Halloween 2012 Brereton style

Just like a lot of communities this years trick-or-treat festivities were rescheduled for Saturday, November 3 because of Sandy.  Well as luck would have it ... my children cannot go that day.  My hubby and I have plans for a little "get together" here and the kiddos are heading off to Grandma and Paps.  I don't see them partaking in Halloween festivities with the kids.  There were a few communities locally (withing 10 miles) that were still holding activities tonight.

I asked the kiddos what they thought.  It sounded intriguing but they didn't want to go.  NO BIGGIE!  Seriously, we love to dress up as much as the next but like my 7 year old said "Mom we don't like most of the candy we get.  Then you just throw it away."  True.  True.  True.  So, the kiddos and I decided to throw our own holiday party! 

We started by hitting the local dollar store.  Seriously!  Even I have to give my kiddos some candy on Halloween.  I allowed them both $3.00 on candy.  I know what you are thinking....DON'T GO OVERBOARD!  One would be amazed at what $6.00 can get.  Honestly, why not let them pick out exactly what they like and want?!

$3.00 can get you Reese's PB cups, Butterfingers, Dots, chocolate covered pretzels, York peppermint patties, and gummie bears.  I think they did very well! 

What is a party without cookies?  They wanted regular no bakes.  Glad they set up!  One thing I've noticed is organic sugar and natural PB make for very soft no bakes! 

Then we headed for some crafts!  Duct tape crafts to be exact.  They wanted to make bags again.  I wanted wallets but they were in charge tonight.  Really, she wants to make a dress but we need to buy more tape for that.  Don't worry!  It will be done. 

Doesn't she look innocent?  Don't be fooled.....................

I don't really remember what he is doing here.  He was having a good time and that is what matters! 

Taping up her sandwich bag.  She LOVES the pink tape. 

He got in on the action also.  Tried a little of everything tonight! 

See you take your little  sandwich bag.  And just cover it with duct tape.  However you want to do it!  These two are his and hers.  They plan to carry all kind of things in them. 

Here are my two finished products.  The larger is a gallon freezer bag nicely covered with duct tape.  Seriously, I'm gonna carry my Kindle in it.  And I found directions for making a Kindle cover.  Yes, I will be getting a personalized case.  LOL  The smaller one...well...who know what I will do with it.  The larger one would be a good lunch bag also might have to carry drinks separately.  There will be future posts on this type of craft. 

We completed our there pumpkins.  He choose a Gargoyle from the book.  He did a good job on the larger portions and I did the more detailed parts.  He was afraid to break it.  And she free styled hers.  She said it was a picture of Dad.  Funny thing is I don't remember my husband having triangle eyes, two teeth, and tooth picks for freckles?  I'm gonna have to look at him closer tomorrow. 

We then moved to watching The Great Pumpkin with the Peanuts Gang.  Isn't Halloween without that!

I really need to dust .. ashamed of that pic. 

Laid around.  Enjoyed their snacks. 

Someone else decided to join us!  My third child ... Dozer.  Dang, I also need to sweep!

After a fun filled night, it was off to bed! 

Night ladies!  Yes, there are six dolls in there.  And Big Sal .. you can guess which one that is .. is bigger than her. 

Mr. Cool was even tired. 

And Big D went right back to doing his favorite thing.  Trust me he is just waiting until we light up the wood burner behind it.  It is about 5 or 6 inches off the ground.  He sleeps with his head under it.  The dog was not meant to live in Ohio! 

Hope each and every single one of you had a great and wonderful evening! 

I have a problem ......

technically, I have a few problems but one has been on my mind today.  Or at least I see it as a problem.  And I'm pretty sure that my continued thought about it has contributed to my stellar mood and argumentativeness today. 

On New Years Eve 2009, I had a few drinks.  Actually quite a few drinks....if I'm gonna be honest.  It is always quite a few drinks.  Not "fruity".  Not "girlie".  Not wine.  Not champagne.  But my buddy Jack Daniels.  Along with his buddy Coke.  Doubles to be exact.  And when they weren't doubles, well, they were ordered two at a time. 

I don't remember the number that evening as it was years ago.  But on that night I realized that I may just be a binge drinker.  During 2009, I had a few occasions over a three or four month period that I had consumed a good deal of alcohol.  Going from drinking nothing to maybe a 1/2 bottle of Jack Daniels or twelve plus beer.  I thought about it.  Alcoholism pretty much runs in my family. 

And just because one is able to drink larger quantities of alcohol without ramifications ... exp.  headaches, vomiting, or just general hangovers ... doesn't mean one should.  I was still doing damage to my body. 

BEFORE I GO ON ..... I want it to be clearly known that I NEVER drank/drink in front of my children or when they have been in my care.  Nor have I gotten behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.  That is the honest to goodness truth.  Pinkie swear! 

I told my husband on New Years Day 2010 about how it bothered me.  He said that he understood.  I really think he just thought I was crazy but was "going with the flow".  I told him there would not be another alcoholic beverage pass my lips until New Years Day 2011.  He laughed and said "Good Luck.  I know you'll do it."  The year came and went.  No alcohol passed my lips.  You know what?  I didn't mind it.  Functions were still fun.  Parties were still fun. 

I decided to carry it over into 2011.  While on vacation that year, I did purchase one of those frozen strawberry daiquiris to have on the beach.  It just sounded "beachy".  My hubby mentioned that he had never seen me consume a daiquiri before.  I couldn't remember the last time I had.  Seriously.  It was wonderful and really only tasted like strawberries.  And life went on. 

Time came and went.  And there were no drinks.  I don't know why someone feels compelled to drink.  Or should I say .. why I feel compelled to drink at certain settings.  Normally at parties.  Just adults. 

Last night, I attended a Halloween party.  My hubby didn't plan to drink more than two and all I can do is believe him when he says that he didn't.  I told him to purchase a few Bud Lights in bottles.  Told him maybe I'll have one or two.  He came out with a twelve pack....smallest that they had.  Didn't really matter.  I can have just one or two. 

I opened one.  My old friend.  My party compatriot.  My buddy.  I consumed ten or eleven of them.  Along with one of my friends Michelob Ultras .. don't know if the name is right and it really doesn't matter.  Along with one cinnamon vodka soaked gummy worm. 

Was I louder than normal?  Yes.  Honestly, I was still me.  And I remember each conversation.  Some of the oddball things that came out of my mouth.  Talking about breasts, sex toy parties, pool, houses, locations, and life.  I know there was a wide range of topics!  This morning .. there was not one speck of a headache.  Queasy stomach.  Or any other hangover symptoms. 

This bothers me.  Why can't I drink one?  Maybe two?  Why does it seem to always go "over the top".  To me it is an issue.  And I've live in a world where if something bothers you or is an issue in your mind then it needs to be dealt with.  I need to deal with this.  It scares me.  I feel kinda "dumb" or "stupid" writing about this.  Kinda like people are going to deal with me differently for some reason.  Or judge me.  I've been judged for far less. 

I'm writing about it because I don't know what to do.  I know I'm not alone.  Today there was another vow.  I will not drink again.  I will drink again until I understand myself.  Until I understand why I do what I do.  That may mean that I never consume another alcoholic beverage.  And you know what?  That is just fine. 

I have some soul searching to do.  I have some insight to gain.  I have some understanding to get to. 
I just want my readers to know that we all have "issues".  And that if you happen to share this issue....guess what!  You are not alone.  And for those in my every day life .. I'm still me.  The same "loveable" pain in the a@@.  You just know something about me that you didn't before. 

You just have to jump!

Sometimes when life presents the opportunity ... well ... you just have to jump right in that pile of leaves! 

 

 

 

 

All in good fun!  

 

All pictures were taken while .......

 

 

was thinking "Now I gotta rake them up again!" 

 

Have yourself a great and wonderful Saturday! 

What would you like?

Another short and sweet type of post. 

My plan was to share the trials and tribulations of getting healthy, working out, and eating as natural, organic, and locally grown as possible in this little "speck" of the woods that I call home.  Don't feel that I do that very often!  LOL

The question is ... what would you like to see here?

Recipes? 

Food information?  For those locally, where the best deals are? 

Exercise stuff? 

Running trials .. more like tribulations!  LOL

Let me know! 

Speak up and be heard! 

Can't wait to hear! 

Muscles and Killer ....

Short.  Sweet.  And most importantly, to the point! 

Muscles ... age 9

Killer ... age 7

 

 

I love me Muscles and Killer! 

 

Put simply .. the reason that I do what I do!  

NSV .....

Okay, I'll admit to reading NSV and wondering "What the heck are they talking about?"  So, I must have been having a round of "head up my a@@ syndrome" or something.  I was gonna say "having a blond moment" but didn't want the wrath of all natural blonds on me.  LOL 

NSV = non scale victory! 

Over the past couple weeks, I've had a few. 

Some have been mentioned. 

Others slipped by the wayside. 

Since my marathon experience, I've been kinda "muddling" through with no real set plan or structure.  I'm not a huge fan of that.  I don't want a time table but a direction is nice.  So, in my mind, all other items were looked at as not important. 

All victories are important. 

All victories should be celebrated! 

Don't you think? 

Well....I DO! 

NSV = non scale victory! 

 

 

1.  It has been weeks, maybe even months, since I have had one of those days.  You know those craptastic days where you want the biggest t-shirt you can find?  Maybe even sweat pants because you just feel chubby and blah. 

 

 

2.  Last week, I purchased two new pair of jeans.  Both in a smaller size than my current jeans.  They fit great.  But yet I still show the same # on the scale since January. 

 

 

3.  Purchased our families favorite cookies.  These big ole' suckers with chocolate chips and M&Ms from Sparkle in Lisbon.  I've purchased them for years.  Luckily the store does not have them often!  My hubby and kiddos love them.  Seriously, I'll admit to not hating them!  But you know what?  This time around it was different.  I didn't eat any.  Not a bite.  Not a crumb.  And guess what?  I didn't miss out on anything.  I enjoyed watching them enjoy one of their favorites.  I want something more than that cookie. 

 

You know what?  That "something" is a NSV and possibly a SV all wrapped into one. 

 

It will be sooooooooooo much better than that cookie ever would have been!  

My "other life" ... Creative Celebrations, LLC

Smoke and mirrors!  Smoke and mirrors! 

 

More like tape and tacks! 

 

My "other life" consists of tulle, rhinestones, glassware, mirrors, lights, and the list could go on.  All depending on what the event entails.  I am co-owner of Creative Celebrations, LLC.  We are an event decorating business.    

No matter how hard I try .. the card does not scan well at all! 


We are a fledgling company that is really trying to make it work!  My business partner is my cousin.  I know what you are thinking!  Family and business don't mix.  Well.  Honestly.  Most times they don't.  And you never know...this might not either!  LOL  We started this company because, well seriously, who doesn't like a wedding?  She had done flowers and set-up for several people on her own.  I had done set-up and decorations for several people on my own.  A comment was made.  A conversation was had.  A plan was set in to motion.  A business was started.  Just that easy! 

We are equipped to decorate for weddings, receptions, baby showers, wedding showers, and all types of parties.  We try to cover the entire scope of the event if necessary.  Offering a line of favors to aisle runners.  Cookie trees to table coverings.  Glass centerpieces to outdoor archways.  And a ton of stuff in between.  We really strive to make each and every event as special as the guests of honor.  I truly want to make our customers dreams a reality.  But we do have our limits! 

Here are a few pics from our photo album.  Some where taken this weekend while others are older.  My business partner normally takes pics so she has more of them to choose from than I do. 

Just a few easy pew bows! 

One of our locked card boxes.  It is a cake style box. 

One of our small square vases.  We love to use table "diamonds"! 

Three tier floater.  Ribbon and rhinestones around the top. 

One of our taller vases done in red roses. 

One of my favs1  You can't really see him but there is a fish swimming around in there! 

 Lighted topiary!

We have around 10 glass centerpieces to choose from.  We work from there.  Accommodating all color schemes and any themes as closely as possible.  And all of our package pricing include us setting everything up and taking everything down that we provide.  As listed above the fish centerpieces was one of my favorites.  I personally LOVE when a bride is willing to go "out of the box".  I'm not a in the box kinda girl and love to come up with "out there" ideas.  And a split wood centerpiece that I carved the bride and grooms initials in was a good one also.  Unfortunately, there was an issue with our memory card and all pics were lost from that wedding. 

So, there in a nutshell is my "other life".  If you live in this area and know anyone looking to get their event "spiffed" out by all means tell them to give us a call!  "Roll the dice" on us.  You won't be dissapointed!  We do have a Facebook page for viewing.  It has been ignored for a little while but items will be posted regularly from here on out!  Thanks for taking the time to view my "other life"! 



   

What can a year do .. part 7

A thought ran across my mind today while I was thinking of this post ...... it has been a long time since I felt really "blah" body wise.  You know what I mean!  Those days where you just want to dawn a big ole' shapeless t-shirt or sweatshirt and hide.  I haven't had one of those in I don't remember how long!  That makes me feel really good! 

So here we go!  Admittedly, I've been a little here.  Little there.  Little everywhere.  I struggled for a few months with my "mind".  It was getting the better of me.  But I believe it is back in a good place now.  I'm still struggling food wise.  I just can't get into logging my food on a regular basis.  It SUCKS!  I really hate it.  Really!  I promise to do better.  Cross my heart.  Hope to die.  Poke a needle in my eye .... that is kind of a really crappy saying that we used back in the day.  Sad thing is then it didn't sound that bad. 

So here is the view now ....

Taken last week! 

Taken in January! 

 

I swear that there is a difference.  These pics made me laugh out loud.  Not one person that has viewed all the blogs in this series can say "Wow".  Now don't get me wrong!  I feel "Wow".  I feel 100% different that I did in that January pic.  I just think the "rectangle" is getting smaller and more compact!  LOL  And my hair.  I really need to put more thought into these pics.  Seriously.  

Last weeks side view1 


 

If anyone has an exercise for double chins ... please let me know!  Seriously.  I know it is a family trait but goodness!  It is one that I'm not fond of.  Apparently, I did not take side view shots at the beginning of this journey.  IDK!  I have different measurements and pics in all of my blog posts.    Starting today, the measurements will be more uniform each month.  My last in this series was posted on August 10-12-12 so those measurements are included. 

Here are today's ...

Chest 37 1/4 (swear it may disappear all together!  Finding a bra is .... LOL)
Waist 36
R bicep 14
L bicep 13 3/4
R thigh 23 3/4 (I know adult women with waists this size ... I love my legs!)
L thigh 23 1/2
R calf 15 1/4
L calf 15 1/2
Weight .. take a guess?  Yeppers!  We are still rockin' 190 lbs. 100% consistency in this area! 

August 10, 2012 (measurements that were listed)
Waist 36 1/4
R bicep 14
L bicep 14
R thigh 24
L thigh 23 3/4
Weight .. 190

I have stepped up my workouts since last week.  I want the WOW for myself.  I want to take a pic and see in it what I see in person.  My hubby tried to take pics of my arms and shoulders because as he said "Oh it is there and I can see it!"  But damned if it will show up in a pic.  I know it will one day.  I just need to keep pluggin' away.  But anyways ... I'm back to square one.  The drawing board.  Where I list out my goals.  List out my plans.  List out my plays to get myself there.

Eight long months till my #40.  For the first time.  Deep down.  Really deep down.  I'm willing to ... change, grow, give up, and give myself that WOW.  I cheat myself all to often.  I give up too easy on myself.  I deserve this.  I want this.  I'm ready for that WOW. 
   

My Wineglass Marathon experience .... 2012

So, I don't remember the exact date that this adventure started.  I kinda knew instantly after last years finish at the Wineglass that registration for 2012 was gonna happen.  I did my research and choose a training plan and put my faith in it.  Official training started back in June.  Life was good.  I followed the plan and put in the work.  I didn't really talk about it nor write about it.  Then for whatever reason, I hit a big ole' mental roadblock.  I have mentioned several blogs back to sabotaging myself.  Kinda like I don't feel I deserve to hit my goal.  Since that blog, I have worked very hard at maintaining my "mental stability" while out there running.  And feel like I've done a pretty good job at getting back.  Still a roll of the dice as to which Jen is showing up on any given day .... but we've had more days with the "good" Jen than the "bad" Jen as of late.

My preset goal was 5 hours.  That would average out to a 11:27 per mile pace.  I knew this was completely within the realm of possibility.  Especially with my mind in a good place.  During race week, I was feeling a little off.  I knew what it was and it wasn't supposed to be here at this time.  Yep, I knew that feeling.  Friday morning here it was a week early.  For the first time in my running life, I was gonna have to deal with my monthly friend.  I've never had this issue before.  I don't make bathroom breaks ever and here it was.  I now was gonna have to make a couple bathroom breaks. 

As I packed my car and headed to get my Momma...well...we'll just say...that my mind was already clickin' away trying to figure out what my new game plan was gonna be.  Normally, I go down to a walk for energy chew breaks at water stops but with this thrown in?!  I didn't want to waste that much time.  I decided to stick with slowing to a jog during the first several aid stations and then around mile 8, where ever the station was, make a pit stop.  Not looking at my Garmin until the 1/2 way point.  That was my new plan!  I was gonna stick to it!  No matter what! 

The three of us jumped drug ourselves out of bed and were ready for the day.  Weather was looking good.  There was a chance of rain, actually 60% chance, but it was showing later in the day.  I can say that on this particular morning it seemed different than last year.  Maybe it was because we've been there before but to me it just seemed different.  After the drop off and walk to the start, I quickly removed my long sleeve undershirt.  Trust me I was gonna be hot!  The three of us hugged one another.  Said our goodbyes, good lucks, and love you.  Then headed our own ways.  My brother headed to the pace group he was running with.  And I met up with my Momma at the back of the pack.  I said a few words to her and we started! 

Mile 1 ... 11:21
Mile 2 ... 11:10
Mile 3 ... 10:52
Mile 4 ... 10:49
Mile 5 ... 11:06
Mile 6 ... 11:13
Mile 7 ... 11:02
Mile 8 ... 10:58

During all the aid stations in those miles, I ran and drank.  First time for everything!  I know why they go with lemon lime Gatorade!  If they didn't everyone would have stains all over them.  But it was fine and I was feeling good!  At the pit stop, I grabbed a few drinks, inhaled a some energy chews, and did what needed to be done.  My clothes never felt right.  I don't like running and adjusting at all!  Amazing that during that little break how quickly ones legs can "seize" up.  Taking bathroom breaks suck!     

Mile 9 ... 13:38 ... damn bathroom break!
Mile 10 ..11:26
Mile 11 ..12:26
Mile 12 ..12:18
Mile 13 ..12:29

Well, I was over at the half but close.  I wasn't gonna count myself out.  I knew it was gonna be hard to get back down to what I needed.  My legs were really tight.  I was determined.  At this point, I turned on my music.  I didn't want my mind to have a chance to kick in.  You jockey around a little "town" during this point and I saw two kids with signs for their mother.  I thought of my kids and started to cry.  NO MIND!  YOU ARE NOT GONNA BREAKDOWN!  I immediately thought of something a friend told my husband for me ... start thinking 1+1=2 and so on.  I did my addition and was quickly back in the right frame of mind.   

Mile 14 ..12:57

I started to feel something on the bottom of my left foot.  A biting almost.  I kept going.  I did the jiggling of the foot.  Trying to get it to stop.  Right past the freshly dead possum .. trust me I was starting to feel like him .. I stopped right at the mile 15 marker.  I had to remove my shoe.  After removing it, I noticed a dead bug or what I thought was a dead bug.  It was blood.  WHAT?  I quickly looked at the bottom of my sock.  Yep, it was covered in blood.  I had a small rock embedded in my foot.  I quickly removed my sock and examined the situation.  I yanked that sucker out and threw my sock back on.  Two people passed me up.  NO!  Shoes tied and off I went.  It hurt.  But luckily it was high enough on my heel that with the stone out it was not being struck that hard with each step.   

Mile 15 ..12:51  
Mile 16 ..13:57 .. started the walk-run method and continued with it ..
Mile 17 ..13:02 

Right in this area cramps set in pretty badly.  I had planned ahead and packed a few Tylenol.  I intended to chuck them in my mouth and then grab a glass at the upcoming water station all while still running.  I chucked them and completely missed my mouth.  One landed in a puddle.  And the other who really knows.  I kept going.  Irritated but moving.  I did a quick look at my Garmin breaking a rule.  I was behind.  Not giving up hope though!  I pulled into the aid station for another pit stop.  This one completely killed me.  My legs totally seized up.  My calves were twitchin' and crampin'.  THIS SUCKS!  THIS TOTALLY SUCKS!  But I wasn't stopping!  Somewhere during this stop, I must have hit my Garmin and paused it.  Not meaning to at all.  I realized this some where past the 18 mile marker.  So, I'm gonna list my numbers from here on out but we aren't gonna total up to 26.2.  My story will continue after the numbers. The distance and place doesn't necessarily correspond with the story.  

Mile 18 ..14:40 ... I officially LOATHE bathroom breaks!  SERIOUSLY! 
Mile 19 ..13:43
Mile 20 ..12:50
Mile 21 ..12:54
Mile 22 ..13:27
Mile 23 ..13:29
Mile 24 ..13:36
Mile 25 ..14:35 ... OMG!  Not again!  14's are not acceptable....EVER! 

As I rounded the last right hand turn and faced the "big iron bridge", I was determined to run to the finish.  At the base of the bridge my left calf cramped so tightly that it brought me to an IMMEDIATE stop!  I grabbed my leg and started rubbing it.  Another runner came up to me and said "Oh no!  We are too close for that to happen now!  You had better get your bumm moving!"  She tapped my shoulder and said "Let's go!"  And well, I went the best I could.  She kept moving and so did I.  A good story would say together but that isn't how this one goes.  Felt like she was sprinting!  She wasn't.  Off the bridge, take a left hand turn, and you can see the finish. 

HOW DOES THREE BLOCKS LOOK LIKE THREE MILES?  Put it at the end of a grueling 26 mile run.  I was gonna jog this.  That line kept getting farther and farther away.  Then I saw my hubby.  He had the sign in the first pic with him.  He ran out in his work boots and jogged with me.  He told me how proud he was of me.  I looked at him with 100 yards to go and said "I want to stop.  I want to stop right here.  I want to stop right here right now."  He laughed.  To which I replied "I'm not lying."  But I didn't stop.  I kept movin'.  My father and brother yelled.  I did a little hand motion.  My kids were clapping and yelling.

 
I'm hoping that my family was able to get a better pic of me than my hubby.  But I'll cut him slack.  He was running toward me carrying a big sign all while taking this pic.  I would like to think that there is a smile on my face..............  I crossed the line at 5:33 and change.  Well beyond my desired time.  But happy.  Even with the soreness, I didn't want to amputate my feet like last year. 

Medal around my neck.  Taking my chocolate mile, bottled water, and "baked potato" wrapper.  All I wanted to do was get out of here to my family.  Grab my sweatshirt.  And watch for my Momma.  No race talk.  No how did/do you feel.  Just watch for my Momma.  They changed the set-up this year and for the life of me, in the confused and dazed finish line state of mind, I couldn't get out and around to my family.  I finally realized that I had to walk down the street around the fencing and then about a block up to the end of the fence.  After 5+ hours of running .. this woman wasn't gonna try to scale any fences!

All three of us finished.  Slower than anticipated.  But we finished.  Finished always trumps DNS! 

 

       

 

Wineglass Marathon .... family wrap-up edition

What a weekend!  It had ups.  It had downs.  Heck, it had all arounds!  This is the "family wrap-up" edition today.  Friday, Momma and I, began our adventure.  If you think about it the adventure started the day we registered for the 31st Annual Wineglass Marathon.  We packed up the Grimm-Brereton family truckster and headed off to the Corning, NY area.  Arriving in style at my brothers home. 

On Saturday, September 29th .. the Wineglass committee held their first every Wineglass 5K.  My future sister-in-law was registered for the event.  I toyed with registering the same day but it was damp and kinda cold and that meant my knees would kill me on Sunday.  I couldn't have that.  No matter if she registered or not .. we were going to that 5K.  I wanted to see Joan Benoit Samuelson. 

Right there wearing all black, between the woman in purple and the lady in chartreuse (Joan Benoit Samuelson!), is Snowflake.  Seriously, she ran right beside the first woman's Olympic Marathon gold medalist!  OMG!  Talk about a once in a lifetime event!  I don't know if Snow realizes it but to me that is a big ole' honkin deal! 

Coming into the home stretch...........hey, you ain't gonna beat me! 

Did you hear what I said?  You ain't gonna pass me at the line! 

Finisher of the first ever Wineglass 5K ... Snowflake!  Well, of course, my brother had to get in there! 

She finished in 35:17 a new PR!  WAY TO GO SNOW!  

Now onto my brother!  If you are a regular reader of my blog or my Facebook page.  Well.  Then.  You.  Kinda.  Know.  That.  Why am I beating around the bush?!  That he is a pretty good strong natural runner.  At least in my book.  Last year in the Wineglass Marathon, his first ever, he pulled out like a 3:50 ish marathon time ... I think it was under that but didn't take the time to look it up!  LOL  As with everyone, he does have his struggles.  He has said that training is boring.  And well, yeah, it pretty much is!  But he had a time goal for this year...if I remember correctly...he was hoping to come in around 3:20.  He was going to follow the 3:20 pace group and if some thing didn't go well come in with the 3:30 group.   

Gagging right now!  I can only dream of any of those times!  I don't have the drive to work for that finish time.  His finish time was in the 4:03 area.  Way off his mark.  He said at around mile 5 he knew there was something wrong.  Way wrong.  If he didn't pull way back, well then, he might not cross the line.  For the first time in my brothers life, he did some thing that he has never ever done.  He walked.  It killed him to do it.  I could tell by his voice when he told us.  And well he'll just tell you straight up that he was majorly irritated by it.  Never stopped forward progress.  But not at all what he wanted. 

Here he comes into the finish!  Smiling while he does it.  Always smiling for pics! 

 
Heading toward the finish line!  Where a glass medal, warm clothes, hugs, and warm food await you!
I saw my brother this morning in a way that I've never seen him.  He was struggling to get around.  He was and is hurting.  He stated at breakfast "Even my back hurts.  I didn't have any of this last year."  It is a two edged sword...I'm kinda glad that he saw what some of us go through but I wish he would have made his mark....with all my heart! 

Now onto the tough one!  My Momma!  I'm crying all ready for goodness sakes.....this was rough!  She registered.  And has mentioned at that time this may be her only full ever.  A thing to check off the life list.  Over the past several months, she has trained.  She has trained.  She has trained.  She has trained.  She has trained.  She logged countless miles and hours on the treadmill in crappy weather.  She logged miles around the field in their yard.  We went here and there for runs.  She trained.  She tried protein bars.  She tried energy bars.  She tried every single this and that.  She wanted to be prepared.  In my opinion, she put more work into her Wineglass training that my brother or I. 

Her goal was to finish.  Her goal was to make the 6 hour cut listed on the Wineglass website.  She wanted that finisher medal.  I stood beside her at the start.  Asked her about my brothers projected finish time.  She had conversations with other first timers.  I looked at her and said "Good luck and don't forget to look for your signs.  You know they will be there screaming for you with them."  She just replied "I know."  They said start .... I never looked back at her again.  I crossed the finish line.  Maneuvered around to find my family .. that story comes tomorrow!  And headed to the street.  I stood on the side of the street with my daughter waiting.  Time ticked away.  Waiting.  Repeating to myself out loud "Come on Mom.  Come on Mom."  Looking back at the clock.  Watching it click away.  "Come on Grandma.  Come on Grandma."  Looking and watching the clock.  Looking for a blue shirt.  Only to see one after the other round that corner.  None of them with Mom/Grandma in it! 

The clock hit 6 hours.  I started crying.  She missed part of her goal.  Were they really gonna sweep the course at 6 hours?  I told my daughter "Grandma has to get that medal.  She just has too get it!"  Where is she at ran across my mind.  The clock kept running.  As long as the clock keeps running, there is hope!  Now, you see, I've never been a spectator before at a race.  It is nerve racking!  I have a new appreciation for my family.  It kept clicking away.  I kept repeating "Come on Grandma."  Over and over.  My daughter started to worry where she was.  A little boy beside us started to watch with us.  A group of people (finishers and their family) heard me repeat "Come on Grandma" and asked me "Are you waiting for your Grandmother?"  Now, if it was my Grandma that would be a feat!  I explained who it was and they walked a few yards of the street and waited for her.  The time kept clicking away...then there...a blue shirt...is it...yes...it is her blue shirt!  I know that movement.  I yelled!  My little impromptu support group started cheering also!  As she passed by she looked in pain.  She said "Oh yeah!  Sign me up for next year!"  Trust me sarcasm doesn't come across in print that well! 

She is smiling....well kinda!  It may just have been out of joy because it was over! 

Heading toward the finish!  She stated that at one point she just could not make her body even jog anymore.  But she never stopped forward progress.  Always walking.  Always moving.  Knowing that she was gonna finish.  Knowing that she was gonna cross that line!  She finished at 6:22 and change.  I felt like a Mother watching her child. 

 
The three marathon finishers.  I know there are others out there that can say it but you know what I'm pretty proud to say that we three Grimms competed in and finished a marathon together.  Some say we get our strength and bullheadedness from our father ... IDK ... how many 63 year old mothers decide to register for a marathon with her kids and do it?

I give a STANDING OVATION to all of the Wineglassers mentioned in todays blog ... STANDING OVATION to Snowflake Kicovic.  STANDING OVATION to Norm Grimm.  STANDING OVATION to Julie Grimm.  You all decided to put yourself out there by registering.  When you put your toe to the line you put your mind and body out there and that always deserves a big ole' STANDING OVATION!   

A BIG OLE' STANDING OVATION TO ALL THE WINEGLASS FINISHERS THIS WEEKEND!

And my story comes tomorrow...........................