The Half-Marathon Trail...

Well...our little training team made 11.5-ish miles yesterday. Heavy on the "ish." I truthfully think it was a little more..but maybe not. This weekend's team was Lee, me, Liz, Ginger and my Consuela. :)

We were all SO thankful for good weather. Meaning - NO SNOW. :) It was definitely cold..the sun made an appearance..and we actually got a little warm at the end. At least I did. And Liz. We were ready to remove layers. 'Nuff said. I have zero recollection of this photo op. Or Ginger being behind us with her handy Iphone. Or raising my hands above my head in a what must have been a victory moment. I do know this was a good 8 miles into our trek...and I think we were all feelin' it. That's Lizzie behind me. Lee and Connie are long gone.

This lovely (aka scary) phone photo was taken at somewhere around 9.5 or 10 miles. I look crazed. I think I may have been feeling that way. That's Ginger right behind me...and the tip of Liz's head is above my left side of my hat. Lee literally walks faster than most peeps run. And Connie was keeping time with him. I believe they finished 30 or more minutes before us. Fast flyers, that's for sure.

It was a good run. We have some funny stories to tell. More than anything - I'm so thankful for the group walking. It's so helpful to have folks along the way when I hit the wall 10 miles in (um, or sooner). And to ride home together as a group to share some laughs. Believe me, we had a few!

The half marathon is creeping up on us. We have two more long walk/runs - and we're there. I'm actually excited about it. I think we all were at the end of our 11.5 ... knowing we only had 2.5 miles more to make the marathon mileage. :) Yeehaw!

Finally....I grabbed a haircut in Friday. In the midst of the snow, I braved my way to Tacoma. Since I've shared some most unflattering photos of myself in this post, I'll share my new do as well. What the heck. :)

Front and back views. Pretty short.

And on that note...off to take a little advil and make some sense out of a house that was clean earlier today. Eegads. :)

k

The phone tells the story...

The above photo was not taken with a camera phone. It's just a shot of some sassy new hair. I had to share it before I revealed half a year in review at the hands of my camera phone. Sometimes in Hope's hands and sometimes, my own. I finally figured out how to download photos from my phone. The result is slightly scary. I guess that's the thing about a phone with a camera--it goes erywhere and tells a story or two along the way. Or gives glimmer of the crazy that runs through my brain at times. So here are some very random glimpses of my life... :)

This would be a December shot. Of the VAN HALEN REUNION TOUR. That's right, I'm shouting that one out. That's David Lee Roth (aka Diamond Dave) and Eddie Van Halen. Oh yeah.
Hope and her cousin Justyce (bottom right) survey Auntie's Sandra's "about to be replaced" dock at the lake house.

This one was taken 2 weekends ago. At about mile 9.5 of 11.5 on the Orting Trail. I was feelin' a little edgy. That's Ginger behind me and I think Liz behind her. I was playing some headgames with myself--and with my phone. Here's Lee at the Bonney Lake Starbucks/Target. We're eating pretzels and drinking coffee. I don't think he even knew I took this. The beauty of a cell phone camera. Secret squirrel lives.

Hope and I enjoying Enumclaw High School's drama presentation of Superman: The Musical. Who knew? We really enjoyed it - and ourselves. Below is the program. From this summer. I told you it was random. Lee relaxing at Sandra's house in Rocklin, CA. :)

Ahhh...what a painful pic. In the recovery room at Good Sam after sinus surgery. My daughter was feeling camera happy. But I'm the brave one to put it on here. Human suffering. And a very bad hair moment. They don't allow hair product or make up for surgery. An F to the Y-I for you. Hope gets a Hannah Montana makeover in one of the many malls in AZ this summer. About 20 minutes from Peoria.I think it was the Fashion Mall. :) It was fabu.
My sisters and I like to send one another funny pics on the cell. Here's one of 'em. I don't know who this is. ha. Don't judge.
Ladybug gazes out the window of our bonus room - in a very too small princess chair from many moons ago. The cat loves the chair - and so, we keep it for her.
An emu poses along one of our many jaunts down the Orting trail. I don't know why I took this. I hate birds. Or whatever species this is. bleh.

My Ipod. One of my best friends. I'm not sure what's on that though.

Apparently something very scary. Maybe some Marilyn Manson? Oh my ears, my ears.
Believe it or not...this was out by our house just a few weeks ago. Hope and I were driving home from an Awana Spaghetti Feed. It was a blizzard. CRAZY!

I love this face. :) Taken earlier this year, while the novelty of taking the bus was still fresh and new.
I'm feeling oh so brave. I had pink eye TWICE this winter. Within weeks of each other. That's some wicked pain. Razor blades over the eyes. Oooch.
This...taken at Red Robin. Lee is wondering where our appetizers are and Hope is keeping herself entertained with the kid's coloring page. :) Only with the camera phone, folks.

And here I am. Some crazy self-portrait highlighting my wrinkles and lazy hair. :) Booya.

A year in the life. At the hands of a cell phone camera. :)

I can't seem...

to get into the swing of things. I'm struggling to get my game on with early morning exercising. I kind of had that "in the bag" before sinus surgery one month ago. Don't think I can really use the surgery, subsequent root canal OR the time change as excuses any longer. I think it's just me.

I'm also doing a Bible study right now. I am a HUGE fan of Beth Moore. I have to be honest - I'm having a hard time getting into that as well. Again...me.

Having said all of this...I do believe a "come to Jesus moment" is needed for me. I'm feeling slightly distant from the Lord, a little irritable having typed that out (ie that it's even true) and I know the issue is....me.

The Biggest Loser is on...it's my favorite time of the season. Makeovers! Maybe that will jump start my sad attitude. bleh.

;(

Top o' the morning to ya...

and a pot o' gold at the end of your rainbow!

Our little family and two of my neighborhood half-marathoning peeps (Liz and Josie) left our 'hood at 6:30 this morning (on a Sunday!) with the mission of completing Seattle's St. Patty's Day Dash. Four leaf clovers and all. I haven't seen so much green since, well, I don't know when. It was actually a really fun time and a good experience. Here's a pic of Lee, Hope and I to prove it. We were there.

The race, in all of its green glory, began at 9 am-ish. Our wave (the yellow, untimed group) didn't leave the starting block until 9:35. We finished about 10:45. Considering we had Hope with us, we thought that was pretty good for the 3.5 miles from Seattle Center to Qwest Field.

The weather held out for us...the view was beautiful coming across the Alaskan Way Viaduct. It really is so weird to walk on the freeways and highways we normally drive on. Seattle really does need a pothole or two fixed. Amen?

Hope was a trooper. She struggled the last mile or so. There were lots and lots of kids cruising with the yellow wave. Irish music, bands and bagpipes entertained us along the way. McDonald's was the end promise of glory for Hope--and I believe the promsie that kept her moving. Starbucks for the adults. She promptly closed her eyes and slept after those nuggets hit her belly. Ahhh...nothing like nutrition eh? (kidding).

Last night after our day was done, Lee and I both decided that walking 10 miles earlier that day may not have been the very smartest thing to do on the eve of our Dash. I have a funny story to share regarding our 10 miles together ... but I'll save it for another post. We decided that I need my walking peeps that are full of conversation and encouragement. And Lee needs, well, his Ipod.

:) Happy St. Patty's Day! :)

an oldie and a goodie...

This afternoon, Lee and I were gathered with some of the neighbors, talking about the shows we watched as kids. Adam 12, Fantasy Island, Dinah Shore, The Price is Right and Silver Spoons were some of the popular shows that we laughed over. So as my daughter snoozes next to me while I blog, I will confession right now (internet confessional?) that I am currently watching The Osmonds 50th Anniversary Reunion. And loving it. Don't judge me. Andy Williams is making a special speech right now. I've lost some of you. I just know it. But he's singing Moon River and don'tcha know--I love it. :)

Another confession moment. I had a HUGE crush on Donny Osmond from age 7-9. HUGE. I had a poster of young Donny with his purple socks and big teeth on every room of my wall. I was certain we would marry. So certain, that I snuck out of my room for the last 30 minutes of the show. It ended at 9 and my bedtime was 8:30. Strict? Would seem so. :)

I'm so glad Hope isn't as boy crazy as I was. Eegads. She really isn't. So far, anyhow.

A good weekend. I walked 8 miles on Friday and another 4.5 on Saturday. The only walking I did today was through the doors of church and a jaunt or two up our stairs. Day of rest, you know. Our big 9.5 miler is coming up on Saturday. And the St. Patty's Day dash we signed up for is happening on Sunday. Just 3.5 miles....hopefully, it's fun.

My final note for tonight. I know there are reasons for daylight savings time. Can I share that I don't enjoy it? The reasons or the savings. I miss the one hour of my life that is gone forever. And the sleep. Ah, my sweet, lost slumber.

And now, the Osmond clan is attempting to sing an Eagles tune -- I think it's time to change channels. Sigh. How about "Deep Purple" or "Puppy Love?" Those Osmond brothers were always jealous of my Donny's success.

Oh...hang on! Donnyvjust pulled out the "guitar piano" and is jam-slammin' it across the stage (which is very attractive at what must be his 50 year age). But alas, he's singing one of his come back tunes = "Solider of Love." That one never did much for me. If he pulls out his coat of many colors, I really will turn the channel. Donny, do you hear me? I watched when you and Marie went on the talkshow circuit...I've seen you on Oprah...I've been known to watch Marie's appearances on QVC with those crazy porcelain dolls and I watched her on Dancing with the Stars, just hoping to catch a glimpse of you. I'm true blue. The real deal. A true Fan-mond. Again, don't judge. I watched Sonny and Cher as well.

I've got to say, he's still cute. Even without his purple socks. And the PBS info break tells me he's coming back to sing Puppy Love. Now, I'm staying tuned in for sure. "And they called it pupee lu-huh-a-huv..." Aw, Donny. Things are gettin' good now. I could do without the appearance of the brothers Osmond. Eegads.

:) ha!

8 milos with consuela

I don't know what the spanish word is for miles...I'm certain it's not milos. :) But Connie and I did complete an 8 mile trek today. It was a lovely jaunt that went surprisingly quick(ly?). I'm not all that achey or sore...so that must mean things are progressing. If only pounds and pounds of weight would drop. I believe Lee, Hope and I will be doing an 8-miler on Sunday. I'm hoping to find company for my end of the trek. Lee and Hope will be miles ahead of me. Or 40 minutes ahead, anyhow.

It's been a very long week. Lee's sister and her granddaughter (hope's cousin, Justyce) are heading over tomorrow. I'm hoping for a nice low-key weekend.

:)

a pain-free post...

Life looks a little brighter on the other side of the dentist's chair. A small "come to Jesus" meeting has occured with the reality of my teeth, my age and the need for preventative care. Gone are the days of ignoring chips and nicks (or flat out breakages) of my enamel. Sometimes it takes a little while, but I am now sold. I may even buy a bumpersticker that says, "I love my dentist." :) A series of appointments awaits me over the coming months. But I am committed (to the dentist, not mentally).

note: this little picture of floating dentures is just a reminder to myself. An vision of the future if I don't step it up. bleh.

My sister (Katie) will laugh if she reads this. First, because I made her listen to my analysis of root canals for 10 mintues today and second, I analyze things too, too much. She tells me so all the time (but she does it too). It is slightly amazing to me how great and excruciating my pain was from those infected roots. And like magic, the root canal removed the pain. Nothing lingering, no painful healing. Just gone.

Dentists are really magicians in disguise. I'll ask if he can do the never-ending scarf trick on my next visit. If there's a rabbit and a hat by the door, I'll know for certain.

I truthfully can't believe the past three months. The never-ending sinus infection. Sinus surgery. A little emergency root canal. Crazy! I'm very thankful for our insurance. My sister-in-law who hooked me up with what has to be the best dental staff in western Washington and my Jesus who seems to go before me, even when I'm laid up, barely surviving and ready to launch myself out a window due to the sheer and piercing pain of an infected tooth.

And now, it's 1:46 am and sleep evades. Post-surgery, 1 am seems to be my new 5 am (ie waking time).

And finally, my conversation this morning with Hope.

Hope: Mom, what did the dentist do to make your tooth stop hurting?

Kris: My roots were infected. He drilled in and cleaned them out.

Hope: He drilled into your tooth? With a real drill like Dad's?

Kris: (thinking if she's actually ever done anything but hear the drill)...yeah, a dentist's drill - but it's definitely a drill.

Hope: Chuckling to herself...."I would have liked to see that."

My child is either interested in dentistry - or would simply like to see a drill in her Mom's mouth. Is this a good thing?

prayers to the god of root canals = answered

Don't flip out, peeps. I'm not being blasphemous. Just a little dentist humor.

Prayers were indeed answered. I went to the dentist today for a small evaluation and was forwarded on to an endotontist (I think that's what he was). The root canal guy. :)

I arrived home about one hour ago..which would have been 7:15 pm. Long day.

I'm told the excruciating pain from yesterday will be gone. I may have a different kind of pain or sensitivity until the crown is loaded. In a few weeks.

I have things to say about my day that are actually fabulous - but I'm too tired. My novacaine is wearing off and I need to dope up with a pain pill...just in case.

At the end of the day, I'm very thankful for my family and my dentist. :)

okay, so the truth is...

I'm afraid of the dentist. Or maybe it's the astronomical bills we end up with after I go. Regardless, I don't go as often as I should. Even having said that my be a bit of an understatement. Don't judge me.

A piece of one of my molars broke off on Saturday. It was more annoying than anything and didn't really hurt. It's been on my mind - but I thought I could wait a spell. Like maybe after we return from Mexico in June. Or, maybe I'd get it fixed in Mexico by a backalley dentisto named Juan. Kidding (kind of).

This afternoon, I bit into a green pepper laced with hummus and caused great pain to my tooth. The broken tooth is neighbor to a very old crown that I baby and deal with on a regular basis (did I mention that I don't enjoy the dentist?).

Tonight, I am up waaaayyy past my bedtime - dealing with excruciating pain. And listening to my cat snore on the guest bed. I am planted in the recliner used post-sinus surgery. There's not a lot of comfort to be found. Lying down is OUT. Standing up was IN - and the house is now pretty darn clean. Hopefully it doesn't get dirty when I launch myself through the sliding glass door to stop the pain.

I believe a root canal is in my near future. And I pray with all of my heart that I'm able to make this happen tomorrow. I was so thankful for my sister in law, Karen tonight. She has been going to the same doctors and dentists for years and years and years. Our dentist is asking me to come in, evaluate, be evaluated and make another appt to have the work done. There's a large chance that Karen's dentist maybe able to root this canal tomorrow. If you're a prayin' peep, please feel free to lift a few up for me.

Unbelievable. That's all I can say. And not a whole lot (medicine wise) is touching the pain. Did I mention it hurts?

Sincerely,

A brand-new lover of the dentist

Fifteen Miles of Not Thinking Straight

This morning the Baldyga family awoke to a bright sunny day. The sky was blue, the air was fresh and our attitudes were triumphant after our eight-mile trek down the Orting Trail yesterday. A monumental, Sunday-changing, muscle-destroying conversation ensued:

Lee: Are you and Hope going to church?

Kris: It's so nice out...let's take the bikes on the trail.

Lee: Roundtrip to Orting and back? All 15 miles?

Kris: Sure. You and Hope took the neighborhood kids last year. Let's do it.

It started as simply as that. We loaded up the bikes. A power bar or two and some water and off we went. Our hopes were as high as the morning sun. :)

The ride into Orting was lovely. About halfway there, Lee made a halting statement.

Lee: Hey, do you realize that this path is primarily a downhill grade?

Kris: Yeah, it's nice.

Lee: The 7.5 miles back are brutal.

Kris: silence. and maybe a little fear.

We made it to Orting. Lee and Hope played around on the skateboard structure (with their bikes) and we ate a most fabulous breakfast at some joint on the corner. I have no idea of the name - but it was really a good breakfast. Good thing. It was the last pleasant thing to happen for the next hour.

Miles 1 through 7.5 were truly brutal. I do not believe there was one single downhill grade of any measure through the entire trip. My legs - actually, all six of our legs were pretty well-worked after 8 miles yesterday. Rough stuff. Rough stuff, indeed.

The last few miles were ahead of us. We were stopped, taking a break--I was grouchy and Lee was trying to keep it positive. Amazing, since he had been pulling Hope and her bike with his right arm while riding his own bike (ie she wasn't pedaling). We offered up the promise of a $10 toy if Hope could finish pedaling the last few miles on her own. To our surprise, she took off! Lee caught up with her--I was on the lowest gear, my legs were pumping and I didn't seem to be getting very far. I was wondering if someone might be able to offer me a little incentive to finish up the last few miles with a jump and a start. Pedicure? Massage? A cab ride home? I just looked down, shifted down yet again and somehow powered through.

We came into South Prairie to groups of strollers and moms and babies blocking the way. I didn't have it in me to plow them down. So I found some sanity and gently toodled around and past - downshifting up that invisible uphill grade.

I was never so glad to see our truck in the parking lot. I have never had a more difficult time extracting myself from a bicycle. I have never been so glad to sit my tush down in that truck in all of my days. I had a new appreciation for one of the girls who made that 15 mile trek with Lee and the kids last summer and literally cracked along the way. I can't believe those kids did that trail!!! Eegads.

And then, the following conversation ensued:

Hope: Mom, can we go get my toy now?

Kris: As long as we can drive to the store, Hope, we can go anywhere.

And so we drove. Got the toy. One very large Gatorade. And one gigantic note-to-self: pride cometh before the fall.

We were not ready for a 15 mile round trip to Orting and back after such a massive exersion yesterday. BUT....WE DID IT!

Ours is a very slow moving home this evening and our bathtubs have been well-used.

:) Happy trails!

a little glimpse of the marathon trail...

Eight Miles? DONE!

It's 11:40 am. Eight miles are under my belt. Did you see how hard it was raining today? We were in it. And I am not very, very cold. Chilled beyond the bone, even. But it was very good. And I'm a wee bit sore. Once I'm up and moving, all is well.

We started in South Prairie on the trail....and ended at the Orting Starbucks. Hope rode her bike and apparently pushed Lee to go a little faster than normal. We figure he did it in a 12.5 minute mile. All I know is this: the three garbage bags I put in Hope's bike basket for a possible rain emergency were long gone. And we (the two peeps I walked with) ended up pretty wet.

Liz, Ginger and I took it fairly slow...but finished in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I took it easy for most of the route, I think I could have done it in 2 hours at my normal pace. Or close to it. We sipped Gatorade regularly, ate our power bars about halfway through and recognized the need for bathrooms more than once during those last 4 miles.

Liz experienced some foot issues - but she totally powered through and made it to the park. Lee and Hope were waiting. Ginger and I walked onward to Starbucks - the place of two very important things: bathrooms and coffee. :) Ginger and I were a little dismayed to learn that the bathrooms were singles. I swallowed my pride and germophobia and hit the mens's room. It thankfully was very, very clean. At that point, I didn't really care.

The five of us grabbed some jo, were thankful for Liz's SBX discount (she works at the plant in Kent!) and shared some laughs. Fleet Feets training team was on the trail with us and was actually pretty encouraging to us. I almost took one of them out when I thought her "Keep up the good work, ladies" was "move to the side, ladies." We were already on the side...not a fine trail moment of mine. :)

I feel good. Although both Lee and I are parked in our computer spots in the bedroom while Hope watches a movie. We'll see how the day progresses. :)

Be blessed today!