#101: Water Balloon Fight!

June 27, 2009 at 8:27 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Kid Stuff, Random Things

SarahTwo_299of365

The thing about summer that makes me crazy is that I am a mom who works from home. During the school year, my oldest daughter goes to school full time, and my youngest is in preschool/daycare two full days a week, which means that I have two pretty good chunks of uninterrupted time to get work done – and then I’m easily able to fill in the extra time I need to do work around my three year old’s naps.

During the summer? Not so much. I have struggled to find the balance and there are days when you have to throw your hands up in the air and say, “Screw balance!” and just have fun.

Yesterday was that day.

I took the girls out for donuts for breakfast (I did coffee and a bagel – random Sarah confession – there is really only ONE kind of donut I like. One. And if that is an option, it is SO hard to resist – but any other kind of donut? I will happily walk away from it, turning up my nose and being all, “Ewwwww. Donuts.” Yeah, I’m weird). We got back in the car and I had no idea where I was intending to go. I just started driving. Then an idea popped into my head…

Water balloons.

I went to the grocery store, picked up TWO packs of 150 balloons. The girls were so freaking excited that Seven walked RIGHT INTO  A LAMP POST because she was looking at the balloons while walking back to the car. She’s fine now, don’t worry.

Filling up the balloons was a gigantic pain in the butt – I had kind of anticipated that the handy little jobby-doo they give you with the balloons would fit over the kitchen faucet – but it didn’t. Outside we went.

Three hundred balloons? Just so you know? You DO NOT NEED 300 balloons. For anything. Ever.

Also, orange balloons pop more than any other color.

After a long extended time filling them up, we had our fight [I'm still working on editing the video which I'll eventually post here or via YouTube] – and first of all – those suckers can HURT. Second of all, I think there was too much air in the balloons  somehow (from the hose? I have no idea), because those suckers BOUNCED.

So, was it the event I pictured in my head? Nope, not really. (Also, I must have been wearing a target on my crotch – took several hits to the crotchal region. Thanks, kids). We had a fun time though, and for a day, I was able to just let go and be silly.

Leave a Comment

Alrighty, Let’s Get This Postcard Thing Going.

June 25, 2009 at 3:07 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Random Things

If you haven’t yet checked out my list over there on the right, it’s a list of which states I have state map postcards from and which states I’m still needing ‘em from. If you can help me out by sending one from any of the missing states, drop me a comment and I’ll let you know where to send them to.

AND, if you want a lovely postcard from Michigan in return? I’ll happily oblige (though my definition of lovely differs from the companies that make Michigan postcards – because I’ve yet to see a lovely one – though, really I have lots of mediocre ones).

Comments (6)

#31: Mojito, Mojito, Mojito. Need Your Recipes

June 22, 2009 at 11:57 am · Filed under 101 Things, Food & Drink

I could google Mojito recipes and probably come up with a bazillion results (Actually, I just checked – it says “about 111,000 results). That doesn’t get me ANYWHERE.

It IS mojito season. Please tell me your treasured do-it-yourself mojito-makin’ recipe.

Comments (1)

#87: List Things I Like About Myself

June 16, 2009 at 11:52 am · Filed under 101 Things, Lists, Random Things

When I added this to my list, a friend of mine laughed and said to me, “Dude, you won’t be able to do that.” Well, you know what? I did.

I’m not going to say that it was easy – because it wasn’t. I struggle sometimes with being pretty harsh on myself and not appreciating the little characteristics that make me… ME. But, I came up with 43 things, and I’m pretty pleased with myself.

And, because I’m all about paying it forward – I challenge YOU to leave in the comments just three things you like about yourself – to see if you can, for one… And also, because I bet it’s been a long while since you have reveled in your very own awesomeness.

Comments (7)

#38: Walk A Marathon

June 8, 2009 at 3:45 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Health & Body, Special Events, Travel ·Tagged

Many of you knew that I signed up for the Avon Two Day Walk for Breast Cancer.

This weekend was the big event. I arrived in Chicago at 5 p.m. on Friday – let me point out to those who are less in the know: That is a REALLY BAD TIME to arrive in Chicago. Ever. The last ten miles to my hotel took over an hour, during which time I got a bit of a light sunburn on my face and I stripped down a few layers because it was NOT that warm in Michigan when I left but it was definitely cami weather sitting in traffic in Chicago. (Also, thank goodness for camisoles).

I finally got off the highway only to realize that the Google Map was slightly wrong – that added a bit of extra time to my “driving around desperately seeking my hotel” time. I finally arrived at the hotel, parked my car and hauled my gear in, then took the elevator up to my room to find out that LOVELY, the front desk gave me keys to the wrong room. I called the desk, and within minutes a room service guy was at my door. Room service? I called Security! Turns out, Mister Room Service had a delivery from my walking partner (an awesome woman I met via Twitter who invited me to join their team) – she’d sent me up some water and an awesome plate of fruit. Room Service dude was also able to unlock the door and let me in (But seriously, did any of you know the Room service staff had keys? I never did, and now I’m slightly more bothered by the number of people in a hotel who can access your room at any time. Safety lock, check).

Saturday morning, I took the shuttle to Soldier Field, carb loaded some breakfast, met up with my team and we were soon off for our first day of walking, 26.2 miles. I won’t recap each mile, but it took us about 8.5 hours with lunch break, rest stops and having to navigate our way through the crowds. Also, intersections and miles 24 – 26.2 in the pouring rain. Crossing the finish line was awesome, and I was glad to hit the shuttle to go back to the hotel and take off my soggy socks and get some dry gear on.

061

(Note: Soggy socks make for wicked blisters. Ouch)

Day two started with my feet feeling surprisingly okay despite the three huge blisters I had had the previous evening. I had had a good night of hockey and just relaxing so I felt ready to go. A mile or two into it, the rain started. And it kept going.

And going.

BLEH.

The second day was harder than I thought it would be, actually.

Crossing the finish line, knowing I’d walked nearly 40 miles? It was an amazing feeling. TRULY TRULY AMAZING.And I’m so proud of myself and of the team that I walked with.

Also? I’m dehydrated. I am very tired, my blisters are painful, and I am sure I haven’t replenished my water enough. I’m emotional and cranky and not so much a joy to be around at the moment. I have been kindly reminded to drink some more water. I’m hoping that helps!

Leave a Comment

Update for May 2009

June 3, 2009 at 2:09 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

Another month gone and it really went by fast. Wow.

My trip to Chicago a few weeks ago allowed me to cross some stuff off my list: Not getting lost downtown? Awesome. I have yet to partake of a beverage on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building but I am sure I will manage to accomplish that this year – perhaps on a trip without my children. I know it seems an awfully touristy thing to do, and I totally agree. Some of you may or may not know how squidgy I got looking out the window of our 31st floor hotel room while in Chicago. So, adding sixty-some floors to that? It’s kind of a big deal…for me. And yeah, don’t be surprised if I have a drink before I go UP.

Probably one of the areas I made the most progress this month was my list makin’ stuff. Yeah. I have been working on my “43 Things I Like About Myself” and “100 Things That Make Me Happy” – and I’m pleased to report I am making decent progress with both. Frankly, I thought it would be really hard to find 43 things I liked about myself (because I don’t usually walk around thinking I’m so fabulous), it hasn’t been as horrible as I thought – mainly because I am focusing on all the unique things about me versus the physical stuff (which really only will make up a small portion of the list) – things worth noting? I can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order. Useless, right? Yeah! But I love that I learned it when I was my daughter’s age and it stuck with me. Also, it means I will never be the person who makes a list of all the states wondering why on earth I only have 48 and which two are missing.

Good stuff.

The summer is approaching quickly – which means there is much more to accomplish (water balloons, anyone?). Should be fun.

Comments (3)

#35: Drive Through DownTown Chicago Without Gettin’ Lost

May 17, 2009 at 8:36 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Being Green, Special Events, Travel, Uncategorized

A year ago, a few girlfriends and I met in Chicago from scattered places around the globe for a weekend to relax, veg and just be girly. I was so thrilled for the trip and made excellent time from Michigan to Chicago. Once I got off the highway, I entered what could only be described as another circle of hell – getting myself completely lost and spending far longer than I care to admit (think HOURS, not MINUTES) driving around downtown Chicago. Possibly, tears were involved. Upper, Middle, Lower Wacker – I hated them ALL.

Eventually, I pulled over and the lovely valet dude at a hotel on Wacker printed directions explaining them to me because apparently the road I needed to be on wasn’t on my map. And the street I needed to turn on didn’t have a sign – and OHMYGODWHYDOYOUHATEMESOMUCHCHICAGO?

The thing is, I love the city. I love the feel of Chicago. I love the energy and the vibe of it. I didn’t want to NEVER go back because I was petrified of the hell of driving Lake Shore Drive for hours around and about. Putting #35 on my list was a no brainer for me.

This weekend, the fam headed to Chicago for an event (a very AWESOME arty, creative, “make every moment count” kinda thing. Awesome awesome awesome). On our way, I stopped at Starbucks with my refillable mug (#39 on my list, aw yeah…) to fuel up with some coffee and then we were on the road.

There was so much rain and cloud cover until we reached Indiana – I thought we were in for a pretty miserable day in the city. Nuh uh. Clouds lifted, the sky was amazingly blue and when we got off the highway, we zipped right to our first destination (The aquarium). After that, we wandered the city a bit.

038

It was perfect. Got into the car and ventured to the hotel and y’know what happened? I didn’t need the printed directions. I didn’t need my Google Maps (though, nothin’ but love for you Google Maps. Love knowing you’re there. Mwah). I knew exactly where to go. We zipped right to the hotel. AND, I didn’t pass out lookin’ at this 32nd floor view.

058

Comments (2)

#79: The Daily High

May 8, 2009 at 1:13 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Random Things, Reading & Writing

I have a little ritual with my daughters at bedtime – I ask them seperately what their favorite and least favorite part of the day was (High/Low, if you will – I have to simplify because my three year old doesn’t really know what that means). I have a tendency sometimes to get bogged down on the aggravating nitpicky crap and forget that there’s some silver lining in the hooey I face, and so when I made my 101 List, I challenged myself to track the high of every day.

I’m doing it.

I bought a special notebook SPECIFICALLY for tracking the best part of each day. Sometimes the best part of my day is something small (example: 01/08/09: Saw a rainbow this morning – so pretty!), but that’s okay. The point is that even though your day may feel like the biggest steaming pile of crap, chances are, there was something good about it.

Some of my favorites have been:

01/01/09 My sister asked me to be in her wedding

01/16/09 Cheetos temporarily made my queasiness go away

01/18/09 Bought my domain name!*

02/04/09 I have awesome friends who support me when I’m stressed

02/15/09 RED WINGS GAME!

02/21/09 Got to take a nap – I needed that!

03/24/09 Awesome parent-teacher conference for Six – She’s reading at above a 3rd grade level! WhooHoo!

04/08/09 Spent the morning with the girls doing fun stuff. I am grateful for their health and their lives. Truly, TRULY lucky. 

I do a lot of silly things for my 101 List, but this is one of my favorite. I can’t wait to read it start to finish when my 1,001 days is complete.

 

 

*Still haven’t done anything with said domain name, but I bought it.

Leave a Comment

In Like A Lion? April Update

May 2, 2009 at 8:57 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

Y’know, with my computer acting defective for most of the month, I got a LOT of reading done. As I just walked TEN (let me repeat that, y’all: TEN) miles today to train for my two day breast cancer walk next month, I am a little tired, a little sore, and a little too lazy to wander upstairs to pull my list of books I read this month. But in the next day or so, I’ll post the newest additions to the books I’ve read (working my way up to 250 – WHOO!).

I managed to get another pedicure (and spent a day at the spa), followed by dinner at the home of the BEST MARTINIS in Grand Rapids. To that point, I don’t really consider a mojito a martini and sadly, I have had better mojitos at the chain Mexican restaurant I love so much, but this one had a nice big kick to it, so it was all fine.

I forgot I said I wanted to write a book, which stinks – I’ll either remember and pick that back up this month (so far, I haven’t), otherwise maybe i’ll scramble at the last minute and write a four page children’s book. In the beginning, my plan was to write 1,000 words a month. I suppose if I get a little verbose at some point between now and the end of this project, I can pick up the slack. Who knows. I’ll make it work somehow. Hell, Miley Cyrus “wrote” a book. If she can do it, so can I.

The biggest goal on the horizon is that I’ll be walking the marathon (and a half!) next month. Given the awesomeness of everyone, I finally hit my fundraising goal yesterday. Family, friends, and people I’ve never even met (whoo hoo for strangers!) donated to this awesome cause to support me and most importantly raise money for breast cancer research. Now that I’ve raised the money, it means that I’ve GOT to get myself in gear to walk 39.3 miles. As I mentioned earlier, I walked ten miles today. I think I also mentioned that I am not really moving much at the moment. I can only hope that pure adrenaline fuels me through the two day walk. Given that it’s part of my project to get this thing done, I’ll need some nagging and virtual kicks in the butt (high fives and “You’re so awesomes” will work too).

Leave a Comment

Three Birds In One Day

April 18, 2009 at 9:50 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Food & Drink, Health & Body, Special Events ·Tagged ,

Or something like that.

Last year, my husband started a pretty cool tradition of treating me to a day at the spa at the end of his crazy busy season. He didn’t realize at the time he was starting a tradition, though – but the end result of me being so temporarily giddy, relaxed and laid back ball of mush kicked him into gear to repeat this year. AWESOME.

Yesterday was the day. I left the kiddos with him and ventured to the spa for my day of getting princessed. On my agenda? Facial, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup. (Note: I hate massages so this agenda is perfect for me).

I started with the facial. It was amazing. Last year when I went, they shocked the hell out of me because they tell you to undress and get under this heavy warm blanket on a table and I was thinking, “WTF? I am going to HATE this!” because it was quite obvious from the necessary-nekkidness that there was a massage component to it. I was SO wrong. I loved it. You’ve got the handy-dandy heated blanket yanked up to your armpits and it’s not an overly massagey-massage. (Seriously, I know that makes no sense). Anyway – heaven for the face. Yesterday was no different except the facialist told me that I’m very dehydrated. Apparently, I don’t use enough moisturizer.

MOVING ON.

april-006

Margarita pedicure (my spring pedicure towards #25 on my list) was awesome. I admit, I’m the anti-social chick sitting in the chair soaking and not talking to the person working their magic on my feet. Rude, right? They have this awesome margarita soak, and scrub which included salt and squeezing actual limes on my feet. My toes are now a very attractive Miami Beet. Love.

I got the same color on my fingers when I moved on to my manicure. Only problem? I took off my rings for the parrafin wax dip, and after all the massage and rubbing of my hands my fingers were too swollen to get my rings back on. Uh oh. I stuck them on my pinky and as I was walking to get my hairstyled by a bald guy wearing sequins, my rings went flying off my finger and under a seat in the waiting area. Then I smudged my effing thumb nail.

Off to get my hair blown out. First a shampoo and I thought he was going to squeeze my brains out. It was as though his hands were saying, “I may be wearing sequins, but I’m still a man.” Or… maybe he just really likes to squeeze the hell out of people’s noggins. I don’t know. Either way, dude worked some SERIOUS round brush magic making my hair all smooth and shiny. Love.

I wrapped up my day getting my make up done (including a reminder to USE MORE MOISTURIZER, because I’m, y’know, dehydrated).

Met my husband and went for dinner at the restaurant voted “Best Martinis” (#98 on my list). I ordered a mojito. I’m not one to be super picky, but a mojito isn’t really a martini. And you could put it in a martini glass, and it will be really quite lovely, but still? It’s not a martini.

april-016

I’m not saying I didn’t drink it all. Because whatever you want to call it, it was still yummy.

A fabulous day – after dinner and a movie, I was so wiped out even though it wasn’t even 10 p.m. It’s hard work to relax like that. Work I would happily repeat more than once a year.

Comments (1)

« Newer Posts · Older Posts »