53 Riverbank Run 2011 Re-cap

Last week blogger was acting up, my reading list was gone, i couldn't post, it was horrible!  But we seem to be back to normal around here... 

"normal"- hahahahahaha!!  Let's pray that never really happens!

Soooooo, Saturday was the big race that I've been training for: The 53 Riverbank Run in Grand Rapids, MI.

I started my day with this, because if it helps you climb a cliff surely it was going to help me run fast, right?

I was awake at 3AM, 4AM, 5AM and....got up at 6AM.  I'm the girl that (when I was about 10) threw up my OJ on the blue shag carpet in my parents "BLUE JEANS" van**if you don't know about "Blue Jeans" you need to read back!** as we headed into Disney... I tend to get a little nervous about stuff.  We met running buddy and followed her downtown, I'm SO thankful for her because she knew where to go, where to park, and where to pee...

In the ally behind this fence- there were great tall grasses and it was a 2 seater (actually about 40 of us could have peed back there).  

We then posed for a pre-race, post-pee picture

I love this gal!! She's a running STUD! 

Did you notice the puddles in the road?  It poured!!!  They started the 5k at 7AM and it was POURING, we started at 8 and by that time it was only misting, but that didn't mean I didn't have to swim across some giant puddles!

My running buddy totally set the pace for us, I can't tell you how thankful I am for her.  I knew if I could stick with her I'd be happy with my time.  Let me give you a play-by-play of my "self-talk" mile by mile

Mile 1 "Oh dear God, why did I do this?"

Mile 2 "OMG I hate this, why in &$*% did I want to do this?

Mile 3 "good grief I'm only 1/2 way done, 6.1 miles, what in the WORLD?!"

Mile 4 "OMG I feel awesome, my lungs feel great, my legs feel awesome, get movin' PSYCHO!" (as I'm running up a HILL, which is a nice touch 4 miles in, don't you think?

Mile 5 "Only 1 mile left, this is AWESOME"

at this point I'm coming back into the downtown and people are yelling and cheering and shouting "you're almost there, the finish line is around the corner"

Mile 6 "WHERE THE HECK IS THAT FINISH LINE??"

Finish Line: "that was AWESOME, I can't wait to do this again!!!!"

The blur in the pink hat, pink skirt and black top.... that's ME!  I finished # 918 out of over 2, 200 runners and was #21 in my age group. My time was 54:24. I wanted to turn around to some of the younger guys I was passing and yell "you're letting a 42 year old woman pass you- HAHA!"

After the race we got in line...

For all my friends that say they'll never run.... doesn't this tempt you just a little bit??

Yes, this is at 9 in the morning, don't judge! My other friend "Weed Lady" who also ran the 10k.

My Big supporter and photo journalist of the day: my Mister.

The Mister was so inspired he's running the 5k next year!  The energy and camaraderie of a race is VERY inspiring... so much so I'm SERIOUSLY thinking of the 25k next year, yep, that's over 15 miles!!

obligatory goof-ball shot

Now this next shot in NOT for the faint of heart, it's gross... I'm warning you....

This is what your foot (actually MY foot) looks like after running 6.1 miles in the rain and then hanging out in wet socks and shoes for over 2 hours...

Somebody get a toe tag!!

Hope you had a great weekend!!  Did you do anything fun?

The verdict is in...I really CAN'T draw!

So I have a BA in Fine Art and I can't draw.... shut up, it's true!  Ok, maybe I can draw better than that 104 year old man that drools in the nursing home and wears a diaper, but whatever! I want to draw, I really do! I'd be willing to give my left breast and although that's not a huge sacrifice (have you seen me?) it would be painful and strange.

My BFF, my mental twin, my partner in crime... the fabulous Chris of: Unusual Girl Studios  realized I need something to do besides blogging, pinterest, and color coding every one's closet so she pushed me to TAKE A CLASS at the local college of art and design.  

(you never know when drawing is gonna give you an asthma attack, hence the rescue inhaler!)

There were several options, but i WANNA draw so I stupidly obviously, signed up for "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".  It's based on a book by that one lady whose name escapes me at this moment...google it if you want, I'm too lazy right now!  I loved the prof, she is going to be SOOOOOOOOO much better/nicer than that cheese hole I had in college.  The room was approx 90 degrees, but hey, I'm comin off a 10 month long Michigan winter, I was good except for my contacts.  The heat dried every bit of moisture out of my eyes which is never pleasant. Back to the class: The class was painful, horrible, and terrible.  I can't draw, i mean, I CAN'T DRAW and so it's hard and painful and not 1 bit fun. At the very beginning the prof told us there was no magic pixie dust and that it was going to be a lot of hard work! WHAT?! Crap, I thought this class WAS magic... Don't think I'm getting all negative and whiny (which I totally am) I know it's going to be a lot of work and I'm willing to do it because I really want to draw, but that does not in any way mean I'm not going to whine my way to the end!!

We started with a self portrait and let me just say this is hard for me to post, it's THAT BAD (and although I am not begging you to tell me it's not that bad, feel free, but I know you'll be lying!).  You may also be saying to yourself "hard for her to post? the dork that posts pictures of herself sans makeup, brushed hair and cute outfits?  It's true... I hate how I draw and the overwhelming feelings of stupidity and self loathing that pop up when I draw (thanks cheese hole college prof!).  Don't get all Dr. Phil on me, I'm ok... seriously, I'm not that deep!

Ok, here it goes...

For the love of all that is HOLY tell me this does NOT look like me because if it does I'm going to go wash my face with battery acid! Although, I think I was pretty accurate with the dark circles under my eyes!

Yikes!

Did I mention the Mister thinks he's hot stuff 'cause he's got it goin' on with a college chick?  I reminded him 1 class did not really make me a college chick, but hey....whatever!

To justify why I look so bad in the above photo.... I ran this morning! I then iced my knee and am happy to report the swelling is down.  I'm taking tomorrow off and am ready to run my toenails off on Saturday morning!  That's how you know you're a REAL runner, you run so hard you crap your pants and tear your toenails off!!  Sounds fun, right!

What's that? You want a close up of my super sexy Victoria Secret model slippers?

Don't hate...appreciate!

'Cause I need to waste more time!!

"Pin It"

do you know what that means?  If you don't...run! Run far, run fast.  Or perhaps I should think of it as a way to save time?!.... 

Pinterest: an online bulletin board where you can "pin" everything you see online and want to save!  It's like crack for people like me!

go HERE!

I've only wet my toes so far, but it's a slippery slope people, a SLIPPERY SLOPE!  Not only can you "pin" stuff you like, you can follow people and see what they've pinned and once you're into that it's like a labyrinth!  

You can find blogs, flickr people you love, products you must have, clothes you'd die for...Oh it is NEVER EVER EVER ENDING!  I can't breath, I could possibly be having a panic attack- a pink glittery panic attack!  The amount of gorgeous, creative, glittery, whimsical fabulousness that is out there overwhelms me!!!

Since I started this post, I've added new "boards", pinned several items, and re-pinned...AND pushed the dog off my seat 3 times as he likes to lay by me and release toxic dog farts!  

I'm livin' the dream!

h

Here's my day today (in addition to pinterest):

Yesterday after I ran my right knee was stiff, then it looked like a softball... I have no idea what happened.  I'm laying low and keeping it iced all day.  You know I've got that race this Saturday! Grrr, injuries!

Maybe this messed up my knee, maybe I shouldn't be shaking my $ maker...

No, I definitely shouldn't!!!!

So now I can sit in my chair and make this cute hat and not feel bad that I'm being unproductive.  Ha, who am I kidding, do I ever feel bad about that!?!?

Hope you have a great day and if you check out pinterest....

don't say I didn't WARN you!

Good Morning!! I just ran 4 miles with my running pal.  We're both running the 10k this Saturday.  I told the Mister the other day I never in my life have considered doing a marathon, now it's not out of the realm of possibility.  Here's the problem, it's not that I don't think I could do it, it's more the problem of me getting bored 1/2 way through and taking a side route over to Hobby Lobby!  I'm going to start with the 10k and see how bored I am after 6 miles and then we'll see if I even want to consider a 1/2 or not... I just don't want to say "I'm training for a marathon" and then never do it and then again, I don't want to say I am, start training and realize there is NO way I'm doing it and have to be a failure.  So, I guess what I'm saying is: "I'm running at 10k on Saturday and I'll see ya at the beer tent when it's over!!".

Let's be honest, I run for the fashion...

 Don't worry, these went to Goodwill! If you're lucky you'll see your 90 year old neighbor wearing them while gardening this summer! Mmmmm, terry cloth!

 and the fame!!!

On a side note: blogger says I'm "not following" any other blogs.... my entire reading list is GONE! Let's hope they fix it because I follow a lot of you! If you notice your views are down by 1 person, it's ME!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you all had a nice weekend, if this isn't your mother, you probably did!!

source

(Dina Lohan, for those of you living under a rock!)

10 Random Things Friday...

1. Do you know of the super SWEET Lulu?  She's been a long time reader of chinamommy and was one of the 1st to ever buy something from my etsy shop!  She's adorable, talented, and sweet as pie and a teensy bit "dark"!  Make sure you stop by her blog: http://coastalsistersnews.blogspot.com/ Oh, did I mention I won her super CUTE giveaway?...

Lulu, thank you SO much!! We love them and Darling loved her "pixie dust" and gobbled that sucker right up!! We are definitely long lost sisters and need to meet up SOON at some fabulous art event- we'll wear matching stripey tights!!

2. I'm watching HSN right now, It's Martha Stewart Craft hour... I could SOOOOOO be that lady that sits around and orders crap off the TV.  Do you do that?  (Hey, there's some lady calling in from the South, is that you Angela?) I resist, the only thing I've ever bought from TV was the NutraSonic cleaner and I must say, I LOVE it!!

They've almost got me talked into buying the Martha Stewart Scoring Board!!  Ok, while typing this up, I'm trolling in another window and found it on amazon for $11 cheaper than HSN!  Yes, it's in my cart...

3. I ran all week with NO KNEE PAIN, I know you're all thrilled!! I'll be running the 10k in the River Bank run with a couple of my running pals!!! I've got to come up with my chinamommy running outfit... I've got a running skirt,  it's PINK!

4. You should see what someone left on this sweet lady's windshield this week...

Seriously?? Who does stuff like this?  Go read her post...

http://www.homebodyholly.com/

5.  I'm planning my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary!!! And by "planning" I mean, waiting till August to have a panic attack about how I should have been planning for the last 4 months!!  Feel free to pepper me with fabulous ideas....

6. I just convinced myself the Martha Stewart Scoring board has solved all my decorating problems for the 50th anniversary EXTRAVAGANZA!!!  I'd show you pictures of how, but I've spent over 30 min. trying to find some online, so look at the crappy picture below - if you squint your eyes, it makes the picture clearer....

7. I'm so excited about how my living room turned out, like "blabbering about my new baby" kind of excited... The fireplace isn't done, the trim isn't all up, new carpet is a must and, there needs to be more carni-junk but for now I'm just going to pretend it's ALL done, 'cause I LOVES IT!!! and you know... it was all about removing those dang faded red slip covers!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

(doesn't it look like those little suitcases by the fireplace are smiling at you?)

 (does someone want to come over and iron my slip covers??....)

8. It's kinda time to start thinking about my baby hat drive...See the tab at the top, you'll hear more near the end of summer (more as in: you're so sick of hearing about it you'll just send me a truckload of hats for these sweeties so I'll shut up!) but wanted to give you the heads up!

 Photo's of some of the kiddo's that got hats last year in the 1st Annual Chinamommy Baby Hat Drive.

9. Cause this is Random Friday

Here is another cool crafty blog that I found recently

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

Being a trophy wife is hard, sitting on the computer all day finding other cool blogs!  I could get hemorrhoids ya know! (yes, I had to spell check that one)

10. Wishing all you Mama's 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

and if you're not a mom, well, somedays it's not all it's cracked up to be, so go out to eat and just celebrate YOU!!

If your Mama is no long with you, I am sorry and I'm thinking of you friends!!

Hope it's sunny where you are!

Living Room Re-do

Whenever I do an interior project, I ALWAYS have a mini stroke during the middle.  I get the sweats, I try to add new styles, colors, and designs, I have feelings that none of it will work, just general "design anxiety". It's funny how you can do 1 little thing that can really help you turn the corner, for me, it was removing my RED slip covers.  We have Pottery Barn furniture with removable slip covers...  The RED was totally throwing me off and once I put new khaki ones on.... I was GOLDEN!! So I'm going to give you some sneaky peaks because it's NOT done.... You'll notice some "ratty" spots where there is no trim,  lack of tile on the fireplace or a spot where the carpet is torn away...

My colors are a little wacky... the couch is NOT grey...

 the wall is not grey/blue...

Ok, I'm off for a run, but wanted to share some peaks and let you know I am NOT in the fetal position naked and sucking my thumb- although it was touch and go for a moment....

Interior design nightmares....

Perhaps "nigh mare" is too strong of a word, but doesn't exaggeration always make for a better story?  OK, we're all tired of the Venetian plaster disaster story, and it's coming to an end; although I thought I could say that last week before i found the glob of paint in the bottom of the can...  One wall was white, one wall was streaky yellow and white ...  I went over it for the 4th time yesterday.  After I made that mess I decided we should paint the fireplace wall light blue... well, after that was painted my stomach hurt for 2 days knowing that wasn't going to work!  I finally came clean with the Mister and then we had that to fix (and by "we", I mean the Mister!!) with another layer of paint.  My walls are now 4 inches thicker with paint, that should help with the heat bills next winter!  

WINNING!

Dark, dreary green going to light turquoise (which looks baby blue)

 Light turquoise, which was pretty but did NOT go with all our bright artwork, but did look nice with the pastel Easter decorations.  Fireplace waiting for tile, windows waiting for trim...vacuum waiting to be put away.

So when it was time to repaint the wall, I took a suggestion from a friend;  the wonderful Angela of http://picklesonpizza.blogspot.com/ .  She suggested we use the same paint we'd used on our cabinets.

The true colors are a little hard to see since I live in dreary MI.  Trust me, it's SO much better!!  Thanks Angela!!

You'll also notice my new window trim is UP!! Yippeeeeee!  The fireplace is getting new tile tonight and then.... I need to get the mantel and walls decorated.  I'm thinking of making (another) fabric banner for the fireplace wall.  I love how the one in my bedroom turned out and it was easier than I thought.

I think a banner will help tie all my colors together.  I've been thinking over and over of how I want my house to look and what my style is...

This is what I want to do to our dining room set

So I think my style is shabby, vintage, carni junk!  Basically if the Queen of Shabby Chic: Rachel Ashwell would have a baby with a Carni, that baby would be my interior designer!  Do you think she's up for it?

I better run I have LOTS to do today!  

(Speaking of "run", I started running again and my knee isn't acting up so I'm off to sign up for my 10k, only 2 weeks of training left...gulp!)

**Happy Tuesday and make sure you let me know if there's a carni baby available for hire!!**