Week 2 Bonus addition- Husband is Back to School

So my husband is now in his second semester of PhD school at George Mason for Electrical and Computer Engineering.  Last semester was interesting!  We both were in graduate school at the same time previously, but we were in different states.  I was in Maryland at the University of Maryland and Joe was down in Clemson.  GO CLEMSON... beat Maryland.  (You can see where my allegiance is).  So when we were in grad school, we did our work and would see each other every month or two so when we saw each other it was like a mini break.  Well now, we are both working full time, have a mortgage/bills, each other, and a puppy to worry about. 

While I was mentally ready for Joe to go back to school because I worked full time while I was in grad school.  (Joe was fortunate to have an teaching assistantship on campus- so he did not have to take on an addition job while in grad school.)  I knew it was going to be hard- and I was ready.

During Joe's first semester, we learned a lot about the way we communicate and how to communicate better and make more of our time together.  Below are a couple things that we found helped us as a couple:

1)  Set schedule- by this I mean....Ok every Sunday is Joe's studying day so we never ever plan anything for Sunday unless it is something really important.  Every Sunday night we have an early dinner at home so Joe can get back to studying/homework.  At Sunday dinners we take that time to discuss up coming things for next week.  Joe always takes Saturday nights off and Friday nights (unless studying for midterm/final).

2) Making a dinner menu for the week.  We started doing this on Sundays to help plan on grocery store trips (to help decrease them) and also for the person who arrives home first to start working on dinner.  Also in our endeavors to help decrease the number of times we eat out. 

This weeks included:
Sunday - Mini Sliders with Green Beans
Monday  Homemade Left Over Soup and Bread
Tuesday   Breakfast for dinner- Grits, Eggs, and Toast
Wednesday-  Pizza 
Thursday-  Scallops and Coucous. 
Friday -  ????  
Saturday- Date Night

Joe actually loves making the menu with me.  When he is in school we have nights that say "On your Own," which will be Monday and Wednesday because those are the nights he has classes.  He usually comes home early (before I get home to eat) or eats after class.    We also have a date night each week when we normally eat out- this can be anything from a little meal at Chiptole to eating out at a nice restaurant. 

Sample of our menu next week:
Sunday:  Salmon with Couscous and Broccoli
Monday:  On Your Own
Tuesday:  Chicken and Rice
Wednesday:  On Your Own
Thursday:  Pesto Pasta with veggie
Friday:  Date Night
Saturday:  Scallops with Risotto and Green Beans (We are having company over)

3) The third thing we found helpful as a couple is for me each week to take 5 minutes and email Joe at work our weekly schedule.  I often leave for work at 5 in the morning before he gets up, and he takes night classes so I am in bed by the time he gets home.  We found that this is a good way to communicate when we can not talk or see each other.  (Especially since Joe does not have access to gmail calendar at work, a cell phone available at work, etc....)

It helps remind us what each of us is in-charge of, what we need to get done this week, etc. 
So a sample of next week:  (Very mild week)

1/31  Monday-  I am working.  Class for Joe 7:30-10
2/2  Wednesday  Class for Joe 4:30-7:30
2/3  Thursday   Trash/Recycling out
2/4  Friday   Take Clemson to Puppy Camp
2/5  Saturday  Spinning Class for Laura at 10:30 am,  Company over for dinner at 6pm
2/6  Sunday   Superbowl Party with A& A  - Need to bring something.

 I also normally include in the email any financial stuff, or up coming things that I am dealing with, or when I am doing laundry (so he knows his clothes need to be downstairs), etc.  This weeks including scheduling appointments for my tires to be changed and Taxes related info. 
Some weeks we have more, some weeks we have less. 

4) Not planning to many events.  So before Joe went back to school we did something normally Friday night, Saturday night, and also Sundays with friends or family.  We found we should only plan 1 to possibly 2 small things each week to give Joe more time to study/homework and also give us time for us.  I often go do things with my girlfriends or family or run while Joe is studying.   

Like this upcoming weekend-  We are having dinner with Family at our House on Saturday and then going to a Superbowl party with friends on Sunday evening- giving Joe all day Saturday and Sunday to study if need be.

5) Dividing up tasks-  so this is not only important because Joe is in school but also important in a marriage.  I think it is important not to get stuck in gender roles in a marriage... ie  Women do womens work and Men do Mens work.   So below are our task and how they are divided (these are things we do each week or every other week).

Me                                                                    
Sweeping the floors (every Sunday)                   
Wipedown Kitchen                                              
Paying Bills/Finances                                           
Dusting (ever two weeks)                                   
Grocery Shopping                                               

Husband
Vacuum Carpet (every Sunday)
Trash/Recycling (Sunday & Wednesday nights)
Bathrooms ( Once a month)
Waling Clemson
Emptying Dishwasher

This is just to give you an idea....

Any other suggestions....

Week 2: Running Equipment- Entertainment

Running equipment continued....

Today I will focus on running entertainment... aka MY RUNNING SPACE.

My Treadmill... the picture is sideways and my computer at work is not smart enought to handle flipping a picture. 

So now that it is cold and snowing- I do most of my running on a treadmill.  This is also do to the fact that where I live you can not run more than 1/2 a mile without hitting some major road (which is not ideal for long workouts.)  So two years ago my mother-in-law gave my son an awesome gift- her old treadmill.  Little did my husband know that it would become MINE!!!! HAHA.     

My treadmill is set up in my basement now in front of my big screen TV, it has shelves on the walls (which my husband installed) for me to place my water, and my ipod docking station. 

 My running TV- was a gift to my hubby when I got my engagement ring. 

However, I use it more than him.

My self to put water on while I run or my ipod. 

My biggest problem with running- is staying entertained- I often get bored.  But I just pop in a Sex and City Movie or watch Bravo Top Chef or listen to my Ipod instead.  

While the treadmill I have is not the most up-to-date or in-style treadmill- it works and it was free!!!! 

Happy Running.....

Running Thru Life- Managing my Reading

Managing my Reading... I am taking a day away from running because last night it snowed and I got to do one of my favorite things.  READ!!!

So I love to read....I know I am weird.  People find it amazing that I only watch about 4- 6 hour of tv a week and that is normally when I am running.  A couple months ago, I started reading 15-30 minutes before bed and found that it helps me fall to sleep.  Most nights I read a book for enjoyment, but on Thursday nights, I try to either read a book/article related to obstetrics/midwifery. 

Here are the books on my night stand- you will notice the variety...

Mythology by Edith Hamilton-   We are going to Greece in the upcoming year.  I want to be well versed in my Greek Mythology.  It is divided up in to short little chapters about different gods/beings.  I read 1 or 2 a week.

More Greece books-  Top 10 Athens and the Greek Islands.  I read these with my hubby when we actually get in bed at the same time... now that he is in school that will not happen that often.


Orgasmic Birth- Yes I am a midwife and this is an OK book.  I am about half way thru and try to read a chapter every night on Thursdays.

Women Running which was a Christmas Present last year from my sister-in-law.  I actually have already read this, but now that I am training for my half marathon- I am using it as a guide.  I like it because there are work plans, nutritional information pertaining to woman, etc. 

"My Life in Paris" by Julia Childs- Just finished last night.  Very interesting about Paris and cooking while in Paris.

My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle-   I picked this up at a discount book store.  I lived in the South for a while and had a hard time adjusting so I felt I might be able to relate to this book.  I have not started reading it yet.

Prodigal Summer- given to me on loan by my sister in law.

The Thirtheenth Tale- also on loan by my sister in law.




Finally, the Help.  I have actually already read this but I am going to read it again because it will be the topic book at a book club I am attending in March.  

I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl- which was awesome and a fast read.  It is now in my other room- in the "Books already read shelves."

My favorite author currently- is not represented in this pile because unfortunately  I have read all of her books and am waiting for her next book to come out in March.  Jodi Picoult.  I have every single one of her books....!!!

So my secret to reading-  Do not spend a lot of money.  I am fortunate to have family to exchange books with, or will find books at Costco for real cheap, or get them as gifts.  I have thought about a kindle but am not sold on the idea yet probably because I do borrow so many of my books. 

Happy Reading.

Week 2: Running Equipment- Being Supported

Running Equipment Continued....  Good Support


I found early on that is it very important during running to have good support- support in two ways.
1)  A good fitting bra
2)  Emotional support

First, let me start by saying I have been gifted in my chest area- which means a good vs bad running bra can make or break my workout.  I use to wear two running bras- WRONG!!!  You just need to find a good supportive bra.

I set out on a course to find a good supportive bra three weeks ago.  I started at Dick's because they have a large selection but just could not find anything that I loved- they had the standard bras but nothing great.  My problem I found was I have a small diameter (extra small or small) but my bust itself if probably a small/medium.   So I need a bra with a good band and I was just having a hard time finding that.  So my husband said- why don't you just go to a running store and have someone help you.  Good idea!!! (That is why he is in PhD school!!)  So I went of to the Pacers running store in Fairfax..... big waste of time.  I entered the store and the sales clerk greeted me and asked if he could help.  I said yes- "I need a good running bra with a good band."  He looked at me with five heads and pointed me in the direction of the running bras.  He said "Oh people like this one because it was on Oprah."   Cause we all know Oprah runs!!!   Great so I started looking... nothing in my size....very discouraging.  So at this point I had been to Dicks, Sports Authority, and now Pacers.

So my husband needed to get some new running pants so we headed out the outlets in Leesburg for the day.  I decided I was going to go in every athletic store on my search for a bra...... I found one!!!!!! 
Nike Dry Fit with extra bra support. 

The sales associate talked with me and stated that the bra that I like was actually made for women who need a little bit more support (her nice way of saying chesty).  The band was tight and now I feel completely comfortable with running.  2 sports bra and $40 dollars later I was on my way home a happy runner.  I have been running with them for 1 1/2 weeks now and I could not be happier.  Good support!!!

Support- Part 2
When you are running you also need emotional support....I am fortunate to have my own group of supporters- aka my husband, my brother (a fellow runner), my puppy, my family, and my friends.   They constantly are supporting me and helping keeping me focused...

 

Me at the Cherry Blossom ... taken by my husband....

 

Running in Madeira while on holiday 

 

Me with my personal little cheerleader- Clemson Puppy.

He barks at me while I run on the treadmill

Thanks to everyone who supports me... including my new sports bras. 

Week 2: Equipment for Running

This week we will be talking about the equipment that helps with your running. 

First up... Running Shoes

I subscribe to Woman's Running Magazine so every 2 months I get an update on all of the new running gear. 
Each year they do have a special on running shoes- which asks you questions about your build, feet, and running routine to help determine what is the best shoe for you.  You can also take a short trip to Reston to the Potomac River Running Store and have a sale associate (also a runner) work with you on a treadmill with different shoes to determine what is the best shoe for you. 

After years of trying to find the perfect running shoe I did......

I love ASICS- mostly because they can range from $40 to $150 dollars.  When I first started running obviously I was on the lower end of the budget but now that I am putting in about 30-40 miles a week I am spending around $70-90 because my feet can tell the difference.  FIRST RULE OF RUNNING- HAPPY FEET = HAPPY RUNNER!!!  I am also fortunate that DSW is a huge ASICS carrier.  I went to a running store a couple weeks ago just to browse.... and then went to DSW after.  They had the exact shoes that the running store had- but $40 cheaper.  Also, you can sign up for DSW coupons- which will often save you an additional $10 dollars.   However, this is not always the case with running shoes.  In my husband's own words.... get the pair that works for you... regardless of price. 

**Of note- everyone's foot is different. I went thru NewBalances, Nikes, and Salconys- before finding my love for ASICS.  It is worth a trip to a running store because they are normally very knowledgeable (except when it comes to sport bras- post to come) and can help determine what type of running shoe is a good place to start.

 SIDE NOTE..... DEHYDRATION.... yesterday after my 8 mile run,  I was hit by dehydration.  Something I am not proud of, and still feeling the effects of this today.  I have been pushing fluids, but I find when you are running as much as I am- you often need electrolytes.  I will be making a trip today to get some bananna's but in the mean time I am using Nunn Electrolyte Tablets.  I was turned on to these my a marathon runner that I work with.  They come in different flavors (my favorite is the lemon lime) and are anywhere fro 5-8 dollars for 12 tabs.  You drop 1 tab in 26 ounces of water and stir.  It is a great options for work and being on the go since the package is small and can fit in your work bag, gym bag, etc.  I often do not need these when running smaller distances but as I am learning with the longer distances, you need some help.  So today ... hydration it is..

 Next Post... Running Thru Life Supported. 

Running Thru Life- Managing a Progressive Dinner

Sorry for my absence yesterday but our household has had a very busy Saturday.  It started out with my long run (9 miles) which was awesome.  I am currently running inside because the high yesterday was 20+ degree which is crazy.  I am fortunate to have a treadmill (future post) which I have been slowly increasing my speed on.  So I ran on the treadmill and got caught up all on my Top Chef episode... thank god for re-run marathons on Saturday mornings.  

The rest of the day we cleaned house, ran some errands, etc.  When it hit 5 pm... it was time to get ready!!!  For what you might ask-  Our Neighborhood Progressive Dinner.

We are fortunate to have three other couples in the neighborhood (4 included my husband/me) who all get along!!  Yeah for neighbors!!!!  So I decided back in December we should have a progressive dinner with all 4 couples.  So you might ask.... what is a progressive dinner.  It is a dinner where each couple is in charge of one course and the couples move from house to house for the next course.  So since we had four couples... we decided to break the houses up accordingly.

First House-  Appetizers and Cocktails

Second House-  Entree #1  (Tasting menu style)

Third House- Entree #2  (Tasting menu style)

Fourth House- Dessert

We ended up pulling out of a hat to determine who did what. 

So the wonderful thing about the progressive dinner is you are not in-charge of a whole meal and you get to change atmospheres every hour or so.  We decided to spend about an hour at each house- which worked really well.

So the first stop -  Appetizers and Drinks

Joe and I 

So for appetizers,  Joe and I decided to go with Bacon Wrapped Scallops (so easy to make) and Mini Slides with Onion/Mushroom topping.  Both extremely easy to make and prepare quickly, which is important. For Cocktails, we opted for the mojitos because you can make a big pitcher ahead of time. 

 

 Here is a picture of the bacon wrapped scallops- we made 2 per person.  They all were gone by the time we moved to the next house.

 

Here the mojitos!!! Cheers to Neighbors.  

 

Mini Sliders with Mushrooms and Onions.... yummy.  

So the next stop was the A's house for our first Entree.  The A's served Salmon, Brusselsprouts with a wonderfully delicious sauce, and sparking wine.  

 

Here is Mrs. A opening our Sparking wine.... Yeah!!!

 

While Mr. A prepared the Salmon...yummy

 

Brusselsprouts cooking away... oven style.

Finished Product!

Now off to the B's House... for Entree #2.
The B's served White Bean Chicken Chill with wine.
It was the perfect thing to warm us up on a cold night.

 

 Finally, we headed our way over to the K's to finish off our night.  

The K's finished with Chocolate Fondue with lots of fun dippins and a varity of warm drinks.  

YUM!!!!

The night was a complete sucess and alot of fun!!! It is definiety something we will do again.  Keep in mind that if you decided to do this with people who do not live near you, you have to factor in driving time and also watch what people are drinking.  We were fortuante to have to just walk one or two houses down... =0)

Stay turn for this weeks posts... Running the Life-  Equipment Needed