4/7/17: Fantastic Friday

Hello, hello!

Phew. What a whirlwind of a week. It started in a not-so-great way with a sick munchkin. She actually had a tummy bug last Saturday that tapered by Monday. And then it reared its ugly head again in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

In between, we attended the Twins home opener, which was mostly a disaster. Not for the Twins, who would go on to sweep the 2015 World Series champions. But for us with a whiny preschooler who wanted nothing to do with noise or outside. Presumably because she still wasn’t feeling well.

Even though she was whiny, she was still a pretty good sport and I told her she could get a stuffy toy. She had her pick of teddy bears and stuffed puppies and monkeys. What did she choose? Stuffed Joe Mauer. Naturally. And now he is one of her best buds.

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

At the (*knock on wood*) end of it, I am very tired of dealing with bodily fluids. I am taking my vitamin C and sneaking in my early morning runs and praying I do not catch the bug. Think healthy thoughts!

Ravenclaw/HRC represent!

Pretty morning sights

I have two very exciting pieces of news.

1. I recently contacted Minneapolis Running to let them know I was interested in writing for them. They said yes, and if you follow my Facebook page, you’ll know my very first article ran this morning. I haven’t had an opportunity before now to do anything like this, so I am incredibly grateful! Head on over there, show them some love, and check out my post if you get a chance.
2. This week, I was accepted to the Crisis Text Line volunteer training program. I’m really excited to help people in a way that utilizes my own strengths. I hope I am able to make a positive contribution to this amazing organization, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity!
   My training begins the end of May and involves 34 hours of training, education, and hands-on simulation. Then, I will serve one 4-hour shift each week for a year. I look forward to it.

Well, I’m off to rest up for Goldy’s 10 Miler on Sunday. Am I ready? Probably not. Am I hopeful it’ll go well? Definitely. Am I confident? Ehhhh…we’ll see. I love running in the cities, though. So it’ll be great. Right?…Right?

Cassie

3/2/17: Thankful Thursday

Wait, how is it Thursday already? And wait, it’s March? Somebody around here have a Time Turner for me? No? Okay, moving along.

This week, I had to write a focus in my Believe training journal. And I wrote, “Re-focus and re-build.” That has been what I’ve been trying to do. It has felt successful so far. I’ve been sleeping more, even if it means I still haven’t folded two loads of laundry that came out of the dryer 4 days ago. I’ve been eating better, even though I really wanted that mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, because what harm could it do? (One turns into two turns into popcorn turns into I-don’t-care-I-hate-me. Better to avoid that song and dance altogether for a while.)

With that, I am thankful! Always thankful!

1. New opportunities: I have several new and exciting opportunities on the horizon for me. I am not talking much about them yet, because I don’t know how things will pan out.
   But I will say I’m also excited for the new opportunities provided to me through my daughter getting older. As much as I miss my baby, I’m also really happy with the fun conversations and new activities we can do together.
   

   Ready for “The Little Mermaid.”

   My hometown high school did a production of “The Little Mermaid” this last weekend. We decided to take LJ, just to see how she’d do. For those who don’t know her, she’s…high-maintenance in the loveliest way. She is always go-go-going, talk-talk-talking, sing-sing-singing, move-move-moving. Always. She exhausts me, and most days I love it.
   Well, we made it through the first act and then headed home to watch the second half of the movie on the couch. Hubby was impressed with her, even though I was a little frustrated. Oh well. Progress is progress.
   We have also been cooking more together, which leads me to…

2. Healthy food that still tastes really damn good: LJ also seems to be developing an interest in cooking, and I am trying new healthy recipes. This week, we made some North African Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine that I  found in a Weight Watchers cookbook available to me from the library. (GO TO YOUR LIBRARY FOR THIS STUFF, PEOPLE!)
   

   I’ll learn to take better food pictures someday. I promise.

   Mmm. Look at that zucchini. And chickpeas. And cooked carrots. These are a few of my favorite things.
   Served it all over couscous. This was also one of those recipes that was even better the next day. I actually found a slightly modified version of the recipe here in case you’re interested.

3. Friday: Do I even need to explain? Probably not. But I am reallllyyyy stoked that we’re nearly at a weekend level-up. My long run for the weekend is a shorty at only 4 miles, and I’m ready for some family time + R and R. I hope. We’ll see.

Alrighty, that’s what I’ve got for today. Happy almost-weekend, chickadees! You are magnificent!

Read on. Run on.
Cassie

2/5/17: Sunday Runday

Mad Eye Moody Constant Vigilence 5k for Hogwarts Running Club: completed. Miles managed.

Then, post-run waffles with the kiddo’s Frozen waffle iron she got for Christmas.(She wasn’t amused that I dubbed them “Olaffles.” I thought I was clever. She insisted they’re “Anna & Elsa” waffles, which I think is kinda morbid.)

And post-waffle movies/snuggling.

Hope your weekend was dandy.

Read on. Run on.

Cassie

1/23/17: Manic Monday

via Giphy

My training plan started today! And I won’t lie, I felt a little Nemo-ish when I woke up. Well, as Nemo-ish as one can be at 5:30 in the morning.

Summary: It was sleeting. The sidewalks were covered in ice. (Yaktrax are a blessing.) I’m on the cusp of catching the kiddo’s respiratory illness. I was slow. I had a twinge of pain here or there. But it is done. And I just want to be all healed and back on the road so very badly. Hoping I get stronger each day.

First day of school! First day of school!

Without further ado, here are a couple quick tidbits for a busy Monday.

Every time I read an article on being too hooked on technology, I think, “I know! I know I need to quit playing with my phone. Put it down, woman!” But then I don’t do a very good job of putting it down. I’ll just keep trying to beat it into my brain. Here’s another good one.

I really enjoy reading what Dean Karnazes writes. This gem is no exception. I should just print this out and read it everyday. So many simple reminders of some pretty darn good ways to use your mind to achieve goals.

And without going too far into discussions of current volatile political topics, I will say this last week has been difficult. I am trying to handle the accompanying anxiety with some grace and mostly just a lot of hiding under the covers. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen some incredibly powerful examples of humanity and kindness and strength.

But I’ve also been seeing the nasty words, the “us vs. them” mentality,  and finger-pointing that has been going back and forth between strangers, acquaintances, and even friends and family. It is incredibly disheartening, and even if I shouldn’t let it weigh heavily on me, I do. I know others do, too.

Let’s just chill for a bit and eat some popcorn and watch some Curious George, k guys?

All I will say is this: please be mindful and respectful with your posts, words, and actions. That’s not asking too much. (The librarian in me asks that you also fact check before you share that meme, but that’s a whole other post.) Anywho, Jenny Lawson thinks this week has been difficult, too. And I love her, because she gets it.

Read on. Run on.
Cassie

1/6/17: Biblio-Friday

So I’m trying something new today. In celebrating the intended spirit of bookish-ness that I wanted this blog to have, I want to focus on books, libraries, or the literary world in general for at least one segment a week. Let’s see how it goes!

Books!

What are your reading goals this year? I’ve already mentioned I want to read 50 pages per day. (Day 6 of the year, and I’m going strong!) Hopefully that will end up being enough to read 50 books, as that’s what I’ve set for my GoodReads challenge.

Just finished up The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom for my monthly book club. I read it in just a few days, because it was intricate, captivating, and brilliantly written. The characters were written with honesty and believability, and you couldn’t help but love the lovable ones and hate the hateable ones. Highly recommended.

My current TBR pile from the library…I might have a problem. And I also might not care too much if I have a problem.

These past few days, I’ve been working on If at Birth, You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner. Have you seen Zach Anner before? You may remember him from his various shows/projects. If you don’t remember him, you should check him out. Hilarious and smart and well-spoken. I can hear his voice come through when I read the book, and it’s a nice light read about sometimes-kinda-heavy topics.

Libraries!

As someone who struggles with seasonal changes, I am highly interested to see that the Lawrence Public Library is offering light therapy for their patrons suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I kinda love it, and I wish I could try it out! I was surprised at the low-ish cost of the lamps, too.

More Bookish-ness!

Anyone a member of the Hogwarts Running Club? After being a lurker for awhile, I’ve really started to enjoy getting involved. Anywho, they announced their first virtual race of the year: the Mad Eye Moody 5k. Look at that medal! And what a great cause. #somuchgood

Aaaaannnnddd…I may have a SparkleSkirt on the way to me soon. Eeeee! When you mix running and reading, well, you know I’m gonna geek out.

Have a lovely weekend, my special snowflakes!

Read on. Run on.
Cassie