Emotional Wreck

It was confirmed yesterday that I am indeed not cut out to be a mom! Aeisha needed her yearly shots at the vet. She hates everything about the experience. Hates the carrier, hates being touched by other people, hates shots, etc…It breaks my heart to hear her cry and fuss. I stressed over this vet appointment for several days. Once the time actually came it seemed to go smoothly until she got a bit feisty with the vet and had to be held by an assistant with scary leather gloves while getting her shots. The sight of that and her sad little cries pushed me over the edge! I may have shed tears over the scenario. Wowza – if I am going to loose it over my kitty getting shots how in the world would I survive a child getting shots?

Recovered Chairs

I found this great dining room table

at a local thrift store in Council Bluffs for $250!! I loved it and thought it was a bargain – my dad thought it was expensive. Men! Anyway the chair cushions left a lot to be desired as you can see:

They actually look better in the photo than in person. They were an off blueish color and not overly clean. A few weekends ago my mom, grandpa, and I were at the cabin so I put them to work recovering:


Oh yeah Izzy helped out also!


(sorry about the slightly blurry photos not sure what was wrong with the camera).
The finished project:


Much better. Nice and clean, material matches the cabin décor, and the best part is they were made with love. Cheesy I know!

A bit of Pizzazz

I have hated my bedroom lamp for quite some time. It is too small and looks like something from the 90’s.

At Target on a mission to get shampoo, lotion, and a few other small things I spotted a fun and colorful lampshade and realized it was the perfect solution for my bedroom. I love it!

It is finally the right scale and adds a much needed pop of color and glamour. Don’t you love Target and the ability to spend way more money than you ever set out to spend!

I think I need to work on styling my nightstand better - any fun ideas?

“Stolen” Flowers

I LOVE fresh flowers in my home, now I get them for free outside. Two of my neighbors (brothers) are renovating a home down the street, in the yard are several gorgeous huge peony bushes. I decided they obviously aren’t enjoying them so why not cut some for my inside enjoyment! I trudged home in the dark of the night with a bundle of stolen flowers and was able to make several arrangements here is a sampling of a few:



So gorgeous and such an impact on the room. Ok ok I didn’t really steal the flowers in the middle of the night (although I did contemplate this) – I asked permission first and was granted unlimited access to said flowers. Score for me! Especially as more are about to bloom. I love summer! My yard is starting to bloom which makes me insanely happy. Here are a few snippets.




Can’t wait till things really fill in over the next few months.

Council Bluffs Half Marathon 2010 Recap

Two words – Hot - Humid! It was a brutal race, we have had very cool temperatures here this spring and the warmest has probably been high 70’s. Turns out Sunday was high 80’s and extreme humidity even at 7am. Mix in a bit of partying Friday night and this does not equal a recipe for a successful race. My goal was 2.05, 2.10 worst case.

I came in at 2.15 (10.21 average pace) = upsetting. Everyone's times were slower due to the heat so I guess that is a minor consulation prize, and I should have not partied it up on Friday (but it was my brother’s birthdays!). Overall I was the 307th person (out of 634 total runners) to cross the finish line, I was 131/357 girls and was 28/65 in my age group for females. Pretty much middle of the pack which I am fine with – I have no grand illusions of becoming a rock star.

Sadly we didn’t take photos before the race and for some reason snapped photos the minute I finished so I look like a hot mess. But a finish is a finish (and I didnt walk at all)– now hoping to start training for another half soon and the CB Triathlon in August. I need a reason to stay motivated.

Pulled this off the website:
Number of Finishers: 634
Number of Females: 357
Number of Males: 277
Average Time: 2:20:44
Love that more females ran than men! I also just realized my tie was slightly above average so I am going to celebrate that and try to improve.

Happy Birthday to my Brothers!!

I love you two! You’re the best brothers a girl could ask for!

Oh yeah my sister-in-law is awfully fun and pretty great as well.

Our dresses were similar and we didn’t even plan it. Erik turned 29 yesterday.

Justin turns 27 on Memorial Day.

Wow time flies. So we had a joint celebration, as is the tradition, and started off at Glory Days with all their friends,




my friends,


and joint friends.




Had a birthday toast and cake.

Then headed off on the Party Bus for a bit more fun.








We had a full bus of friends in a wide range of ages. It was a wonderful night. Only downer was that my poor dad was stuck out of town for work and had to miss the festivities. Sorry dad :(

My Bike Needs Accessories

I have more or less mastered the clip in pedals/shoes on the road bike thanks to a patient and amazing coach. I rode a few nights ago which reminded me how much fun it is to get on a bike and just ride chatting the night away. A reminder that its not all about the race. Now that summer is quickly approaching there are so many great outdoor events that are within bike distance (as is my office) so I really want to start biking more – driving less. How perfect is this bike basket from Kate Spade:


I love it! I haven’t yet gotten my Easter basket form the Easter Bunny (aka Mom)… It reminds me of Denmark, Amsterdam, Germany - towns where everyone has a basket on their bike as they ride everywhere. My only concern is would the added weight tip me over? Remember I am new to the road bike….I am also unsure if you can even fit a basket on a road bike. Maybe I need this bike for “fun rides”.

And while we are on the topic, I also need a stylish helment for fun rides. This is my choice.

Sadly I don't think any place in the US sells them - looks like I need a trip abroad!! Even more sad is they are sold all over the place in Denmark and I had found this site last year but didn't take the time when visiting to actually find the store and purchase one.