Cubs on the Run ...

You may or may not realize this, but I have a hard time saying no. I am confident in my abilities and I often take on more things than I should. Usually, everything gets done and we all walk away in one piece, but sometimes that just isn't the case.

At this current moment of time, I have the following OFFICIAL titles:

• Full-Time Stay-At-Home Mom (and all of the zillion non classified titles that come with that)
• Small Business Owner - TMB Endurance Training and TMB Endurance Bands
• Marathoner
• Vice President of Licensing for Ashland Community Preschool

It's a lot. And J works long hours and travels, so I don't always have a support team in place. I'm not complaining. I like our chaos. But with that said, I was PLANNING on saying NO to anything else that came my way.

Well, that was the plan. Until a notice was sent home from Dizzle's school. It was a request for parent volunteers. Parent volunteers who like to run. (You can see where this is going, right?)

HOW COULD I SAY NO?

Here's the deal. Dizzle's school is launching a running program called "Cubs on the Run." It's objective is to get kids moving. To show them that running for fitness can be fun. That running is not another sport's punishment. (Did I mention how I COULDN'T say no?)

I tried not to get involved. I really did. I even called G to have her remind me that I already had TOO MUCH going on. (She failed to do that and told me to volunteer.)

So, I ended up volunteering and Dizzle joined the group (as if she really had a choice in the matter.) This morning was the first session. And can I just say that it was SO MUCH FUN?

The group is small. There are only 12 children in the program. But every last one of them was so excited to be there. We started by walking a few warm-up laps and then let the kids see how many laps they could run in six minutes. Dizzle, the youngest in the group, finished 4.5 (just shy of half a mile) while some of the older children ran 6 or 7. We hope that we can repeat this exercise at the end of the four weeks to show the kids how their hard work has paid off.

You know, I'm kind of happy I didn't say no ...

Three and a Half Things Thursday (vacation edition) ...

Once upon a time, there was a girl. A girl who hated Thursdays. A girl who prayed every week for Thursday to not happen. But her wish was never granted. Instead, she was left to deal with all the stress-inducing things that would come her way. Until today. Because, today she is saved by Three (and a half) Things Thursday, Vacation Edition ...

1. J and I are going to Key West for the next five days. It is the FIRST vacation we have taken alone since our honeymoon, six years ago. It has been booked for a year and we are beyond excited that it is finally time to go. (Note: This trip was J's 30th birthday present from me. I turn 30 in two years. He's going to have to try to top this trip. Just saying.)

2. There are a lot of things I am looking forward to during this trip. Swimming without worrying that the people around you might drown. Not wiping anyone else's butt. Taking a nap in the sand. Eating dinner after 5 p.m. (that doesn't happen in my house). Running the streets of Key West with my love by my side. Not waking up because someone is screaming. Going to the bathroom in private. But more than anything, I am looking forward to NOT STRESSING. I won't have to manage my household. Or other people's schedules. I know my kids will be well taken care of. Plus, my life is LOUD. Like sonic boom loud. And five days of peace and quiet is pretty much my idea of heaven.

3. It would be overwhelmingly obvious to anyone who opens my luggage to know that I am a runner. I would say that 15% of my bag is filled with non-running gear. Between my Mizunos, skirts, and socks there is little room for much else. Well, other than my Garmin and handheld water bottle and iPod and GU and Clif Bars and Sweaty Bands ...

3.5. And speaking of getaways and running, yesterday I won a free entry to the Rock 'N' Roll Chicago Half Marathon from Sof Sole. Now, I just need to plan the trip. Anyone else running this?

food for thought ...

Yesterday afternoon, I was reading the absolutely hysterical blog, If I can't convince you - - I'll at least confuse you, authored by Emz. She posted a challenge to her readers, I'll show you mine FIRST. Will you show me yours?

Never one to say no to a challenge, I whipped out my camera. And here it is ...

Obviously, I live in a house with small children. 101 alphabet magnets. Photos. And Polly Pockets (sitting on top). But those, two pieces of paper on the front - My current training plan and J's. We are a family on a fitness mission.

OK. I've shown you mine. Will you show me yours?

Go. Grab your camera.

Open your fridge door and take TWO pictures. One of the inside ...

And one of the door ...

No tidying. No cleaning. No hiding any guilty pleasures ...

Then, mention the following:

• A few things you like in there: CHOBANI!! In addition to that box, there are another 10 hidden behind things. Banana peppers - I can eat them right out of the jar. Strawberries - mixed in Chobani with a half cup of Wheaties Fuel. Yumtastic!


• What you can't live without: Chobani Greek Yogurt (obviously), milk (I am a cereal addict), hot sauce (it goes on EVERYTHING),


• What you should live without that is currently in there: The condiments. Most of them are past their expiration.


• What you wish were in it: Blue cheese, sauteed onions and diced apples. I really feel like having a turkey burger topped with all of that ...

Well? What are you waiting for? Go take your pictures. And while I am bossing you around, don't forget to enter my Whooha Gear Giveaway. It ends tonight!