Of late I feel as though I have been one very busy person.  I have been mostly playing and hanging out with friends but nevertheless I haven't really stopped and rested which I really want to because I have so many things I want to do. Hmmm that doesn't sound like resting :)  Well, as many of my Facebook friends know I am recently addicted to Pinterest.com  This isn't really a new website but it is one I finally stopped resisting and thought I would check out and of course, as I suspected, I was hooked! 

-- And what fun would it really be if I didn't hook all of my friends.  --  

So I have been spreading the word and creating more addicts :-) If you are a crafty person or a visual person that loves art, ideas, fashion, photography and DIY then this is a site that will more than likely hook you too.  I call it a virtual bulletin board where you pin up ideas you like to save for later.  They say, 

"Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

So I have some boards, here are the highlights:
Hair Happiness: is where I store my hair ideas.  right now I am growing my hair out so I love braiding and styling in fun new ways, especially in ways that keep it off my neck, since it's 106°F out these days.  Also, I am seriously considering bangs so I am collecting the type of bangs I would like to have.  Since I haven't had bangs since 1990 I figure I better do some research, plus Phil is a bit apprehensive about the idea.
I Want To Make: this board is full of things that are awesome and I think I can actually make them. Each one is a link to a blog online where someone has created a sweet tutorial so all I have to do is use a little creativity and follow directions.  I'm hoping some of these turn into awesome but low cost Christmas presents!
One Day...: this is probably my most controversial board to date.  It is full of ideas for baby things nursery, gifts for showers, shower ideas.  All things baby.  It's true I have baby fever... but while I'm waiting for the day I get to plan for my baby I think I will practicing making things for other's.

Original Recipe

I've already put some of these ideas into action.  This week I made a recipe I found.

My "jazzed up" version

These are Peanut Butter Chocolate Crescent Rolls.  I made them as the directions said but in the end I thought they were a bit dry so I decided to "jazz" them up.  I brushed on a little oil and sprinkled with sugar, and when that didn't satisfy me I drizzled with chocolate.  Served best warm.


I also tried out one of the braids I saw:

I also made a box and got crafty wrapping a birthday present for a friend.  

Now for my next adventure.... sewing!!!!

ROAD RAGE

I’ve been brainstorming and scheming a post about driving.  I drive a lot, as most of you know, and in all my driving I have learned lessons about myself. I have also listened to extraordinary things that I might have missed out on, if not for driving so much. I have loved and I have hated Kidd Kraddick In The Morning. But beyond these things I have learned about humans.

My plight in this post is to reveal my thoughts and at least get them off my chest so, I hopefully, won’t be fuming ideas for this post so often.

First I will just start with a few rants (prepare yourself and please don’t judge me - these thoughts usually get no further than the car):

1. Just because your “blinker” is on doesn’t mean you automatically have the right-of-way.
2. The slowest and most obnoxious drivers are most of the time Asian. (I told you not to judge)
3. The dumbest drivers always drive Mercedes.
4. The rudest drivers almost always have a University of Texas sticker.
5. Girls really drive stupid when they drive a pick-up truck!  (sorry all those of you who think you are an exception - you’re not!)
6. When merging lanes - actually merging is required (SURPRISE) and it goes smoother if you start early.
7. If you try to sneak in the front the cars waiting in line, I laugh at you when you don’t get in and I will NEVER let you in.  Sorry cheater.
8. Accident on-lookers actually make me want to cause another crash by ramming them.
9. Also, service your car people!!!  Headlights and break lights being out is really unacceptable.  Don’t tell me you didn’t notice - you easily check your reflection in the car behind or in front of you and they are usually pretty inexpensive so no excuse.
10. Oh and if you can’t remember to turn your turn signal off once you change lanes because you are talking to a passenger or because you are on the phone... don’t drive!
11. And if you are going to make a turn don’t just randomly brake and then at the last second turn on your turn signal... use your turn signal before breaking... duh, that’s what it is for to tell others to either prepare to slow down or to go around you. IT’S CALLED COMMUNICATION

Now onto my thoughts toward the human race observed from an automobile (as if the above wasn’t enough):

I think we have a really sad human race, especially if it is mostly observed from a car. I mean the way people behave truly reveals our heart’s nature and selfish motives. Most people would never act in “real life” as they do on the road way.  An example of this is cutting in line.  No one in public or in life would simply throw themselves in front of you and make you get out of the way all the while throwing you the “bird” as if you - by sitting and waiting your turn - actually did something wrong. (Only exception here I guess is Tickle Me Elmo at Christmas). Selfish behavior is highlighted on the road way.  I am always amazed at people who fly by me at 90 mph and glare at me going 70mph, I’m already going over the speed limit and they look at me like I’m sooooooo in-the-way. Also, watching people swerve across 5 lanes of traffic to “make” their exit is astonishing.  Sure it is annoying to miss your exit or turn but risking others lives and investments is just stupid.

I’ve thought about going “Jeff Foxworth” on people before.  I think I’ll just get a light up sign that I can type messages in like, “Your left brake light is out!”, or “Turn Signal Would Be Nice”, or “Worst Driver of the Day Award goes to YOU”, or “Nice Move”.  I mean seriously people - Here’s Your Sign!

Check out these links they could be other good alternatives:)
or this could be an option
oooooo or this could be addicting

Now I’m not one to say there should be more laws for drivers.  I think there are too many already... and survival of the fittest I think should apply.  :-) But among all the laws for driving I think having to retake and PASS Driver’s Ed should be a law.  I mean it’s like people forget the basics or something and defensive driving after a ticket is stupid.
I like the way this guy thinks! 

I’m not saying I’m a prefect driver, I definitely have my own struggle with road rage and selfish actions on the roadway but I’m just saying we should all be more conscious of the message we are portraying as a whole.

Happy driving, I'll be seein' ya!!!

My ride around town!

August!?!

I must admit I feel a little overwhelmed that it is somehow already August.  “Summer” always seems somewhat over once August gets here although the hot temperatures will continue.  In August I start mentally preparing for the holidays.  As I have mentioned before, I don’t do change well so I start mentally preparing early.  I start brainstorming gifts ideas, putting the budget together, worrying about whether or not Phil will have to work on the holiday and not be around (this always annoys me and gear up early)…I’m  not saying this is the most healthy approach to the holidays.

August 24^th kicks off the busy season with my Dad’s birthday after that is my “little” sisters on September 4^th (she will be 21 this year, CRAZY!!!!) and Boone (my nephew) will be 1 year old this year and so a BIG celebration is in order.  That is also, of course, Labor Day weekend.  Then October is my birthday month and you can’t forget Halloween.  November strikes quickly with Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years are always full of parties, family, planning, busy, and that means stress.  Hmm did I just get to the end of the year in a paragraph?  Sheesh.

Before I even get to August 24^th I’m headed down to Camp Eagle for a week/weekend of babysitting Boone!  I’m so excited about this I can hardly contain myself.  He is walking now and is full of fun and energy I’m pumped. I’m also going to use this time to help my sweet friend with Hope Mommies.  It is a non-profit organization that I am the Creative Director for.   The ministry serves Mom’s and families who have lost a baby.  We are going to be putting together boxes for hospitals to give out to families experiencing this loss.  I’m so proud of my friend Erin for trusting the Lord and being a faithful follower to work so hard in this ministry, even when she doesn’t feel adequate. I have been so challenged and blessed by her. 

Here is the brochure I designed for Hope Mommies.
More on how I got involved in a later post. 


Stay tune!