Tuesday Things

Today is gloomy and grey. It's making me feel the same. :(

Yesterday was oh so sunny and beautiful. The wind kicked up in the evening. The pups found it very unsettling. They don't mind thunder but the wind freaks them out. Bruno stayed as close to me as he could possibly get. 

Yesterday it was finally warm enough to wear the short sleeved sweater I got at the Thrifty Shopper last month. I love it and I felt so fancy all day!

I finished this book on Friday- it has been on my TBR since March 2012- it was not at all what I expected- but I LOVED it.  I imagine I put it on my list because of the baker and dog on the cover.

I was expecting a fluffy romcom read, I guess in some ways it kinda was. It was much deeper than that, told from three points of view. Ramona, her daughter Sophia and Sophia's step daughter Katie.  In the opening scene Ramona and Sophia learn Sophia's husband has been injured in Afghanistan. Sophia, 7 months pregnant flies off to Germany to be with him.  Her 13 year old stepdaughter comes to stay with Ramona as her mother has been taken to rehab for drug addiction. The story goes back and forth between present day with all three points of view, Sophia's being her journal.  And the summer Ramona is pregnant with Sophia, she is 15 and goes to stay with her Aunt Poppy and learn to bake bread.  There are also bread recipes and sourdough tips sprinkled throughout the book- making it one I want to add to my collection and try all the recipes!

Sadly I killed my last starter, I think I still have a back up in the fridge somewhere- goal for tonight finding it- see if I can revive it and start baking all the things again! Otherwise I might have to try this-

EASY SOURDOUGH STARTER 

"Technically, the best sourdough starters are made without commercial yeast, but it’s easier to understand the properties of a sponge if you make an easy one to begin with. This one is simple and reliable. 2 cups potato water (water in which potatoes have been boiled until soft), lukewarm ½ cup rye flour ½ cup whole-wheat flour 1 cup unbleached white flour 2 tsp dry yeast In a 2-quart jar, mix the water, flours, and yeast until smooth. Cover loosely with cheesecloth and let stand in a warm spot, stirring every 24 hours, until bubbly and agreeably sour, usually 4–10 days. Taste it every day to know how it is progressing. When it is ready, store loosely covered in the fridge, refreshing it once a week by throwing away half the starter and adding 1 cup water, 1 cup white flour. Can be used in bread recipes, biscuits, pancakes, even cornbread.”

Upon re-entering my bedroom after showering and getting ready for work...

Wishing I was snuggled up with them and my book!

Good Samaritan Race Recap!

I am so excited to write a race recap! It has been over two years since my last one! It felt so great to be back at an in-person race.

It was a perfect day for running!  I started out the morning walking the dogs before I headed out.

As I said last week I was feeling slightly more confident after my treadmill run last Tuesday. But as I drove to the race site my anxiety was spiking.  It's no big deal! I told myself, you've done this dozens of times!

It didn't help. I felt like a fraud. Like I didn't belong. Like I was going to fail. 

I was happy to spot my parents' van as soon as I pull into the parking lot and was able to park right behind them.  I knew my Mom and sister were coming. And the nephew- he was waving at me as soon as I pulled up behind them.  When I walked up the driver's side window I was surprised and happy to see my Dad too. My own personal cheer squad. I went to get my packet and then climbed in the van to wait in warmth until start time.

As start time approached we all moved outside.  My family was behind me but then disappeared. I wasn't sure where they got to but tried to entertain myself watching the people around me, and dogs, and looking at the vast array of the race shirts runner's were wearing. I wondered if anyone was as slow and anxious as me, wondering who would be near me and if I could keep up with them for the duration...

The horn sounded and we were off. Moving through the starting arch, onto the road.  The race went up a hill the the bridge and then across the street to the canal path until the turn around and then back.  As soon as I turned onto the road I saw my family up ahead cheering with my sister, phone in hand ready to snap pictures.  I laughed and happily waved, some of my anxiety dissipating.  

Although the hill had me a little nervous as well. I tried not to worry about "sprinting" up it but to just keep moving forward. I was so pleased and proud when I reached to top still running.  I ran down the hill to the canal path, getting lost in my music and the day surprised when almost a mile had passed and I was still feeling pretty good. Wow! I thought, You can definitely make it to a mile without walking...and then I could see the first aid station up a head.   I pushed on till then, stopping long enough to down a little cup of water.  Then it was just a quick jaunt to the turnaround. I saw my friend Kristina, just before I hit the turn around and just after she did. I beamed and we slapped hands. It made me so happy to see a friend on the course! As I rounded the turn around, I kept her back in view as I continued on trying to not fall farther behind. :P  I tried really hard to not let any negative self talk but to tell myself I was strong and doing the best I could do.

Rounding the final turn I once again spotted my sister right away! 

Finish line chocolate milk.

The 10Ker's got medals (I ran the 5K) and as we watched the award ceremony, where they were also handing out medals, my nephew (6) looked up at me and said

- Are you getting a medal?

I said no, I'm not fast enough.

-oh, well that's ok, he gave me a hug  

 

I can't find this year's results posted anywhere.  But this is my unofficial time from my new watch. Which I am loving by the way!  I'm excited to run more regularly, get faster and stronger again. 

I'm looking forward to the next one! I'm looking forward to running with my sister again hopefully in the fall <3  We have our sights set on returning to the Syracuse Half next year.

I was disappointed there were no bagels at the finish line.  I thought about stopping at Dunkin' for one on my way home- but I was in a bit of a rush since we had to get to my father-in-law's birthday celebration.  So when I stopped at the store later in the evening I grabbed a pack of cheese bagels and enjoyed one for Sunday breakfast! ;-)

Reset... start again

Thought for today: 

If you get dislodged from your routine,
just hit the reset button and get back in it.

A simple statement but for some reason it was like an Ah-HA! moment this morning. I have been reading this little book in my devotional time. It's pretty good and I am enjoying it.

So I got out there this morning and took the pups for their walk.  It's super fun because of all the sticks lying around, they have started trying to wrestle sticks from each other- while still attached to me.  Yesterday Bruno tumbled end over end, ending up with Chance's leash wrapped around his midsection.  Clearly we need to work on our leash manners some more.  But despite that and the fact to zipper on my coat broke- my watch gave me a "high stress" alert when I was trying to get the zipper back down so I could take off my coat when we got home :P Anyway as I was saying- it made me feel good and accomplished and refreshed to be outside and get some steps in and the boys some exercise.

Because of the weather yesterday I went for a treadmill- and while it felt suuuper slooow- I was encouraged because I managed to keep running the whole time (no walking) - minus one water break. So I am feeling a little more optimistic about Saturday now.

Planning to finish off my Bromance book today.  (Yesterday's lunch of potato soup made with leftover Easter ham- yum!).  I thought I might finish it last night but watched an episode of This is Us instead. I'm slowly watching the last season- because I don't feel prepared for the end of the show or the end of Kate and Toby.

Then spend the next two days revisiting Deena Kastor's book- Let Your Mind Run to help put me in the proper mindset for Saturday's race.

Happy Wednesday!

Another Beautiful Spring Day...

Our schools are closed...today was supposed to be the return from spring break. I'm so tired of winter. But thankful the roads were pretty ok when I drove to work and hopefully by tomorrow the snow will be gone again... in the meantime... treadmill run tonight.

Easter and catching up...

I didn't take many pictures this weekend.  For the first time ever I do not have an Easter picture of my children. I'm trying not to be too sad about this.

Here is a representation of Easter Baskets this year, this is Ryan and his girlfriend's.  All the girls baskets had the same goodies in their baskets.

Hannah made these beautiful cross cakes for our Easter breakfast at church.  My mom was in charge this year and out did herself. <3 Per usual.

Easter Service was wonderful.  I was happy to be sitting next to my sister <3  There were three baptisms at the end of service.  Always a tearfully joyful moment. <3

My parents hosted an egg hunt and dinner.

We also celebrated my birthday

I forced myself to walk the dogs when we got home and successful completed the first week of my stepbet challenge.

You have to complete 4 active days, 2 power days and there is 1 grace day. I have to say though I think I probably hit steps on Saturday too- but pushing the cart in the store doesn't register steps- unless I only push with my non-watch hand - which always feels super awkward to me! :P Someone in the group say she puts her watch on her ankle to shop so it counts! haha

I finally ordered my new watch last night and can not wait for it to get here! =D  I have been wanting to upgrade my garmin for awhile and finally bit the bullet with my birthday $$.

Mikayla gave me to new Bromance book for my birthday yesterday.  I read 100 pages last night. It's the 4th in the Bromance Book Club series and I have loved them all- this one might be my favorite since the first one.  There is a fair amount of bad language but they are so funny.  It is a group of guys who have formed a book club that reads romance novels as manuals to save their relationships/marriages. 

I have been enjoying Monday night walks with Jess, it feels great to be out and moving, not to mention talking about everything under the sun.

I also spent some time painting with another friend these last two Saturdays.

It is a two class painting- here is mine at the end of the first session-

Here is my finished masterpiece... haha- its not great- I feel like the white lines are far too thick.  But it was fun and I enjoyed spending time with my friend. 

This prayer was in my email and it very much echos what is in my heart today.

I finished this book last weekend. It was a fun, light, clean, bookish romance.  I very much enjoyed it.

Bruno and I had a pretty good run Friday morning.   But I'm feeling pretty anxious about the race on Saturday. 

The boys also enjoyed their Easter treats-

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter!

March reading...

I fell behind on my book reviews this month and am now scraping to pull something together.  I like to try and do it as I finish each book while it is fresh in my mind.  So this is late and probably sub par and maybe you don't even care but anyway... Here is what I read in March.

17- An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2) by Francine Rivers   ★★★★ 3/3 (kindle/library) 

I really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. I loved the continuation of the story and the resolution of this part of the story. Looking forward to reading the third book too- my to-read list is far too long right now!

Don’t look to man for understanding or to yourself for what you need. God sees your pain and your struggle, and God will give you the strength to overcome it. God alone can do it.

18- One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury  ★★★★ 3/9 (eBook/hoopla) 

This book gave me all the emotions! It takes place surrounding 9/11. I thought she did a great job of capturing the feeling surrounding 9/11 and I felt like I was right back there on that day. The story line itself was a little far fetched but enjoyable - although heart wrenching at times. I currently have book 2 from the library on my TBR pile.

19- The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede 3/11 (print/library)

This is a nonfiction book about a small town in Canada where a ton of planes for diverted to when air space over the US closed on 9/11. The whole island of Newfoundland it seemed pulled together to feed and house hundreds of stranded travelers.

They placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked for nothing in return. They affirmed the basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still existed. If the terrorists had hoped their attacks would reveal the weaknesses in western society, the events in Gander proved its strength.

 

20- The Faithful Way: Remaining Steadfast in an Uncertain World by Cynthia Heald (print/own)

This one I actually finished in February but forgot to record it. It is just a short devotional book. I googled devotional books on the word Steadfast at New Years and came across this one. It's an easy, yet thought provoking read. Lots of things to glean from it.

*Since I finished this one if February, I am not counting it toward my March totals.

21- The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory ★★★     3/15 (kindle/library)

Predictable romance read, fairly open door-- be forewarned.  A continuation of the cast of characters from the previous two books in the series, this one actually picks up part was through the 2nd book- which at first confusing but was fine once I realized the timeline.  Maddie and Theo, the main characters in this book are the best friends (who hate each other) of Alexa- the heroine in the previous book.

There was a moment near the end where Alexa calls them on their foolishness which I particularly enjoyed.  Over all a fun romance read.

She didn’t like parties in the first place—they were always too loud, there were always annoying people who she had to pretend to be nice to, and there were never enough snacks.

“We all have to lean in to our skills and passions—one of the best things I’ve realized in my thirties,” Maddie said.

“Very, very slowly. Look, you ask the man for chips and salsa, he goes into the kitchen and fries tortillas to make the chips, and roasts tomatoes to make the salsa, okay?” That made him turn around. “That only happened one time! I bought you salsa this time!” Alexa kept talking like he hadn’t even said anything. “So, I’m just saying, if you expected his margaritas to start with anything so pedestrian as margarita mix, or even bottled lime juice, you were barking up the wrong cocktail tree here.”

22- We are the Brennans by Tracey Lange ★★★ 3/17     (print/library)

This was our last book club pick for Loren's BC- I enjoyed the story overall. Not thrilled about the ending. But there's no way to talk about that without spoilers. It is the story of an Irish family. The father and aunt being immigrants from Ireland. I liked how the story wove through the siblings eyes, there are 4 brothers and a sister and also Kale, kind of a surrogate brother/neighbor. Each chapter picking up the story from the last spoken line of the new chapter's narrator.  I did really enjoy the family aspect of the book.

What I’m saying is, if you can be happy, do it. If you know what you want in life, don’t wait for someone else to give it to you, go after it, and don’t let anything stand in the way.

Family didn’t mean hiding the hard stuff from each other, it meant facing it together. And it meant forgiving each other.

23- Rebekah (Wives of the Patriarchs, #2) by Jill Eileen Smith ★★★ 3/21     (ebook/hoopla)

I read the first book a while back and while searching up some new book club ideas came across this one. It was enjoyable. I do so love seeing glimpses into what the lives of Bible characters may have been like. Its neat to see them as regular people just like us.

24- Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett ★★★★ 3/24     (print/library)

This was my book club pick for this month. Not what I was expecting and a little slow getting into but I really enjoyed it in the end. Set in Yosemite Park- it was billed as a mystery but seemed much more historical romance to me. I enjoyed the setting and how that park was almost a character in and of itself. I liked that it had a spiritual journey throughout the book as the characters learned about themselves, each other and seeing themselves as God does. And Grace.

He rubbed his hand across his chin. "Yosemite is a total stranger to you. If you spotted a man on the street, you couldn't tell anyone what made him unique. You could only describe his likeness and perhaps his demeanor that particular day-- but you would know nothing of the God-given spirit that lies within." Mr. Johnson's eyes narrowed. "If you want to paint Yosemite, you need to make its acquaintance. That's what I think. Learn the mountain's heartbeat. Breathe its air into your lungs."

Revered White tapped the bench next to him. "Dis-grace is a human term, Clark. God invented Grace. No one can take it from you." He leaned closer, his voice growing in intensity. "You want to know why God isn't showing you which direction to go? Maybe it's because you're not ready to listen."

"Seek your identity in Him Clark. Everything else will come clear. He hasn't stopped speaking to you, you just think you're not worthy to hear it."

25- The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E Reichert ★★★★ 3/29     (print/own)

One from my unread shelf! I pre-ordered this book last year I was so excited to read it...then I didn't. I probably got excited about something else and it got pushed to the side.

It did not disappoint me.

Sabrina back in her hometown for the summer, seeking to make a little bank to pay off debts while hoping for a fresh start somewhere new in the fall. She struggles with anxiety and her family's secret, that the women in her family can see ghosts and help those that have unfinished business so they can move on.

Ray came to town when his great uncle grew ill and took over his Supper Club. He finds the lifestyle much prefered to the one he was living and is striving to prove to his parents that this is where he belongs.

They meet in the crossfire of a water park food fight- as Sabrina takes a slushie to the face.

It is quirky and fun read that makes you want to enjoy some fried cheese curds, an old fashioned and maybe visit Wisconsin. ;)

“Spoons are gone,” Sabrina said, and shuffled from the room. The conversation continued as she left, but she no longer cared to listen. She’d played her get-out-of-jail-free card. “Spoons” was their code word for when she needed to retreat. Spoon theory was the best way to describe how a day could sap her energy. Everyone started each day with a number of spoons, some people started with more than others. Every activity used up a certain number of spoons, and when they were gone, then the energy was gone for the day. For Sabrina, everything required a lot of spoons, and she didn’t have many to begin with.”

She sipped her old-fashioned. Sweet and light, with notes of orange and the herb-spice flavor of bitters, all of it balanced with the subtle burn of brandy. It tasted like Wisconsin. It tasted like home.

26- Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor ★★★★ 3/30     (ebook/hoopla)

Our pastor did a sermon recently on Mary Magdalene. Given my penchant for biblical fiction lately I was looking for a read before the service was even over.

I really enjoyed this peek into what her life *might* have been like. It really makes you think about what it might have been like to hear tell of Jesus and to follow him through the countryside and actually see the things he did and hear his voice.

9 books this month! So much for slowing down :P Favorite? I'm hard pressed to pick: I think I am going to go with The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

Kindle/Ebook: 5   Print:  4  Audio: 0

Library:  8  Owned: 1 Borrowed: 0

Unread Shelf: 1  Purchased: 5 (oops) 😅