tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65556601953479335612024-03-14T00:19:57.348-03:00Keep the Shiny Side UpMaking, creating, running and taking the time to enjoy lifeBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-90808821230608490672016-09-23T15:12:00.000-03:002016-09-23T15:12:37.440-03:00I'm on a (foam) rollLast night's chiropractor appointment with <a href="http://protxservices.ca/" target="_blank">Dr. Brad</a> didn't come with any pictures, but my spine feels absolutely brilliant. I wish I'd been open to chiropractic treatment sooner; this year I have been having semi-regular adjustments and I feel so much better for it.<br />
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After I got home, I decided to unwrap my newest purchase - a foam roller - to start working on my IT band, and my legs in general.<br />
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Laid on the floor, and all of a sudden I had a supervisor... feline assistance was obviously required.<br />
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Foam rolling smarts like a bugger, but it will help me long term, so I am hoping to develop a positive relationship with it. Maybe positive reinforcement will help... maybe brownies and ice cream!<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-81844734679268686962016-09-21T23:13:00.001-03:002016-09-22T00:22:44.231-03:00Hey-O Physio (my first adventure in acupuncture)Tonight I had my first physiotherapy appointment with therapist Sally at <a href="http://protxservices.ca/" target="_blank">ProTX </a>in my community. She is a one-woman force of nature... I can't imagine not adoring her. She made me feel immediately comfortable and I trusted her instantly.<br />
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She and I discussed my concerns, evaluated my condition and she performed some tests on me. Coles Notes: I have far more weakness than I expected, and my kneecap doesn't "float" along the plane that is most natural, but since I'm seeking the help of professionals, I am on the right track!<br />
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After a bit, Sally says "okay, so we're going to try some acupuncture".<br />
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Um... needles?<br />
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Yup, needles.<br />
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In my knees.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bH3JgoOG8bI/V-MiR_-8EoI/AAAAAAAAAnk/NEOYx43FT7Aa8_vUWnuQzh0jU_TL66rMwCEw/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bH3JgoOG8bI/V-MiR_-8EoI/AAAAAAAAAnk/NEOYx43FT7Aa8_vUWnuQzh0jU_TL66rMwCEw/s400/IMG_6749.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My knees have feelers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I told Sally I was going to blog about my treatment, and she offered to take my picture... of course I said yes! Ha ha!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see the acupuncture needles in my knees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm not sure what I expected from acupuncture, but it 100% did NOT hurt. In fact, I couldn't even feel the needles go into my legs. <br />
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Then, I was moved to a new treatment area where I had my left knee hooked up to an <a href="http://physicaltherapyweb.com/interferential-current-ifc-equipment/" target="_blank">IFC (Interferential Current)<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span>machine </a>and an ice pack was applied. Back when I last had physio in the mid-90's I used a TENS machine which seemed similar, but technology has definitely improved!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBjRdWn6gXU/V-MiR1sQtvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/Y3PXEkLK00I1OQ-wf1b7wV_u2YBvq-pYACEw/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBjRdWn6gXU/V-MiR1sQtvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/Y3PXEkLK00I1OQ-wf1b7wV_u2YBvq-pYACEw/s400/IMG_6757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All wired up!</td></tr>
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I took a video too, that I sent to my sister... she said she couldn't watch to the end because she doesn't like the muscle jumping. My foot was twitching pretty crazy too... I couldn't help but laugh!<br />
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<br />Anyhow, I'm home tonight with a gel-bead cold pack perched on my knee, watching some recorded TV shows. Kevin said I was limping slightly when I got home, but I just thought my knee felt "funny". I am going back to see Sally twice next week, and I have an appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow evening.<br />
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Onward and upward!!<br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-1621144356559508402016-09-21T21:29:00.000-03:002016-09-21T21:31:30.804-03:00What the sh-IT (band)<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a few days since my Maritime Race Weekend races where knee pain left me feeling sore and
discouraged.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Monday during the work day everything felt fine, so that
evening I decided to ignore the fact that it was raining and take myself out
for a (planned 6km) run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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During the first kilometer I had some mild discomfort. By
the time I reached 2kms, the pain was getting pretty bad but I was hopeful I
could run through it. No dice. By the time I decided to turn around, the rain
was coming down pretty heavy so there I was… soaked and sore with a foul
disposition. I texted my sister a picture of how things were going, grateful for
my waterproof phone case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbs down to knee pain!</td></tr>
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By the time I got back to my car I was one surly little
thundercloud. On the short drive home, I must have shouted FU@K about a dozen
times. When the heart and body want to go, just to be sidelined by pain it is
so damn frustrating!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I changed into dry clothes and then prepared myself an
indulgent little treat of vanilla ice cream over two 2-bite brownies (warmed in
the microwave) and rainbow sprinkles… just because. I ate my dessert
and scrapped my upcoming runs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With the wisdom and suggestions of some runner friends, I
started looking into <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/iliotibial_band_syndrome/article.htm" target="_blank">IT band syndrome</a>. The more I read, the more I felt I had a “why” for
my knee soreness (yes, self diagnosing via the internet… I must be a doctor
right?). The information I read helped explain why my spring/early summer runs
weren’t plagued with knee pain, since I’d been cross-training regularly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I booked three treatment appointments back to back:
massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. I am SO happy to have a
<a href="http://protxservices.ca/" target="_blank">facility like this</a> in our little community! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last night was my massage appointment and the therapist I
met with told me that my left IT band was wicked tight (at this point, I was
not surprised) so she spent an hour working on my legs. I knew I wasn’t going
to come out all relaxed and wobbly as if I’d had a relaxation massage, but I think it's worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tonight I'm headed back to the same clinic to meet with the
physiotherapist, Sally. With a better idea of what I was working with
(injury/soreness wise), I looked forward to the appointment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime, I’ve been looking up stretches and strengthening exercises
to help IT band over-tightness and those, combined with the treatment from the professionals at ProTX makes me feel like I am on the right path!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-33716471905914671652016-09-20T22:25:00.000-03:002016-09-20T22:25:35.254-03:00Maritime Race Weekend 2016 - Ups, Downs and Wicked Race Bling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend I took part in the <a href="http://www.maritimeraceweekend.com/" target="_blank">Maritime Race Weekend</a> events in Eastern
Passage, Nova Scotia. It is arguably one of the most popular events on the Atlantic Canadian running calendar, as the registration sells out each year. </div>
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I have friends who
have run in the events for MRW in years past, and since I’ve taken up running it had been an event I wanted to participate in and be a part of but my first year running I didn't feel prepared and last year I was away. I have a friend who shared with
me the advanced registration last September, so I signed up for 2016 as soon
as it was available to do so. </div>
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On the Friday of the Maritime Race Weekend, there is a Sunset 5km event where
upon finishing, you are given a pretty sweet looking medal after finishing a
course where you get to witness the sun setting on the Atlantic Ocean horizon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I paused mid-race to take a picture...</td></tr>
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On Saturday morning, there are 4 different distance events you can
register for: the Sunrise 5k, the Coastal 10k, the Scenic Half-Marathon
(21.1km) and the Classic Marathon (42.2km) where you’re given another medal for
completing your distance. If you elect to run on both Friday & Saturday,
you are awarded with a third medal as you completed what is called the “Tartan
Twosome”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout the spring and early summer, I trained regularly.
I ran, did ballet barre classes, practiced yoga. As the summer went on, there
were camping trips and other adventures to occupy my time. My training took a
back seat, though I was keeping active with lots of walking/hiking, biking,
paddling. I was not concerned. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At the “festival grounds” area of MRW, they have set up a ship's bell, with a sign encouraging runners who’ve attained a personal best
(PB in runner lingo), to ring the bell to announce their achievement. My plan
was to have a nice easy run on Friday evening (the Sunset 5k) and then go
flat-out on Saturday morning (the Sunrise 5k) and ring that bell!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to the Friday night of Maritime Race Weekend.
I’d arranged to stay with a friend who lives just off the race route in the
beautiful coastal community of Eastern Passage. They encourage everyone to
dress as a pirate for any events they are running, and BOY were there some
fantastic pirates on the race routes! I decided to wear my pirate getup for the
Friday night race, and I ended up chatting to a number of people (and
overhearing others) who liked my costume. The afternoon leading up to the race I felt reluctant to dress up, but I am
SO glad I did; it added such a fun element of whimsy to the night! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race pirate runner</td></tr>
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The race start was PACKED tight, and in the starting chute
you were shoulder to shoulder with lots of other runners and walkers but I was
fortunate to connect with two friends who I know through running. The cannon
(!!) went off and the runners crossed the start line. My body felt relaxed, my legs felt great, and there was
just a hint of warm ocean breeze. At the 2.5km turnaround, my mom was there
with noisemakers and bells to cheer on the runners (but most of all me, because
I’m hers!) and it was so great to have her there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, around the 3.5km mark… pain. Sharp pain on the lateral
side of my left knee. Not an altogether new pain, as I’d felt the same thing
last fall in another event I had done. My chiropractor had advised that I work
on strengthening my hips, and back in the winter/spring I had been, but the
summer held little useful cross training. So here I was, with sharp knee pain.
I gritted my teeth and forged ahead, so much for a nice easy run. I crossed the
finish line with a grimace but earned a pretty awesome medal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After some water and a banana from the aid stations, and
chatting with some friends in the festival area, I walked back to my friend’s
house… mildly limping and cursing my sore knee. Once changed and settled, I propped my feet up and rested while my friend and I got caught up and I got to snuggle her
new kitten.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Oswin <3 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Saturday morning dawned bright and clear; it was an
absolutely ideal day for a run. When I went to walk down the stairs at my
friend’s house, the realization that my knee pain was still with me knocked
most of the wind out of my sails. Still, I nibbled at my pre-race breakfast and
got ready to roll. During the walk to the race-start, I was
frowning with every step. That left knee was sore! But damn if the scenery of a
calm ocean vista wasn’t just so incredibly beautiful. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I approached the starting area my positivity was low, but then I heard my name being called... and spotted one of my best friends and her puppy!
They had come down with her dad to cheer on her stepmom, who was running the
10k event (<i>she absolutely rocked it, and got a PB!</i>). Having my friend's love and hugs before my run was a huge bolster of energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I spotted my pace bunny (a friend of mine) in the crowd in the starting area, but after I got myself where I’d seen him, he had moved. At that
point, there were so many people crammed together that I wasn’t keen on trying
to re-locate him so I crossed my fingers for a good run and trust I’d find him later.
When the cannon went off, the crowd surged and there were friends, family and
volunteers lining starting area, cheering on all who passed. It was wonderful!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we were a couple hundred feet outside the start line, I had the first sharp pain in my knee. I hobbled along for a few awkward
running steps, then I had to walk. The pain was so intense and so bright that I
knew there was no way to ignore it. The following moments in my brain were
rapid-fire snippets of self-doubt, sadness and grief in an angry cycle:<br />
- how on earth can I continue to run?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- maybe I can walk it, there’s no shame in walking<o:p></o:p></div>
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- let’s try running again, maybe it was a fluke<o:p></o:p></div>
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- nope, that hurts a f@%ing lot <o:p></o:p></div>
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- well, there goes your personal best (cue tears in my eyes)<o:p></o:p></div>
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- you need to get through this!<o:p></o:p></div>
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- holy crap, can you do 5 kilometers of this?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pain was enough to take my breath away. If anyone happened to look over at me, they’d see my face contorted with
anguish and lots of nostril flaring and lip puckering. But I kept going. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Somewhere around the 1km mark, something happened. I stopped minding the pain. It didn’t go away (there’s no way I’m
that lucky) but I stopped noticing it so much. At the 2.5km turnaround my mom was there
again. At this point I knew my time was not going to be something I would be
feeling pride about, so I slowed up and dashed over to her for a tearful hug (“running
injured was not part of the plan” I sobbed to her) but she kissed my cheek
and cheered me as I ran away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the rest of the run I tested my body to see how much
pain it would allow me to endure. I could run, but all attempts at extending my
stride were met with a sharp pain/wave of nausea. I wasn’t going to get my PB,
but I’d be damned if I wasn’t going to give this run everything I could.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once I turned the last corner and had the finish line in my
sights, it was like a switch flicked on in my brain and I flat-out sprinted for
the finish line. I didn’t feel anything but euphoria… I made it! As soon as I
crossed, I spotted my friend from before the race and her dad at the fence and went to collect some
hugs before I picked up my medals (!!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my race bling!</td></tr>
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The rest of the morning was spent enjoying the post-race
refreshments (thank you to whomever decided to get the mandarins!) and chatting
with friends – some whom I’ve known for years, others whom I’ve met as a result
of running – and cheering on other runners. If you’ve never stayed behind after
your event was over to cheer on other runners, you’re missing out. It is a
wonderful glimpse into being a runner… there is joy, there is desperation, every conceivable age, ability and body type you can imagine. All with the
same singular goal: cross that finish line.</div>
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Then on Sunday, I was consumed by an unyielding feeling of despair
that I can’t quite pinpoint. The post-race blues combined with my own
self-loathing over my performance combined with a few other petty things that
were mildly upsetting bubbled over and I found myself laying on the couch with my dog,
having a crying fit. I texted my sister (a fellow runner on the other side of
the country) for comfort and advice and made a Facebook post that – in hindsight – was a beacon for
reassurance that all really was well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was reminded that setbacks are part of progress and that I truly am fortunate to have a network of friends, some who run & could offer
suggestions, others who helped me smile and see the bright side of things. I had a
massage appointment tonight (hurt, but helped!), a physiotherapy appointment tomorrow,
and a chiropractor appointment booked for the day after. I am looking after myself and resting too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also have a pretty awesome take-away from the weekend that
I’m choosing to focus on… I have completed a number of running events over the
last few years, but this weekend I experienced my first real sense of
community with being a runner. I’m a fairly friendly and chatty gal, both pre and post race
(sometimes during if I encounter a fellow chatty runner) but it’s been mostly
fleeting. I don’t belong to any running groups, and while I usually see
familiar faces, I have very few running friendships (if you’ve read this far,
and you’re one of those friends, you know who you are!). After Friday’s event,
I had a fellow runner who I met at an event in July stop me to chat because she
recognized me and we discussed running, injuries, and the weekend festivities. On Saturday I got to cheer
on and share victory embraces with many people; some of whom I count among my
friends, and others who I don’t know well, but I recently met and was grateful
for them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I look forward to future events where I get to meet new
friends, embrace old ones and form bonds over both disappointments and
triumphs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medals: Sunset 5k, Tartan Twosome, Sunrise 5k<br />Race bib to proudly display</td></tr>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-53326989845322873652015-05-31T19:44:00.001-03:002015-05-31T20:09:33.915-03:00Two-fer Weekend: 5k on Saturday & 5k on SundayThis was a busy weekend!<br />
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Saturday morning I ran a 5km race with 4 of my best girlfriends (wish you were there with us Angie!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Cindy (first 5km race for both of them!), Corinne, Shauna and me!</td></tr>
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This was the very first race I ran last year. This year was no personal best time, but I had fun (and I was faster than my time last year, so that kinda counts).<br />
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I kinda love the day-glo yellow shirts... they were ideal on an overcast morning!<br />
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Some of the girls from my Crossfit boot camp did the run as well! (for info on Crossfit training in East Hants, NS check out <a href="http://coretoextremityfitness.net/" target="_blank">Core to Extremity Fitness</a>!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Emily (it was her first 5km race!), Kristi and Jennifer</td></tr>
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I'm so proud of all of us! We train and complain (okay, *I* complain) together but we are all working on bettering ourselves and our health so every achievement should be celebrated!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***</span></div>
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Then Sunday morning I participated in an event called the IWK 5km Run in Memory of Jessica which is a fundraiser event where the monies raised goes toward the local children's hospital and helps babies and children in critical care.<br />
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This weekend, the annual <a href="https://iwkfoundation.org/telethon?gclid=Cj0KEQjw4qqrBRDE2K_z7Pbvjo8BEiQA39AIme2h1FnuoKdzpeobZFodvs-1_SBsBF4Mqz5gLPhhs-waAu6x8P8HAQ" target="_blank">fundraising telethon</a> for the hospital took place and it was a banner year! I'm so glad I got to be a part of it! This year, the run raised $38,675 which formed part of the $6,270,346.07 total raised for 2015!!!<br />
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My cheering section was there to support me this morning... best mom ever!<br />
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The start of the race! I actually had a new personal achievement this morning even if it wasn't a personal best time overall. This morning I ran consistently without walking for a full half hour, one of these days I will finish the full 5k race in that half hour!<br />
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Seeing that finish line is such a motivator! I ended up running with a former coworker for a while near the end and when I said I saw my mom at the finish line she said "sprint for the finish!" and I took off! I'm so glad she was there to give me that final push. The picture my mom got of me in a sprint is one of my favourites...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully airborne!</td></tr>
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Two weekends ago, I managed to give both ankles a lateral sprain and the left one is recovering quicker but both are pretty sore. When I finished running this morning I sat down and took my right shoe and sock off to asses the soreness... at which point a St. John Ambulance volunteer came over to check on me. She kindly scolded me for running and told me to go home and ice my ankles... I've been re-freezing some peas this afternoon :P<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWz9JP5VWDY/VWuN8MkjfyI/AAAAAAAAAlE/KboaUv9a_YI/s1600/peas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWz9JP5VWDY/VWuN8MkjfyI/AAAAAAAAAlE/KboaUv9a_YI/s400/peas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm peas...</td></tr>
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I don't have a lot on the go this week, so I plan to rest the ankles as much as possible!<br />
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No pain, no gain right?!<br />
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** I AM A RUNNER BECAUSE I RUN **</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-28628578018350543142015-05-28T21:41:00.000-03:002015-05-31T19:45:50.844-03:00Dear Cancer: EFF YOUI have been looking forward to making this post...<br />
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A month ago today, my mother underwent surgery to have invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) removed.<br />
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From the moment she found out a breast biopsy came back positive for cancer, we met an incredible collection of doctors, nurses and other professionals who are incredibly supportive and wonderful in dealing with the care and treatment of a breast cancer patient.<br />
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A mere week after meeting her surgeon at the incredible <a href="http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/" target="_blank">IWK Health Centre</a>, mom had surgery to remove a tumour and some lymph nodes.Today we went back for the follow-up. I was there as her support system just in case (God forbid) the news wasn't what we were hoping for. But today we received <strike>good</strike> GREAT news... the surgery removed all the cancer. WOO-FREAKING-HOO!!!!<br />
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My family is blessed to have such a genuine, caring, compassionate group of people in our lives. My own circle of friends have been such a bolster when I needed to share, and I am grateful for each and every kind word and hug that has been offered. Thank you.<br />
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And the friends in my mother's life are bar-none the best, and I am personally thankful for each and every one of them. From calling or dropping by to sit with her and talking about her current situation, to bringing her flowers/food/visits after her surgery, she has been surrounded by such love. The heartfelt outpouring of goodwill makes my heart swell. Thank you so, so much.<br />
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My mom's road to recovery is ongoing, and an upcoming appointment with a radiation oncologist will determine her future treatments, but I have two cousins who work as radiation therapists in the hospital where mom will be receiving treatment and I am confident she will be in incredibly good hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XYqDq2IVYc/VWetJA7z2hI/AAAAAAAAAjo/hxTJIxpWafU/s1600/Beth%2Band%2BValerie%2BMothers%2BDay%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XYqDq2IVYc/VWetJA7z2hI/AAAAAAAAAjo/hxTJIxpWafU/s640/Beth%2Band%2BValerie%2BMothers%2BDay%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my mom Valerie - Mother's Day 2015</td></tr>
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Nine days from now, my mom and I are participating in the <a href="http://solesistersrace.com/" target="_blank">Sole Sisters Women's Race</a>, and this year we will have such reason to celebrate!<br />
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And as always... make sure you take the time to <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps" target="_blank">check your own breasts</a> for any changes or abnormalities and if you should find something concerning, talk to your doctor!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-29003279439289440622015-05-02T18:40:00.000-03:002015-05-02T18:44:13.132-03:00One foot in front of anotherThis morning I ran my first timed race of the year. It was the Benny Bulldog 5k that supports a racing group called <a href="http://girlsgonegazelle.com/" target="_blank">Girls Gone Gazelle</a>. The race took place at a park in my hometown, and while the trails were mostly in good shape, they had to re-route to avoid some snow on the trail. Snow. It's May 2nd. Snow on the trail at this point in the spring makes me want to weep.<br />
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But back to today's run. It was not my best. It was not my worst, but it was dang close. My feet hurt and my calves hurt. Basically my body reminded me that I need to dedicate more time to training! BUT, I earned my medal and it now hangs with all my others.<br />
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At the end of it all, I had fun... and isn't that really what matters?<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-17461920397906982382015-04-26T09:21:00.001-03:002015-04-26T09:21:34.780-03:00Making the Cut: Donating my Hair About a year ago, I decided that my long/healthy/uncoloured hair would be destined for donation to make a wig for someone who needed it this spring. So I let it grow. I conditioned it. I combed it gently.<br />
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A few weeks ago, I booked my appointment for the big cut.<br />
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Then last week, a cancer diagnosis that hit far too close to home solidified my resolve. I was donating my hair so that someone's mother/sister/daughter/friend could have the chance to feel beautiful.<br />
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And yesterday, the big cut happened! I'm loving my new short locks!<br />
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If you think you might be interested in donating your hair, please check out the <a href="http://www.pantene.com/en-CA/PanteneBeautifulLengths/Details/beautiful-lengths-donation-requirements.aspx" target="_blank">Pantene Beautiful Lengths</a> donation requirements, and get growing!<br />
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Before... such long hair! It measured to be about 3 inches above my waist. I'm sure I will miss it, but I am so pleased with cutting it and giving it for donation!<br />
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The hair all sectioned into ponytails, all set to cut! Once the hairdresser had it sectioned, she made sure I was ready for the big change :) Then they were gone!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8zB5_YqmU/VTzR9NpCY9I/AAAAAAAAAiM/TiIuqqO2olg/s1600/Hair%2B02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8zB5_YqmU/VTzR9NpCY9I/AAAAAAAAAiM/TiIuqqO2olg/s1600/Hair%2B02.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
My new short haircut! I keep reaching back to move my hair out of the way (because it seemed it was always in the way for some reason) but there's nothing there! Phantom hair!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZffRv8obEo/VTzR9XPBXeI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/vkBESalj24M/s1600/Hair%2B03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZffRv8obEo/VTzR9XPBXeI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/vkBESalj24M/s1600/Hair%2B03.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
I've been asked if I'm planning on putting colour in it now, and I think I will, but one new thing at a time. For years I had my hair coloured blonde, and I really liked it blonde (my mom particularly liked it blonde) so I may go that route again with highlights. For now though, I'll just adjust to my lack of ponytails and braids!<br />
<br />
Hair cut happened at <a href="http://www.lifesalonspa.com/" target="_blank">Life Salon Spa in Dartmouth Crossing</a> by the talented Kelly Scallion.<br />
<br />
Donation made to <a href="http://www.pantene.com/en-CA/PanteneBeautifulLengths/Details/beautiful-lengths-about-the-program.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pantene_Search_Desktop_Brand+Advocacy&utm_term=pantene%20beautiful%20lengths%20program&utm_content=sJ1a0PaLr|dc_pantene%20beautiful%20lengths%20program_b_27571478462&gclid=CjwKEAjwmfKpBRC8tb3Mh5rs23ASJACWy1QPUWqJ0a1eKuxkzG9XGTM46LvXRPEeO8qviGmLmfpc5hoCPJDw_wcB" target="_blank">Pantene Beautiful Lengths</a> in Canada<br />
<br />
And please, please PLEASE <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps" target="_blank">check yourself</a> for any changes in your breast health, and if you do happen to discover something unusual, go see your doctor. And do NOT avoid getting a mammogram because you've heard they are horrific. Yes, it's uncomfortable but it's over with quickly and isn't your health and your life worth it?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cbcf.org/" target="_blank">Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation</a> has lots of info on how you can support your community.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-37667094765006933242015-04-19T22:04:00.000-03:002015-04-19T22:04:43.337-03:00I am a Runner because I Run<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5790542/il_570xN.207329689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5790542/il_570xN.207329689.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/65698597/i-am-a-runner-silver-and-copper-charm?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">Super cute necklace from Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A little over a year ago, an awesome friend convinced me to try running with her, despite my misgivings and repeated whining of "I don't run". And I enjoyed myself. It was challenging and sweaty, but I felt accomplished.<br />
<br />
So I kept running. I signed up for my first race with my friend. The night before we ran, she texted me and said she was fighting a nasty cold and since she was flying to Europe for vacation the day after the scheduled run, she was going to put her health in first place and bow out of the run. So there I was by myself with no encouraging voice beside me, a little bit terrified but also encouraged. Some people just looked "fast". But there were ordinary looking folk too. People stretching, laughing, and checking watches.<br />
<br />
I figured once the signal went to start, I'd leap around the race route like a fawn in the woods and follow the pack till it was all over with. My mantra was "someone's gotta come in last". But it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. I didn't come in last, and my finish time was respectable for a newbie. I've since done a few other timed races, always hoping to beat my own personal best time. Uplifted when I do, bummed when I don't. Some runs feel easy, while others are a struggle from start to finish.<br />
<br />
I read <a href="http://runhaven.com/2015/04/16/my-pace-is-my-business/" target="_blank">this great piece</a> tonight, and it seemed like something I needed to share to remind myself that I so long as I do my best given my capabilities and how I've trained, I should feel accomplished. I'm not fast. I'm not elite. But I put my feet to the pavement and go. I am a runner because I run.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-79391343304799291592015-03-15T18:18:00.002-03:002015-03-15T18:18:54.475-03:00Make-ahead Breakfast Bowls I stopped eating cold cereal on a regular basis about a year and a half ago. I have discovered that taking the time in a work morning to make a more robust, warm breakfast made it easier to feel fuller and satisfied. And really, a proper meal is almost always a good thing.<br />
<br />
But there are <strike>some</strike> many mornings where I end up wrapping up my typical breakfast sandwich (egg, sliced cheddar and spinach on flat-bread type bun) and taking it with me for the trip in to work - eating in the passenger seat, not driving! But was there a way to make the mornings just that much easier? Sure, why not?<br />
<br />
Make ahead breakfast bowls are an easy way to eat a healthy warm breakfast while on a tight morning timeline!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5KPnum9JU0/VQX0awmoNkI/AAAAAAAAAho/okjMzk3sIUs/s1600/breakfast%2Bbowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5KPnum9JU0/VQX0awmoNkI/AAAAAAAAAho/okjMzk3sIUs/s1600/breakfast%2Bbowls.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Each bowl contains about 1 cup of seasoned and pan-fried frozen hash browns, one scrambled egg, some broccoli florets, finely shredded cheddar cheese and one slice of (sadly overcooked) bacon. A couple teaspoons of chia seeds sprinkled over each serving will complete the bowls.</b></div>
<br />
The three in the <a href="http://www.anchorhocking.com/prodd_4977_cat_209_2_cup_kitchen_storage_red_lid.html" target="_blank">clear glass blows</a> will be put into the fridge for breakfasts this week (the other two work days I'll likely have oatmeal, or my old standby the breakfast sandwich). The two in the white bowls will be frozen for future breakfasts.<br />
<br />
Do you enjoy a skillet type breakfast, a hearty oatmeal, or are you still dedicated to your cold cereal?<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-55984917884172194612014-03-19T13:16:00.000-03:002014-03-19T13:47:36.976-03:00Overdue update aka. Dude, do you even blog?<div class="MsoNormal">
I think
about writing blog posts all the time. I make something in the kitchen and
thing “ahh I should totally share this recipe”. Or I share something and
someone asks for the recipe and I think “I should put that on my blog”. Only it
never happens. I start drafting what I want to write in my head, and sometimes I
even make notes, but that is as far as it goes. Why? No reason really, other
than life getting in the way which is my reality, but a terrible excuse.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what’s
new? Well, we moved! We had said we’d be in the old house for 5 years and then
move on, but we were there 7 years since we liked the place. We left a nice
little semi-detached house on teeny lot on a quiet cul-de-sac in a nice suburban
neighbourhood and moved into the dream home, a three-dormer Cape Cod on a
little over an acre in a very quiet rural subdivision in a small town on the
outskirts of our municipality. Some people have been critical that we are two
people (and dog and cat) moving into a larger home, and what could we possibly want
all that room for. Well, we love this home and every day we love it a little
bit more. The naysayers and negative people are not welcome… we are responsible
adults who made a grown-up choice, and we are happy with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Sweet Home!</td></tr>
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We moved
in just before the beginning of winter (such a long, cold winter this year!) so
we’ve enjoyed the tractor with snowblower for moving the snow and the animals
have enjoyed exploring the yard as well as the visiting wildlife. So far we’ve
seen lots of songbirds, a pheasant and as of last weekend a family of deer!</div>
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We live
closer to some great friends and have taken advantage of this and we get
together regularly for dinner at each other’s houses. One of the couples hunt
and this winter I have had venison shanks and rabbit confit. Both were
delicious, and it’s nice trying new things… especially with a bottle of wine
(or three!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxL8iH00Du0/UynBdi1olRI/AAAAAAAAAgU/kSyurKlTMFU/s1600/clarkes+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxL8iH00Du0/UynBdi1olRI/AAAAAAAAAgU/kSyurKlTMFU/s1600/clarkes+dinner.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venison shanks!</td></tr>
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He-of-the-good-ideas
joined our local volunteer fire department and absolutely loves being a part of
it. He responds to every call that comes through his pager when we are home and
has helped out around the fire hall when something needs to be done. I am very
proud of him! He came home from the weekly meeting at the hall last night with
a department uniform (my hubby in a uniform? Mee-ow!). It needs to be laundered
and he said something about ironing… I hope the laundry fairy is going to do it
for him!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kavAU2IiSIg/UynCJHJE-8I/AAAAAAAAAgc/xsHtjZxd_zY/s1600/hotgi+in+bumker+gear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kavAU2IiSIg/UynCJHJE-8I/AAAAAAAAAgc/xsHtjZxd_zY/s1600/hotgi+in+bumker+gear.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My volunteer firefighter <3 </td></tr>
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Back in
January I had sort of a personal awakening regarding my health and have been making
some lifestyle changes. Basically I am trying eat as “clean” as possible (but I’m
not perfect by any means) and increased my activity level tenfold. I take a
Zumba class (love!) an Aqua Zumba class (love!), and I am taking in some yoga
classes both at a gym in my new town plus some classes in my favourite studio in my
old town. I started P90X3 but since I am involved in other stuff I am not doing
it every single day. I also signed myself up for a 5km women’s road race in
June. The last time I tried to be a runner it was a miserable experience that always
resulted in very sore knees and I always felt more exhausted than exhilarated. Turns
out trying to keep up with seasoned runners and not starting at a pace for a
beginner is bad. And discouraging. This time I am actually training for
something specific and while I know I can’t run the whole time, I will be out
there with my sneakers on, giving it my best shot! Bonus points for having an awesome runner friend who is encouraging and helpful and a huge inspiration.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am
planning on putting in a vegetable garden this spring, so keep watch for
sprouting plants and hopefully a bountiful harvest! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow
is the first day of spring, and even though sub-zero temps and snow are in the
forecast, I am hopeful to be outside in just my shirtsleeves before too long!<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_SuyWX6fNY/UynCVX5Tu7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/wvoBE0ugolQ/s1600/me+winter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_SuyWX6fNY/UynCVX5Tu7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/wvoBE0ugolQ/s1600/me+winter.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter`s been fun, but how about some spring weather</td></tr>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-33467079524265778812013-04-11T19:17:00.003-03:002013-04-11T19:17:37.182-03:00A Must Read: "A Letter To My Son About Consent"In my hometown this week, it was reported that a girl who went to the high school I graduated from took her own life. She was bullied and tormented with hateful taunts from classmates after a horiffic incident where she was raped by four boys and somehow one of them thought to take pictures as if somehow, somewhere that is even remotely acceptable behaviour. And instead of being helped by the authorites she reported the incident to, the case wasn't taken seriously enough and nothing happened to punish the boys due to an allegend lack of evidence. So life goes on, the classmates who tormented her over an incident she had no control over will weep on television and claim they didn't talk poorly of her. <br />
<br />
Our evening news is full of stories of this seemingly sweet girl and what good she was doing in the community and what a lovely person she was. Too little, too late. This girl was failed. By classmates, teachers, school officials, law enforcement, our legal system, and... possibly most importantly of all, the parents of the boys who raped her. The parents who could have taken the time to reinforce how to treat a member of the opposite sex. I am not a parent, so I implore the parents of boys to read this article. All parents actually, it's a sound message. <br />
<br />
The article is <a href="http://goodmenproject.com/ethics-values/a-letter-to-my-son-about-consent/" target="_blank">A Letter To My Son About Consent</a> written by <a href="http://goodmenproject.com/author/finn-wightman/" target="_blank">Finn Wightman</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ckhpz6d" target="_blank">Rehteah Parsons</a> was so traumatized by the miserable way her 17 year old world fell apart, she felt her only escape was to end her young life. She has been failed so many times over, and I hope the reports all over the news about justice for her are followed through and that the next time someone comes forward to report a situation it recieves an appropriate response.<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-71064962957057970962013-04-08T19:04:00.001-03:002013-04-08T21:42:08.744-03:00Anticipation of TomorrowTomorrow is a big day for me. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow marks a day I have been looking forward to for a long time.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Tomorrow... my braces get removed!! </strong></span><br />
<br />
It's been 2 years, 7 months and 7 days. Or 135 weeks, 5 days. Or 950 days. But who's keeping track? Heh.<br />
<br />
In September 2010 I had a full set of upper and lower braces put on. I had an underbite, and a jaw that didn't fit in my mouth because it was too wide and positioned too far forward. So, after consultation with my dentist, orthodontist and an oral surgeon, it was decided that I would have jaw surgery to correct my bite and I'd need the braces to move all the teeth into position for surgery, then to adjust them after.<br />
<br />
The surgery, in February 2012 was... interesting. I ended up with pnuemonia which made my recovery that much harder. Coughing with your jaw wired shut is miserable. And consuming all my food (read: thin liquids) through a large syringe stuck in the corner of my cartoonishly swollen mouth was brutal. <br />
<br />
I can eat most foods now, though my jaw gets tired fairly quickly. I've done everything my surgeon & orthodontist have told me to in an effort to make sure I get these braces of in the shortest possible time frame. I've never popped off a bracket because of eating something I shouldn't have, and I have (by all accounts) taken meticulous care of my teeth and it hasn't been easy. I actually miss flossing (yes dad, you read that right) and I look forward to not brutalizing toothbrush bristles on a regular basis! <br />
<br />
So yeah, tomorrow. Eight AM. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa!<br />
<br />
Here are my before and after surgery x-rays... <strong>before</strong> on the <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">RIGHT</span></strong> and <strong>after</strong> on the <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">LEFT</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I'll be sure to share what I eat first... and how my mouth feels!</span><br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-47397574599557545592013-03-30T16:25:00.000-03:002013-03-30T16:25:50.280-03:00Homemade Larabars As far as packaged snack foods go, Larabars rank pretty high on the scale of good-for-you snacks. The ingredient list is short and the flavours are yummy. But, they can be pricey. So I figured "Hey! I can MAKE these!"<br />
<br />
So I did. And you can too!<br />
<br />
This is not an original thought, and there are lots of blogs out there with creative kitchen-gurus who remember to take more pictures than I did. But this is my blog, and so here's what I made!<br />
<br />
The cast of characters (I picked things I like): <br />
- plain unsalted cashews <br />
- plain walnuts<br />
- medjool dates (pitted)<br />
- dried cherries<br />
- mini chocolate chips<br />
<br />
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<br />
If your dates still have the pits in them (mine did), just pry them out with your fingers.<br />
<br />
Place your dates and cherries in a food processor and turn them into (for lack of a better term) a lumpy paste.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-lumpy paste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Add in your nuts and blend until mixture becomes "mealy". Once it has the texture of crusher dust (I know, I paint an appetizing picture) add in some mini chocolate chips. These would be healthier without the chocolate chips, but come on... chocolate makes everything better! I <br />
<br />
Turn out of bowl of food processor and press into a square cake pan (mine is 8.5 x 8.5). Cut into bars. Now... I don't like the idea of using metal in my good cake pans, so I used my hard plastic stone-pan-scraper to cut the bars since it has a nice edge.<br />
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To store, I cut some parchment paper and wrapped each bar individually.<br />
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Then just pop the wrapped bars into a storage container with a tight-fitting lid and keep in the fridge until you feel as though you need a snack! But if you think you'll be a while till you get to them all, put some wrapped bars in a freezer bag and toss them in your freezer!<br />
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Mmmm nutritious, good-for-you, and ohhhh so yummy!<br />
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My recipe (feel free to adjust as you see fit):<br />
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13 medjool dates (pitted) <br />
1/3 cup dries cherries (try dried cranberries or blueberries!)<br />
1 1/2 cups unsalted cashews <br />
3/4 cup plain walnuts<br />
1/3 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips<br />
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In a food processor, blend up the dates & cherries. Add in the nuts until you get a pea-meal consistency. Add in mini chocolate chips. Press into square pan. Cut into bars. Wrap each bar individually. Store until ready to eat!<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-84131867723720231192013-03-30T08:29:00.000-03:002013-03-30T08:29:34.688-03:006k on Good FridayYesterday dawned bright and clear, if not a bit cold. Mother Nature sure is making Nova Scotia wait for spring this year! With all shops and whatnot closed for the day (holiday observance) HOTGI and I had no real plans. I put the bug in his ear as soon as he was up for the day that I'd like to take the dog for a walk somewhere, preferably a place where we could let him off-leash to run his little heart out. <br />
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Just after lunch, we got a call from friends who were taking their dog for a walk thru a place we used to run years ago as an off-roading trail, so we decided to join them. The spring thaw has left much of the ground a soggy mess, so waterproof boots were the name of the game! <br />
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It was a gorgeous day for a walk in nature, and the dogs had a great time! I am still recovering from a cold, so my energy/lung capacity was kinda crappy but I was glad to get out and DO something. I hope the physical exertion helps my body get rid of any lingering sickness!<br />
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Only a few pictures were taken, and no I am not in any of them, but here is our little group on the walk. The crest of the hill in the far distance... that's where we walked to. By the time we got there, I waved the white flag. I knew that we had to walk back, and there was no way I'd make it much farther beyond! I am really grateful for the fresh air and the walk with friends though! <br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-62215369502724723842013-03-10T10:07:00.001-03:002013-03-10T10:07:40.300-03:00Simply Sweet Cinnamon Roll WafflesIt's time change weekend... spring ahead and such. My friends with children really find this time change hard, but not having offspring or any schedule to keep this Sunday morning, it really doesn't phase me. I wake up whenever my dog or my bladder decides it is time!<br />
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This morning I was laying in bed and thinking about breakfast, when I decided to make a sweet special treat for HOTGI and I to share... cinnamon roll waffles!!<br />
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<br />This is hardly a new idea, it's been all over the internet for ages, but it was my first time trying it. All you need is a waffle iron and a tube of pre-made cinnamon rolls. I mean, you're more than welcome to make your own cinnamon rolls, make them up and toss them in your waffle iron but I don't have that kind of motivation on a Sunday morning.<br />
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Just unwrap the package (I hate the anticipation waiting for the *pop* opening those things!) and place the little rolls on your pre-heated waffle iron that you sprayed with non-stick spray (I use Pam for baking).<br />
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Now, just close the lid and give it a gentle squeeze shut!<br />
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Now all you have to do it stand there and inhale the sweet, sweet cinnamon aroma and wait for them to be done! My waffle iron has a sensor/timer dealie that gives a beep when the waffle is done, but I checked these ones with a fork as well... <br />
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Perfect! Crispy on the outside and soft and yummy on the inside!! Now, just put them, on a plate and drizzle with the icing that comes in the package (I microwave it for about 15 seconds to make it pourable).<br />
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Enoy while warm with your favourite breakfast beverage of choice. This morning I ground some Starbucks French Roast beans for coffee for HOTGI and made a cup of Tetley tea for me!<br />
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It's such a simple, sweet and yummy breakfast treat... go try it!<br />
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And since it's time change weekend, make sure you change your clocks AND the batteries in your smoke detectors!<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-85235144038807674552012-12-25T16:02:00.002-04:002012-12-25T18:57:05.714-04:00Christmas Day Amuse-Bouche: Caprese BitesChristmas Day 2012 has been a wonderful, roaring success in this household! My mom came over late yesterday afternoon and we had (traditional in my family) pan fried haddock for supper. Later, we sat in our jammies and watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while eating some bacon wrapped water chestnuts. Mmmmm!<br />
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This morning my mom, HOTGI and I had a blast opening gifts and spending time together. It's been a pretty relaxing day here, the turkey is in the oven and we are all still in our jammies. I made <a href="http://keepingtheshinysideup.blogspot.ca/2011/01/for-love-of-frittata.html" target="_blank">my frittata</a> for breakfast for mom and I (added chopped green, red and orange peppers leftover from Saturday's party) and then we all had pancakes for a second breakfast!<br />
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Since we're still kinda full this afternoon, nobody wanted lunch but our turkey dinner isn't for another couple hours, I decided to make a nice light snack, Caprese bites! They're pretty simple to make and are the perfect nibbley between meals.<br />
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All you need are:<br />
- fresh basil leaves <br />
- some small (cherry or grape) tomatoes<br />
- fresh mozzarella, cut into small bites<br />
- toothpicks<br />
- olive oil & balsamic vinegar, for dipping (optional)<br />
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Assemble together with toothpicks, and ta-dah!<br />
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Now, in the middle of this plate is a small bowl with olive oil and traditional baslamic vinegar from one of the greatest small shops around, <a href="http://www.allthingsolive.ca/" target="_blank">Liquid Gold</a>! If you're ever in Halifax, Nova Scotia check them out, you'll be glad you did! I had it there for dipping the Caprese bites since I think olive oil and balsamic are the perfect complement.<br />
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And as I type this, the turkey will be ready to come out of the oven in just about an hour...<br />
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Merry Christmas everyone!<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-51268156021164498562012-12-23T19:50:00.000-04:002012-12-23T19:51:34.594-04:00Warm Bacon Cheese Dip<span style="color: black;">Since it's been forever and a day since I made my last blog post, this is my official apology. And to make it up to those loyal readers who have checked in just to see nothing new, tonight I am posting a new a recipe. For reals!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Last night, He-of-the-good-ideas and I hosted our annual Christmas party. At one point in the night I was taking some guest's coats upstairs and the noise of the combined voices and laughter of about 20 of our friends all mingling together made my heart so happy. We have some wonderful people in our lives and even if we don't see them very often, it's great to spend a night laughing and having fun with them (and doing shooters and daring each other to do headstands in the kitchen, etc) LOL!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Okay, so I had pretty much everyone ask me for this recipe last night but I feel like it should come with a disclaimer. There is a very good chance you will take one bite thinking "okay, so what, it's a cheese dip" and then before you know it, you're standing over it, shoveling it into your mouth like it holds the meaning to life...</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><strong><u>Warm Bacon Cheese Dip</u></strong><br /><strong>1 8oz package cream cheese, cubed<br />1 1/2 cups sour cream (don't go getting "light" sour cream either, that's just wrong)<br />2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce<br />3/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled<br />1/2 cup minced onion<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together and press into a casserole dish/oven safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Serve with crackers. My personal recommendation is the original flavour triangle Triscuit, however I had mini pitas, Tostitos, regular Lays ripple chips, Breton minis, and sliced baguette on hand last night for dipping too. Oh, and a very clever <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Golden-Santa-Bread" target="_blank">Golden Santa Bread</a></span><span style="color: black;"> that my friend Jenny made!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This dip is SERIOUSLY addictive... enjoy/I'm sorry.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">When I was first putting it together I thought "gawd this makes a lot, I'll have lots of leftovers". No dice. The dish was wiped clean!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And since I didn't take a picture of dip after it came out of the oven, please accept this "WTF" picture of HOTGI doing a headstand in our kitchen...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4UYLo93iHaI/UNeWPmpIn5I/AAAAAAAAAbg/Xb7Tlysyrjw/s1600/headstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4UYLo93iHaI/UNeWPmpIn5I/AAAAAAAAAbg/Xb7Tlysyrjw/s320/headstand.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Look what I can do!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">.</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-64915403889458526252012-08-15T17:58:00.002-03:002012-08-15T17:58:40.859-03:00Spousal Conversation v. 14/08/2012Yeah, I'm still here. And I THINK about blogging all the time! I have so many things I want to do and share. And once the fall is here and camping season is done and I'm home on weekends again (not that any of these are good excuses) I hope I can get in gear to start posting more!<br />
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In the meantime, I have a conversation to share. I'm not saying who is who, but those who know us IRL should know which spouse is whom. <br />
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...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Scene: living room, after supper, watching tv with the dog</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spouse1: *farts* (once again, after an evening of frequent bodily noises)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spouse2: wow, again?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spouse1: yeah, sorry.<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>not sure why I’m so gassy tonight (having said the same thing an hour previous)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spouse2: huh, what did you have for lunch today?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spouse1: chili</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>(silence)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>(laughing)</strong></span></div>
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Ain't marriage grand?<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-74962110898990579342012-06-26T18:49:00.000-03:002012-06-26T18:49:14.766-03:00Sick & TiredGrumble... <br />
<br />
After weeks of avoiding the illness plagued by so many of my co-workers, it seems now is my turn. <br />
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Sore & scratchy throat, body aches, sneezing, splitting headache, nausea... oh it's a good time. Today at work was brutal as I spent most of the day trying to keep my focus and keep the contents of my stomach in place.<br />
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So, the post I had planned on making tonight about a project I was going to make with my Cricut is on hold. I am going to bed. At 7pm. <br />
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Be well my friends!<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-33348424772209408042012-06-22T10:54:00.001-03:002012-06-22T10:54:38.810-03:00Friday Rant: Camping in a camper is still camping<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the summertime, HOTGI and I spend most weekends away, in our camper. Whether we’re in a campground or setting up on some land owned by a friend, we like to get away. We also have “hybrid” style camper that we love. We used to camp in a tent with all our food & drinks carefully arranged in coolers. In 2008 we bought a pop-up hardtop camper that we loved. It got a lot of use, and we decided a couple summers ago to upgrade to a hybrid. It suits our needs and since it doesn’t need to have the top raised to pack it (like the tent-trailer did) it’s really convenient to pack and clean, etc. It also has a fridge with separate freezer that is awesome when you pack things like steak and bacon mid-week that you want to stay frozen until you hitch up and leave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So basically, we love our camper. The dog loves the camper. It has some creature comforts that I definitely appreciate (like a furnace to take the chill out of the air at night), and a bathroom. Last summer HOTGI upgraded our tow vehicle (and his daily driver) to a ¾ ton diesel pickup truck. We both love the truck! It’s proven itself useful time and again over the past year, and it tows the camper like a dream. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQRJCbDkCuY/T-R3tagT7_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ZOt4nhJr5w0/s1600/WoodwardCamper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQRJCbDkCuY/T-R3tagT7_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ZOt4nhJr5w0/s640/WoodwardCamper1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camper - Summer of 2011 (Photo taken by Cindy Homans-Creighton)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning I was lamenting that this weekend’s weather forecast is constant and heavy rain and what a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bummer it’ll be for camping. One of my coworkers said to me, “Why are you complaining? You have a camper! That isn’t even really camping.” Well EXCUSE the crap out of me. It IS camping thank-you-very-much! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because I’m not in a tent on the ground does not mean that my weekend is any less of an adventure. Of course I prefer when the sun is shining for a camping weekend since it means we are able to get out and go for walks, play with the dog, ride our bikes or just sit in the sun and enjoy a few beverages. The fact that it is supposed to rain this weekend is a drag, because we’d love to get out and explore! However it is nice that we have a place to sit inside and play cards or travel Scrabble while the weather outside is less than accommodating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It REALLY grinds my gears when someone says that camping in a trailer/camper “isn’t really camping”. I wasn’t aware there was a set definition of camping that denotes you must be in a canvas shelter with an air mattress and a cooler for it to be valid. If we wanted to “rough it” we have the gear for that too, but if you have the conveniences, why not enjoy them? We work hard to enjoy our toys and getting away from home and (most) technology to spend time with friends or just each other is what it is really all about IMO. There are people out there with much bigger and more luxurious campers/trailers/pushers/motorhomes crammed full of creature comforts and conveniences but I guarantee they still enjoying going out, meeting new friends and having adventures away from home and still consider is camping. Because it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So if you find yourself talking to someone who is looking forward to getting away and spending the weekend in their camper, maybe just try and be happy for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-60433297152809057072012-06-16T21:35:00.001-03:002012-06-16T21:35:57.034-03:00Mr & Mrs MugsI have had a busy Saturday of Costco-ing, cleaning, food prepping, etc. and now that the sun is set and I am all but sapped of my energy, I finally got the chance to make a wee gift for the in-laws. <br />
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I had cut the vinyl a couple weeks ago, and picked up the white mugs yesterday. I am in LOVE with these! I hope they like them too! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/579965_10150895145421523_798241186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" pca="true" src="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/579965_10150895145421523_798241186_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr & Mrs Mugs</td></tr>
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Handwash only please... kthanxbai!<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-86676093931614681752012-06-02T16:42:00.002-03:002012-06-02T16:43:46.539-03:00Back from the abyss...Hey loyal readers (the few of you who still check in here!) I'm back again!<br />
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I've been making a good recovery from surgery. Catching pneumonia when your jaw is wired shut isn't something I'd recommend.<br />
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So while I was recovering I pinned a lot of things to eat and to make and got it in my head that I should get some vinyl and try out cutting it with my Cricut. After some trial and error with blade depth / speed / pressure I figured out how to do a "kiss cut" and cut just the vinyl and not the backing. Then I ordered some transfer tape to make my decal making easier.<br />
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I've been having a blast!!<br />
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I've made all sorts of decals for myself and for friends and I have a small handful of some that I made multiples of that I'm hoping to be able to sell to folks I know. I'm not trying to run a business making these, just bring in enough to recoup my costs for the vinyl, tansfer tape, etc in order to buy more to play with!<br />
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My most recent, put on my 1981 CJ7:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AYzJvJyr80/T8prjACKRdI/AAAAAAAAAa0/l-epGuedz2g/s1600/kkjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AYzJvJyr80/T8prjACKRdI/AAAAAAAAAa0/l-epGuedz2g/s640/kkjo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KEEP CALM AND JEEP ON</td></tr>
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<br />
In the same theme as the KCCO decal, I made a siliar one for the camper!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUaF89intQ8/T8pr07LpUdI/AAAAAAAAAa8/WDz8eI3H6Ws/s1600/178910_10150821379506523_514461522_9937572_1138475646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUaF89intQ8/T8pr07LpUdI/AAAAAAAAAa8/WDz8eI3H6Ws/s640/178910_10150821379506523_514461522_9937572_1138475646_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KEEP CALM AND CAMP ON</td></tr>
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I think I like that one the best since it's the first one I made!<br />
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Then I got creative with the design program I use and made a "subway art" style decal for the inside of the camper, I LOVE this one!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIQBtI6MnfU/T8psYDn6bLI/AAAAAAAAAbE/KZmyRUQXypM/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIQBtI6MnfU/T8psYDn6bLI/AAAAAAAAAbE/KZmyRUQXypM/s640/home.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHEREVER WE ARE TOGETHER, THAT IS HOME</td></tr>
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Next week I'll be giving some of my friends the decals I made for them... I can't wait to see my creations on their vehicles!<br />
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.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-13067803794790636202012-02-14T16:10:00.000-04:002012-02-14T16:10:36.176-04:00Share a Little Love Song(s)Hey y'all, it's Valentine's Day. It is a pretty low key in this household what with me home recovering from surgery. He-of-the-good-ideas sent me roses (awwww!) and came home for lunch where he gave me a sweet card and a lovely necklace that I'd spied of Etsy a few weeks ago. He really is a wonderful man, and I am blessed to call him mine.<br />
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If you want to play a tune for your Valentine but don't know what song to choose, check out this adorable youtube love-song medley for some inspiration...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0JoX4qm8OE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Oh, and no <a href="http://keepingtheshinysideup.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-love-n-smooches-day.html">heart shaped pizza this year like we usually do</a> as I am not eating anything that isn't fully liquified, and I'm just not in the headspace to try and blend pizza toppings!<br />
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Love to y'all!<br />
.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6555660195347933561.post-58917559891794609112012-02-12T13:47:00.001-04:002012-02-12T13:50:57.615-04:00Just a wee Update...Hello dear friends, how are things?<br />
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Me,<em> </em>I am recovering from my surgery. The surgery itself went well, and the surgeon called HOTGI from the operating room to tell him I came through it great. They ended up breaking my jaws in 5 places (2 breaks on the bottom, 3 on the top) and they gave me a splint which sets bewteen my upper and lower teeth and holds everything exactly in place however prevents me from speaking (oh joy). My body has been encountering some challenges in the recovery process, but things are getting easier every day.<br />
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The swelling in my face is gradually going down, and I am regaining sensation in more parts of my face with each day that passes. With more sensation however, I have more discomfort. I hesitate to call it pain at this point but it just isn't fun.<br />
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I have been spending a lot of time on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> though, and repinning all kinds of recipes that I plan on using once I am able to eat again. I had a friend send me a note on Facebook last night asking if I was trying to torture myself by pinning recipe after recipe while I was unable to eat! Well... I guess I figure I am going to be hungry one way or another, so I may as well look up recipes that will be something to look forward to.<br />
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At this very moment, if it weren't for the productive chest cough I seem to have developed (<u>you</u> try coughing up gross crap with your teeth bound together!) I wouldn't be doing too poorly. Jaws wired shut is a huge pain in the ass, but this too shall pass.<br />
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I want to share with you a picture of something my mother gave me when I came home from the hospital. She and I went shopping just after my braces went on and we found mug in a shop that made me laugh. Turns out she went back and bought it for me to give to me after this surgery...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOmX5RTvIXk/Tzf6yWJGyoI/AAAAAAAAAas/WIQHESsqmRE/s1600/mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOmX5RTvIXk/Tzf6yWJGyoI/AAAAAAAAAas/WIQHESsqmRE/s400/mug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Words to live by :)</td></tr>
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">.</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582638265416368242noreply@blogger.com0