Running Chatter

Is it possible for a week to go extremely fast and extremely slow at the same time? On one hand, I find myself saying is it Friday already?  But on the other hand I am thinking is it Friday yet?!  The week was both long and short. Reviving and exhausting.  Good and not-so-good. 

Do you ever have weeks like that?  Weeks when you feel like the treadmill was turned on full blast and you hang your foot over the belt waiting to jump on but, in the end, it’s just moving too stinkin’ fast.  So, to prevent myself from getting transfixed by the fast moving belt and in the spirit of light-heartedness. . . A Friday Running Chatter. . .

1.  Treadmill

Speaking of treadmills. . .

Slow and steady, remember?  Well, I’ve recovered from that first run earlier in the month and have, thankfully, continued to feel pretty good.  Last years surgeries are a distant memory and the words I’ve heard though the years ring true. . . the body remembers.  I believe it.  As I get back into it, is seems that the stride and pace and the endorphins pumping are as natural as breathing.  I’m so thankful for this.  I’m trying to be wise, though, and have made a rule for myself:   No more than 5 miles at a time until March. . . or maybe the end of February? 

The goal?  To prevent injury and/or burnout.  Slow and steady, Summer.  Slow and Steady.  Spring is just around the corner.

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2.  Sick

My big (little) girl has been sick for five whole days.  Coughing, sneezing, fever. . . she had it all.  Poor thing.  Her usual bright-eyed, bubbly demeanor was exchanged for a hollow-eyed, lethargic shadow of her self. 

Breaks my heart. 

She stayed home with me all week and each afternoon the girl who quit napping at age three fell asleep for up to four hours.  Extra snuggles and cuddles were required and I was happy to provide.  Needless to say the week has been consumed with thermometers, medicine, and crumpled up tissues as we’ve tried to bring back our little girl.

The weeks biggest challenge?  Trying to keep sick girl away from baby girl. 

Or, “See if Meadow Can Walk?”

Let’s all say it together. .  . Poor Meadow.

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4.  Jealousy

Jealousy is an ugly thing isn’t it?  I try to avoid this at all costs.  For the most part, I am more than content with all aspects of our life.  I do my best not to look at others and say I wish I had. . .   or I wish I could or I wish I was. . . But sometimes, it’s unavoidable.  I just can’t help it.

I wish I had her eyelashes.  There, I said it.  I’m jealous of my daughter’s eyelashes. 

Shameful, I know.

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5.  Dirty Little Secret

Chad doesn’t know about it.  The kids and I have agreed that it’s just between us.  What Daddy doesn’t know, certainly won’t hurt him.  Well, he doesn’t know this. . .

During the day, this is typically the scene in our living room.  Couch cushions removed, laundry baskets (or as the kids call them “cars”), every stuffed animal in the house strewn about, blankets covering every inch of the floor, and  perhaps, Meadow is somewhere in there?

Did you ever see the movie Adventures in Babysitting with Elizabeth Shue?  You know at the end of the movie when she rushes around the house and cleans up the extreme mess that the kids left and then races to the couch and opens a magazine before the parents walk in?  Yep, that’s us.  We clean it up just before Chad enters the house after work.  It’s our little secret and Chad is none the wiser. 

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6.  Home Videos

This was more of our “sick week” entertainment.  Watching all the videos we’ve taken of the kids through the years.  We still see it. . .

Chanelle on her first birthday. . . Meadow at 10 weeks.

Chanelle and Meadow are totally sisters. 

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7.  Daddy Time

Every evening before it’s time for bed, this is the scene.

Daddy’s chest is like a magic pill.  The minute she hits it, she’s out.  I adore this scene.

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8.  He Reads

As much as I grieve the passing days of their youth, I equally love watching them grow.  Charlie is reading more and more.  Little words, sight words, sounding words out, and curious about words.  A whole new world is being opened up to him and he will never be the same. 

I love that.

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9.  Meadow

Her eyes follow me around the room.  She smiles when I talk to her.  She coos.  She “talks”.  I think it’s happened. . . she knows I’m her Mommy. 

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10.  Red

I bought these shoes at Target this week.  Red shoes make me happy.  Comfortable shoes make me happy, too. 

These are red and comfortable.

Jackpot.

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There you have it.  Can you tell it’s just been one of those weeks?  I’m looking forward to a weekend off the treadmill as we celebrate my Dad’s birthday. 

Wishing for each of you as much time as possible to soak in the things that really matter.

Happy Weekend!!

Chatter Out.