Sort of a survey while I am away....

I have always thought about a tattoo as my husband has one but I am a firm believer in getting something you will like forever.
I only have 2 things I would love forever..... Oh wait besides the family and all that crap.
Volkswagens and Frosting - So as I was looking for some photos for my blog and came upon this pic.
What would be better than a cupcake tattoo'd on my body. I need something to remind me of how I got to 306 lbs. Maybe I will get it on my wrist and every time I am thinking of eating a sugary delight I will snap an elastic band on my wrist. Ouch!! Isn't that a form of therapy ??
Or you will find me sitting in my closet licking my tattoo on a really bad day.
Maybe a Volkwagen tattoo would be a better idea?

Point Sebago Resort

http://www.pointsebago.com/

12 Hours and counting.

Ever go camping 5 hrs from home with a 5 and 2 year old? I think I have packed every item in my house. I am also pretty strapped so if we bring it from home we don't have to buy it on the road.

We had one of the best vacations I have ever had last year so I am hoping for a repeat. I now have "The Beast" so I am very worried.

After our last camping trip I have decided to bring a pack and play to herd her in and hopefully she and I will get some sleep.

This picture is of the main beach and boat area. It is great here. Tons of activities for all ages 3 years and up.

I will be off the net for a while unless my Mom brings her laptop on Tuesday. I will post on how many family members return safe and sound from this trip.

Running day 2 of week 8

I am trying to keep up with the required 3 runs a week to complete the Couch to 5K program. I am almost done - it is complete in 9 weeks.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Typical of myself I have already run 2 5k races so I jumped ahead a little but now I am just trying to keep up with the running 3 times a week. I am now back to running with the jogging stroller so I think I should get extra credit for the added weight of pushing the stroller.

Anyway my new goal is to just run for 3 days . Speed is NOT is the picture right now. Today I ran at about a 12:30 pace which is slower but it was a very hilly terrain and humid day so that is good enough for me.

E Falmouth People- Rt 28 at John Parker to Oxbow to Brick Kiln to Homestead Ln and back down Rt 28 to John Parker. It was a walk/run due to the hills but I got it done in 33.5 minutes and it measures 2.7 miles.

Fooseberry Bags - A plug for myself

I am going to give myself a plug. I am making bags. Sort of a quick, around town, hold your wallet, cell phone and keys type bag.

I sold some last night so this is the only one I have left that I took pictures of.

One side has a zipper and the other has a pocket to slide your sunglasses or something in. It could have velcro if you want.

If you like them send me a message. I can make them in any color you would like or any mix or solid you are looking for. I have material to make about 10 more in the future so I will update some photos of the completed ones. I plan on working on some more this week while away.

I am selling them for $15-$20 depending on the material and added decoration.

I am considering doing a craft fair in the Fall as I am having fun and can only make so much for my own use. I will attach some photos of other bags I made for an idea. The last photo is the bag I carry and it is holding up well. I carry it everyday and it actually needs to be washed. I try to use all cotton or polyester so every bag is machine washable.

Charlie's Angels of 2025

Look at these Angel's.

Carlie, Olivia and Ava cooling in the wagon today. Boy they were getting licked by Caleb too.

End of a Rainbow

See it??? Cell phone pic I think.

My Mom just sent me this photo of a rainbow over my house.

COOL!

I needed this. Thanks Mom.

2nd photo was fixed by Joe Santa Claus- Thanks!!

Mr FB is a Grouch!!

As I said I am going camping this weekend for a week. I am on the web looking for neat things to cook for the week. I love to cook but don't much anymore as I work nights and microwaving it after sucks. I have gathered a few delish ideas and of course dessert is on the list. I just called my husband to see if we can borrow a friends pie iron to make pie over a campfire. Know what Mr FB says-" See this is why you shouldn't have had that surgery. You are going to gain it back eating all this crap."

I admit I am not the stellar post-op patient but I enjoy my life and do the best I can. You all know the stats- had RNY last February and have lost 130 lbs. Pretty F'ing good. I eat candy which I shouldn't but run which I can now but never could before. So PFFFTTTT!!!!

Oh by the way can I get the phone number to the campground so he can book a golf cart. I said Walk Bitch!! I am at least walking to the beach and the ice cream stand - not driving.

So there.... Read on for the delish things I will be cooking next week. You are all welcome to come up and eat too. I took some recipes from Pioneer Woman to try and want to do some old fashion girl scout cooking on the fire.

We have 2 birthdays so I got a plan to cook cake on the fire in cans. You all should have gotten my plea for tuna cans. I need a bunch so call me if you have them and I will pick them up.

Cowboy steak sandwiches

Waffles

BLT's

Meatballs( I think these will be pre-cooked and brought along.)

Pineapple upside down cake and gingerbread-Happy Birthday

Fish in foil with Salsa ( had it last night for dinner YUM!)

Lobster if we can afford it- I mean it is Maine.

Stuffed jalapenos

Cherry pie

I am bringing the crock pot even -

Anything you want to add just post a good idea. I have 3 days to get my camper packed with ingredients.

Camping Run

In an effort to keep up the running I went to Map My Walk and found a route that is just shy of 3 miles to keep me on track. In order for me to keep off the 4 lane highway I have to use the campgrounds service road that is dirt and a huge hill so I am not sure how this will go but I know myself. No plan=No running.
6.5 weeks until the Falmouth Road Race!!

A Novice Gardener

Although my friends are avid gardeners I am not. This was a present last year that I stuck in the ground, now it is about 3 feet tall and ready to bloom from about 4 or 5 more buds. Last years present is this years beauty.

This is a cell phone photo so not great- It is actually a deep red.

Also I FINALLY got my back yard hydroseeded. (Remember that was my Mother's Day present in May.) I have had enough of the dirt bowl and so I made some threats to Mr FB and it got done. We are leaving for camping this weekend so we have to get a reliable lawn babysitter to water while we are away. I would hate to lose it before we even mow it.

I am also going to try to get a run in today. I have to get it in gear baby if I want to be a runner when I grow up. A co-worker says he ran a million miles before work this morning. I don't remember the exact amount of miles but I was just awestruck that he runs marathons. Why do I want to be this type of person? I am not sure. It's crazy but it comes from inside somewhere.

Joe - I will be looking for you on the running route with your new sneakers!!

I will update on the exciting grass growing on another day.

Strawberry Festival

Every year we try to get to the St.Barnabas Strawberry Festival and this year we made it again. I usually try to go early but as you read I was running this morning. The downside was it was busier by noon and they had run out of watermelon but it was still fun. I guess there was some problem with the strawberry harvest so no berries were for sale but the shortcake was still fabulous. We jumped in the Jumpy and played some games so it was a sucess in kids eyes. Isn't

hat all that counts. No face painting but whip cream face photos to follow.

Mashpee Fun Run

Today Joe (Thanks for the photo Mrs C.) and I ran the Mashpee Fun run. It sucked!!

I felt like I was going to die from about the 1st 20 feet and it didn't get better until it was over. It was the first year of the race so it had a few bugs like NO water during the race. Joe says they told him they didn't think it was a long enough run to have a water station. Yeah Thanks!! I think I had dust coming out of my mouth by the time I got back to starting point.

I am happy to say I lowered my time from last weekend by about a minute.

This week I finished in 34:21 making it a 11:05 pace!!

Upcoming races

It is official - I am a listed runner on the Falmouth Road race website as of today. No backing out and no returned check.

I am also running in the Mashpee Fun Run tomorrow. I have only run 1 day this week since the last 5K so I am again just looking to finish. I am a bit worried about who else may be running as it is back close to home.

I will update you Saturday night.

Took the wind out of his sails today

Today was the last day of Caleb's baby making time. Sorry to say he was booked and cooked at the Vet today. He did well and when I picked him up he was still a little drunk. You remember the days when you wobble a bit and pee on your own leg. Poor Guy!!

I just talked to Dad and he seems to be doing well. He is still not interested in eating but went for a walk and wanted to play with another dog. I guess he is coming back to his normal self.

Now I just need to find a way to teach him some manners. I am looking into some local training that I can afford and fit into my schedule-UGH!!

I hope this will help curb a little of the spunky-ness( is that a word?) and the training will finish him up. He has the potential to be a good boy with a little help.

Frankenstein Lip

Ok, Scary up close nostril pictures are not cool I know but this is the best up close of the mole that I have had for many years. Monday I had an appointment to have it removed.


To avoid a pucker he cut a longer line and used 5 stitches to close it. After I had the best Angelina Jolie lip and hope that it never goes away.
The yellow glow is a picture problem not my skin. It is healing well and the outside stitches come out tomorrow.

So that explains the Frankenstein Lip!

My Life is a Tilt-A-Whirl

That is the best way to describe it. One minute you are just going around in a circle then in a second you are spinning at 100mph and holding on tight. So on with my day....

I have my oldest daughter's Preschool graduation today at 10am and I am not prepared. What else is new. I have been sewing for fun and I thought it would be nice to make the teachers (2) a little purse for a Thank You gift. My friend was a teacher and told us all about the crappy and same gifts teachers are given every year so I thought this would be fun and different. BUT of course I forgot to get the right color ribbon for the 2nd bag and had to sew it this morning before school. No problem right??

My sister called at like 7:45 to say she thinks she just blew the motor in her car and she needs a ride and someone to pick up her car. Earl is off to a job so I tell her to stay put as I have to load O on the bus and I will come get her in Centerville.

After I pick her up she tells me I need to bring her PAST the school to borrow a car so I scream into graduation after she has walked down the aisle-UGH!!!!

Luckily I have not missed anything yet.

Next I take her home and no one is home as Earl is still picking up the broken car so I load everyone back in the car because I have an eye doctors appointment. Luckily it was quick because the beast had not had a nap.

When I arrive home my Mom is luckily home. The beast crashes for a nap and I run out for a quick appt. ( can't have bushy eyebrows and a frankenstein lip-I'll explain later)

When I return I tell my daughter to get her shoes on and we are going to take the dog down to the bog for a run. This is where my day turns the corner.

She rides her scooter and we bring Caleb and his hedgehog toy. If you know the area it is now an unused bog that is left natural and the river running thru it was dredged a while ago to help the herring run.

At one end is a walk way along the river that has a stair case into the woods- Beautiful. We go down the path and I hear a huge Kurplunk! So I figure Olivia is throwing rocks and I turn around and Caleb has jumped into the water and is swimming toward us. I guess he thought it was faster to swim than walk the path. We leave after we get caught in the thorny overbrush and decide to walk around the 1st section of bog throwing hedgehog all the way. We are having a great time singing- Over the river and thru the woods to Gramma's house. When we get to the middle where you can cross the bog and come back there is another outlet for the water to feed thru and it is cool and sandy. Caleb and Olivia are now both in and playing around. Well before you know it we are walking the length of the bog back towards the start in the river-Olivia, Caleb and I.

I haven't laughed and had such a good time in a long time. It was great. I only wish I had my camera. I took these after just so you would know the places we have been and it only took an hour to undo the whole days stress.

Caleb the Crazy

I have many super pictures of the dog and my 2 year old getting along fabulously this past weekend. He was a little tweaked I think in the camper which only felt smaller with a dog running back and forth.

He had a couple of run-ins with some other dogs at the camp ground so I am now thinking he is not a dog to F with.

We got home and have had a few accidents. Well i wouldn't call them accidents when you come from outside and into the garage and take a dump on the floor right in front of me. That is just giving me the bird.

Last night we went to Hyannis and left his out of the kennel as my sister was home. This was not enough attention for him I guess so he climbed on my bed, onto my bureau and eat a gingerbread house my daughter made for Christmas. I found some crumbs and a milk carton mashed into the floor.

Well he is so full of piss and vinegar I decided to put it to good use. I ran him.

I warm up walk for 5 minutes so he could pee and sniff but after that I made him run for 25 minutes. No sniffing, no pee-ing on every branch - Run sucker.

When we returned he snoozed and was a little less of an Ass.

We will see.

Normandy Farms Camping

It was a great place to stay and I barely saw the place. It was only a weekend stay and I spent it all in 3 places. Playground, pool or walkng the dog.

He is way to energetic to go camping. All the other dogs are lying around and he was figgety. He kind of kicked the asses of 2 dogs too- Not pretty.

The weather on Saturday was perfect for sitting in the pool, which is mostly what I did.

Sunday it was raining when we woke up so we went out to breakfast for Father's Day. When we got back it was still pouring so we packed it up and headed home. All in all I would love to go back. It was close to home and extremely nice.

Walpole Village Fair 5K

I am so excited to say I ran 95% of it. This is the closest picture I could find to show you one of the hills. I never even picked up on the description- Rolling hills. Idiot!!

I got there almost late but thanks to my girl Carla she helped me find it. I left my family at the campground and decided to do this thing on my own. I do that when I am trying something new. I am too afraid to fail in front of others I guess.

Anyway I go back and dump my crap in the car-they give you tons of crap- shirt- flyer-ect and stretch real quick before people are making there way to the starting point.

A cop is yelling directions to us but no one around me is listening. I am trying but they are all chatting- I am freaking nervous and can't hear a thing. All I hear is STAY TO THE RIGHT.

As we are waiting a girl behind me is giving advise to a friend that has never run it so I figure I better listen up. She says it's OK expect for Allen St it is like this.... and holds her hand vertical and she says it goes on forever.

Well it went pretty good until I am dying for some water and I get to the only water station and they have run out of cups. SHIT- so I run by.

Next around the corner was Allen Street- I walked it. It was so inclined I could walk it faster than run. It was so steep it felt like a stair master.

I finished in 35:27. I am psyched. It is a 11:26 mile and all I want to do is under 12.

I think I will be OK for Saturday as long as it isn't 90 degrees because it is flat but we will see.

He's a Runner!!

We were out on the road at like 6:50am. Not wanting to be but needed to get a run in and burn off some steam. I wasn't sure how he would be but he has tons of energy so lets direct it. We walked for 5 minutes and got the bathroom stuff taken care of( I thought ). He ran with little problems -even though it was trash day in our neighborhood and the pee on every tree thing.

I forgot to write down the plan so we improvised- 10 min run/5min walk/6min run. We should have ended with an eight minute run but 2 dogs wanted to meet us.

BTW HE is a boy although I keep finding myself saying and typing she- Sorry to confuse.

I missed some of the arm motion of jogging holding the leash so we need to work on that but for the first day it went pretty well.

Saturday I am running a 5K in Walpole http://www.villagefair5k.com/ It is about a 15 minute drive from Normandy Farms where we are camping for the weekend. Also out of my regular space so I don't know anyone or where I am running. I kind of like that. I want to just try it on my own.

When I get back I will be sure to update.

Blog List

I got rid of the Blog List - it was too wordy. Funny coming from me- I am usually too wordy.
I like the cleaner look of the regular list. So visit some of the places I visit.

An eye update. The doctor says it seems to be an inflammation of my eye and I need to use steroid drops 4x a day. They kind of sizzle and foam up- Pleasant here at work. It is equal to dropping some peroxide on a cut but in my eye- Fabulous.

Caleb is doing good. He is still barking at the cat under the bed and I am a little afraid of what will happen if he gets a hold of Fatcat. I hate to admit it but my money is on Fatcat. I just don't want it to happen in front of the kids. I carried Fatcat to the basement for some rest in the cool air yesterday. He snoozed in the laundry but when I came home he was back under the bed. He came up on my bed last night so he must know that Caleb is in the kennel in the kitchen and he is safe.
I am also leery about this dog. It is almost going too well. He is good with the kids and not much of a snack dog. He walked over some split Doritos numerous times. He does like some of Olivia's stuffed animals so we are going to have to get him some toys. He gives them back with out a fight and I have walked up and taken some out of his mouth but he does enjoy throwing them around and rolling around with them before he gets caught. Pretty cute.
He also likes diapers- Ava Flava the stripper took her diaper off in the back yard. She was only wearing a long T shirt so I didn't notice until I picked her up and all I had in my hand was raw meat. Anyway I go searching for this diaper and he is tossing it around and playing with it in the backyard. Gross!!
I may be wrong but I think the smell thing has got to do with the Balls. They have to go. I think his hormones may get him into some trouble. Good news is he is not going into the litter box-Yet!

So share your thoughts on cat/dog love and diaper love if you have any.

My Good Eye

This will only make sense to my close friends that know about my " Good Eye".

I seem to be having some trouble with the bad eye. I feel like I have a pulled muscle in my eye if that makes sense. If I look up or in circles( I know that sounds crazy) I get some dull pain. It also was watering a bit earlier. I looked on the Internet but that was ridiculous - It varied from pink eye to disease of the eye so I just closed it out. The web doctor crap is too far out.

Tomorrow I will just try to get an appointment with an eye doctor and let him look into my brain and see what is broken.

Maybe I will be able to wear a pirate patch again?? Brings back memories from 3rd grade. If I can find THAT photo I will post it. My daughter once asked why I was a pirate on Santa's lap.

Ladies and Gentleman... Meet Caleb.

This is Caleb. We got him today from a man that is leaving for military school and needed to find a home for him.We met him and liked him him right away. He is sniffing his way around the house. Ava has already tried to feed him a cracker and we had to wrestle it them away from both of them. I think he has already found his partner in crime.
He is 1 ys and 3 months old and VERY active. He may start to miss his brother so are trying hard to give him tons of love. He ran around the backyard like a whirlwind and then took it slow smelling it all in.
I think all will be fine after he settles down a bit and we get some school for us both. He already listens well but is sniffing my trash can as I write this. I admit we got lazy on the dog rules because Kohl never really took trash - she got fed so well by the kids.

Scooby Doo Party a Success

The Birthday Girl.
Hunting for Scooby Snacks.
The Mummy Game was hysterical!!


We had a great time although it felt like 1000 degrees. We did our best to stay in the shade. I want to Thank everyone who came and hope you enjoy the photos.

What does a Heart Attack feel like??

Today was day 3 of week 5. It was supposed to be the longest run so far-20 minutes.

I woke up like a "B" and just plain exhausted so I slammed around the house and swore under my breathe while I cleaned. I finally passed the mommy torch to daddy and went back to bed at about 8am.

When I woke up they had gone out to breakfast so I decided to get dressed and get the run done for the day. It is F' ing HOT today. I probably would have been better doing it at 6:30 when I first woke up.

I didn't measure the distance in advance but I did go a different route that included hills. Why I don't know. I just ran for 10 minutes and turned around and started back. I only made in for 15:40 and had to walk for 2 minutes. I did want to run back to my starting point and that ended up being 21:18.

All in all I am pretty happy with the results given the heat and the fact that the longest I had run previous to this was 8 minutes.

I also calculated my pace to be 11:57-below 12 minutes. Not bad.

Look who's five!!

I can't believe she is 5 already-Not that she doesn't act like she is 25 some days. She went off to school with some cupcakes for her birthday party at school. She also has a birthday party at Gramma's tonight with family.

Sunday is the big shin-dig with her friends.

Scooby Doo - A theme we all love too. We are going to be playing a game where the kids need to wrap someone up in toilet paper like a Mummy and the first to do it gets a prize. That ought to be a riot.

We are hoping to have at least OK not raining weather as the party is supposed to be at the Science Playground. It is awesome there with tons of things to do. Hope to see you there.

Missing Blogger

I am looking for the mother of this child. She used to have a blog and that was my normal way of keeping up on her life.

She is missing!!!

I have searched the web and recent posts from her and nothing but a grey face.

Where are you my friend?? Call me.

I have a birthday party Friday night and Sunday afternoon but want to get together and chat.

Keep in touch- Are you mad that I have spoken to an old friend?? Rememeber I still love you.

LOL ;-)

Perfect Summer Dish

I made this yesterday and it is the new love of my life. I replaced the bulgur with brown rice but otherwise it is the same as the recipe.

It is served cold and after some chopping it is super easy to make. Well after I peeled the kids off my leg-They only need you when you are trying out a fabulous new recipe.

I would suggest it to all. Change what you don't like but it is worth it.

Yummo !!

Thanks again MM!

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/shrimp-and-feta-tabbouleh-salad