NYS Fair

 Mom, Papa Bear, Jen, Little Dude and I went to the State Fair a few weeks ago.  I hadn't been in a really long time and was beyond excited for the little things that I remembered from being a kid.  The butter sculpture, 25 cent glasses of the most delicious chocolate milk, the bridge with a different painting on it, the sand sculpture and of course all kinds of animals (with the little ducklings in their pool with a slide being my favorite).

 It was a really neat Dr. Seuss sand sculpture with all sorts of characters and those tongue twisters from the books.  But the bridge was gone.  It should be in the area where the building entrance is but now is a bunch of flowers.  Perhaps it just kind of crumbled and they didn't rebuild.  Disappointment from Jen and I but we did enjoy sitting in the shade with a nice breeze while mom went to get Papa Bear a baked potato for $1.  She didn't want to wait in line for over an hour and walked up to a lady near the front and offered to buy her a potato and drink if she would get a potato for my mom as well.  Hmm, who wouldn't go for the free food and a drink if offered?

 I had to laugh at the cows all buttered up and ready to be judged.  I also felt bad for them since they looked like they needed to go and help make our chocolate milk.  While they were walking they were "leaking" milk everywhere.

 Maybe it didn't smell as bad as you would think in the cow barn because they were washed, blow dried, buzz cut and then shellacked with a variety of products as evidenced in the bin below.  Must be nice to be a State Fair cow instead of back at the farm munching in the fields attracting flies.

 I got a kick out of the sign in the bathroom that said NO Tipping.  Obviously it was meant for an employee who might be cleaning up but still, in the cow barn bathroom.  It's ok to laugh.

 The biggest reason we all went was so Michael could see his first concert.  We took turns dancing with him and he was moving/shaking/smiling the entire time.

I had the pleasure of entertaining the Little Dude on the car ride home so he wold go to bed about his normal time.  I am going to toot my own horn here and say I did a good job with the help of some Baby Einstein thing Jen pulled up on the phone (I make a good "tv" holder) and then just making sil

Last day in Florida (part 3)

Remember me telling you how mom and Debbie thought the skirts were so comfy and amazing?  So much so that they took them out for a cruise around town to take in some sights.  And craziness followed with them thinking they were going to get in major trouble as Miss New Hampshire sported some Boston Red Sox gear at the Tampa Bay Rays stadium (Sox were in town for a game too).  She had me take a photo of her in her skirt "mooning" but that is on her phone.  Crazy, just like I told you.  

 Then we sat in the parked car for about 20 minutes as a terrible rain storm blew through the area with thunder and lightning.  I was intrigued by this tree:

 I got out to take a few photos of it since it was very unique looking.  Upon a closer look what you think is dangling moss is actually like a branch with roots stretching towards the ground.  That might explain why the tree looks like it has a massive trunk but closer you see some gaps in it.  I guess it "drops" roots and grows the diameter of the tree.

See how it looks like a lot of trees really close to each other.  This is a tree to be "afraid" of if you are like me and think plants are going to go Adam's family on you and eat you/wrap a vine around you and snatch you up.  Yup, irrational phobia of living plants (and dead ones too).

 The street near where we were parked.  We were quite amused while parked as well by the people walking by on their way to the Warped tour.

 Weather cleared up quickly and we stopped by the beach just to put our toes in the sand.  The water was quite warm and not very refreshing.  Perhaps if it had been a lot hotter, but in my opinion temps in the 90's are hot enough.

 I went to take a nice photo of them and mom thought she'd try to toss her to the ground.  They really are a bunch of goofs that keep you and each other laughing.

 Still laughing/smiling from the fight to topple each other over.

 We went to Wal-Mart (you never know what you will find) and it is fun to people watch.  After we stopped at a cup cake place and got these yummies.  That afternoon we went for a swim in the pool and took a nap before meeting Debbie's boyfriend for dinner.  He is a really nice guy and he makes her happy so that counts for a lot.

Florida in July (part 2)

I got up kind of early (not really) and went for a 4 mile run around the Downtown Disney area.  It was not crowded at all either when I went back after it just opened to pick up a coffee mug for someone who chipped theirs.  I loved the topiary of Lady and the Tramp so I had to take a photo.  

 We checked out of our hotel that we got a fantastic deal on and was just across the street from the entrance to Downtown Disney.  We ate breakfast at the Sizzler.  I am glad we tried this place because I remember them referencing it on Full House and was always curious.  Not a favorite of mine (most all you care to eat buffets are not).

 We stopped at a nearby Target to check out their Disney merchandise since the ones near Disney carry a lot of it compared to a "normal" Target.  Mom bought a chocolate chip cookie that got a little melty in the heat and dripped down her face.  When she licked it off her fingers she couldn't figure out why more appeared on her fingers.  Then she took a selfie.

 She always has me cracking up.  There was an RV place along the highway and part of their advertisement is this:

 I thought it looked cool on the way up to Disney so I made sure to take a picture on the way home since I was too slow on the way there.  We stopped at SparkleSkirt head quarters on the way back to Debbie's since a custom my mom had ordered was due in to the store in the next day or two.  We totally lucked out as her custom and my custom were in the store fresh from the sewing facility.  Whomp, whomp going home with a total of 5 skirts for me and a pair of mudd buster shorts.

 Love the sign on the bridge as we leave Tampa for New Hampshires apartment.  They got a massive downpour that afternoon with crazy loud thunder and basically no lightning (that I saw).  She has a great little corner apartment that overlooks the pool and courtyard type are so it is quiet.  We called it an "early" night and took a nap before going to a decent pizza place and then bed.

mini-vacation to Florida

My Momma and I had a mini-trip to Florida to visit Miss New Hampshire.  We were a little delayed getting into the Tampa airport but finally made it and settled in at Debbie's around 2:30am.  This would be a whirlwind trip since we arrived Wednesday early am (our 2:30 bedtime) and departed at 6am Saturday.  Plenty of time for my mom and her best friend to get into trouble and for me to bail them out (trouble, yes.  bailing out, no--thankfully).

We started our Wednesday off by sleeping in before heading to SparkleSkirt headquarters.  I am obsessed with my SparkleSkirts and this was on the way to Disney so we just had to stop.  I loved looking at the rows and rows of skirts and picking out a few new lovelies to take home.

 Of course they have a red carpet down the center of their warehouse.  My mom and Debbie decided to try on a skirt.  Debbie came out of the dressing room and was very surprised by how comfortable it was.  Both of them left with a skirt and proceeded to wear them the rest of the afternoon and very much enjoyed being "hands free."  Meaning they didn't have to carry a purse or other stuff since they shoved it in the leg pockets and waist band zippered pocket.

 I was excited to see this sign:

 We also stopped in the Disney-esqu town of Celebration to go to the RawThreads retail store.  RawThreads is a bamboo clothing place.  Their shirts are beyond amazing for comfort.  Still not sure if I want to run in one but they are so soft and cozy for wearing around.  I saw the Disney Vacation Club building (and other buildings in the area) that reminded me very much of classic California around the time Disney was building his Disneyland.

 The very BEST sign in the world.  Yup, we went to Disney World.  We did not go to any of the parks but we did go to Downtown Disney so I could get my Disney fix.  We did some shopping and then I had the brilliant idea that I would venture on my own if mom and Debbie didn't want to come with me. I was going to go to a resort and catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and come back.  Lucky for me they decided to go on this adventure.

 We ended up sitting on the beach at the Polynesian resort and having dinner and watching fireworks.  While waiting for fireworks they had The Little Mermaid playing on the beach.  I haven't seen the movie in a long time and it was nice to catch a little bit of it.  Unfortunately they had to end the movie early (after the intermission for the fireworks) due to a storm in the are.  I guess we were also very lucky since some lady said it was the first time all week they had fireworks cause of rain and storms.

I was a very happy girl to have a little bit of my Disney fix and am very excited I get to go back for the races in January.  The only thing that would have been better would be if they had Dole Whips but due to renovations they did not.  This was just day one of our adventures with Miss New Hampshire in Florida.

My 32nd Birthday

I will start off by saying that yes, I am a spoiled princess and I can be very moody.  Why would my birthday be any different?  Of course most of the family showed up at my parents for breakfast.  My mom does bacon, eggs and pancakes most days.  Today my sister stepped in and made crescent roll French Toast.  And since I am a spoiled princess I wanted regular French Toast so my sister made that for me and called me a piggy since I wanted 3 slices.  I love French Toast and could eat it every day.  Mind you I don't like bacon and didn't have any other breakfast goodies.  

 After breakfast people just hung around the yard and Michael climbed all over his car.  In and out, stand on the seat, sit down, turn the key, attempt to "squeak" the horn.

 I had him open our other gift.  He loved gift number 2 from us.  A box of tissues that he promptly started to pull out one at a time.  Very gently he pulled them out and left them all over the place.

 It is totally magical little dude how they keep coming out of the box.  They seem to be never ending.

 Manfriend and I took a walk up to the lake and enjoyed the cool temperatures and breeze.  The lake was still kind of rough but not as bad as the day before.  My mom let some Ben & Jerry's Triple Caramel Chunk ice cream get soft and put it in an Oreo pie crust, drizzled with hot fudge for my cake.  My moody self kicked in and complained about the hot fudge ruining the ice cream since it took away from the slight caramel flavor.  She was really worried about not even being able to make me a cake.  I was surprised that she did this for me and am thankful she did, although I told her it was technically a pie (told you I was in a mood).

 I took a nap on the couch and my parents took a nap on the hammock outside.  That night was the poker game that usually takes place on the 4th.  There is a new winner in town, Mr. Lucky (my dad).  He won $20 (which is small for the game that usually has the winner taking home about $80+).

 The first one out was a shocker to all.  Manfriend was the loser and winner of the poop.  Must be because I didn't sit in the cottage and "cheer" for you.  I chose to watch Aladdin on the projection screen set up that they have outside for night movies.  My feet got about 4 bug bites each and those are the only bites I have.  Lucky for me they only bother me when I put on my shoes for a run (grrrr).

 And, since I warned that I am a spoiled Princess I received these adorable t-shirts from my Momma and Papa Bear.  They are just perfect for me and I look forward to wearing them all the time.

 I was also given some SparkleSkirts.  yay for running stuff that is useful and that I love.  I was also given a jar of homemade strawberry jam in a wine bag.  They were hoping to trick me but some liquor was given to me a few weeks ago (Firefly Sweet Tea vodka--delicious mixed with lemonade).

 The big birthday surprise came in the form of the Midnight with Mickey Vera Bradley Hipster.  I love my tote that Luke got me around our anniversary and I have the zip ID case my mom got me for when I go to schools and have to leave ID and keys at the main office.  I love the print and my parents decided that it would be nice for me to have this cute little purse for when I travel.

I had a wonderful birthday and am so appreciative of everything my parents do for me and not just on my birthday but throughout the year.  Even though my birthday is right after the 4th they still find a way to make it a special day for me, despite the craziness of lots of family and such around the cottage.

Belated Mommy Day

I hope all the Momma's out there had a wonderful Mother's Day.  I wanted to give some recognition to my Mommy since I am pretty sure she is the best.  She is always finding a way to make me smile, or at least make me think I might be smiling.

 Believe it or not she is one of my most favorite people to travel with or just do nothing at all with.  Time always seems to fly by with her by my side.  She is always there for me and doesn't complain about my crazy running life.  She is my biggest supporter and number one fan.  Whatever the race she will be there and always has been since I started running about 20 years ago.  I can count on one hand the number of races she was not able to attend and they were all for good reasons.  But she was always there with me since she gave me a charm to wear.  Any parent wondering if it really matters that you go watch all those soccer games and such--it does to your kid.  Coaching for 8 years there were the parents that were there and those that were sometimes--be the one that is there, it means more than the world and moon.

She still loves getting a homemade card and proudly wears a homemade sweatshirt--saving it to wear whenever the mood strikes.  She still wears the "Run Jen Run" one from Jen's first 5k.  A Mommy loves her kids no matter what and mine is no exception.  She will go the extra mile to make you feel loved and special with a secret surprise of a Perfectly Goofy visor at the end of your race, and taking off your shoes.  Little things always let you know she's thinking of you.  An e-mail with the contents of an article you might like, a cookie, a cold raspberry slurpee on a hot day after mowing your lawn... the list never ends.

And since I know that my mom loves my sister and me,  I know that my sister is going to be a great mom that loves her kid just as much!  She's going to be OK with having a water fight in the kitchen of the cottage, because our mom made it fun and acceptable.  Oh, and if you go out to a bar with your about 10 day old baby and have a margarita you are on the right track to be a fun and loving mom, just like ours.

I also know that you are teaching little Dude all kinds of great things and spending quality time with him.  Look at that face, he loves going running with you and someday he will ride a bike alongside while you run.  Happy Mother's Day to my Mommy as well as a first Happy Mother's Day to my sister.   Here is to many more wonderful Mom moments and memories.

Mom's are the BEST!

Everyone says that there mom is the best and I have to agree that there is just something about the mom that you call yours that makes her the best.  We all have a special bond with our mom's that is always there.  My mom sent me an e-mail last week and tweaked a few things that another girl had written about her own mom to reflect our relationship.  In all honesty though she didn't have to change a whole lot about it.  But now it is time for me to tell you about what makes my mom the BEST mom ever.

 She is always willing to listen.  She could be super busy with a million other things happening but will drop everything just to help you.  Case in point, when I called her because water was dripping from the ceiling and I had to leave for an interview in an hour.  She came over and took care of the small mess so I could get ready.  She also tried to figure out where it was coming from so we could fix it later.  It stopped dripping and we know that it was from the extreme melting of the snow from the previous day.  Still will be fixing the vent for the fan though to keep from happening in the future.  

 The random gifts just because she loves you and knows it will put a smile on your face.  Plus the fact that every time you use or see the item you will think of her and know how loved you are.  Zip id case that matches my Vera Bradley bag because I mentioned something like it and how it would be perfect for when I have to leave keys and id in the office while subbing.  The random sparkle skirts because they are cute and you happened to be at work when the limited edition one became available and sold out in an hour.

 Mom is always looking for ways to take care of me.  It can be spending a few hours wandering stores aimlessly with me because both of us are procrastinating on cleaning or doing laundry at our homes.  Well, since we have been out wandering aimlessly in the store how about we go have dinner together?  That right there, making sure I have enough to eat.  Just stopping by to say hi since I am home and she wanted to drop off a cup of coffee for me and they happened to have my favorite flavor available.  Guess who is having French Toast coffee for the next month.  A French Toast breakfast dish also arrived piping hot  Sunday morning.

My mom is always doing nice things for everyone, not just me.  She is kind and thoughtful.  She is so many things but most important, she is my mom and she is the best.  *Oh, and everything mentioned in this post happened in the past week alone*