Another bath for Astro

Relaxing after his spa service.

Astro had his second escape of the new year on Tuesday. I definitely had my defenses down. I had 10 minutes to myself between Kindergarten drop off and preschool pickup. I heard the voices approaching the front door. The doorbell rang, the dogs flew into an uproar, and I tried to ignore the scene. The visitors were not easily discouraged so I went to the front door. Two minutes until preschool pick up time. I opened the storm door to find out what they needed and BAM! out the slightly ajar door he went like a bolt of lightning. I lunged to grab him but he slipped from my grip. (And broke my nail...it was even bleeding. sniff sniff)

The poor folks (UtiliQuest to mark the backyard so FiOS can be installed) at the door were treated to some saucy language from me (not directed at them, just at the dog escape situation).

No time to chase him, I had to pick up my preschooler. I asked the UtiliQuest folks to trap him in the backyard if the opportunity arose and off I went.

I think the UtiliQuest man felt bad about the escape and actually stuck around to make sure I got my dog back. Fortunately, Astro fell for one of my old "Let's go for a car ride" trick as he went streaking by. He stopped and jumped right into my car. GOTCHA!

Did I mention it was cold, wet and rainy outside? Nothing says "Welcome to our Home" like the smell of wet dog, even after a bath with baby shampoo. ha!

Russian Roulette

In the last three days, I've been the the urgent care center, emergency room, and our pediatrician's office. So that makes 4 visits to the pediatrician, one visit to the urgent care center, and one visit to the ER in the past 14 days. Throw in 4 visits to the pharmacy and I'm waiting for the flu to strike me down at any moment.

Fortunately, I think everyone is on the road to recovery or in the eye of the future flu storm. Ear infections are finally clearing and Lauren does appear to be regaining her hearing. And now I'm almost sure Kristen is not actually allergic to penicillin or suffering from Scarlet Fever, just experiencing an innocent drug "skin reaction".

At some point during the stress of all this, I lost my mind and signed up for the Iron Girl Triathlon in Columbia.

Bronze Medal for the Hero...

Well, I achieved my 20,000 points for the Presidential Challenge. Now I'm entitled to purchase a Bronze Medal for myself. I'm finding this to be a bit anticlimactic. You barely get a "Congratulations" before being taunted into sweating some more for the Silver medal. I usually try to "play it cool" but this is really playing to my competitive side. So...I guess I'll be working toward 45,000 points. What is wrong with me??

On a different note, I received my Thank You card for "helping to save someone's life". Apparently, today they "shipped my blood to a patient in need."

So, I've got that going for me.... (gotta love Caddyshack)

Sunday X-Games, Kindergarten style

Lauren about to shoot down the hill at Ski Liberty on her first solo voyage.



Kristen takes a break from flirting with the kiddie hill attendant to pose for the cameras.

Our spur of the moment trip to Ski Liberty was a success. Hopefully we can go again before Spring.

Mid-Month Status Report

Walk dogs
I've left some room for improvement in the area. So far I'm averaging 3 - 4 times/wk

Lose weight
I got a "boost" on this one due to stomach flu in the early days of the month.

Cut back on diet coke
Miserable failure. I'm starting to think I don't really want this one bad enough.

De-clutter junk room
I took my "before" picture, bought and assembled a set of shelves, unloaded three boxes and freecycled a bread box and a box full of cleaners I moved from my last place nearly 4 years ago. (Just in case you are wondering...I have other cleaners that I have bought since then)

Reusable grocery bags
I have reached my monthly goal. A Gold Star for me!

More patience
I've noticed it is a lot easier to be patient with the kids while school is in session. ha!

Triathlons
I took a very important step...I downloaded a few songs from iTunes for my "training workout mix". (and I signed up for the Virginia Run Sprint Triathlon on May 11th.)

Give blood
Not eligible until late February. I gave just before New Year's.

Meal plan
I did it for one week and I'm still exhausted from it. The family doesn't seems to want dinner cooked by me for seven contiguous days. I'm sure it's nothing personal.

No reunion plans yet
Stay tuned.

No clipless pedal practice yet
I think the ground will be softer for my landings when it warms up a bit. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

And...83% closer to earning my patch!!!