Off Boulevard

It’s official, we’re k’d.  10 k’d.  Last weekend, Brian and I participated in a Richmond tradition, the Monument 10k.  It only started in 2000, but it’s currently the 4th largest 10k in the country.  And a mighty fine party I might add.  But as a firm believer that running is one of the most painful things a human can do, I had to do some convincing to get Brian to walk with me instead of running, but he finally agreed.  20 minute miles, here we come!

Once our heat started, and everyone whizzed past us, the two hour extravaganza began.  With over 38,000 taking part in the race this year, there was plenty of good people watching to do.  The route was lined with tailgaters, house parties, bands, and of course, the monuments that gave Monument Avenue it’s name.

My favorite were the people in the race who dressed up, like Mr. banana -

 And this group who walked the entire 6.2 miles in their “car” -

I made Brian take pictures at all the mile markers to prove I actually walked the entire thing -

While he opted to visit the table that was giving away cups of beer instead of water -

We ended the day eating our way through a massive brunch, complete with a bathtub salad bar -

After which I proceeded to take a nap.  It’s a rough life, but someone’s gotta do it.

Raise your hand if your tired of this “spring” weather.

This kid is.  Brian and I had some good projects planned outside this weekend, but the weather quickly squashed that.  So in a formal protest against the fact that it’s still snowing at the end of March, we decided to have a project free weekend.  At first it made me a little nauseous just thinking about our huge to do list getting nothing checked off, but then I realized we could actually get real life stuff done.  You know, like laundry, cleaning, and filing -

I also got a chance to clear out some clutter, like boxing up some of Juice’s clothes that she’s outgrown and adding articles to my nerd binder.  And coincidentally, our little escape from projects just happened to land on one of the best sports weekends of the year, so there may have been a little basketball watching too -

Liv enjoyed our undivided attention, especially when it was train time -

And we may have snuck in a quick trip to pick up supplies for our next project -

But shopping isn’t cheating, right?  So while I might be a little slow on blog material this week, I’m not gonna lie, this weekend was pretty awesome!

A month after declaring my 13 in 13 (13 things I’m hoping to accomplish in 2013), I’ve finally started to make some progress.  Let’s check in, shall we?

1. Take a photography class – I’ve signed up for an online photography class through Shoot Fly Shoot.  Learning in my pajamas…yes please!

2. Wallpaper or stencil something

3. Drink only water for a month - I immediately regret putting this goal in writing.  I decided to give this a go for February (no brainer, it’s the shortest month of the year), and 6 days in I’m already going nuts.  The human body is meant to drink yummy, sugary drinks.

4. Take Brian on a surprise date

5. Sew something with a zipper

6. Use a Kreg Jig

7. Visit a new city

8. Learn to use a photo editing software

9. Grow something new in the garden

10. Read 10 books (cookbooks and magazines don’t count) – One book down.  I finally finished Guns, Germs and Steel after my third or fourth attempt at reading it.  Interesting, but not a light read. 

11. Learn to change a tire

12. Take Juice on her first camping trip

13. Visit three new places in Richmond

I’m a list maker.  I currently have 24 lists on my phone.  Every day when I get to work, I make a list.  I probably spend more time making lists than actually accomplishing what’s on the lists.  So what better way to start 2013 than make a master to-do list for the next year!  I call it my 13 in 13.

1. Take a photography class
2. Wallpaper or stencil something
3. Drink only water for a month
4. Take Brian on a surprise date
5. Sew something with a zipper
6. Use a Kreg Jig
7. Visit a new city
8. Learn to use a photo editing software
9. Grow something new in the garden
10. Read 10 books (cookbooks and magazines don’t count)
11. Learn to change a tire
12. Take Juice on her first camping trip
13. Visit three new places in Richmond

Surprisingly, it was somewhat hard to make this list.  Some things came to me instantly (take a photography class, visit a new city) and others I really didn’t want to list but thought it would be a good challenge (only water for a month…I’m dreading this already).  I’ll check in throughout the year and keep you updated on my progress, wish me good luck!

What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?

Our bags were packed, the car was gassed, and Livie was busy getting a good night’s rest before our drive to Michigan.  But I was not so patiently waiting for one more thing before we left…

For our paperwhites to bloom.  I planted them about a month ago, not even thinking that we would be out of town right when they were supposed to bloom.  Every day for the past week I had jumped out of bed like a kid at Christmas, just hoping one of them have bloomed, but nuthin’.  Now we’ve safely arrived in Michigan and flowers were left behind, probably blooming in their full glory for no one to see.  And apparently I’m the last person on earth to learn about them.  I put my bulbs in a clear glass vase and planted the bulbs in black river rocks -

They grew super fast and before I know it, we had some mutant paperwhites on our hands.  They got a little unruly -

So I finally had to tie a piece of twine around them so they’d stay upright -

And I love how the roots peek out through the rocks -

Right before we left, one little blossom peeked it’s little head out -

Even though I didn’t get to see the paperwhites actually bloom, they’ve become my new favorite plant because they are easy to grow.  Just keep them well watered, about half way up the bulb, and you’re good to go.  They’re pretty much hard to kill, or as Brian says, “they’re Meredith proof”.  Sadly, at one month, they’ve lasted longer than most other plants in our house.

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday, Dear

Happy Birthday to You!

On a whim today I checked to see how long I had been blogging, I knew it had to be close to a year.  And BAM!  Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my little blog!   Thanks to everyone who stops by from time to time to read my ramblings, hopefully there’s much more to come!