3.5

I am so proud of myself today! I ran 3.5 miles! Yea me. Starting running this summer was the best thing I could have done for myself. Now the goal is to keep this momentum going. I can't believe I'm going to do this, but I'm going to complete a triathlon by next year.

I can do this right? Half mile swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 miles.

I know it's trendy these days to be a tri-athlete but really, if I don't commit to it now -- I'll never do it. And my body isn't getting younger. My metabolism is slowing so I can't sit and eat a whole pan of brownies and not think I'm going to see or feel it the next day.

Since I've decided to pay attention to my body, I realize that the face staring back in the mirror has aged. Really, age lines and discoloration. :( Sad. I guess for years I've been able to look at pictures from a certain time frame of my life and still see myself the same way. I'm not talking college pictures then jump to today. I see differences from last year's pics.

Alone in weight, I've gained 8 lbs from last year. 8 lbs makes a difference, no matter what type of body you have. Women sense every pound. I have never had a weight gain like that other than my "freshman fifteen". Since then, I've been a steady weight. Before my girls, inbetween my girls and then after. But over the course of Jan 08 - Jun 08, I gained 8 lbs.

Needless to say, I begin my triathlon training.

Priceless Smiles

The last few weeks have been stressed and busy. Labor Day weekend, sorority recruitment, multiple Madison trips, Olivia's first day of preschool, Chay's birthday, and Chicago house rented! That about sums it up.

Labor Day weekend Chay took the girls to his parents and I had a mini-weekend to myself. The best Saturday I could ask for. Those who know me well won't be surprise that I shopped, but this time I shopped for me! Afternoon shopping for a friend (love how I can pick great choices for my friends but can't do the same for me!), PF Chang's lettuce wraps (yum!), Victoria Secret shopping and Starbucks coffee and B&N browsing. I love all these things normally but with none within reach these days, it was extra special. Pure bliss, I tell you.

I think Chay's birthday this year brought him more joy than any other year. He's always been anti-birthday, anti-any holiday for whatever reasons but I think I may be making progress. The only thing he wished for this year was his girls singing "Happy Birthday" to him. Ask, and you shall receive. Our girls LOVE birthdays so this was an easy request. Smiles all-around are priceless in these photos:

1st Day of Preschool

Olivia was out of my sight before I could even tell her I'd be back in one short hour to pick her back up. I had to call her back for a hug & kiss. "Ok, Bye Mom!" and off she went.

This is the 3 year old blurr that left my side this morning:

She loved her first day! What Mom could complain.