tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-919915042614694642011-12-13T09:07:29.976-06:00Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.comBlogger4351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-66983402656228739362011-12-06T21:40:00.000-06:002011-12-06T21:40:31.363-06:00

Tallin, Estonia September 2011 A pretty special thing has happened recently.  Every Sunday morning for the past 4 weeks I have gone on a long, long walk with a favorite sister-friend.  It started when another sister-friend was in the hospital, and we walked to visit her.  Unfortunately she was still in the hospital the next Sunday, so we walked again.  Each time, we interrupted her listening to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-38741452644675151242011-08-31T18:35:00.000-05:002011-08-31T18:35:51.260-05:00

Although it is 6:30pm and I am still at the office, tonight is the night: ::I will make Rachel Ray's sausage rolls for dinner.  All of the ingredients are already in the fridge ::I will download photos from my camera to my computer and then to my external hard drive ::I will NOT do work from home. Promise!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-59124301502159795582011-06-27T11:46:00.000-05:002011-06-27T11:46:32.049-05:00

::  i was up at 5am to get to my flight.  the wind was blowing so hard at home, branches were scratching the windows.  that kind of weather just makes me want to get BACK into bed. ::  a long layover in chicago is made much better by a great chair in the admiral's lounge.  i heart my amex platinum. ::  this poison ivy is killing me.  i look like a leper and folks at the airport are staring at

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-89410129464348253272011-05-27T14:01:00.000-05:002011-05-27T14:01:55.059-05:00

We're planning on doing a lot of this for the next few days...how about you?

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-18239798718542247392011-05-18T16:04:00.000-05:002011-05-18T16:04:36.222-05:00

I did a guest post about Design Mom (aka Gabrielle Blair) on another blog...I'd love it if you went there to read it!  Look out, it could be a prickly one!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-20800381989803009352011-04-28T11:52:00.000-05:002011-04-28T11:52:16.813-05:00

...always remember that the red bud tree loves you...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-76387170426253003802011-04-27T09:19:00.000-05:002011-04-27T09:19:42.708-05:00

I'm on the edge.  It is the edge of a chasm.There has been a cloud over me lately.A funk if you will. Because I am recognizing it, I know I haven't fallen into the valley of depression yet.I take my medicine faithfully every day.I am hanging on by my fingernails. There is so much joy in my life.I wonder what at times it seems to be just beyond my reach.I can smell it, but can't find it. Something

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6797643259321035662011-04-21T16:20:00.000-05:002011-04-21T16:20:53.432-05:00

Wow...long time! Here are a few edited shots from this past weekend...they all have a theme, and will be used for something special.  I'll show you that part when it's done!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-135726351759140122011-03-04T16:15:00.000-06:002011-03-04T16:15:41.536-06:00

Gosh, I love that girl of mine, Molly.  She is so vivacious, has a mind of her own and cracks me up...lots.  Recently 2 things have happened that I mustn't forget.  When Todd is out of town I always let the kids sleep in bed with me.  They take turns.  Todd doesn't know this, and we'd like to keep it that way.  Molly working on her 2011 Valentines 1.  Last week when Todd was in New Orleans all

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-46200175151745026202011-02-24T16:47:00.000-06:002011-02-24T16:47:04.072-06:00

from pinterest I bought a navy blue velour sweat suit over lunch for my weekend at the lodge with the girls.  It was the most comfortable thing I could think of.Does this mean I am old?

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-45291452209178024112011-02-04T08:52:00.000-06:002011-02-04T08:52:30.090-06:00

Monday: Ran 2 miles to the Y, lifted, and then ran 2 miles home...with Carson!Tuesday: 3 mile run outside with the girlsWednesday: RestThursday: 3 mile run outside by myself...left from Oxbow Park for a change of sceneryFriday: 5.5 mile run outside (68 degrees!)Saturday: rest (swim meet)Sunday: rest (swim meet) The best this weekEither running home from the Y with Carson, OR the beautiful day

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-67258583749045651192011-01-25T09:27:00.001-06:002011-01-25T09:29:23.503-06:00

Monday - Stretch and strength with HopeTuesday - 3 mile run the the girls outsideWednesday - 5 X 400s on the treadmill at the Y, again I enjoyed this one!Thursday - 3 mile run outside with Cara and SusanFriday - Strength and 3 miles of laps at the Y with Hope.Saturday - rest daySunday - I.just.couldn't.get.off.the.couch The worst this weekThis week was great until Friday.  Leaving the hardest

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-79905246761751924732011-01-15T17:13:00.000-06:002011-01-15T17:13:29.536-06:00

I am again training for the OKC 1/2 Marathon.  It is May 1 this year.  I'm going to recap my training weeks here as a way to review my progress and to force myself to find the best thing in my training each week... Monday:  1/2 hour strength and stretch with trainer, Hope Tuesday:  3-mile treadmill run (10 minute miles) Wednesday:  1 hour full body strength and 3-miles of laps with Hope

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-26068841580389769212011-01-09T20:32:00.000-06:002011-01-09T20:32:50.169-06:00

I'm struggling.  I'm struggling with a bright child.  I'm struggling with an extremely bright child who does not know how to challenge himself.  In no way do I intend to compare my child to his friends, or any other child for that matter, but I am struggling,  I think to put my thoughts down, and "think out loud" a little will help me map out the road ahead of me. My child has it easy.  He has

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-49887586067523868882011-01-05T15:14:00.001-06:002011-01-09T19:57:10.039-06:00

things I hope to acomplish in 2011 start teaching againset a new half-marathon PR: 2:30run 3 races (and maybe a triathalon again)reconnect with old friends, this being my fourtieth yearsave more, spend less.  learn to live a simpler lifetravel overseaslearn how to sew confidentlycraft more...with mollyrun more...with carson the thing I love about this list is that many of these things are

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-29339323518169135932011-01-04T15:35:00.000-06:002011-01-04T15:35:00.972-06:00

accomplishments in 2010 ran lincoln 1/2 marathon. set a new PR: 2:34.ran KC marathon relay.  i was lucky and had the best 6 mile route.worked thru the merge of the business I work for.  the second in 5 years.got my jeans out of the basement in the fall and they still fit!hosted several parties in our home.surprised my husband with a trip to chicago.  it was the best weekend we have had together

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-58447006839673002632011-01-02T17:01:00.000-06:002011-01-02T17:01:37.102-06:00

Places I was in 2010...how lucky am I? NebraskaMissouriFloridaIllinoisGeorgiaTennesseeOklahomaTexasColoradoIndianaAlabama

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-91339090558137908952010-12-23T15:40:00.000-06:002010-12-23T15:40:29.229-06:00

Holy Cow!  It's been a month since I have been here.  I've been lots of places since then.  Including Florida (see above) and Chicago. Christmas is here, which I am actually looking forward to this year.We won't be going anywhere, and will have no bags to pack.All our big meals will be with family and not at our house. Our fireplace will be usable again tomorrow...just in time for a few days

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-49545972218692839772010-11-24T21:42:00.000-06:002010-11-24T21:42:31.495-06:00

it's been a really long time.  Too long, in fact.  The weather has turned cold, winter break is almost upon us, and where did the time go? Things have changed,yet are still the same.Molly's birthday is on Monday.How can my baby be 9 already? We leave for Florida on Fridayand will spend a week in paradise...together as a family,for the first time in 3 years. I have not been runningnor

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-68063147101453538682010-10-15T11:44:00.000-05:002010-10-15T11:44:11.286-05:00

this body of mine has done me wellI ask a lot from it, and it continues to respondI work hard to keep it strong and tonedI abuse it at times too... tomorrow I will ask it again to work for me in a raceI am running in the KC marathonnot the whole thing, but in a relay5 of us have been working hard and training for each of our segmentsthe route is a hilly one so we have added hill repeats to our

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-10054908979614162752010-10-01T12:11:00.001-05:002010-10-01T12:16:54.523-05:00

I love this picture of my kids.  We had headed down to the river so I could practice taking silhouette shots.  Obviously the light and the placement was all wrong (I have since figured out how to make it work), but I discovered this happy accident when I uploaded the shots.  My kids really do love to be together.  Don't get me wrong, they get on each other's nerves...they fight...and they

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-65618988441427661962010-09-10T08:50:00.000-05:002010-09-10T08:50:00.202-05:00

 Photo from retro phone application on my cell phone.  I don't love the resolution. The light is changing, the apples are ripening, and it is maybe going to be fall soon.  Soccer has started, football is on the TV, and jeans are being worn.The best part about living in the middle of the USA is the changing of the seasons.And here comes the next one!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-18163642151556536522010-09-09T16:44:00.001-05:002011-12-07T11:46:13.054-06:00

This is Carson...yesterday...In a plastic bag having all of the air vacuumed out of it. Carson is a fifth grader. Fifth grade was too long ago for me to remember exactly what it was like, but I do remember a few things: Mrs. Burch, sex ed and dissecting things like pig's eyeballs and hearts, and Chad Melvin puking every.single.time. But, this is about Carson.  You see, somehow I have lost my

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-78611991767858787272010-08-26T16:15:00.003-05:002011-12-07T11:53:21.933-06:00

On Tuesday night, we were lucky enough to gain another child.  I know it was in a rather unconventional way, but we love him all the same.  Our host student, Hector, from California, via the Kansas Weslyean men's soccer team, moved in with us.  Hector is starting his senior year at KWU, and he needed a more stable, family oriented place to finish out his college career.  That place is our home.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-58772027045893323562010-08-19T11:36:00.001-05:002010-08-26T15:34:18.000-05:00

"The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all of your time"Willem DeKooning Really, isn't that true?  When I think back to times where we were really struggling with getting everything paid, and never felt like we had a penny to spare, all of my mental time was taken up with the thoughts of being poor, and how to make ends meet.  We are currently in a better place, and I find that I don't

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-47464213687163733522010-08-18T18:48:00.000-05:002010-08-18T18:48:03.505-05:00

Last night we reached a milestone.  Carson came with me and we ran 2 miles together.  I did have to beg him a little to go (and promise that next time he could ride his bike while I ran), but we did it...together. He is definitely a faster runner than me (come on, he has 29 years on me) but he was sweet and waited for his mom.  His basketball coaches passed by us in their car, as well as his

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-88415584564741681242010-08-13T12:03:00.000-05:002010-08-13T12:03:26.873-05:00

Melisa at the lil bee does a My Five Things post, and I thought I would do my own: 1.  Spend a summer travelling around the world with my children before they are grown.2.  Write a book.3.  Retire as a college professor.4.  Build a house in the country.5.  Finish a half-marathon in under 2:30. How about you?  Do you have a list of things you want to do in this lifetime?  I love this list because

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-41434452833811794732010-08-12T08:25:00.000-05:002010-08-12T08:25:00.264-05:00

My friend and I made a planwe were going to photograph sunflower fieldsin the waning evening light I had the fields locatedthe camera batteries were chargedand the sunset looked to be beautiful we drove 30 miles to the Northand located the fieldsbut to our dismay,the flowers were nodding their heads there would be no sunflower photos tonightthey were thirsty or sleepyand the light had faded much

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-27735964604624317882010-08-11T15:23:00.001-05:002010-08-11T15:25:28.002-05:00

Our final day of fun was spent at the Marengo Cave, and canoeing 7 miles down the Blue River.  For the second morning in a row, Molly couldn't get out of bed by 8:30 for breakfast with the other guests of the B & B.  Admittedly, we were all tired from our crazy, full day at Holiday world! The cave was awesome, and the canoeing a blast.  I was really tired at the end of our float, but Carson

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-83869184867596464462010-08-03T10:57:00.000-05:002010-08-03T10:57:38.519-05:00

3 very tired folks, after a whole day spent at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.I might be getting too old for a day at a theme park...just sayin!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-23450554387355504592010-07-28T20:38:00.001-05:002010-08-03T11:12:10.763-05:00

We made it!Day 2 was filled with all variety of things.We drove from St. Louis into Indiana, and had the requisite photo at the "Welcome to Indiana" sign. It took longer that I thought it would to get here, but we DID detour a little bit. We drove around and eyed Holiday World, and decided that we were MOST DEFINITELY excited to spend a whole day there.We spotted Lincoln National Park, and then

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-11876946956108143682010-07-27T09:12:00.000-05:002010-07-27T09:12:42.697-05:00

The kids and I are on a road trip.We're heading to Santa Claus, Indiana.Day one was filled with driving. Statistics: Books finished by Carson:  1Movies Watched by Molly:  2Books on tape listened to:  1  (it was really short)Fights: none...Hours driven:  7Quit for the night:  Hampton Inn in Belleville, IL

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6634612863627322792010-07-14T20:06:00.000-05:002010-07-14T20:06:32.679-05:00

I sit in my living room and look out my windowsthere is blue sky out the front of my house and grey out the back I have been sick and alone in my house for 2 days nowthe only sounds are my stuffed-up-nose-breathing andthe air conditioner running full speed Molly is in Houston with her cousinsCarson is at basketball camp until bedtimeTodd has been working hard Silence is golden, they sayand I

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-26315739707139443622010-06-17T09:27:00.006-05:002010-06-17T09:27:00.443-05:00

Here's another edition of...'yes, this is my real life..."Tuesday night we had a shrimp boil with some great friends.  There was wine, laughter, and of course shrimp.The new potatoes were freshly dug from the garden,The shrimp had arrived that morning straight from the gulf It was an absolutely gorgeous June eveningAnd an absolutely wonderful night...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-80067675028110544822010-06-16T11:11:00.000-05:002010-06-16T11:11:02.360-05:00

Things I am thinking about:: :: summer rain showers:: the pool in the evening:: Todd's 40th birthday!:: various skin rashes on the left side of my body:: Molly at tennis lessons:: My mom's birthday!:: starting to take photos again:: a fun weekend with the kiddos:: pizza, pop, and tennis for Caron on Friday night:: a wonderful shrimp boil with great friends last nite

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-35454095436572910962010-06-08T15:57:00.000-05:002010-06-08T15:57:49.867-05:00

testing...testing...is this thing on? I've been away.  Have you noticed?  There have just been too many things.  I just haven't been able to write.  Nor have I taken any photos.  Sad, huh? I think I might be back now.Back in my own skin;Back into a little bit of a routine, now that school is out;Back into the swing of things as they say. I have poison ivy again,more grey hairs,and a deliciously

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-79477078115312334842010-04-28T10:53:00.000-05:002010-04-28T10:53:34.702-05:00

Does your life sometimes feel like this?  Sliding fast down a slippery slope with curves and turns...Just when you get comfortable with one course, it up and changes on you? Lately I have been feeling pretty comfortable with my life.  Changes we have made for the better, time spent with family and friends is refreshing and rewarding.  But when I took this photo, all I could think of is how well

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-42653948834813545252010-04-19T14:23:00.000-05:002010-04-19T14:23:11.175-05:00

the tulips in my life

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-960210563666456192010-04-15T21:09:00.000-05:002010-04-15T21:09:47.310-05:00

See above photo.  Thanks for the beautiful lilac blooms, and more thanks for the scent that follows me on my long runs through residential areas. Thanks for introducing me to Bondi Bands.  They've saved my life...fashionably. (If you don't know about them, you hafta get over to the website and get some!) Thanks for Saucony.  I've put on a lot of miles in this most recent pair of Saucony shoes. 

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6709746056798201102010-04-02T15:00:00.000-05:002010-04-02T15:00:30.516-05:00

my past 2 weeks have been mentally and emotionally exhausting; I think I am over the hump now I need some creativity in my life; I need some time and a place for creativity in my lkife I have the best friends ever; dinner with one, wine with another, lunch with another and dinner with yet another all this week I love my kids; ages 8 and 9 are the best.  Really, they are family is all you have;

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-18001433500190118332010-03-26T16:57:00.000-05:002010-03-26T16:57:50.335-05:00

I took a little drive the other day, a detour if you will.  I was headed to a small town in a small county for some work, but I saw the sign for the Auto Tour of the Santa Fe Trail that cuts through Marion County, KS.  I stopped and took a folded piece of copy paper which showed a map of the county and the driving tour.   I had to take dirt roads, blacktop roads and gravel roads.  I stopped,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-74896183333717169382010-03-23T09:48:00.000-05:002010-03-23T09:48:25.220-05:00

I have not been at home for the past 6 Saturdays.  I have slept in beds in Kansas City, Hays, Grand Island (NE), Kansas City, Tulsa and Oklahoma City in the past 6 weeks.  NOTHING (really...nothing) has been done at my home over the weekend for that long...well, only laundry to get ready for the next trip. All of this has been done in the name of basketball.  Carson finished up the 4th grade

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-5180401499498580492010-03-15T21:38:00.000-05:002010-03-15T21:38:29.542-05:00

A mere 2 weeks ago I had a whole post written in my head about strength.  I was feeling so strong in all these areas of my life.  My legs were strong and were carrying me longer and longer distances. My lungs were strong and breathing was extremely easy. My heart was strong and I was able to be myself and not worry about others. My head was strong and I was happy and content with the world

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-20846687196487127792010-02-26T15:10:00.000-06:002010-02-26T15:10:01.605-06:00

Today has been a beautiful day.  The sun is shining (for the second time in as many days), it's 50 brilliant degrees out and it's Friday.  How much better can it get? I have run 93 miles since 12/28/09 in my half marathon training.  Sheesh, that seems like a lot, doesn't it?  Today's 4-mile run ended up with a sub-11 minute pace.  Hip hip hooray! We go to Hays, America tomorrow for the weekend

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-60295343879983845662010-02-24T13:58:00.000-06:002010-02-24T13:58:27.757-06:00

Following is a comversation Molly and I had the other night: Molly: Mom, are we ever going to move?me: I don't know, not any time soon.  Of course you'll move some day.Molly: Why?me: Well, you'll probably go off to school, but maybe you can go to school here in Salina and still live with me...Molly: well...probably not.  I think I will go away for collegeme: ok, well, by then you'll probably be

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-87088597714224986012010-02-22T15:53:00.000-06:002010-02-22T15:53:21.744-06:00

Time...You know it?Life is mostly about the passing of time, I guess.Some days we need time to go faster and others for it to to slow down. I think of time often:how many minutes left on the treadmill? how long until the kids need to be taken or picked up? when will dinner be ready? how minutes did he play in the games this weekend? time to go home from work? how long until I get there? how many

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-23900879183257239992010-02-16T22:34:00.000-06:002010-02-16T22:34:36.371-06:00

My Dearest Mr Treadmill: I have spent far too much time with you lately.  I know that you have good things to offer:the TV magazines or a book a set pace a "soft" surface the distraction of other folks However, I so much prefer to be outside.  Tonight, for instance, I shunned you and ran outside; on your enemy the asphalt, and I was in love again.  The air was cold, I saw my breath.  I breathed

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6535661988143448032010-02-05T14:08:00.000-06:002010-02-05T14:08:49.319-06:00

As I sit and listen to the rumble of the trainsI ponder the decisions I have made Last night was a hard nightFor me and my kid and our familyI had to tell Carson he wasn’t going to play in his basketball tournament this weekendBecause he didn’t get his homework done He criedI criedHe sobbedI wept We talked about responsibility and consequences And how much we loved himI wondered about the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-16973244443347955552010-01-29T16:28:00.000-06:002010-01-29T16:28:21.037-06:00

Do you get lonely, even though you are busy?Do you feel like sometimes time just flies by and you haven't had time to stop to think...much less tie your shoes? In the last 30 days, I have been gone 11Always gone with people...friends, family and co-workersbut I have been lonely... I haven't had time to read a bookI just finished catching up on all 564 posts in my readerI can't imagine what it

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-52344008894696512722010-01-08T07:24:00.000-06:002010-01-08T07:24:49.413-06:00

I am the luckiest person I know. My friends are the best. I have great friends from high school that email the stories of their lives back and forth. I have great college friends that will run in half marathons with me. I have great Salina friends who will gather on a Thursday night for wine... and hopes that school will be cancelled in the morning (it wasn't). Next weekend I go to Colorado

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-22928936320121375982010-01-06T07:03:00.000-06:002010-01-06T07:03:51.641-06:00

Here I sit in the still and quiet of the early morning.  I can hear the heater running,,,how often is it quiet enough in your house to hear the heater running?  Occasionally the dog shifts.  Sometimes I hear a sleepy sigh from one of the kids. In 20 minutes I will wake the kids, I sill like to get in bed with them in the morning and cuddle a bit and wake them gently if I can.  I can't get

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-57599478203419718782010-01-05T17:09:00.001-06:002010-01-05T17:11:43.236-06:00

There is so much to say and so little time.  So little, that I am in fact writing this as I wait for the train to pass by...then I must go take Molly to swimming, pick Carson up from basketball, and then make some dinner (why must kids eat dinner?) and then find some time to go for a run before the -10 degree weather comes in tonight (along with more snow!). Quickly though - The cruise was

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-23301058233460634422009-12-31T08:39:00.000-06:002009-12-31T08:39:52.586-06:00

Just a quick wish for a very happy new year from here in the middle of the Caribbean.  We are on the Norwegian Dawn, heading back to Miami.  We have had a fabulous, relaxing trip, and I think I might have caught the "cruise" bug.  Our next vacation might just have to be another cruise!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6611585532958780912009-12-11T16:30:00.000-06:002009-12-11T16:30:01.467-06:00

OK, so I am slow to the party here.  The thing is that I have been sick ALL week.  Plus also we had a giant snow storm, the kids were out of school one day this week and we are breaking records all over the place with the cold night-time temps.  Forgive. This is the painted brick fence at the front of our courtyard.  I love how linear it is, especially with the mounds of snow from earlier this

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-68522349514034509942009-12-08T11:20:00.000-06:002009-12-08T11:20:52.016-06:00

Wanna know where I went on Thursday and Friday night? If you can't tell who those people are from my pathetic phone photos...here is a little help: Uh, Yeah.  I saw both Darius Rucker and Martina McBride in concert this weekend. Can you say H.O.T.?  Both of them... Darius was here in Salina and it was an amazing concert.  The Stiefel Theatre is the way to go when you are seeing a

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-6989421185805469172009-12-01T16:01:00.000-06:002009-12-01T16:01:29.211-06:00

Last night's workout was a killer. at the YMCA running 2-3 laps  in between 1 minute sets of leg and back excercises. Totals: 3 miles run 7 body parts strengthened a great stretch at the end. Thanks, Hope.  You're the BEST trainer ever.  You kill me and make me stronger at the same time.  Thanks to you, I WILL have a faster 1/2 marathon time in the spring!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-50880179074696028592009-11-30T22:21:00.000-06:002009-11-30T22:21:46.934-06:00

Carson and Molly atop Indian Rock Park on Wednesday This was the first long weekend in a long time that I enjoyed. I am usually tired, annoyed and frustrated when they are over  I usually want to go back to work. But not this weekend...this weekend was fun. Thanksgiving was at my in-laws and we served 57 (yes 57) without a hitch. We ate too much, drank too much and played too much poker.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-33711056049899073862009-11-23T09:13:00.000-06:002009-11-23T09:13:03.750-06:00

basketball sleep sleep basketball If these grey, dreary Sundays don't stop, our new couch will soon have my body imprint in the sleeping position on it.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-70831381326629058692009-11-20T08:59:00.000-06:002009-11-20T08:59:19.728-06:00

This week's theme for You Capture was sunrise/sunset.  I can't say enough how much I love the light this time of the year in Kansas.  Especially at dusk.  Although I didn't take photos of the sunset itself, the setting sun and the light on these is just perfect!  Enjoy! Join us!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-69785919961300457682009-11-18T10:07:00.000-06:002009-11-18T10:07:06.815-06:00

it was dark and 50 degrees just right for a quick 4 mile run run the ipod was charged and the timing and my shoes were just right for a runner's high night Now that the clocks have been changed, and the cold and dark and damp comes earlier, I have started my running training again.  This time we're going to Lincoln, NE in the spring for the 1/2 marathon.  Hip Hip Hooray! 

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-12241488000207130622009-11-17T16:39:00.000-06:002009-11-17T16:39:42.653-06:00

It snowed yesterday! Hurrah! My friend Margy, modeling the snow in Colorado in February.  Sadly, I didn't have my camera in my car yesterday to capture any of OUR snow, and the sun is out and it is 50 today, so there is none left to photograph!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-9005779355367082842009-11-15T22:48:00.000-06:002009-11-15T22:48:03.798-06:00

So, what to say when I have committed to writing more often, but have nothing of note to say? Maybe a list of my weekend activities will do (lists always have a way of bringing things around, don't you think?): >had a great and fun shopping trip with my boss and her friends of Friday (Yes, I have a GREAT boss) >ate at IHOP on Friday night with Carson and my mom >fell asleep in the vortex on

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-60078063157529867032009-11-13T08:17:00.001-06:002009-11-13T08:17:00.199-06:00

you know that saying about how much more energy it takes to be angry? how much you have to put into holding a grudge, how hard it is to keep being mad at someone or something after a long period of time? Well, I just decided it is true. here's to letting go and to more energy towards kinder, gentler more beautiful things.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-64382318738468021212009-11-12T10:35:00.000-06:002009-11-12T10:35:34.246-06:00

This week's You Capture theme was Real Life. I know it is hard to believe, but this is so my real life.  My friends and I had a sunset picnic on Saturday night in Ellsworth County, right here in Kansas.  I was surrounded by beautiful friends, beautiful prairie and a most beautiful sunset.  We sat still, drank wine, ate, talked and were just plain were thankful for all that we have and all

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-79339922172410155242009-11-10T22:02:00.000-06:002009-11-10T22:02:15.852-06:00

a few weks ago Molly joined the swim team she's a natural the coach says she works really hard at each practice she's never once complained or said she didn't want to go in order to see our reflection  we need to get near the water I'm proud of you, Molly

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-52941067333187302302009-11-09T20:08:00.000-06:002009-11-09T20:08:07.230-06:00

here I sit tonight with a new resolve to write more regularly to open up more to tell my friends and family how much I love them more often to compliment to smile to be a bright shining berry in the fall foliage I spent Saturday evening with my dear friends at a ranch near Kanopolis Lake. We are so lucky to have such beautiful state parks all around us. We had a sunset picnic and drank

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-34441085074579368122009-11-02T21:24:00.000-06:002009-11-02T21:24:40.266-06:00

What do you do when you are out of town working, staying in a town of 3000, and there is no restaurant to go eat in?  Well, you break out the bottles of wine you brought with you from Jacksonville (good thinking!) and go to the grocery store for: smoked cheddar cheese havarti cheese Toasteds crackers french bread grapes jalapeno cheetos (the crunchy kind) cold shrimp with cocktail sauce baby

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-21301015651508866802009-10-30T12:28:00.000-05:002009-10-30T12:28:45.927-05:00

Here in Knasas, in the counrty, in the fall, I love to look at the irrigation units in the bare fields.  There is something so architectural and abandoned about them. join us!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-78575070108532977972009-10-15T22:22:00.000-05:002009-10-15T22:22:22.679-05:00

Finally!  I am able to post a You Capture again!  Things just haven't been working out for posting lately, but a long weekend in Winter Park, CO with 10 of my aunts, cousins and cousins-in-law was just what I needed to get me back into the swing of things. Without any more waiting, I present:  Still Life: Two cousins, and a soon-to-be cousin-in-law (hopefully) and I made up Team Martha Stewart

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-37120658003411699842009-10-14T21:50:00.000-05:002009-10-14T21:50:45.601-05:00

Hip hip hooray.  After a sucky first half, USA came back in the last seconds of the game to tie the World Cup Qualifier game tonight.  They beat Costa Rica after a strange ending where both the head and assistant coaches for CR were ejected and escorted to the locker room by DC policemen.  The final goal was scored by Jonathan Bornstein...a header that was AWESOME!  plus JB is pretty cute!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-36550313006303882862009-10-01T22:07:00.000-05:002009-10-01T22:07:37.366-05:00

tonight I paid the soccer coach tonight we went to watch the babysitter play in a tennis tournament tonight for dinner I made hot dogs and mac & cheese tonight we all sat at the table working on our computers nothing much exciting to report about tonight...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-84987830681943811752009-09-30T18:01:00.000-05:002009-09-30T18:01:34.411-05:00

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-16483821048229136932009-09-28T11:03:00.000-05:002009-09-28T11:03:05.345-05:00

The undefeated Salina Pirates! Some days I am just the best.  Otherdays, not so much.  Yesterday for about 1.5 hours I was the best.  You see, in-between Carson's soccer games, I needed to run to the store to get another memory card.  I had a brillian idea to go to Wal-Mart (yes, the dreaded Wal-Mart...but only because they have the machine...keep reading) and get the cards, but to also

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-76578427059505340572009-09-24T21:46:00.000-05:002009-09-24T21:46:51.044-05:00

You say you gotta go and find yourself You say that you're becomming someone else Don't recognize the face in the mirror Looking back at you ... I can't get close if you're not there I can't get inside if there's no soul to bare I can't fix you, I can't save you It's something you have to do Come Back to Me David Cook (cringing as I type that)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-65326766042952409852009-09-23T10:30:00.000-05:002009-09-23T10:30:29.217-05:00

The flu?  It was horrible.  It seems the older I get the worse these things make me feel.  After 3 days in bed, I am finally up and around.  I ate a little rice today.  I stripped our bed.  Typhoid Amanda is no more.  Be gone, you nasty flu!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-77983135058768802052009-09-18T07:41:00.001-05:002009-09-23T10:31:18.442-05:00

This week's You Capture theme was macros.  I love taking pictures with the macro function, but with this new camera, I need much more practice.  It is really hard to keep really still!  On with the show: Join Us!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-90507716353223881832009-09-14T13:18:00.001-05:002009-09-14T13:19:44.221-05:00

I finished. 1:35:57 swim, bike, run I can check that off my list. Will I do it again? Yes, with a road bike

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-45447192775308774472009-09-10T10:06:00.005-05:002009-09-10T10:18:50.511-05:00

the view from Coronado Heights on a hazy Labor Day I need a break>a sabatical from my lifemy heart just isn't in itI am worn out, worn down and tired.marriage is hardwork is not rewardingmy only joy right now is my children.I recognize all of these things;I know I need to take some time awayaway from this life I have createdto cryto reflectto meditateto be creativeto get back to being me.I have

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-24143254861644699822009-09-03T14:57:00.003-05:002009-09-03T15:04:33.667-05:00

This week's You Capture challenge was old signs. I live in a part of the world where there are old signs everywhere. Just a quick trip down the road and I can drive through numerous old (mostly abandoned) towns. I have always loved looking at old signs, and it was fun to photograph them!Join Us!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-75238299543786648902009-09-02T10:44:00.000-05:002009-09-02T10:44:30.141-05:00

Last night, Molly had soccer practice.  Carson did too, but his coach (his dad) ws sick, so it was cancelled.  I found myself with a great opportunity for some time alone with my son.  Carson.  The 9-year-old.  My 4th grader.  My lovey-dovey, will-still-kiss-me son.  I love this "found time."  So, we decided I talked him into going to the boy's high-school soccer game.   We got ourselves some

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-3059355954493940122009-09-01T21:59:00.000-05:002009-09-01T21:59:32.490-05:00

...gone to Burger King for lunch (after a long bike ride and then a run) and ordered both a Whopper with cheese (without tomato) AND a classic chicken sandwich?  Because you couldn't decide which sounded better?  And ate them both?  I did.   Today.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-23496258698761955412009-08-29T08:50:00.000-05:002009-08-29T08:50:00.734-05:00

whoa! Posts 3 days in a row...something must be wrong. Maybe I am getting back to normal? Just wanted to profess my love to all the world for Paper Mate Flair felt-tip pens. Man, I love me a good felt-tipper. I usually use a black or bright green at work, but they come in all of these delicious flavors: pink, black, blue, red, green, purple, magenta (or as my HS physics teacher used to call it:

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-83668115914688436342009-08-28T09:51:00.004-05:002009-08-28T10:28:05.832-05:00

dreamy clouds?Last night I rode my bike for 80 minutes (and damn if my vagina bone* doesn't hurt today). You see, I am an evening exerciser. I believe it all started when I started running, and my plantar fasciitis was really bothering me. It was so bad that I couldn't even think about exercising until my feet had been sufficiently "warmed up"...like walked upon all day. This plus the fact that

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-14865525904608170712009-08-27T09:20:00.004-05:002009-08-27T09:33:21.435-05:00

Oh! Hello there! I'm still here, but have been MIA for a while! There's nothing like a You Capture and a new camera to get me back into the swing of things. Work has been a killer lately, and school has started (see, I even didn't get to post pics of the first day of school, things were so crazy) but things appear to be loosening up, so I might be back to normal soon (whatever that means).So,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-34741898321308307362009-08-18T19:18:00.003-05:002009-08-18T19:34:04.823-05:00

today I am a bitchtoday I would have been 'snarky' had I chosen to talk to anyoneI kind of feel like this: ...fuzzy...wonky...blurry, a little out-of-sorts ...i don't want to stay but I don't know where to go...i am simultaneously overjoyed and annoyed by my family...i'm not happy but i'm not really sad...i don't want to work, but i don't want to be at home either ...i have to travel tomorrow

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-82225497607102352942009-08-16T16:33:00.003-05:002009-08-16T16:42:23.317-05:00

It seems like lately I have just been rattling on in my head only. It's been busy around here...We had a MAJOR storm on Monday. I spent all afternoon cleaning up downed limbs at my house, my parent's house and various neighbor's houses. School started on Wednesday. My kids were ready, and so was I. We have finally finished painting and laying new bamboo floors in both the kids rooms. They

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-59748819679297609862009-08-13T10:05:00.004-05:002009-08-13T10:19:11.117-05:00

This week's theme for You Capture was motion. As usual, I had high hopes of learning a few things about the shutter speed of my camera, but as usual, that didn't happen. However, I was caught in a major Kansas summer thunder storm and managed to get a few cool motion shots while driving.Out the front windshield...Out the driver's side window. Doesn't this look a little like a watercolor painting?

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-43926386722998625632009-08-09T22:46:00.003-05:002009-08-09T22:51:29.512-05:00

picking up and moving to Europe?changing jobs?uprooting your family in favor of a simpler life?Just a few things we have been pondering this weekend without children at home...man I miss them.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-388291633302650412009-08-06T21:30:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:36:47.971-05:00

This is mein allmy glory...this was painfulI really wanted to work on using my camera's timer, but didn't get that done this week...join us:

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-83118856775381938652009-08-05T08:46:00.000-05:002009-08-05T08:46:00.439-05:00

I simply love these photos of Molly laughing. Such spunk and spirit, and so few teeth at the moment!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-48590072475784622302009-08-03T13:22:00.004-05:002009-08-04T14:09:55.530-05:00

My children leave on Thursday for summer vacation with my parents. I am taking Friday and Monday off for a little staycation of my own. Things I have planned:sleep (late), eat, drink (wine with friends), garden, travel (hopefully to KC to pick up some cool lockers my designer, Jamie found for me...more on that later),read (at LEAST 2 books), run, build (a platform bed for Carson's room), bike,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-34885738242726419602009-07-31T08:44:00.000-05:002009-07-31T08:44:00.431-05:00

Castle Gibson has some amazing things for sale...you know how I have a thing for drawers. holy cow... sigh...I missed out on this beauty below this weekend. I was going to buy it for Carson's room and use it as his dresser. Now I am on the hunt for something equally as cool. Does anyone have any sources for good, cheap lockers, or other cool metal furniture?

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-10269535609281166972009-07-30T10:56:00.007-05:002009-07-30T11:13:20.849-05:00

This has been a week of friends and friendship (see previous post). I had a great time taking photos on Saturday of Carson at his first tackle-football scrimmage. This was the showing-off of skills learned at the week long "pad" camp. Below is Carson and his buddies full pads, mouthguards and all.Also, My mom and dad got a new puppy, and his littleness contrasted with the older dog's bigness was

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-562303762355115532009-07-29T11:35:00.002-05:002011-12-07T11:51:12.447-06:00

As I sit here at my desk and type this, I am pondering friendship. Reading extranjera's post on friendship in the real world (as opposed to this internet world) has kinda firmed up what I have been thinking about for some weeks now. In some ways, internet friendship is like falling in love. There is all of this hurried, harried wanting to talk. Late nights on the internet chatting back and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-69724952816134176062009-07-23T14:39:00.005-05:002009-07-23T14:54:09.404-05:00

This week's You Capturetheme was black & white. I love looking at black and white photos, but for some reason when I take them I always seem to lean toward more architectural/linear things. I am also a sucker for address numbers and fonts. So, here are my favorites for this week:Join us!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-67528839687059055242009-07-21T10:06:00.005-05:002009-07-22T07:15:14.504-05:00

Just recently I have encountered several of the following things in a matter of hours, and I was thinking that maybe if I wrote about them it would be kind of cathartic. Maybe it would ease my grossed-outedness. 1. hair. Not generally the kind still attached to my head, but specifically the hair that collects in the drain of the shower, that is in my hairbrush and needs to be pulled out, and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-45719832107229864752009-07-16T15:52:00.008-05:002009-07-20T14:00:01.692-05:00

image from poca-traca's flickr photostream Sunday marked the end of the fourth week of training (of 12) for the Olathe Women's Triathlon. I have done fairly well on the training thus far. For some reason, I am not getting too stressed out when I miss a day of training like when I did for the 1/2 marathon. Maybe it is because I am in much better shape than I was when I was 4 weeks into the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-8653771950010629982009-07-16T15:17:00.004-05:002009-07-16T15:25:11.314-05:00

This weeks you capture theme was shapes. I am usually drawn to squares, so it was interesting that the photos I took and liked were actually circles. ...cherry dilly bar (which started out life as a circle) ...and the circular center of the sunflower, my state's most beautiful flower!Join us:

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-43309030511398430322009-07-10T10:46:00.005-05:002009-07-10T10:57:40.575-05:00

I read Shindig. If you don't, you should. Zackary is participating in You Capture, and I decided I needed that challenge too. Here is my first try. This week, participants could choose from July 4th or food. Of course, I kinda forgot about taking any photos Saturday on the 4th of July, but I can always manage shots of food. Even when I don't make it. So, here it is! Any guesses what it is?

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91991504261469464.post-47704100713268609392009-07-10T09:27:00.003-05:002009-07-10T09:37:04.929-05:00

When I am running or biking (and sometimes swimming) I am a very goal oriented person. Most often, my goals are signs and landmarks. For example:*run hard to that next telephone pole*take a drink after the next big hill*down-shift after crossing the next driveway*stride big past the cemetaryAre you a goal setter? Like all things in life, having small goals helps me to feel accomplished, and makes

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08090184398267603913noreply@blogger.com1