Flair

I like office supplies -post-it notes, rubber bands, paper clips, hole punches, pens, etc. My newest favorite pens are Paper Mate Flairs. They come in packages of 5 different colors. My planner to getting a color makeover - they are great for doodling and color coding stuff. And they are called Flair, what a great name.

Be at Peace

The end of the school year is always a hard time for me, there is so much going on. But this year it's even worst because I have so much of my own school work. With a stats project, a 10 page paper for Cultural Anthropology, finals, teacher's luncheon (which I'm in charge of), Girl Scout bridging ceremony, and book fair all happens within 2 weeks I'm feeling overwhelmed.

At times like this, I think back to one of my favorite quotes:

" If your life is in harmony...then your life is full and good, but not overcrowded. If it is overcrowded, you are doing more than is right for you, more than is your job to do in the total scheme of things." - Peace Pilgrim

Camping

This weekend I was at Girl Scout camp for outdoor training. I set up my tent all by myself.

We had a full weekend- hiking, archery, fire starting, knot tying, cooking, tent pitching, singing, and knife safety.

I used a latrine for the first time in my life, wow, that was an experience.

The weather was rather chilly. Friday night I froze and Saturday night it rained. I also realized that my Girl Scouts are not ready to camp out at a campsite; we are going to start with backyard camping this year.

We learned a lot of different ways to cook outside. This is a "vagabond" stove made from a coffee can, tuna can, corrugated cardboard, and wax, it's great for make grilled cheese or hot dogs. We also used a box stove, dutch ovens, and pie irons.

See Mommy Run

At the tri in Vegas, I saw a couple of ladies wearing this logo so I thought I would check out the website to see what it's all about. Turns out it's like meetup for mom's who run or walk. There are only a few members in Kansas and no active groups in my area. But the website has a simple training log and notebook to record your goals. I recommend it.

Google Pedometer

Since the weather is getting nice, I'm starting to run and bike outside again. Last spring I was using Nike+ to keep track of my distances but the battery died in the sensor and I'm putting off buying a new one. In the meantime, I'm using Google pedometer to estimate my distances.

Surprise!!

My wonderful husband threw me a surprise party on Sunday. I was so happy to have my friends there to help me celebrate my big 3-0.


Shelly and Angelique gave the "mother lode" of gifts, I bag filled will lots of goodies like socks, ginger candy, books, and cute little pink nalgene bottle.

Topeka Tinman

I'm talking Big D into doing a relay with me for the Topeka Tinman. I thought it would be a fun husband/wife bonding experience. D's going to do the 8 mile bike and I'm doing the swim and run. It should be an amusing tri for both of us.

Twitter

I'm giving Twitter a try. I know all my friends want to know what I'm doing every minute of the day. Actually, I am interested in what people do all day so you should join.

Knitting

With all the excitment my knitting has fallen by the wayside. I have been working on Giselle from Noro Joy for a month. I only a sleeve and a half and the long ties left. Maybe I will finish it by next month.

Relax and Recoup

I'm taking it easy this week - eating whatever I want and no training. My next scheduled race is Topeka Tinman in June, I think I will do the short course.

More Vegas

I had a couple more Vegas pictures I wanted to share with you. This was the view from our hotel room, we were on the 30th floor at the end of a very long hallway.

The weather was beautiful, in the 80's everyday. I wore my tank tops and sandals everyday. Unfortunately, the weather in Wichita was only 45 degrees on Sunday when I returned home.

Las Vegas

First, I'm going to give you what you want: pictures of Lia looking so dang cute with her little bump. In you case you were wondering, Lia is the same amazing, inspiring, rocking gal we all know and love, notice in the picture she doesn't have any shoes on. This is us at Red Rock Canyon, where we hiked on Friday.

This is us at the end of the Iron Girl. I had a great race and finished in 1:29:58. I was 29 in my age group (out of 84) and 136 overall (out of 463.) The course was beautiful. I was so happy I brought my wetsuit because the Lake Las Vegas water was about 60 degrees. It was freezing but I had a great swim (17:48.) The bike course had a lot of downhills and the run finished in the middle of Montelago Village Resort which was incredible.


We stayed on The Strip at Mandalay Bay. This was my first time in Vegas and I was overwhelmed (and over stimulated) by the lights, sounds, and people. We ate amazing food - lots of desserts. Our favorite stops were Whole Foods and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. I spent way too much at lucy; it's my new favorite store. It has everything a sexy tomboy, like me, needs.

Lia looked so cute with her little "baby bump." I'm so excited for her and I know she will be a great mom. If you are interested, we are planning another girl's adventure next year and we would love to have some company.

Vive Las Vegas!

Think fast thoughts for me on Saturday morning!!

Bike Boxed

This box contains my bike, ready to travel on the plane with me.

My sickness is getting better, thanks to Mucinex. I missed last week of training but it was a taper week anyways so I'm not too concerned. I think I'm ready.

Today's water temperature in Lake Las Vegas: 63 degrees. Looks like the wetsuit is a go.

I have tried to deny it but the truth is: I'm sick. It hurts to breath and cough, I have a fever and headache, my whole body is achy especially my hip joints, and I have a weird rash on my left hand, under my arms and the inside of my left leg. I'm just staying in bed and resting. If it doesn't easy up over the weekend I will have to go to the doctor on Monday.

Wetsuit

My computer seems to be working now but I think it's time for a new laptop.

Here's me in my wetsuit.