Garage Workshop

This past weekend, Trey helped Chad work on his cabinets. They did some work in our garage. Trey moved the Element and made himself a little workshop. I didn't mind because after they were done he moved the Element back in there.

Chad gave Trey this work station. Under the counter, Trey has storage room to place extra tools. It keeps everything nice and organized.

And see that big green thing on the right side, that's some kind of wood working tool. He bought it from Johnny. You know, I'm not sure what it does.

This evening Trey and Chad will be working on the cabinets. I think they are close to wrapping this project.

Retro-Fit

I'm still trying to get a feel for this Nike+ Sportband. This morning I went on my normal treadmill run.

Actual Results
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 38:49
Avg Pace: 9:42

Nike+ Results
Distance: 4.91 miles (WAY OFF)
Duration: 38:49 (the same)
Avg Pace: 7:54

After talking it out with Trey, he thinks the main reason is the shoe-key-holder. When I place the sensor in the holder, it's loose. So, the sensor is shifting and moving around causing inaccurate results. That sounds right. Trey suggested we retro-fit my shoes. He took my old brooks and cut a pocket for the sensor to slip in the inside sole.
Here is an example of what a Nike+ Shoe looks like.

After all that trouble, I went for a one mile run and the results were fairly accurate. The average pace per mile was still off, but I can always plug those numbers in and find out the correct pace. My next step, go on a 4 mile run Thursday. If that works I'll take the next step and retro-fit my Saucony's. I'll keep you posted.

The Water Gardens

Trey and I had the day off of work. We enjoyed the day with my mom and sister. This morning we toured The Bureau of Engraving and Printing: U.S. Department of the Treasury (AKA the money plant). We saw so much $$$$, but we didn't leave any richer. If you are into factory assembly lines or if you like watching How-its-made shows, I would recommend the tour.

Later, we had lunch at BoomerJack's. Delicious. I got the adult panini grilled cheese served on whole wheat bread and a side of steamed veggies.

After lunch, we stopped by the Water Gardens.

No rails!

Cheyenne looks bored in this picture, but she really enjoyed the Gardens



Natasha


Cheyenne back on ground level and walking everywhere

The Quiet Pool

Little Dare Devil

And she's walking again

Pointing at the waterfall

Nike+ SportBand & Visitors

I bought this new watch to help track my miles.


I haven't had a chance to take it out on a real run because I've been too busy trying to calibrate the thing. After two tries -- I think I got it! You don't have to calibrate it, but for accurate results, it's recommended. I'm really excited about using this!

I don't wear Nike+ Shoes, so I place the sensor in a shoe-key-holder. Another reason why I want to make sure the thing is calibrated.

In other news, last night we had guests at the house. Shelly, Jason and Andy spent the night. They spent the day at six flags and were so tired and needed a place to crash. It was nice visiting with them. And then today, my Mom and Tasha are in town visiting.

Lakeside Run

Distance: 10.5 miles
Duration: 1:43:02
Average Pace Per Mile: 09:48 (the same as last week)
Temperature: 44 degrees
Wind: SE at 8 mph
Notes: I'm so glad I wore my sunglasses, especially with the glare of the sun hitting the lake.
                   
Yesterday evening, I mapped out a new route. Well, it's kind of a new one. I've ran parts of it before. One reason I think this may become one of my favorite routes is because there are several rest stops and they have more than just porta potties, they have concrete walls and restroom stalls! Exciting right?
This new route is just what I needed. I love running the trail, but I needed something fresh. Running near the lake is always peaceful. Although, traffic is minimal in that area, there are a ton of cyclist. It's a cyclist mecca...I guess. If you ask me...(lately) it's been a brown, dead, wintery ghost town around here.

To make my point, here is a creek I passed. Spring, hurry up and get here because I need green grass and pretty flowers to look at when I run!
                   

"Whatcha Looking At?"

Lately, Cheyenne has been so lovable. Last night, I asked for a kiss goodnight and she puckered up. My little love bug.


In unrelated news, I totally slept through my morning run. Boo! Next time, I will do better. Sounds like I have an evening date with the dreadmill. Joy. At least I'll get some more 30 Rock viewing in. I'm telling you, this is the best way to watch TV. Really...who has time for TV anymore? You've got to multi-task. All the Mom's out there know what I'm talking about.

Spring Purse

I didn't stage this photo. She really likes her new purse that my mom got her and she loves playing on the phone. She's all Girl. The moment I snapped this, she was jamming to Ryan Adams.

Silly Girl. Oh and she has some really cute shoes that Trey's mom got her that will look cute with this purse.

Okay, she had to pause for a moment to tweet her peeps

Twitter update: Having a blast and loving my spring purse!

She's moving

Browsing books and making THE FACE

Jam Pack Day

Today, I took the day off of work.

I rolled out of bed this morning and went for a four mile run - outside! It was great. I ran about a 9 minute pace and one mile I ran under 9 minutes. I was running fast because I had to be on the road by 9 am to meet Trey's mom, so I could pick up my baby.

I met Trey's mom mid-way between DFW and Abilene. We met at a restaurant and had brunch.

It's a nice little restaurant and they have this beautiful painting outside.

It's been a jam pack day. Once we got into town we had a chance to rest a while and then we were off to meet Krista and her baby at the trail for a walk.

And then this evening we were off again, this time cell group. Trey and I are participating in a cell group again. We've been attending 3 weeks now and this time I'm trying really hard to make it work with our schedule. When I have more time, I'll go into more detail about the cell group. I can tell you real fast, that it's going great.

Taking Care of Business

When Cheyenne got home she had some emails to go through. She also updated her Twitter account.

@dominiqueia Finally at home with my Mommy. Life is Good!

Feed the Baby

When Cheyenne is out of town, it seems like everyone wants to feed the baby. Here she's eating a chicken sandwich with Aunt Tasha. She also appears to be making a phone call. I wonder who she's calling...

Tomorrow, I will see my baby. I'm ready.

Anniversary Weekend

Trey and I celebrated our anniversary at Arlington Highlands.

We checked out some shops, went to the Studio Movie Grill, and then went to Red Robin. We watched Shutter Island....by the way -- it's wonderful. While we were at the movies, I ordered a Margarita. I didn't know I was going to get a huge Margarita Bowl! I drank way too much and felt tipsy. After the movie I ate a lot of food and felt better. Next time, I'll know to take it easy on the drinking. Well, at least I made Trey laugh.

Later that night, we made our way back to Fort Worth and went to The Water Gardens. That was our first trip to see the gardens. It was romantic seeing all the pools and water features at night.

I had so much fun and really enjoyed our date night.

Cheyenne is still in Abilene. I miss her so much.

Tired at Nanna & Popeye's House

I Married My High School Sweetheart

Today, we celebrate six years of marriage. Here is a photo of us in high school at Trey's Senior Prom (2001).

First Long Run After Cowtown & 6 Year Anniversary

Distance: 8 Miles
Duration: 01:18:30
Average Pace Per Mile: 09:48
Temperature: 51 degrees
Wind: SE at 6 mph
Notes: I can't wait for Spring. I'm tired of looking at dead grass and trees.

This morning I hit the trail a little later than usual. It felt good to be outside enjoying warmer weather. It was so nice, I didn't have to wear a second layer.

Well, before I went running, Trey and Cheyenne woke up really early to meet his Mom and Brandon. Cheyenne will be spending the weekend in Abilene. That girl goes to Abilene more than I do. She's going to have a lot of fun visiting everyone. We really appreciate our family watching her and she usually makes her rounds to everyone.

Today, Trey and I are celebrating 6 years of marriage. So, this weekend we'll be child free and we can do anything at any hour. Wooo Hooo!

She's Going to be a Purse Girl ==

Earlier this week, it was a lunch box...now it's a grocery bag. I think Cheyenne is going to be a purse girl..that or a bag lady. Oh, and she even has mis-matched clothes.

Don't get in her way or she'll knock you down

She's so silly

"Give me some candy to put in this bag!"

Couch to Ultra

Trey is training for an ultra marathon. Yeah. After COWTOWN, he said, "I want to run the 5K next year." And then somehow that plan changed to ULTRA Marathon. WHAT? I told him there is not really a training guide for couch to ULTRA. However there are a ton of resources for couch to 5K. His training started this week and he slept through both of his runs. But he has a good excuse. He's been helping the Peterson's update their kitchen, which means staying up late. I will keep you updated on his training.

Morning Dreadmill -- Update
It takes a lot to get out of bed early in the morning. The mornings that I'm training, I have an internal dialogue with myself. "Okay, this is not normal. Waking up at this ungodly time to run. What's wrong with you?" and then I answer with, "The sooner you do this, the sooner you're done. You won't regret it and you'll feel better because you did it."

Just a few more times doing this routine and it'll be like brushing my teeth. Maybe. That's how my evening runs were. I just did it. I didn't think about it. Morning running is more complicated. Although, I have to say it feels amazing to be at work, ready to start my day, having already ran 4 miles. Talk about productivity.

Merrell: I Smell Potential

"Before you remove your new running shoes from the box, you must smell them. Open the box. Peel back the tissue paper. Behold those pristine shoes. Then lift the box to your face and breathe deeply. Mmmm. Smells like potential. And possibly toxins. But mostly potential." Mark Remy

CT STAMINA 2: Lightweight stability for the mild to moderately over-pronating runner, incorporating comfort and eco-friendly features into a high-tech platform of support and stability..."

I see the over-pronating correction...interesting

I can see and feel the quality of these shoes. This weekend they will make their debut.

The Heel

I like this lightweight mess material

I've never had green shoes before, but I like them

Bubble Gum Flava

This morning Cheyenne was throwing a fit. She did NOT want to wake up. She cried the entire time I changed her, but once I gave her the toothbrush she stopped. Mmmm bubble gum flavor toothpaste. Yummy. Lately, I've been pulling her hair back in pig-tails and I think it looks adorable! As long as she has her toothbrush, she could care less what I do with her hair.