Happy Halloween!

Halloween Holiday Trivia:

Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.

Jack o’ lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday.

Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. Great for unique monster carvings!

Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.

Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America.

The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.

Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.

Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with
Snickers #1.

Halloween is the 2ND most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first.

Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees.

Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.

Kamden was up earlier than usual this morning. In fact, it's probably only the 3rd time since school has started that I didn't have to wake her up. She is not a morning person. She is just so excited about going out "trick-or-treating" tonight. I am just happy that it won't be too cold outside when we go. The forecast is calling for a high of 12 degrees (Celsius) and a low of -2 degrees (which is high of 53.6 Fahrenheit/Low of 28.4 Fahrenheit). I will take some pictures of their costumes and post them on here tonight. Trevor, unfortunately, has school and won't be able to come with us : (

Beat September's Monthly Mileage

Despite having a bad long run yesterday (getting in only 12.5 miles rather than 18 miles) I still managed to exceed my September's monthly mileage. The best part is that I still have 3 more days to run this month. The challenge is going well. In fact, I am actually starting to get used to the idea of running just being a part of my daily routine. Luckily I haven't had to deal with any illnesses during the challenge, but I am sure that day will come.

Unfortunately, I can not say the same for my yelling challenge. I think that one went out the window during the first day. That one will definitely take more work and practice. My mom had a suggestion, which she had heard on the radio, to take an elastic band and put it around your wrist and every time you yell you are supposed to take the elastic and pull it so it snaps against your skin and you feel a little pain. That way it'll be a physical reminder that you are hurting someone by yelling at them. Maybe I'll start that tomorrow and see how it goes.

I am super tired right now, so I better get to bed. This weeks is a big week with all of the "Trick-or-Treat" activities coming up on Wednesday. The kids are looking forward to it. They are counting the sleeps.

Excuses, Excuses, & More Excuses

Do you ever find that when you mention to someone that you do triathlons that right away they say "I could never do what you do" and then that's when they start listing off all of their excuses. Today in the Calgary Herald they had an interesting article "Turn excuses for not exercises into action" written by Jill Barker. I thought it was interesting so here it is:

1. I'm not in good enough shape to exercise.

Keep your goals attainable and start slowly. How slowly? Pull on a pair of comfortable shoes and go for a walk. Start with 20 minutes at an easy pace three times a week. Add five minutes to your workout every week until you reach 45 minutes of non-stop walking. With that goal achieved, add 10 minutes of speed walking to the middle of every workout.

Once you've got all that accomplished, consider yourself in shape enough to tackle just about any beginner workout, including a class at the gym or a turn on the treadmill.

2. I'm not a gym person

If you're worried that you can't keep up with the gym rats, can't have the right outfit or will be constantly stuck waiting for an exercise machine, give the gym a pass. Instead, choose from a wide range of physical activities that are intense enough to raise your heart rate higher then what it takes to channel surf and force your muscles to do more than walk to the fridge.

Dancing, martial arts, swimming, hiking, cycling and walking all qualify as exercise and can be pursued without purchasing a gym membership.

3. I have a bum knee, shoulder, hip, back... (this is probably the one I hear the most and the one that bugs the most when I hear it)

No matter what your ailment, there is an exercise option for you. Aqua fitness is gentle on sore joints while still offering a great workout. So is the elliptical machine, which is impact-free without being too soft on your heart. In fact, there are fitness options for those with arthritis, heart disease, sore joints - even cancer.

If you have health issues you think preclude you from exercise, check with your doctor and a qualified fitness professional before giving up. With the right exercise modifications and supervision by a fitness professional, almost anyone can participate in some form of exercise.

4. The kids keep me too busy.

Sure, it's tough to find time to exercise when you have a household of young ones,k but there are ways to squeeze workouts into the harried lifestyle of the average parent. How? Think creativity and take advantage of every opportunity to work out - no matter how short. Even 10-minute bouts of exercise can make an impact on your health and well-being.

If you're stuck in the house with preschoolers and no babysitter, find a girlfriend in the same predicament and trade off babysitting once or twice a week so you can each get in a workout. Or invest in a bike trailer or baby jogger, which will allow you to bring the kids along while jogging or cycling through the neighborhood.

As for families who spend all their spare time in hockey arenas, swimming pools or on soccer pitches, use the time between when you drop your child off and when the game starts to get in a quick workout. This 30 -60 minute window of opportunity is often wasted by sitting in the stands watching the previous teams finish their game or watching you child warm up. What you could be doing instead is going for a walk or run before settling in to watch your kid's play

5. Work keeps me too busy.

For work-obsessed souls who swear their day is too full to exercise, consider the following facts: Creativity, concentration and energy levels peak after exercise, so stop considering a workout as time away from you desk and consider it a vital part of your daily routine.

Next, take every opportunity to get the heart racing even if you can't make it to the gym. Substitute real stairs for the stair climber at the gym and make a conscious effort to climb as many flights as possible daily. Or, schedule a lunch meeting with like-minded colleague and head outdoors for a walk instead of going to the local cafe.

Finally, get a few of you colleagues together a couple times a week for a gym workout either before or after work. Not only is exercising in a group more fun, it's harder to back out of your commitment when your buddies demand you step away from the computer and get moving.

We are not the champions

We didn't come in first place in the Amazing Race Family Edition, however, we came in a respectful 13th place out of 34. Considering that our kids were some of the youngest among the racers I don't think we did too bad at all. If you want to see what sort of challenges we had to do then go to Trevor's blog. The main goal for the race was accomplished and that was to have a fun time together as a family. One of the main reasons that we didn't do as well as we wanted to was just choosing the wrong challenges to do, but that is the way the cookie crumbled. Also, I was unable to get any pictures while we were doing the race. It was too hard to pull out the camera while we were in the middle of the challenges...oh well. Next time I'll have to hire a photographer to tag along behind us and get some shots : )

Today on the way home from the dropping the kids off at the bus stop I was thinking about the run challenge and how I am so committed to it and how it would be nice if I committed myself to a challenge that would benefit not just me, but the family as well. Now I don't know about you, but I am one of those individuals that has absolutely no patience (especially with the kids) and when I get frustrated with them I tend to yell at them. We all know that yelling doesn't do anything constructive and that is why I am going to start a challenge for myself to not raise my voice. I can't start today as I already yelled at Simon when he was upstairs and I told him to come downstairs and brush his teeth, but he was taking too long to come downstairs so I yelled at him (okay, as I am repeating this story I feel guilty as I probably only gave him 3 seconds to start his way down the stairs before I raised my voice). So this challenge will have to start tomorrow.

Some times I feel like I am such a bad mom. It just seems that everyone else is such a better parent than I am. No one said being a parent would be easy, but I didn't realize that it would be this hard and my kids are not even teenagers yet. Now I am not saying they are bad, but I just need patience, patience, patience. I know I tend to pass how I feel about myself onto them and I am very critical of myself and that is what I am passing onto them. I don't want to do that at all. I want them to be proud of what they do and realize that you don't have to be the best of the best in order for you to be a good person.

50 days

Well, I did it. So far I have gone 50 days running everyday. Who would've ever thought that I could do it. I think there were a few days in there that I was ready to throw in the towel. I recall saying to myself that this is a silly challenge and it really doesn't matter if I don't run everyday. Never-the-less I am glad that I have made it this far and look forward to the next 50 and the next 50 and the next...you get the idea. Trevor says that we are now in this for life. Yikes!!

We are off to Lethbridge in a few hours. I am actually looking forward to the mini getaway. It'll be nice catching up with relatives that I haven't seen since the Oseen reunion back in 2005. Seems like forever. Our hotel has a Gold's gym right next door so that is where we are off to tomorrow before we drive back home to pick up the kids for The Amazing Race...can't wait. I'll take LOTS of pictures. Well I better get packing. Have a fabulous weekend : )

Fun Weekend Planned

I can't believe it is already Thursday. Time really is going by quickly. In fact, there is only 67 more days till Christmas. I can't believe it!! Every year I say that I will get the Christmas shopping done early, but that never seems to happen. I am sure I won't even start until December. Well, at least I am not as bad as my hubby who goes out on the 23rd and swears that the malls are dead when he goes during the special holiday late hours.

Life was getting pretty stressful there for a bit. I have been volunteering like crazy at the kids' school helping with the milk program and the lunch program. The kids at the school get milk everyday and I am in charge of the deliveries, re-stocking the fridge, sorting it, and delivering it to the classes. This is a job that needs to be done every day. The days that take the longest are the day the milk is delivered to the school, which is Tuesday's and Friday's. As well as doing all of that I volunteer at the library on Fridays. Things were pretty hectic this week as my helper was ill on one of the days and I had to stock 4 days of milk into a little fridge. I told Trevor that I am going to be the only person in the world that ends up having a nervous breakdown over milk and library, so I better step back and get help. Yesterday I finally got some help and now only have to go in to do the milk once one week and two times the next. I'll still be doing the library, but I like that as I get to see the kids.

This weekend Trevor and I are off to beautiful, sunny Lethbridge, AB for Trevor's aunt and uncle's 50Th anniversary party. The party is not for kids and they do have a babysitter for all the children, but lately Simon has been afraid that we are going to leave him and not come back. We were upstairs watching a movie and Kamden and Simon were downstairs and he had come up 7 times to make sure we didn't leave. Even when I go shopping with him, if he doesn't see me for a Milli-second he'll burst out in tears. So, Kamden and Simon will be staying with oma and opa this weekend as we can't leave him with a stranger in a place that is unknown to him. Hopefully this is just a phase. Any tips??

On Sunday we are participating in "The Amazing Race" family edition with our church. It runs from 2:30pm - 5:00pm and we will be driving all over Calgary doing a bunch of fun things. Kamden has been looking forward to this for over a month. To tell you the truth I have been looking forward to it for sometime as well. It should be a lot of fun.

Well I am off to get my hair cut again. I love my new hair style as it is so easy to do (especially with all this running). The only thing is that it needs to be trimmed frequently. Then this afternoon I am off to the gym as usual. Run challenge still going strong, but ever since Saturday's big run my anterior femoral glide syndrome has been kicking in and my right hip hurts. Do I really have to stretch again...aaargh....

Hello Hello

Well I really have no excuse for not posting on a regular basis. For a while there I was blaming it on Trevor's laptop breaking down a few weeks ago, but we have since bought a new laptop. I think now that school is in full swing (mine and the kids) I have been too tired by the time they go to bed to even want to sit at the computer and type. I know bad, Susan!!

This past week was my best week so far in the running challenge. I can't believe that I ran over 40 miles...for me that is quite an accomplishment. It probably helped that I had a 20 mile run on Saturday and I actually had a pretty good time of 3 hours and 13 minutes, but now my left hip is hurting. Today I managed to do another 6 miles (at a much slower pace). I am hoping to finish the week off again with the mileage into the 40's.

Trevor and I signed up for the Seattle Marathon today. Before we had our flights and hotels booked, but held off on the registration...just for a bit. It's official...we are in. I am super nervous, but excited all at the same time. It's going to be a lot of hard work. Running everyday is doing wonders though and I am glad that I am doing this running challenge...although there are those days...

Tomorrow is a big day for Kamden. It is her very first dance class. We have decided to put her into dance and she has selected tap as her choice.

Trevor is looking into possibly getting Simon into some sort of martial arts class. We thought he might want to go dancing as well, but as soon as he found out there were not going to be any boys in his class, he didn't want to have any part of it.

Running Challenge comes to an end...Almost

Yesterday was the closest that I have ever come to not running. I wasn't able to get to the gym
because I had some volunteering to do at the school and then in the afternoon I had to take Mr. Simon to the doctor's as he as been having a difficult time breathing in the last few weeks. Then my parents came over at around 2:00 pm so that I could meet Trevor at the Oasis Spa where we had a couple's massage and pedicure. The spa treatment was really nice and relaxing. We had a really great time and my feet actually look pretty good right now. She managed to fix up the ones that were salvageable. Actually, only one of them is in really bad shape...thank goodness I am a girl and I can wear nail polish. After our spa session Trevor and I decided to go out for sushi and by the time we got home it was 8:30 pm. We spent a little bit of time chatting with my parents and after they left we realized that Kamden was still awake so we chatted with her. As the time passed I didn't feel like going running. It was dark out and I didn't really have any clean running clothes. In my mind I think I already decided that I wasn't going to go. The thought of how disappointed I would be with myself the following day overpowered my thoughts and as I saw Trevor all ready to go in he running gear I decided that I better go...stop being so lazy. So...off I was around the block for a quick 2.54 mile run in 23 minutes and 54 seconds. After the run I was happy that I didn't throw in the towel 39 days into the challenge. Today at the gym I decided to do 6 miles as I want to beat my mileage from last week and managed to push out 6.3 miles in 60 minutes. My right hip is starting to bug me again. It has been awhile since I've been for a chiropractic session for my femoral anterior glide syndrome. I really should be doing stretches after every run, but it has been awhile since that has happened...no wonder it's acting up again.

One of Kamden's school mates came over after school. It is so nice to see her playing with her little friends. They did make-overs on each other, which was kind of amusing as instead of the girly girl look that they were trying to achieve they ended up looking like clowns, but I just giggled and told them how cute they looked. After supper the girls helped me bake some Pumpkin Spice Loaf. We packed some up for Kamden's friend to take home and also wrapped a few more up for the Simon and Kamden's teacher tomorrow...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of year. One of my favorite things that come along with thee day is the beautiful colors of fall. I really should've taken a picture of how colorful it get down by Fishcreek this time of year. Unfortunately, I'll probably have to wait for next year as the leaves do not stay long on the trees here in Calgary. Yesterday we headed over to my parent's place to celebrate and of course we had pumpkin pie...one of my favorites. My mom made each of us a mini pie. My tummy is actually still full from yesterday. Is that even possible? Today we are off to Trevor's Parent's place. Trevor actually has a football game at 2 pm and I kind of feel sorry for him as right now it is pouring outside.

I am happy to say that I successfully completed my 18 mile run on Saturday. It was a tough one...especially at the end, but I knew I have to get those miles in order to do the marathon. I managed a time of 2:55:37. Yesterday was a short 2.25 miles. Today is going to be a short run as well as I have a lot of homework due, which is actually due tomorrow. No, I am not leaving it till the last minute. There is just so much reading to do with this course that it takes so much time....Agh!!! I need more time.

Tommorow Trevor and I are off to the Oasis Spa for the "Serenity Package", which includes a couples massage, facial, and pedicure. We bought it as a gift to ourselves last Christmas, but have waited this long to use it because of me. You see...I have one missing toe nail, one black toe nail, and three of them that are not quite attached. I don't want to scare the esthetician...maybe they can do something else besides work on my toe nails or lack of. I'd take a picture, but I still want friends, so I will opt out.

Congrats to my friends that did the Marathon in Kelowna, BC yesterday. I know a marathon is never an easy thing, but you guys did great. Way to go Cam Dawes and Mark Duncan!!

Long Weekend

5 days into October and I am not happy with my mileage. So far only 12.44 miles in 5 days seems pretty low, but I guess that is what happens when other commitments get in the way and time becomes an issue. Never-the-less tomorrow I will be able to add on an additional 18 miles to that number, which will make things better. Then on Sunday I am hoping for an additional 5 miles.

Last week on Thursday I found $5 in the "Part Source" parking lot. Then this Tuesday on the way home from taking the kids to their bus I found another $5 on the walk home. I can not believe my luck! Those kind of things just do not happen to me : )

Today the kids had the day off of school. Their first day off since they started back in September. I have been very busy with my schooling lately and have barely been finding enough time in the day to get everything done. Today my mom offered to take Simon so that I would be able to get some reading done. Kamden went to the home of one of her classmates. Her friend just started taking the same school bus as Kamden this past month and since then they have been best buddies. Kamden really enjoys spending all her time with her new friend and mommy and daddy are so happy that she has her first real "girlfriend".

Well it is time to get ready for tomorrow as my day is going to start off pretty early in order to get the 18 miles in. I am pretty tired right now. This weekend us Canadians will be celebrating our Thanksgiving, so I will have plenty of time to think about what I am thankful for in my life.
I know my top three...

1. That I have a personal relationship with Jesus
2. That I have a wonderful family and good friends
3. I am healthy

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy the time with your family and enjoy the food (mmmm turkey and pumpkin pie).

The start of a new month

Yesterday I wasn't able to get my 18 miles in like I had planned. I had a huge lack of energy and was only able to bust out a measly 13.96 miles. I guess that's what happens when someone that has problems with low iron doesn't take their iron pills. I think the last time I took any iron was back in August. Looks like I'll have to pull out the iron again. I think one of the biggest factors for me and not getting the distance in was lack of self motivation. I do way better when I am running with someone. I at least try to push myself harder, but when I am running by myself I just lack the motivation. How do you motivate yourselves?

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Here's something that may motivate me for the Seattle Marathon...the race starts at 8:15 am and Trevor made our departure flight at 3:20 pm and we have to be at the airport 1.5 hours before departure, which means we have to be at the airport at 1:50 pm. For some reason this race only has pace bunnies 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 and 4:45---So it looks like I'll be trying to keep up with the 4:00 bunny---this will be a HUGE challenge for me as it would mean taking off 25:13 off my time from the Vancouver Marathon I did in May of 2006. Is it possible...Yes!!!

My Goal for this month is to get in all my required mileage and hill/fartlek work and beat my miles from the month of September. Trevor and I have made an executive decision to can our leg workouts (weights) as our legs are sore continuously. So no more legs till after the Seattle Marathon.