Running Update

So now that I've run my first official 10K, what's my next goal?

Why, a half marathon, of course!

I think I've already told you I'm pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADHD as I have the shortest attention span EVER, so this is a big stretch for me to think that I can do this. Right now, it's hard for me to imagine doing anything for more than 2 hours....

But I'm going to give it a try. I really think my audio book eureka moment was the best idea I ever had and I think it'll the answer. I am really enjoying listening to Shopaholic and Sister and already have Shopaholic and Baby on my itunes ready to go (thank you public library!) once I finish Sister.

So this is the plan I think I am going to follow to train for the half mary. I may shoot for doing one in the fall or early winter, hopefully with some of the girls on my relay team. (Come on girls, we can do it!) I think there's one in November in Texas (is that right Cory?). If not, then definitely next April.

Anyone on board with me? I need a "Training for a Half" blinkie!

I Am a Member of The Brewmaster's Club!

I bet you've been waiting on this post.

I posted a little preview about the fabulous Hospitality House at Sea World a few weeks ago. And really, fabulous doesn't do it justice. I'm all about the free, especially free beer. And especially after I've been chasing my ornery two-year-old around the park for hours on end.

Now, the first cool part is that there is a bar in the front of the Hospitality House that you can get two free beers from and enjoy them in their large comfortable facility that is scattered with beer history and memorabilia. The second cool part is that you can also sign up for their Brewmaster's Club and get to attend an educational tasting of various beers and fruit, cheese, and chocolate.

Mr. Sasha and I signed up, although we did have to sign up separately since the kiddos weren't allowed in the Brewmaster area. He went first and came back refreshed and excited for me to get to go too.

So while I was waiting for the Brewmaster thing to start, I visited the bar up front and chose Shock Top, which is Anheuser-Busch's answer to Blue Moon. If you like Blue Moon, you'll like Shock Top.

Next, they opened up the Brewmaster Club doors and invited us in. They seated us in groups of four. I was seated with a girl who had just turned 21 the week before and a mother and daughter. Could have been totally uncomfortable sitting with 3 random strangers, but they turned out to be nice so it wasn't so bad.

An employee came and handed us a big menu and asked us to select 4 beers to try, which she would bring to us along with a tray of fruit, cheese, crackers and chocolate. Fun!

First, I chose Michelob Ultra Fruit, knowing that there are three different flavors and not knowing which one I would get. I'm just wild and crazy like that.

I had tried the Raspberry Pomegranate before on a trip to Missouri and loved it. So I was pleased that they brought out Lime, a flavor I hadn't tried. It was crisp and refreshing. Fab.

Next, I tried Tilt, which is a malt beverage energy drink. It was quite tasty, although I typically don't drink energy drinks. I figure I'm already medicated enough, no sense in adding additional things in my system. I get enough caffeine in my morning Coke.

I was so excited to try Wild Blue, a fruit infused lager. I was not disappointed- it was wonderful. (And on another note, my wonderful friend Amanda just brought me a six pack because I told her how much I liked it! I don't think they sell it in my state, so I'll be rationing this out and if you come over and I don't offer you one, don't get your feelings hurt, K?)

I also chose LandShark, which I can't actually find any info on on the A-B site. After I ordered it I realized that I had already tried it at Margaritaville in Vegas (it's marketed as Jimmy Buffet's beer). On the plus side, I remembered liking it, so no loss there. It's kinda Corona-ish.

We stopped by a few convenient (convenience?) stores on the way home from Sea World but didn't see any of these for sale. I live in a crazy state with weird beer laws, so I didn't expect to be able to find these for sale at home. To my surprise, I did find LandShark and Shock Top at my local IGA!

I'm quite on a beer kick right now and think I'll christen this The Summer of Beer. Maybe that's my new motto......

What a Weekend!

Sweet Niblets, I am worn out.

After working an all-day music festival yesterday (I got to drink beer while I checked-in/wrote checks to bands!), I headed to bed about 10:30 pm.

After a mere 4-5 hours sleep, I picked up two band members from our headlining band who need to go to the airport (they hadn't been to sleep yet and made the Family Van smell like a tequila factory).

Dropped them off at the airport and headed to a hotel near the marathon site to meet my relay team.

A shuttle took us to the starting line and I ran my 10K at 6:30 am in a cold drizzle, but had a fab time of 1:01.

We decided to forego the marathon bus system and did the transportation from relay point to relay point in a car on our own, which started out stressful, but turned into fun and I had a blast hanging with 5 of my friends from college who I miss so much! We all joined our friend in crossing the finish line during the last leg! The announcer read our shirts, which had a little inside joke printed on them and it was so cool.

Got home and took a much-needed 2 hour nap. I am currently doing laundry (of course) and drinking my 2nd full sugar Coke of the day. Yum!

Articles in the local papers say the fest was a success and estimate 6000 in attendance!!!!!! And it went off without a hitch. Damn we're good. And cool, but you knew that.

Hope you had a good weekend yourself! Smooches!

6 Unimportant Things About Me

I was tagged a million years ago by Tina and Our Crazy Wonderful Life for this meme. And it's been on my To Do List for weeks, but there are quite a few things on there that aren't getting done either, so don't feel slighted too much. It's not you, it's me.

1. I always have to have something on my feet. It can be flip flops or socks, but I simply can't be barefoot.

2. I drink 1 can of Coke every morning. Full sugar version.

3. I love classic rock and am pretty sure I was born 15 years too late. I am dying to meet Pamela Des Barres and have chatted with her numerous times in the late 90s.

4. I bite my nails, although I am always trying to quit. I go through cycles where I do a great job taking care of my nails and keep them painted, and then there are busy times like right now where I bite the dickens out of them because I don't have time to take care of them properly.

5. I am totally in the wrong career. I should not be an accountant, although I must say I am good at it. I should be in product development, marketing, or something with makeup!

6. I am a bargain shopper for househoold goods and food and even clothes, but I make up for that by being a Coach purse girl.

I would tag somebody, but since I have waited so long, I think this one has been around already!

Let's Start a New Phrase on OBBC!

(that's Old BabyCenter)

Forget vajayjay. While watching My Name Is Earl, Mr. Sasha and I heard the best. phrase. ever. (uttered by Joy of course)

Undersmile. As in, "She uncrossed her legs and showed everybody her undersmile."

So let's start the new phrase on OBBC!

This will work great on Magic Cream threads.

Let's start a revolution!

The Sasha Rider

So today I was working at the local non-profit who is putting on the music festival this weekend (!!!) and an issue came up with our headliner's rider.

You know, the list of things bands need when they play. Like here.

We were under the impression that all riders had been X's out and sent back to the artists. However, this didn't happen with this particular band so we were working on what we could come up with off their list without breaking the bank.

30 towels, a bottle of Ketel One Vodka, various kegs of beer, certain food, etc. Crazy stuff.

But really not so crazy.

I mean, these people are away from home, and it's not like they have time or transportation to go to the grocery store before they play their set.

And even I have a rider (for when I go stay with my parents):

• 1 can of cold Coke per day, in fridge
• 1 package of frozen Pepperidge Farm Apple Turnovers
• bottle of Advil that is findable in their kitchen
• funny stories about my childhood
• magazines I don't subscribe to
• some type of alcoholic beverage, possibly a bucket of frozen margaritas
• general snacky food, some chocolate, some salty

Sigh... he's really growing up

Some night when I put The Politician to bed, I like to get under the covers with him and snuggle for a few minutes.

Last night I did just that and after about 90 seconds, he said, "Momma, when are you going to get out of my bed? I'm really tired."

Broke my heart just a little. A preview of what's to come, I'm sure.

Have You Ever

seen this many stains on one tiny little 2 year old girl's shirt? Seriously, what did she do today? Paint a room? Clean the whole school? Do yardwork? Because I've never seen a shirt that dirty before. Off to do laundry......

A Giant Thank You!

to the 3 ladies who used me as a referral for a Gymboree Visa! Each time we each got a $20 giftcard to spend at Gymboree!

It's super easy- just use this link and enter my referral code: 100 035 040

Thanks in advance if you sign up! Email me if you do so I can make sure we both get the referral bonus!

Dude

I am tired. And I have lots to do before I go to bed....

But I thought I'd share this pic. Don't look at my yucky lawn. We were re-creating Easter Sunday since I didn't get a good pic of me with the kiddos. Not sure why I am so squinty, but we are all looking pleasant and towards the camera, so it's a keeper.

Backyard Barber Night

So about 3 years ago we decided to stop fighting the haircut war with The Politician and just buzz it ourselves. It's definitely a backyard job, although we do it in the garage when it's really cold.

So tonight was Haircut Night. He really does like it now because he gets 4 packs of Smarties to cajole him to sit still.

My favorite part is vacuuming him off when we are done. It's my own version of the Flowbee. I desperately wanted a Flowbee, and searched all over (OK, for 5 minutes online) only to find out it doesn't cut a buzz. So we just wheel the vacuum outside, hook up the attachment, and vacuum up all the hair! You're totally not dreaming, that's the brush attachment on the left side of the pic.

Here's the finished product, complete with "Cheese!" face. And we'll do it all again in a few weeks.

Something that I am totally not ready for

happened yesterday!

I was doing my normal Sunday afternoon good deal round-up (Super Target, Walgreens, CVS) and Mr. Sasha was reading the paper while The Politician watched some TV after his nap and The Wild Child finished her nap in her crib.

Mr. Sasha heard WC awake over the monitor, and P jumped up and said "I'll go in there!". Mr. Sasha was just about to stand up to go let her out of her crib, and all of the sudden P and WC came walking down the hall together!

She climbed out of her crib!!!! She's only 2 years and 3.5 months old! P happily stayed in his crib until 3 and I was hoping to do the same with her because I'm just not ready for her to be on the loose unattended.

Both of their cribs are the fab kind that convert to a toddler bed (with a little rail so they don't roll out) and then to a full-sized bed, so we can totally go the toddler bed route if it's time, but I just like her being captive right now. Does that make me a bad mommy? I'm just not sure I'll be able to convince her to stay in bed and go to sleep.......

Sigh.... I think I'll wait and see if she does it again. Maybe it was just a fluke?

It's only 1:00 pm

and it has already been an eventful day.

I ran 6 miles this morning in fab 50 degree weather with no wind- perfect running weather for me.

Went to 10 am soccer game.

Attempted to take the kids to lunch after the game, but got re-routed by a downtown parade.

Finally got to lunch and Mr. Sasha locked the keys in the car.

So we waited quite a while for a locksmith to come.....

And now we are at home- after dropping a $40 dollar locksmith fee.

For those asking, The Wild Child was great this week at school! They said she was a new child! Now, yesterday she did act like she was going to start to bite once, but her teacher caught her and startled her and she stopped. They then started using the tooth-brushing technique from the biting seminar, but since they don't have toothbrushes, they used some kind of long teething object that would reach her back teeth. She loved it and periodically asked for it by saying, "I need to chew my thing." So we see real promise in the new technique and the teacher is working on getting teether toothbrushes donated for 3 of the classrooms! Yay!

Still to come today: a birthday party at a local farm for P to go to, and some friends coming over for burgers/beers with their kids. And I may just meet a friend for margs at Taco Cabana after the kids go to bed. Cause I'm probably going to need it. I think we'll get a pitcher. Definitely, actually.

Just another crazy Saturday. Hope you have a good weekend!

Ask the Product Junkie: Self-Tanners, Take 2

Well, ladies, I've found two HG self-tanners! (and they are still on the market!!!!)

First is Neutrogena's Sun Fresh in Fair/Medium ($10 for 4 oz). Oh, what a find!

Scent: Billed as "grapefruit/nectarine", which I'm not so sure about, but I will tell you it's not at all like some of the other tanners I've used. Leaves a very faint tanner smell, so faint you'll be the only one to notice, and that's only if you sniff your own arm.

Color: Fab!!! Perfect for me- I'm very yellow and this looks so natural on me.

Texture and drying time: No complaints here- in fact, it dries very fast and is very smooth-able. I loved putting it on.

Con: The fact that you only get 4 oz for $10 bucks is definitely a draw back. I could see myself going through this tube very fast.

My most recent find is probably the best deal, bargain-wise. It's Loreal's Sublime Glow in Medium ($10 for 8 0z).

Scent: Just as good as the Sun Fresh above.

Color: A bit more brown than the Sun Fresh, but still a great color for me. As a bonus, there's a slight shimmery to this lotion. Now, it's not a "I'm going to the Prom in 1992" kind of shimmer, it's very pretty and really, you'll probably be only one who notices. But I like it.

Texture and drying time: Doesn't dry as fast as the Sun Fresh, but still dries nicely and isn't sticky once it's dried.

Verdict: I'll be using both- probably alternating.

Application tips: I start by applying a plain, unscented lotion (I use Cetaphil Lotion in the pump)to my elbows, knees, ankles, and tops of my feet. This keeps the color from grabbing too much in those areas. Then I slop the tanner on, starting with my arms and chest. I move down and do my lower legs and feet next, and then my thighs. I don't worry too much about my back and stomach. Who sees that anyway?

Two other tips: After I've done my arms, I get another squirt of Cetaphil lotion and rub it on the undersides of my arm and in the crook of my elbows- kind of to dilute the tanning lotion and blend it in there.

I also wash my hands when I'm done, and use a round cosmetic sponge to apply a drop of the lotion to the top of each hand.

Let me know if you try these and what you think!

Eureka!

I attended a Biting Workshop at Health Department last night, and it was beyond fabulous!!!!!!

In a nutshell, what they've found is that kids who bite are having trouble with sensory integration.

To help with that, they have discovered that if they pass out toothbrushes and have the children brush their teeth after breakfast, snacks, and lunch, they can reduce the biting by 85%!!!!! And for the children who are in that other 15%, if they are encouraged to brush every hour, they have a 98% success rate!!!!!

I talked to The Wild Child's teacher after my seminar (she was on her way into the provider version of the class) and this is definitely something we can try in her classroom. From what I understand, WC is not the only biter in the room.

Other suggestions from the seminar are to discontinue spill-proof cups and give more crunchy food to encourage the use of the back teeth. Basically, children who bite will benefit further development of their oral skills.

I am sure I said some of this wrong, cause I'm just an accountant, you know, and not a child development professional.

But I am so excited to have something to try and also to have confirmation that it's nothing that we've done (or haven't done) that is causing WC to have this behavior. Yay for me being a good mom after all!!!!!

Ebates Double Bonus Offer Again!!!!

Yay! Ebates is offering their Double Bonus Offer again, through May 31. If you sign up through my link, and make a purchase by May 31, we'll each get $10!

If you don't know about ebates, they offer rebates for doing your regular internet shopping through their site. They have Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place, Sephora, Snapfish, etc. I've gotten check from them totaling almost $400 over the past few years!

Click here if you would like to sign up. My referral email address is sasha2599[at]yahoo[dot]com.

Ask the Product Junkie: Eye Makeup Remover

Slim asked me the other day about eye makeup remover- she said she wasn't sure that she liked the Too Faced Lash Injection mascara because she was having trouble getting it off at the end of the day.

Turns out, she was using a different remover than me. I have been using the oil-free shake-up removers and they work great. Now, note that I also use a cotton round rather than a ball. Never had good luck with cotton balls.

Laurie (a Mary Kay consultant) left a comment a few weeks ago about her favorite remover, and I agree that it's a great product. I especially like that their bottle has a small opening that allows you to squeeze out just the amount you need rather than the wide opening that most of these type of removers have.

Now, the bargain shopper in me also needs to tell you about a cheaper version that I also like. You can typically find Neutrogena's version packed with two bottles together and sometimes you can even pair this find with a ECB deal at CVS- in fact, this week if you spend $15 on Neutrogena skin care, you get $5 ECB. Although it has the wider opening, I still like this product, especially at the price.

Anyway, using this type of remover will remove the fiber mascaras very well. Now, remember they come off differently. Your cotton round won't have black smeary stuff all over it, and you won't get black smear under your eyes. Instead, these mascaras come off in clumps- little balls of product. It's a much cleaner removal process that I just love.

More Notes From School

Notes sent home yesterday:


The Politician had to talk to the director in her office for calling his teacher stupid.


We are so happy to have The Wild Child back. She was so sweet to all her friends. She kept hugging her teacher Ms. Q and telling her she missed her.


Well, that's a reversal, now isn't it?

Maybe This Should Be My Motto

So you guys have heard about Randy Pausch, right? He's the Carnegie Mellon professor and father of three small children who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and only given a short time to live. He was asked to give a "last lecture", which you can watch at the above link, and I guarantee you there is no way you won't shed a tear and be touched.

Something he said really spoke to me, and I hope that I can raise my children like this:

As a professor, I’ve seen how disruptive it can be for parents to have specific dreams for their children. My job is to help my kids foster a joy for life and develop the tools to fulfill their own wishes. My wishes for them are very exact and, given that I won’t be there, I want to be clear: Kids, don’t try to figure out what I wanted you to become. I want you to become what you want to become. And I want you to feel as if I am there with you, whatever path you choose.

Parade Magazine, April 6 2008, page 7

Dear Jennifer Garner,

You know I was one of your biggest fans when you were on Alias. And really, I still am. You just seem like you're a super-cool gal and you also seem to be a fab mom.

And when you go and say something like this, I'm still blown away by how down-to-earth and in-touch you are.

"My younger sister is my hero: She's a mom and an accountant for the state of West Virginia. She's able to juggle a job, kids, volunteer work and church, and she still manages to cook dinner every night without feeling bogged down. There are a lot of people out there who are literally heroic, but what she does counts too."

Glamour Magazine, December 2007, page 312 (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that's not MLA)