If you haven't figured this out about me by now, I love costumes. LOVE COSTUMES!
Not even just costumes, but creating a character, creating a look. Anything from a pirate, a flapper, super fantastical, sci-fi, 50's housewife, a hippie, etc. Even in everyday wear. Channeling a character or a decade, for example, can help how you walk out the door for the day...or for whatever event it's for.
I love keeping up on cosplay out there, too. You know? The hardcore geeky fans that go ALL out on their recreation &/or interpretation of the character they are trying to portray. You see it a lot at Comic Con & other conventions like it. From makeup to the outfit...to the overall attitude. Yeah. That.
I have seen some CRAZY stuff out there, too. People go SO above & beyond...I'm not even sure how they stand or move. Live with Kelly & (now) Michael have done annual costume contests for Halloween. The stuff these people come up with are SO elaborate...they've created a scene! Seriously...and it's even hard to tell if there's a human being in there!
Examples:
With all the incredible work that goes into the show, here's how I see it:
If it is going to hinder my movement in any way, if I can't see, sit, turn my head, move my arms, keep me from walking, etc., then it's a no-go.
Wigs, headpieces, makeup, accessories, clothing, and footwear all make a difference for what you are trying put out there. I will work what I can to go above & beyond...but so I can still function in society...in my own weird & creative way, of course.
This has been on my mind as I have some 5k runs coming up. And part of my motivation to do these, if you remember HERE, is that I can wear a TUTU! Since I used to wear costumes ALL THE TIME back when I danced hardcore & competed, the glitz, glamor, lycra & fabulous get-ups all had to set the tone of the dance & the message we were trying to convey, AND we HAD to be able to move while doing so. Tutus were just a part of some of the costumes that were a ballerina standard. And I loved getting to wear a tutu with the sequins & shimmer tights. Ahhhh...those were the days...
Anyhoo...I've been thinking up some really great tutu running outfit ideas for some of these races coming. And...since I'm RUNNING...that means I need to be able to MOVE without being hindered in any way. Just like my thought on costumes to begin with!
Tutu running outfits for 1) Park Trot 5k (by Bass Pro); 2) [Chiefs] Finish on the 50; 3) My Girl is on Fire Bday 5k run
So...as you plan your upcoming costumes for Halloween, or whatever (since it's already THAT time of year for me...but it's always Halloween for me), I'd just ask you if it's worth winning a costume contest for 5 minutes to an hour that you can't move in...or to embody your costume you can wear for a long time, and hopefully a few times (and maybe even reuse), for hours of fun?
If you choose to go elaborate enough that you cannot move, or it is difficult to move around, all for the show, then good for you...have at it. But what can you do or create to be able to move around for a longer period of time without having to take off or have to carry parts of your costume you can't keep on...
So, I'm already looking forward to some fun running tutu outfits. Some of the races even have costume/outfit contests! You know what? If I can be elaborate ENOUGH to at least compete...awesome! But I won't sacrifice mobility/view to try to win it.
Anyway...if you are one that does go so elaborate that you are willing to sacrifice ANYTHING to win a costume contest, even if it only lasts 10 minutes...and you can't move or see...my question for you is: Why? I would love to hear! Seriously! Just comment, below here on the blog, so we can keep the responses together. I'm genuinely curious.
In the meantime...I'm planning my upcoming running tutu outfits, as well as planning ahead for Halloween. My Favorite!
As I approach 9-weeks of running, I have certainly had a lot of ups & downs. Progress slid, so I am working my way back up...especially since I have registered for more 5k runs in the upcoming weeks!
If you remember back when I started this running thing, the switch flipped 9-weeks ago, today. (reminder about all of that HERE)
One of my inspirations, Aimee, contacted me earlier this week about doing a race with her. It was The Color Run being held in KC. Problem was the price. It is one of the races I REALLY wanted to do! By the time I started researching it, the morning was completely filled, and the price had already gone up. So...no bueno. And the next session started at 2:00 PM. I'm a morning runner (not a morning person...just to keep that straight), so I was NOT stoked about the afternoon time...especially with it being at the end of May.
Well, my friend (who I've known since the 1st grade) wanted me to run this race with her since it was happening on her birthday! As much as I wanted to spend that race with her...this was a fee I couldn't do. I. Was. Bummed.
But I encouraged her to run it since it's supposed to be a happy race, and she is turning 40! She has made fantastic strides in her journey (slight pun intended), but I just couldn't do that race with her. Instead, I told her I would run with her in spirit.
I ran my own 5k.
Yes-yes-yes...it was a training run. However, I put myself out there to run that 5k distance! And...I did it in my racing gear: tutus. I wore 2 tutus (yeah...say that 5 times fast): one red & one orange. I'll tell you why in a moment.
I decided to have "This Girl is on Fire" as my personal race theme:
1. Aimee is en fuego! Her journey to get healthier & fitter has been amazing! It's why she was part of my inspiration!
2. She decided she WANTED to run a race ON her 40th birthday. She is awesome!
3. It's freaking hot out there! The humidity & temps are ridiculously melt-worthy!
So...I put my race outfit together that included red, orange & yellow to be reminiscent of flames. And then, with it being a race, I needed a race bib. So...I fashioned my own bib & customized it specifically for her birthday. I pinned that sucker on, slathered on some serious sunscreen... and then headed out.
As I promised her, I would run with her in spirit. So, I ran a 5k distance...at 2:00 in the afternoon of the last day of May.
It was brutal! The heat. The humidity. The gawking neighbors...
Oh yeah...I did it thru my own neighborhood! I really surprised some neighbors sitting outside, and I even had a car turn around to follow me to see if they were seeing what they were really seeing! A tutu runner running thru the neighborhood...like in a race or something. CRAZY!
Did you know those tutus contain super powers? I took off, in hopes of actually taking it slow. With the heat & humidity, it was gonna be rough...but I wanted to finish the race in 40 minutes...for my friend's 40th birthday. No big whoop! It could happen...until the tutus kicked in! I was running one of my faster paces! Like I was in a race or something! Between that & the heat/humidity...I wore out pretty quick. I ended up having to walk some of the way. But you know what? I got in that 5k! I went 3.15 miles in 36:06. So...still not bad. Faster than my goal for this one.
I really did have amused neighbors who got a kick out of seeing this crazy chic running in tutus like there's a race going on...and I was the only one! HA! I had a car pull over to cheer me on...plus the creepy car that followed me to see if I was the spectacle they thought it was. I was...
I haven't heard how she did in her race today. I'm stoked to hear! Because she needed that race today. You know: "...the happiest 5k on the planet." She is rocking in her journey! And I was SO happy this race fell on her birthday! I'm hoping it's on her birthday weekend next year so we can plan ahead to actually do it together!
But this year...running on my own, in her honor, will have to suffice.
How about that, all my fellow runners? For a gift to someone...run a race in their honor! Even if it's one of your own accord. And get someone to take pics of you so you can show them that they were your inspiration!
I had Teen Girl take some pics for me. And she did a great job!
Today was all for Aimee! A long time friend who is accomplishing great things!
A major rush of emotions have been rushing over me lately. I'm a mess!
Today, I'm wearing butterflies. I'm wearing butterflies for several reasons. But hang on a moment while I grab a tissue or two so I can pull myself together to tell you why...
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OK. *breathe in, breathe out*
Today, my daughter actually graduated high school. Seriously.
I know, right? How is that even possible! I'm not old enough to have any kiddo that age. That's exactly my thought!
Any-hoo...
So, yeah. That happened today. And it has been quite the journey to get here!
See, she hasn't exactly been the most "studious" kiddo since she hit the 3rd grade. We have had issues with teachers that were nightmares & sweet blessings of teachers who were saints the rest of the way thru. We pulled, we prodded, we left it alone, we nagged, we encouraged, we punished, we stayed in contact with the teachers...it was quite the struggle to get her thru. I'm sure there were teachers who cringed hearing from us...or even cringed having to contact us.
*sigh*
The amount of work WE did to get her to scrape by was exhausting. It caused us a lot of anxiety. Because she is SO smart!!! That's why so many of us attached to the journey had been very frustrated with her! But you know what? She did it...just enough to get by. Every. Single. Time.
She also had problems getting participation points in classes. The girl who can sing & perform like no one else's business could not, and would not, do presentations in classes & would hardly speak up in class...because she didn't want to draw attention to herself, especially if she was wrong. But I got thinking about it, and it actually saddens me...
When we lived in StL, she was in middle school. We were there for her whole middle school life. Moving can be difficult on kids. Especially on someone who was such a leader & felt they could rule the world! To get in a situation where you need to make new friends can be very difficult. And the forming of trust issues can arise.
Teen Girl was in a situation in middle school with "friends" that was so traumatic, hurtful, heartbreaking & devastating...whew...it breaks my heart every time I think about it. A verbally abusive bullying situation was so intense, my daughter never wanted to go back to school. A girl so dominating that other "friends" wouldn't speak up against her. A ring leader that others would just do what she said without question...even if they knew it was wrong. Until the new kid, my daughter, stood up to her over a stupid Halloween costume. And things escalated quickly. Horribly.
In that time, the bully ring leader had a birthday party where she, along with her over-bearing mother, had a bracelet making party. My daughter chose to make her bracelet for me (probably because she knew she was in serious trouble with me before we left). It had my favorite colors & a butterfly charm. She made it about 6-years-ago, and I still wear it.
When she made that bracelet, it was a dark time for her. Both with school & with friends. She just wanted to go back "home"...not wanting to accept the fact that StL had to be our home at that time. Middle school is hard enough on an individual...but no one should EVER have to endure what she did!
So she has had trust issues with friends, classes & people in general. She no longer steps up & makes herself known & has been a great part of her own self doubt. This is all on top of her not wanting to do all the work anyway...
Imagine our struggle...
We were shocked when we went to parent/teacher conferences. We would hear, "She is very quiet in class." We would find ourselves retorting with, "No, no, no. Our daughter is [Teen Girl]." And then we'd get the weird looks.
In her struggles to even wanting to do the work, as well as finding & hanging on to decent friends, the journey to today has really been a struggle. She's been fighting this cocoon for a very long time.
So, today, I felt it was appropriate to wear butterflies. Not only was my deceased grandmother into butterflies as much as I am (reminder HERE), but it was a beautiful significance to graduation.
Today, I wore butterflies...including that bracelet. Such a symbolic accessory to show that she has fought hard & risen above a lot.
The bracelet she made for me several years ago
She began to get noticed for her amazing talents. She had people fighting for her & with her to get her to walk that stage.
Today, I wear butterflies. To make sure my grandmother was ever-present, as well as to remind my daughter how far she has actually come!
Today, she became a butterfly...we watched her wings spread as she focuses, now, to fly off to her next adventure. She is still looking at a couple of colleges (Remember that whole being afraid of being turned down & trust issue stuff?). But getting accepted, having amazing friends, getting to go on big adventures, and she has turned the heads of talented peers that she really had no idea she could hold her own with...ones she really looks up to!
Her very last day of free public education...ever!
We are so proud that we, as a village, have gotten this girl to the end of this stretch of the journey. It's time to turn the corner to a whole new path.
And I have handled this whole "I have an adult graduate as a kid" thing SO well...*ahem*
Things have been so busy lately, I've hardly had time to think!!
It's Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. And during this Lenten season, some things have taken place that made me think & realize I'm a very different person.
Wait, wait...I know, I know. Actually we should ALL know that I am, in fact, a very different person! That's not a fact that can be hidden. But that's not what I'm talking about...
My different is different. My different is different today than it was 20 years ago!
Let's see:
* 20 years ago, right now, I was in the midst of a breakup. A very bad relationship that went on way too long. I was not in the right state of mind, and certainly did not want back in another relationship for a very long time...if ever. Yes. It was bad. Little did I know that I was just a few months away from meeting my soul mate.
* 20 years ago, right now, I had very long hair! After a series of years of crazy awful perms & haircuts...I made the decision, in 8th grade, to grow out my hair. And I did not let scissors touch my hair until I was out of high school. I was on the verge of chopping my hair off into a bob...because I could & I knew I needed a change!
* 20 years ago, right now, I was finishing up another dance competition season & getting ready for recital. Dance was my life. I lived & breathed dance...and probably should have been one who could have used dorms at the studio...if it had dorms attached.
* 20 years ago, right now, dance was my only means of being in shape. And I was! But that's about all I knew. I mean, I did some acting stuff at church & was only kind of involved there, but that was it. So that meant that if I wanted something to eat, either I wait for my mom to make it...or throw something in the microwave. Seriously.
* 20 years ago, right now, I was also working in the banking business.
* 20 years ago, I had no idea how to do housework. Well, I could do some laundry...but not much else besides that. No vacuuming, dusting, cooking...I mean, if I was forced to because company was coming, I might. But other than that...uh...no.
* 20 years ago, right now, I'd already made up my mind that I was probably not going to have kids. Why? A high school birthing video messed with my head! I already stated that after I'd come home that day. So I had no thoughts of kiddos. When it would come to mind...I'd remember that video...*shudders*
* 20 years ago, right now, I still didn't have fashion sense. Oh...I tried...but I have seen pics of me from around then. I've come to realize it was a, "...bless her heart. At least she was trying," kind of thing.
* 20 years ago, right now, I could not find my own way around the KC area on my own! Someone had to take me or I'd freak out! I knew my way around my hometown, but not much outside of that. I had been known to pull over & cry after I nervously took a few wrong turns. Not good.
* 20 years ago, right now, I was going thru the motions of my faith. I went to church & claimed to be a Christian because it's how I grew up. No matter how busy I was (notice I didn't say "involved"), I was truly clueless. Truly.
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So much has changed in this 20 years since then. I have since met & married my soul mate (my Prince Charming story HERE), had 3 kiddos, become a SAHM, not nearly danced as much, not nearly performed as much, figured out how to bake AND cook...and have even written my own recipes (cooking blog HERE), can clean only a little more, became lazy except for a few dance ministry things here & there, took up yoga & quit yoga (because I loved my instructor & realized they are not all created equally), found some fashion since, cut off my hair, and have figured my way around the KC area, oh...and became the wife of a pastor when he received his calling (my thoughts on this HERE). And I have moved out of my comfort area for a little while...but got to come back.
These are huge steps! I've been a soccer mom, a flag football mom, a theater mom; I've written a couple of plays (for kiddos), and in the midst of taking on a bigger project right now (more on that in the future). I have prepared scripts from scripture & narrated for cantatas. I've also taken on serious costuming & life celebrations, too! (read about some of those HERE) I've started dance groups & have done musical choreography. I've directed dramas & dramatic sides of church productions. I've gotten to teach dance. (my blog post about dancing HERE)
I am now a coffee snob with my hubby & grind hubby's & my favorite beans (read about it HERE). And I enjoy a glass of antioxidant-fortified Jesus water from time-to-time with my hubby. Even though I drank coffee a little bit when I was 18, and I certainly never thought I'd enjoy wine...here we are.
I have ridden in a NASCAR, I've gone white water rafting & horseback riding in the mountains. I have gotten to watch my kids stand in the ocean...
And I am much stronger in my faith & in my Christian walk. Not in the religion...but in my beliefs & my own personal testament. I can become overwhelmingly emotional just by reading a line of scripture or a hymn that hits me deeply.
I have gotten to see my kiddos accomplish so much. They are very different children with their own interests...and I love watching them excel at the passions they have! I have been moved to tears so many times when I get to witness them do what they do best...on their own.
We are getting ready for a graduation even.
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Now then...here is a reason why I reflect on so much of this: the where I was at to the where I'm at now...
This will be a HUGE step for me to even say...but yes...I did hit a milestone recently. When I talk about 20 years ago...well...that's when I was newly 20. I'll let you do the math from there...
Even though that day & weekend were completely filled with so many other things, and I'm not a big celebrator of me, it was fine that it was just another day. No big whoop. And I'm serious when I say that! I get really weird about it... My hubby was just hoping to work in some dinner after a very busy day. And I had to pick. Bleh...
So, on the way home from having Teen Girl's last Coterie meeting of the season (about that HERE), I decided on a dinner place, called hubby to tell him...and continued on home...
...just to find cars parked up & down our street...and I realized they were for our house!
Oh hubby & Teen Girl (and the boys) are SO sneaky!!
When I realized they were, in fact, for our house...I just looked at Teen Girl. She looked at me, semi-smugly, and said, "Ummm...just look surprised. OK?"
But the fact was, I recognized only 1 car at a quick glance. Truth was...I had no idea who was waiting on the other side of that door! But it was a lot like Romper Room (who remembers that show?) when they pulled out the magic mirror:
I started pointing out all the sweet friends, life group members, family that were there. I really had NO idea what was happening! And dinner was not my restaurant choice! But that was not a big deal as I was only trying to pick a place. It was buffet style. And I got to have shrimp!
And they were all, at least seemingly, very encouraging & supportive of my new endeavor.
I know putting it this way might sound like denial of sorts...but it's not. As you many know, I have taken up running. Now, here's the denial that's not really denial, but more of a mindset change: it's NOT a mid-life crisis! It had nothing to do with age or where I'm at in life. It literally started with this motivation, HERE!
My first post run after less than a mile. But I made it!
And I've been sticking with it for 2 & a half weeks now. I've signed up for a race at the end of August. It's the Blacklight Run 5k in KC. And as I hit that button to make the registration official...I knew I was in for sure. No turning back. Keep moving forward...
And? I get to run on a team with someone who got me inspired...plus I'll see another of them out there! I know there's others I know doing this & hoping to get some more onto the GLOWden Girls team! *shameless plug*
I was also told about the free 5k here! It is to be happening WAY before I figured I'd be ready, but I thought that I could make it a "test run" (yes...slight pun intended). Well, I've already hit my goal of 3.1 miles now! I can't believe it, myself! So...I signed up for it. I know I won't beat myself up if I walk any of it since it's a free run. And I won't feel bad if I end up laying on the side for a while. Did I mention it's free?
After 2 weeks...this was taken post run. It was emotional...I surprised myself hitting the 3.1 mile mark!
I have gotten running shoes, a great tracking app on my phone, assembled (and still assembling) an empowered playlist for when I'm out there.
My awesome Saucony running shoes
Never have I gone running on my own...nor have I ever thought running 3 miles would be OK! Even if it was Rule #1 for Columbus! (that's a Zombieland reference, folks)
It's the first time I've ever been motivated to run! I would be graded on the 1 mile in school. But that's really it, I think. I've done a couple other walks & things...but I was still in high school when those happened. For the 1st time, I'm OK with this. I have goals, I have motivation. I also have incredible support! Like from my hubby. That's a big deal! He & a couple of friends have been serious boulders for me in these last couple of weeks...
Even if the encouragement comes with a little bit of ribbing, probably even 3 weeks ago, that you would not see me running. However..."something has changed within me. Something is not the same..."
These last 2 & a half weeks have been quite emotional as I keep hitting landmarks in my journey. And I'm looking forward to more goals being set...maybe even Race for the Cure. I've been wanting to do this one for years. This may be a bucket list thing I can finally cross off the list.
And I want to thank all of you for the support you've given...whether you're a runner or not.
Here's what's going on:
I am different.
My kind of different is different.
My kind of different is different than it was 20 years ago...
After getting inspired & finding motivation (reminder HERE), I have kept wanting to keep going!
Imagine my surprise when I woke up early on Monday, which was Day 2, wanting to get back into the running shoes & try again. I hurt. Just so sore...but I wanted to work thru it!
So, I had some coffee & was getting myself together, looking into some good energy foods for breakfast & drinking plenty of water...I got those shoes on, did a few stretches, got one an app prepared on my phone...and off I went!
Before & after of the Day 2 run. I wasn't excited about how I did...but I still got out there! Tutus & medals, people!
I have discovered a couple of apps to help me out (of course there's an app for that), and what a great help to get that kick start going. I have also gained awesome support from friends! The avid runners & not-so-avid runners. I appreciate it SO MUCH!!
I will have to say that Day 2 was rough...I still got out there! The wind was strong Monday morning & in the 60's. And I felt the soreness. I still went a tiny bit further than last time, but I did walk about half of the distance. Still not a mile. My goal, at this point, is just to conquer a whole mile, while still moving, by the end of the week. I went just short of a mile today. It's within my grasp...
However, I'm already wrung out. I took a nap late in the afternoon to help get dinner going.
Just after dinner, the family was watching 'Wheel of Fortune.' One of the contestants is a gal from KC. She does some charity work for Girls on the Run (the same charity the tutu runner from the SELF magazine debacle donates to & promotes), and she had finished a 5K & is training for more coming up. *ahem*
Needless to say (but I will anyway), I got the message. Sounds like I need to keep going. Sounds like I'm gonna wear those tutus!
And? One of my Saturday inspirations brought up a Blacklight Run happening on August 29th. Sign up NOW for $20 registration (April 2nd deadline) before it bumps up to $60.
Ummm...my heart is racing to think that I'm joining the "GLOWden Girls" team for the Blacklight Run!
I have some 5Ks that I want to take part in...but this is for real now, yo! I'm in!
People...pray for me...
Any one else wanna join in?
But it will involve glowing & tutus, yo! That's some of the motivation...and it will be with some of my inspiration. I'm nervous...but STOKED! And I'm emotional right now. So I'm gonna take some ibuprofen & cry it out...
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Now I'm on Day 3. I just finished.
I woke up more sore & less motivated. I'm feeling drained. Take note: not dejected or done...just not as with it.
But I got the kiddos up & out the door for school...and then was trying to get my self focussed...
But the shoes beckoned...
And so, I got my coffee in me (otherwise that would be REALLY bad), and then slipped on my shoes...
I ate a decent breakfast...
...and after I got properly fueled, glanced at my motivation Pinterest board (HERE), and let it set while getting dinner going in the lazy cooker, I decided to try the C25K app that several friends recommended. I like it as a training app! My other app I used, which was recommended by another friend, is Runtastic. I like it since it shows how far I went.
I'm thrifty...and I really don't want to pay for either app, so I have the free version of both. But I do wish I could get both worlds together in one app! I would love the training part along with letting me know how far I went. But I digress...
For all you runners/walkers who get out there in 30 something degree weather...you're insane! I just want to put that out there. But guess what. I was out there in 30 something degree weather this morning. I went out and just did it! And I felt pretty good about it today...know why?
I know...I KNOW...I got my mile in today! I went for nearly 30 minutes & I definitely went further!
Woo Hoo!! Between the walking & running with the early stages of training...I hit my first real milestone!
And this is no April Fool's joke. I'm focussed. And I am getting so excited!! The GLOWden Girls team is growing & I am overwhelmed by the support! Thank you everyone!!
I'm a beautiful emotional wreck. I've never had this with walking or running before. I never got it. I'd try it, but was miserable & believing I just need to do it...*sad trombone*
But I am going to be doing the Blacklight Run WITH some of my inspirations! I'm going to see some inspirations! And when someone else joins because they are motivated now...I start crying again.
Wow...this is a lot to take in. A whole lot. I really had no idea.
I have even more motivation now. But it's still about the tutus & glowing & colors & bling. Just to keep things clear.
OK...I have other great things to focus on now, but wanted to keep anyone who cares up to date on my progress. Still grateful to my inspirations. And even more grateful to the myriad of encouragement!
I have a lot of friends who go out and get fit...often. Good for them! It's not for me.
Don't get me wrong...back in my dancing days, I would sweat a lot. I worked hard & I was in killer shape! But seriously...that was "back in the day." I've talked about my dancing now, HERE, which involves me doing it as a ministry. It doesn't happen very often...and I got kinda lazy.
I was hoping to not have to sweat to get in shape. I eat everything in moderation...and I try to make most of it good for me to eat. I use the stairs in our house several times in the mornings & sometimes thru the afternoon/evening. And since we are coffee snobs (reminder HERE), I can use our hand-held electric coffee grinder much like a Shake Weight in the mornings. I don't brag too often on myself (cuz I really am humble & I find it weird), but my arms are pretty good just from shaking my grinder every morning for about 15 seconds.
I loved doing yoga "back in the day." I do miss it. But I will admit that I hardly have a long enough quiet time to get some yoga in. And I'm not big on that sweating stuff.
However...I found a way to work out daily without sweating. Remember? (New Year's workout plan HERE)
You know what? It's been working for me just fine. JUST FINE, I tell ya!!
My hubby has usually been the one to work out & work at staying fit. He'd always ask me to join in & I would graciously decline. And right now he's kicked up his workouts & training to get ready for the Tough Mudder that he was challenged to do. For you Tough Mudder peeps...you be crazy! That's what I got to say to you. Oh...and more power to ya. Sounds like you need it!
If you don't know what the Tough Mudder is...well...it's like the Warrior Dash on crack. Seriously. It's 12 miles of 25 ridiculous obstacles. *shudders*
I've gotten out & walked before. But I didn't stick with it. Well, illness stepped in each time & then I found it hard to start up again. But faking being in shape certainly hasn't done me much good.
The last few weeks, I have been keeping up with so many status updates of several of you working on getting into shape. I have been in awe of you. Especially when you all would talk about how hard it was, but still stuck with it.
I'm going to switch gears for a slight moment...
Just a couple of days ago, I saw an article about how SELF magazine did tutu shaming of a marathon runner who wore a Super Woman costume to give her motivation to run since she was on chemo for a brain tumor. On top of that...she sells running tutus as a charity to motivate girls to run. D'oh! The magazine said it was trying to be funny...but they epically failed at that. They have since been apologizing for being so insensitive!
But I did notice the tutu idea really was adorable!
OK, back to what I was talking about before...*ahem*
Yesterday, there were several posts on Facebook from & about friends who took part in a couple of races. There were pics from the Run or Dye 5K, and from the Diva Dash...
Now then...there have posts from others who do their runs that I see, and I can scroll thru the pics & admire them. But there was something about Beqi, Jessica, Louise & Aimee that really caught my attention. I have known these lovely ladies for many years & under different circumstances. None of them have been your "avid runner". Yet...I saw them covered in colors &/or wearing tutus. They were holding medals & looking like they had a great time. The sense of accomplishment on their faces really caught my attention...
I've always been taken by the color runs & the Glow Run. I've planned many-a-time to take part in the Race for the Cure. But I guess I didn't have the motivation like I thought I did. Until yesterday.
On Saturday, March 29th, 2014...I found inspiration! Not only in these fabulous ladies, but in tutus, costumes, medals...colors & glows!
That's right. I found inspiration in tutus, in color, necklaces (as Kelly Ripa calls them) and in the fun. Even if it involves a lot of sweating & running to get to this point! And I found inspiration in friends who were driven to enjoy getting fit!
People...I haven't actually run in...uh...I don't know how long. Well...I tried once out of low-self esteem spite. That was NOT good. At all! And really was only 1 time.
But, after getting inspired & researching...and getting a Pinterest board started (check it out HERE), I put on some running shoes & sunscreen. I threw on leggings (for working out...not pants), and my Derrick Thomas-inspired t-shirt I got about a year ago. And I took in the 70+ degree weather!
I told my hubby, while he was working out, that I was heading out to run. He looked at me, speechless. I assured him I wasn't going far. There's not a chance that I could. The joke has always been that I wouldn't make it to the end of the driveway. I've even said that. But he helped me semi-map out a short course to try. Maybe about a mile. And I started out the door...
...but not before telling my kiddos that I was heading out on a run. Teen Girl kindly offered to get 911 on the phone as a pre-emptive measure. Teen Boy hoped I would just jog around the driveway so the ambulance could just find me there.
My children are charming...
However, I was bound to prove them wrong! Tutus & medals are at stake, yo! So I took off...
And it was oh-so-obvious I had not run in oh-so-long!
So, today, March 30, 2014...I began running because I have been inspired!
I was so grateful that my hubby gave me a plan that allowed me to bail early. I didn't make it a mile. But you know what? I was still upright AND broke a sweat!
Post mini-run...yeah, I'm still standing!
I'm going to need ibuprofen tonight. I'm still dealing with jelly-legs. But I have a sense of accomplishment. A sense of being inspired!
Now I hope I can keep it up...
Not too sure I will be ready for the Glow Run in June...but I have a goal to do the KC Race for the Cure in August. It would be a big deal if I could do it. That's my big goal right now...
And then, someday...because I am a Disney Princess (reminders HERE), I now have it on my bucket list to do the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Disney? Costumes encouraged? Princess medal? Yeah...that would be awesome! Princesses can totally run, too!
Whatever it takes to get someone off the couch...amm-i-rite?
Tutus: they're not just for dancing anymore...
I hope to give periodic updates on my blog. Hoping to use it as some additional accountability.
Believe it or not...I'm nearly looking forward to going back out there...maybe I'll get that mile in.
I love trying to be creative. With my dance & theater background, my draw to fashion & costuming, and the most recent one being cooking/baking (with a blog of it right HERE), I love putting it all to use. I sing a little, I draw a little, I write a little...but I just tend to put it together in my head & see what comes out. However, I'm creative-not-crafty. If you have me try to actually make some kind of decoration or kid craft...you'll realize it was not a good idea.
However, I have friends who are like me...plus ones that do so well things that I would love to do...but I'm pretty wrapped up in a lot of other things...motherhood included. But I have friends who cook well, write well, sing well, sew well, crochet/knit well, and sculpt well, paint/draw well...you get the idea. So many things I wish I could do, or do better...but I have these fabulous folks to live vicariously thru.
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Just over a year ago, I volunteered to help out a high school friend who is an absolutely amazing artist! She was looking for folks to just do a "quick" sitting (of 3 or 4 hours) so she could hone her skills in being a faster painter. I volunteered to be a test subject...
The time I set up to sit with her, it was the day after the funeral & burial of MY FRIEND, RENEE'. I was in a very melancholy state of mind that day. Being able to just sit, listen to music & reflect about what had just happened & not having to do a thing was actually very therapeutic for me. Plus...it was a very low-pressure setting. And...it was awesome to see & spend some time with my friend, Tina, again. When all was said & done, I couldn't believe how the "practice portrait" turned out:
Very pensive & impressive. I love knowing people like her! And would love to sit for her again if we can work it out.
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There's also this awesome chic who blogs & crafts...and is a suburban princess. Some of you may know her as The Mother Freakin' Princess. (Facebook page HERE; blog HERE) She is pink-haired & awesome! She has done this thing where she would send out mail to some of her BFF's (how she affectionately refers to her subjects...or followers/fans...or BFF's). When I got my real mail from her (which was super exciting) and I opened the envelope to find this:
Glitters & colors, and a big giant 'E'...all for me...from a princess. And she is all crafty & stuffs, too! She just joined Etsy...so I encourage you to check out her stuff & get stuff made from a princess, yo!
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I have another friend who I worked with (at the same time as Renee', actually), and she always cracked me up. She's gonna laugh (hopefully) when she sees this...but Louise was always the blonde joke waiting to happen. Some of my favorite times would be when she would tell crazy stories on herself AND act them out! Those are times that rate up there as some of the hardest...like...almost peeing our pants. And she was always so much fun to shop with, too!
There is another talent she possesses...it's art, also. I had seen pictures she'd drawn and photos of her murals & things. I was always amazed by what she could do. She recently opened her own Etsy shop, and she has been working on painting Christmas hat boxes. They are so adorable...in the pictures.
I got a message on Facebook, in the last few days, from my adorable friend wanting my address so she could add it to her Christmas card list! YEA!!!
Today, as I got the mail, I noticed a package on the porch...it had my name on it...and it was from Louise!!! Awwww...I was quite surprised as to what might be inside.
I opened the box & there was a precious note from her, addressing me as one of our rotating pet names that would make you shake your heads, then apologizing for fibbing to me but that I would end up on her Christmas card list, and that she saw this picture & wanted to paint it for me. It was on a hat box, I could tell that. The colors I could see (on the bottom part of the box) made me wonder if it was some Halloween or autumn scene. So I took off the newspaper that covered the top of the hat box...and I couldn't believe what was looking at me! Seriously!
In that moment, I was overcome with emotion as to what was in the box. Floored. Because, I was staring at me...
Is this work breathtaking? My hubby was more than impressed when I showed him, too. Teen Girl was dumbfounded as to what she was looking at. And you might recognize the picture if we are Facebook friends.
This is the picture that inspired her to paint me a hatbox! Oh. My. Goodness.
And...like a true friend...she obviously used the airbrush technique. LOL!
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I am delightfully surrounded by amazing people. Amazingly-talented people. I am inspired by them all the time! Even ones I haven't met face-to-face [yet]. Pictures & ideas they post on Facebook & Pinterest of what they want to try or pictures of their actual projects amaze me. So if I ever find out that I inspired them at all...I become this giddy fangirl. I get giggly ridiculous...and emotional. Usually it's shock, awe, and emotions.
The amount of respect I have for my folks who are the actors, singers, musicians, crafters, knitters, sewers, painters, writers, drawers, and most any other kind of artist...you all amaze me. You all inspire me...all of the time. And I am humbled by the lot of you!
And, in the meantime...please go check out these amazing friends of mine! Get some of their stuff! I am in awe of their talents...
Not too long ago, an article had been put out there by a mom who was frustrated with Pintrest moms. You know the ones that seem like they want to be the Martha Stewarts of every party, every meal is perfect, every "small gift" looks like $50 bucks was spent on it...you know: the one-uppers! And this mom was venting about how Pinterest has ruined the simplicity of the school parties, costumes, teacher gifts, snacks, etc.
Believe it or not, as much as I love Pinterest for ideas, I mostly agree with her.
Yes, yes, yes...I hear you!
"Hey! She posts things up of new recipes & crazy holidays. Who does she think she is?"
(totally said in my best Jim Gaffigan voice)
Here's my deelio:
I'm sure you might be shocked to know that I have a theatrical background. I understand your shock. And sometimes I love having the theatrics in real life, too. Holidays give me that opportunity. And I guess I'm along the lines of a "method actress." I will research & dig to get inspired on how to play out a part...or serve a meal...or wear an outfit/costume.
In doing these things, not only do you learn more things because you force yourself to research, but you may find that you can add to the mundane dinner menu rotation for the family!
Personally, I love to keep things as authentic as I can, but add a bit of a pun or quirk to it.
* A lot of this started in 2001. A little before then, too, but it really kicked off then. It was with Halloween coming & I came up with my Vulcan, T'Rek. Find out how that went down HERE!
The (half) Vulcan, T'Rek, circa 2001
* I learned about fashion & makeup from the 60's when I took an old internet quiz years ago about which supermodel I was most like. When it came up Twiggy...I started digging more into more about her.
* I learned about fashion, makeup & the times of the 50's when I was part of a diner theater (yeah...I said "diner") at our church, "Uncle Phil's Diner."
Me as Miss Donna Lee in "Uncle Phil's Diner", circa 2008
* I love using St. Patrick's Day to dig into some of my Irish background. So I try to keep it authentic. And I love learning how much we actually get wrong in overall celebrations. Check out some of my discoveries HERE.
* I love, I love to set my brain loose when celebrating that Dr. Seuss! Outfits, foods & rhyming galore; each March 2nd we try to do more. If you'd like to know which way to steer, check out what I've done before HERE!
March the 2nd is the date; a Seussy day to celebrate!
* Aye! Me loves to take in & talk like a pirate! Each September 19th, we set creative ideas to sail a course of the day! Check out what I've done before HERE!
* I love marking the Ides of March & Pi Day, too! Check 'em out HERE!
But I'm also a shortcutter. If my kids need something for a school party, I will totally just send the valentines of their favorite character. I don't need to have a pencil or a Hershey's kiss/hug attached to it. Or if my kid has "hat day" at school, I'll offer up a brightly colored stovepipe hat, but am fine when they just choose a baseball cap. Eventually if they want to do more, I'll support them & help them...but if not, as quietly sad as I might be on the inside, I am still glad that they are willing to participate in something beyond the ordinary.
I'm not a Martha Stewart. I use Pinterest & Google to get inspired for things, but I am not (usually) going to put tons of money into what I'm doing if I don't need to. It's about setting an ambiance. It's about making memories. But it's not about killing myself to do it. It's not about being a one-upper. I do what I love to do. And if it inspires someone else to try something, that's awesome! It's never about setting some bar super high to prove no one can top it! Trust me...anyone can top me. I just know how my brain works. And then I go with it.
At times, I'm sure my family gets frustrated with my crazy ideas...but sometimes it proves to be fun & OK. Even if they roll their eyes...they will still be talking about it quite some time later...and might even ask if we will get to do it again!
And if you offer up any sort of creativity like that with your kids, it encourages them to think about what they would do, too. I've even had my kiddos start to make suggestions for some of these special days! And the ideas are often good ones. Heck...my hubby helps with the ideas sometimes, too!!
So where there is a semi-revolt against increasing hype for other holidays, I say go for it! Start small. Do what you can. If you think you need to one-up anyone, then you're doing it wrong. Just up your own creativity & dig into research for yourself. You will enlighten yourself & it will rub off on your family. It will be amazing to see what happens when you change up a couple of things while you have a history & explanation behind it.
You know what? Being that shortcutter allows me to find the quick way around fixing things up...where it's more about the presentation. I still want things to taste good, too...but I'm not above throwing some store-bought stuff together. I'm willing to fake it til I make it.
Really...you can, too. Trust me.
So go out there, have fun, celebrate, and just challenge yourself a little bit. You'll be amazed!
If ye haven't heard yet...it be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, mateys!!
How have ye been participatin'?
As ye know...this pirate can bee seen dressin', eatin', an' you be knowin' I be speakin' like one. Arrrr...
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OK, OK...I started this post last night, but there were so many distractions that I couldn't finish it! We had some company & had to watch the Chiefs go 3-0 against the Eagles (which may be a whole post by itself)! And...I wanted to get a recipe on the food blog while it was in my head. More on that in a moment...
So, did any of you celebrate TLAP Day?
If you haven't figured out, I certainly had to dress the part...but there was a hitch in my original plan on how to dress. You see, a I mentioned, the Chiefs were playing! I had to work in my red & gold...
And since my hubby took the day off, due to the insanity this week became, we treated it like our usual Friday date day. So we went out to breakfast...at...Cracker Barrel. We wanted to look at the adorable country store to see what fall & Halloween stuff then might have out. But...e,at first!
As we were seated, we were told that Uncle Herschel's Breakfast was on special. Then hubby & I began to scan & investigate the menu to see what might sound good after ordering our coffee, of course. I began to look over the highlighted special & there was an option on there that led me to choose the breakfast of Uncle Herschel...
Not only did my grits & the biscuits with gravy, I could choose apple butter, too! (Duh! Fall!) I got my eggs over hard, got the fried apples (Duh! Fall!)...and my meat of choice was...wait for it...catfish. No, really!
YUM! Grits & fried catfish for breakfast!
I think my hubby thought I was crazy...but did he totally miss how I was dressed sitting across the table from him? *snort*
After our bellies were filled, we looked around the store...at...mostly Christmas items! About a quarter of the store was Christmas! I think there were about 4 trees up & decorated! It was crazy. Oh...there was a little bit of fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving stuff in there, too.
Then we needed food for the week & for what I planned for the TLAP dinner. So we made our weekly run, just a day early, and it threw off our regular cashier. hehe
Once we got home & put away the groceries, we loaded up to set a course to take the Sea-Sick Crocodile (yeah...that's what I named my ship last year...and I love it) to sail over to finish up our shopping to pick up a few things we couldn't get on the 1st run.
Eventually I set sail on a solo cruise to Krispy Kreme to score some loot of a dozen doughnuts for being dressed like a pirate. Now, in my last post about it (HERE), I showed you what their guidelines were to score some free doughnuts. So I changed my outfit up a little bit to try to cover my bases:
I added a hat, and skirt so I could wear my striped knickers to flash if needed. My Broadway Babies peeps might remember these! hehe
As a waltzed into the Krispy Kreme destination, I was prepared to have them try to keep up with what I was wearing to see if I would get to do this:
But, alas...I think if you put effort into your outfit, you got the loot. All I did was walk in there & they gave me a dozen from under the counter...either that, or they were terrified of me. Let's pretend that was the deal, OK? Thanks.
However, since a peg leg & a costume hook is on their list of items to have, I thought about walking in with a plunger & telling them that I plundered it from Pee-Wee while using the poop deck so I could come get some doughnut loot. Maybe next year...
I wanted to take in the free fish from Long John Silvers, but hubby & I were so full!!! And our time was really short. Plus, I couldn't wait to try what I had in store our pirate dinner!!
Eventually we got ourselves together, I got changed back into my 1st outfit, and we began to prep for dinner!!
Let me give you a rundown of our menu:
Planked TiLAPia (recipe HERE) Fish Planks Chicken Planks "Seaweed" Salad Golden Potato Quarters Goldfish Mac & "Cheese" Sea Salt Rice Crisps Lemon & Black Pepper Rice Crisps Pirate's Booty Puffed Snacks
Because of how my brain works, I eventually came around to thinking up have grilled fish on a plank. And, since it was for TLAP Day...my brain jumped to the pun of TiLAPia. *SNORT* Yeah...I went there! So...that's what we did! So I had my hubby grill up the tilapia with some lemon & rosemary. It was SOOOO good!!! He'd never grilled fish...and definitely never used planks. He did researching, I did researching...and we came up with this winner, winner, plank-fish dinner!
We also made sure to serve up some store-bought battered fish in case the grilling didn't go so well. And we had the chicken planks (tenders) for the kiddos who sadly don't like seafood.
To get some greens in there, I found a mix of baby spinach & baby kale. It was very reminiscent of seaweed, so I was sold. I tossed it in a splash of lemon juice & some sea salt. Plus, leftovers are going to be just wilted enough to put into an omelet the next morning!
I also fixed up some golden potatoes, cut into quarters & delightfully boiled in butter, sea salt & a splash of lemon juice to keep their golden color & to give 'em a good flavor. Any leftovers can be smashed/mashed or fried up...maybe with that omelet with the wilted greens!
I came across some Goldfish (yes, like the crackers) brand Mac & Cheese. I didn't have any, it was more for the kiddos. They were very unsure about it. Only one of them was really fine with it. So...not doing that anymore. So, just FYI...just stick with the Goldfish crackers.
I also needed some kind of bread. I didn't have time to make hard tack (but I will next time), so I dealt with crackers! Cuz we all know that Polly would want some, amm-i-rite? So I found these rice crisps that would work really well: one of them was sea salt flavored, and the others were lemon & black pepper flavored. They were perfect!!
And of course, I had to get some Pirate's Booty puffed corn snacks. Not only because of the brand, but they always make me think of my friend RENEE. I miss her. And I think she would've gotten a kick out of all of this. Even better? My youngest ate half of one of the bags. I think we have a winner!
Did you notice that there's a lot of sea salt & citrus (mostly lemon) involved? Yeah, that was on purpose. Sea salt should be self-explanatory; the citrus is to keep the scurvy at bay. Amm-i-rite? *snort*
We followed up the meal with the free doughnuts, of course.
To drink, we just served some semi-sweet iced tea & some lemonade. Yes, we probably needed rum...but have you seen how expensive that stuff is? But I worked up a drink for myself that sufficed a bit:
I call it "Cap'n Arnold Palmer's Grog"! Remember when I played with the Arnold Palmer drink before? (recipe HERE) This time, I added a splash of rum flavoring, poured the lemonade about half-way up the glass, then topped it off with the tea.
And we finished off the night with storms-a-brewin' & a crazy football game that resulted in a KC Chiefs' win taking them to 3-0!
What was a crazy-adventurous day was actually a really great one.
Looking forward to setting sail on the Sea-Sick Crocodile again...
I'm sorry...I missed it. What did you do? I would really love to hear!!
