Friday, March 9, 2012

Friday Mishmash

This may be more disjointed than usual, because I just finished my "Fixing Boo Boo's" knitting class and my brain is fried.  I did learn how to fix some things, but honestly, I just couldn't quite see the reasoning behind everything...I think that's because I'm still a new knitter and a lot of this stuff is a little foreign to me.  However, I did discover what I'm doing when all of a sudden I look at my piece and see a diagonal stitch - I've picked up the ladder/leader/straight piece.  Crum.  Can't remember the term, but I can picture it, and now I know how to fix it, which is good as I seem to do that every couple of days or so.  Also?  We practiced how to TINK, which is KNIT spelled backward...and that's what you do, knit backward.  Or unknit what you've done.  Any case, I can go back to the knitting store if I run into any problems - the teacher encouraged us to isolate the "offending stitch" (that term cracked me up to no end, that an inanimate object is offensive, but really, it's a great descriptive when you think of it) and come in so she can help fix it.

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Fran wanted to know what circular knitting needles looked like, so I took this picture of a ducky washcloth that I was making Wednesday night.  I got to row 40 before I had an offensive stitch - pretty good for me!  Had to stop for the night, but fixed it myself in the class.  Go me!
The needles are connected by a cable - I like them because they're shorter than regular needles, and I don't feel like my work will unintentionally slip off the needles.

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With my return to running, I've also returned to drinking coconut water after a sweaty workout.  While I love my VitaCoco coconut/pineapple drink, I have also been enjoying Zico's chocolate coconut drink - I tried some at the expo in Austin and liked it enough to buy some when we got home.  It's not cheap, so I only drink it if I've run for at least 45 minutes...but it makes for a nice reward!
Much tastier than Gatorade!

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Speaking of running (oh, WERE we???), you might have heard me lament our lack of running stores in this area.  We have to drive about 90 minutes to either Houston or Austin to get to a running store, which makes getting fitted for shoes a hassle.  No more.  We're not only getting a running store, we are getting three.  Yes, THREE.  That is crazy.  While I think this area can support one, I have my doubts about three.  Time will tell.  The exciting thing is that we've met the owner of one of the stores, and it looks like we'll have a home for our running club!  It will be great to have a "home base" to meet at, run from (and back to), and have support items available (along with shoes! and clothes!).  We've been given t-shirts with the store's very cool logo on it...now if we could just speed up time and get it opened already!
Brazos Running Company, you are a welcome addition to our town!!!

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You already saw my outfit for last week's run, since I wore it at the Armadillo Dash.  But here it is again:
I love the bright orange shirt, but made a last-minute change on Saturday afternoon by hitting the clearance rack at Academy for a white long-sleeved tech shirt - I didn't want to be so "Halloween-y" with the black/orange combo.  Of course Jeff said I looked like a Creamsicle with the orange/white top, but that's OK by me.  Loved that they put our names on the bibs for the race this year, too...it's the little things that thrill me!

The proofs for the Dash just came online!  Here's a few - Jenny and I were having a really good time, and it shows.  (btw, I used to work for a professional photographer and know that print orders are what keeps them in business...I will most definitely be ordering prints of these (and maybe of Jeff, too? lol))
On the home stretch - about half a mile to go here.
Woohoo!!!  Crossing the finish line!!!
Two very happy runners!!!

Tomorrow we have 4 miles on the schedule for running club, and naturally, it's supposed to be cold and rainy.  I'd love to break out my running skirts, but at the moment, the only way I'll get to wear them is if I layer one over some capris...which I just might do. 

Thanks for all the ideas about Jeff's medal hanger - if you have any more, I'm still not fully committed to one, so leave 'em in the comments, por favor.

Have a great weekend!

28 comments:

  1. I love the proofs.
    especially the first one.
    Today it is supposed to be RAIN and 43 here.
    Im already getting out the DOWN JACKETS :-)

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    1. I know we were just in a drought, but I can do without the cold that is coming along with all this rain!

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  2. Chocolate coconut water?!?!?!?! Must find asap!

    Are you buying any of those photos? You should because you look so happy!

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    1. You MUST try the chocolate coconut water, Lori - it's so good!!!

      I'm definitely buying some of the race pictures. :)

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  3. Did you see the article in the new Runner's World about fueling and refueling? Nothing more than water is necessary for runs up to an hour. So you're smart to save your fancy stuff for longer runs!

    Love the photos of you and Jenny!

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    1. I did see that article - it's a tricky balance, I think, when it comes to heavy sweaters (which I am - yay?) AND running in hot, humid conditions (which I do most of the time)...no need to overdo the fuel, but also, the salt on my shirt/hat/body tells me that I definitely need to replace it before I cramp up.

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  4. I wish it would rain here here in the desert. We have done! You are the cutest, dang runner ever. The look on your face as you crossed the finish line are priceless.

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    1. Thanks, Dana - and looking at the next 10-day weather forecast, I wish you could have some of our rain, too!

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  5. I teared up seeing you cross the finish line. A combo of such joy for you and some of my own complicated feelings about me, but you know those.
    As for the knitting, you are just so funny 'offensive'. I had a 16 yr. old client yesterday talking about knitting, doing it in the car, nonetheless, said she did get a headache after a while, I can't even look at a map in the car, she said she wanted to learn to knit and her mom got her one of those Klutz book/kits. I don't know if you know those, they are very "girly" and are marketed to tween girls for crafty things. I so thought about you and pictured you in the little girl aisle looking for a Klutz book. Knitting is on my bucket list one day, I am SURE I wont' do it with Shelley gusto, but I don't do anything with Shelley gusto!

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    1. Thank you, my friend...I appreciate your joy. :)

      I started with one of those Klutz book/kits! Totally appealed to me - yes, they have my number, lol!

      I can't even text while riding in the car much less knit - everything makes me carsick.

      Bet you'd really enjoy knitting, what with your creative scrapbook side!

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  6. I've seen the circular needles now you've shown them but never used them myself. What is funny is that we're working with almost the same yellow color :)

    I have tried the coconut water but it wasn't that spectacular for me. Runs up to 45 minutes I don't even bring water, around an hour I only bring water and runs longer than an hour I use water and sports drink (the ones you mix yourself with water).

    We don't have a running store either but there are 2 good ones about a 15 minute drive away, so not too far away for me. But I only go there for shoes, I buy my clothes online because it's much cheaper that way.

    Have fun at your run tomorrow.

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    1. I guess with needles you get accustomed to one kind and pretty much stick with that. Love the yellow, it's just so cherry!

      And I can tell the difference between running in Holland and running in Texas - remember those races where it was too hot for you? That's what it's like to run here most of the time. Hence the need for carrying hydration...it's a different ballgame when you run in the heat.

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  7. You are cracking me up with your knitting 'techie' talk. " I just couldn't quite see the reasoning behind everything"--personally I think that that is not you, it is the teacher. I used to feel the same way when I first started working in the NICU. Then I realized that the reason I couldn't understand was that the people who were explaining the equipment to me didn't actually understand HOW it worked, they were just telling me WHAT to do with it. You sound like me, its important to understand the reason to retain information. well, that probably doesn't make sense...

    I really like the running store shirt. And I'm glad you got a white shirt to go with your outfit. Creamcicle sounds so much better than Halloween to me.

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    1. You always know the right thing to say, Debby - it's not ME, it's the TEACHER! I'd like to think that's true...I have a feeling that the more I knit and the more time I spend with other knitters, it'll click for me.

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  8. I'm so happy to see you running and you look fantastic as always!! Also thrilled you are getting a running store. I have a feeling you will be one of their best customers :) I'm on the bench for foot tendonitis but will be running again the second I hit that 6 week mark! (4 more to go)

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    1. Jeff is a little worried about having a running store (or three) so "handy" - I'll definitely have to restrain myself!

      Sorry about the tendonitis - I had that in my non-surgery foot afterward (compensation) and it's painful!

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  9. Ha, love how Jeff thought Creamsicle! You are doing great with your knitting, I never did learn how to use those type of needles though - very cool!

    Good luck on your run tomorrow - I hope to get in 5 miles tomorrow - my sister has to run 10, and of course, its going to be chilly tomorrow - boo!

    Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

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    1. Looks like between all of us bloggers, we'll be racking up the miles tomorrow! :)

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  10. Aw, great proofs! You are so cute!
    I love "will run for ice cream", that's our team name up here for You Go Girl in September. How fun.

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  11. I hear lots now it seems about coconut stuff: water, oil, etc. I need to check it out.

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  12. LOVE the running pics and I am just so impressed with your knitting abilities. I tried knitting a couple of times. Very difficult.

    Ugh, Saturday run should be interesting. Dreadinng it here but don't you always feel great after completing a run in nasty conditions?!

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  13. I got very emotional of those finish line pictures. Like I could just imagine what that must have felt like!

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  14. Does it taste like chocolate and coconut? I can't bring myself to buy it because I can't imagine what it tastes like...hehe!

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  15. I LOVE the race pics Shelley. So glad you are going to order them. So lovin' the knitting project too. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  16. Chocolate coconut water? I need that! I love your running outfit and the race photos. I can tell from the race photos that you are a serious heel striker - I used to be also, but was getting too many injuries. I changed my whole style of running. Have you heard about heel striking vs mid foot?

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  17. Linda, I've never been told that I'm a heel striker, but it sure looks like it in those pictures. Hmmm, I wonder if I've changed my gait since injuring my ankle? Thanks for pointing this out! :)

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  18. Yeah for getting three running stores in your town!!

    I love the photos of the race - that is awesome!

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