For Nap Time

Sometimes I make an effort to be productive during Cole's nap time. Other times, not so much. I just like to sit down. Sometimes with a book or a couple of articles. Other times I'm less inclined to read for fear I'll fall asleep. During those times, I like to listen to  Mockingbird's conference recordings: 2013, 2012, 2010 (there are videos too but I stick to the recordings since I can find them all on one page)*. Take a gander if you think you'd be into that sort of thing.

*For the record, there are also some shows I watch if I'd rather do something mindless. 

2013 St. Jude Half

In 2009, I ran the St. Jude half marathon.  It was great experience. The race took us through the St. Jude campus then all around midtown and downtown Memphis with supporters the whole way.  Then on Thanksgiving day 2010, Peter and I ran the Atlanta half.  The Atlanta race could not have been more different from the St. Jude. We basically race 13.1 miles through a ghost town. Since then, I haven't run another half. But on May 1, I made a decision: I am going to run the 2013 St. Jude half marathon on December 7, 2013.

Yes, the race is 12 weeks after my due date. And I'm aware. But I've talked it over with the pros and it's absolutely feasible. I'll start training now, at 21 weeks pregnant, and continue training until baby arrives. I'll take the required time off post-delivery and then get back into the swing of it. At the end of the day, I'm not above walking but I am above not finishing. So if I start the race, I'm going to finish it. 

This year, for the first time, I am going to raise money for St. Jude as a member of Team GoJGo, which is Josiah's team. I've known Josiah since he was born and have seen his family become direct beneficiaries of the work at St. Jude. It's good stuff!  St. Jude does phenomenal work in Memphis and for children around the world.

While some people may think this is crazy, my logic boils down to this: if kids at St. Jude can fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases, who is to say I can't take on a half marathon for those kids months after delivery. What a great reason to run! Here is my personal fundraising website if you are interested in supporting the work of St. Jude and Team GoJGo.

                                                             Pre-Race 2009

A Little Sunshine

So far May has been cold and wet, which is a bit uncharacteristic for Memphis this month. Just the same, the sun snuck out for a few hours this weekend. On Saturday, the rain held off until the afternoon which was convenient because Peter was playing in a golf tournament. By Saturday afternoon the rain was back. In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo (a day early, I know) we tried a new-to-us, highly praised Mexican restaurant. It was quite good, if not a bit overpriced. I'd go back just for the tesote and limeade.

Sunday morning Cole decided to pick out her clothes for church. She picks out her clothes nearly every morning but this outfit is worth noting. Typically, I'll lay out a couple of options for her to choose from, she'll make her selections, and we move on in peace. Lately though if she finds the options provided unsatisfactory, she'll go bang on the closet door. Sunday morning she ran off once her tights were on. When she came back, she brought us the dress (from the "too small" pile) and her pink moccasins. She asked to have them put on. Once dressed, she saw her shades and asked for them as well. We did opt to change her before church seeing as how it was a bit cold and wet for a summer dress.  I see a big box of dress-up clothes in our not to distance future.

Sunday afternoon we found a small window between the rains. The sun was shining so we booked it to the Botanic Garden. The place was nearly empty due to the weather and Grizz game. Cole was able to play in the music house for quite some time before moseying on to the worm holes and swings. We were all delighted to get outside for bit.