Running Safety Tips

We all hear the stories on the news from time to time; runners getting abducted and some of them never found again. We think that our neighborhoods are 100% safe, or that "it will never happen to us". Sure, the statistics are low, but why not do what we can to ensure as much safety as possible?

As a runner now for over 5 years, I thought it would be helpful to provide a few tips that I follow when going out on a jog. Sure, you'll hear people say to not run alone or not use earbuds, but you won't see that here. I prefer to run alone and HAVE to have my music. But I'm passionate about the below and would urge you to consider them when walking/jogging/running yourself!

I've carried mace since the day I began running and never leave home without when going solo. For me, having that extra amount of protection in my hand makes me feel just that much safer. And when I've felt creepy eyes staring at me a few times (next to a creepy van), I have even made a point to click the top and shake it. I know they saw it when I did that and that's exactly why I did it! Plus - what if a stray, crazy dog comes your way? You never know. Dicks sells cute pink ones now for only $15!

I know, I know, it's the most flattering color. Unfortunately, it blends in the best and is the hardest to see in dusk or dawn. If you have to wear black pants, wear a bright top or vice versa. Also, reflective strips are the way to go! 

I'm not ever going to say to run without headphones. I know that's the most practical way to go but it's not realistic for a lot of us. I'd suggest just not turning them all the way up and keeping them at a volume where you can still hear people and cars around you. If someone is able to walk/jog up behind you and you didn't hear them, it's probably a bit too high!

Intuition people. It's magic. Our bodies can tell us when something is 'off' or doesn't feel right and we need to listen to those. But this doesn't just mean keeping your eyes peeled for creepers, this is making sure you follow the "look both ways" when crossing the street rule as well! I've almost been hit a dozen times over the years because of people on their phones and it's only getting worse with drivers! 

You like your path, right? Too bad. It's the easiest way for someone to learn your routine and figure out where to snatch you up. Ok sorry, now I'm getting a bit out there. Still, I'd suggest changing your route up each run. I find it's more fun to see new people, places and sights anyway! 

In general, just be smart and aware of your surroundings. 

Are your shoes on yet? Let's go hit the pavement!

Kansas City / Vegas Recap

I feel like we're pros now at driving into Kansas City from Cleveland. The 13 hour drive with a toddler and two dogs (with horrible breath) goes so quickly now that we've done it quite a few times over the past 3 years. Drew is an absolute angel traveler reading his books, playing with the iPad or singing songs with mommy and daddy and we are so thankful for that.

The first couple of days were spent doing graduation activities in which I'll have to post pictures later. Derek's brother took most of them with his awesome camera and therefore I have to wait to get those files before I can show them off to you.

We really didn't do much while in Kansas City other than spend time with both sides of the family and, as always, make our usual stop to Deanne Rose Farmstead to pet goats.

Kansas City Pictures:

In Vegas we saw La Reve, shopped a bit, visited the Secret Garden at the Mirage, had drinks and ate wonderful food at a multitude of bars/casinos and didn't lose too much playing Black Jack. Spending time at the pool sipping on bloody's or fruity drinks and soaking up the sun was definitely the best part for me. I can't wait to go back and stay at the new Cosmopolitan though someday... it was just gorgeous inside!

Vegas Pictures:

We do miss our friends and family already but it's definitely nice being home and back into the routine. I just wish we had the AWESOME weather that Vegas has up here in Ohio. My hair stayed fresh all night and I enjoyed not sweating my arse off in the 92 degree weather or having to worry about how greasy my face got. Send some of that dry-stuff my way, will you Vegas ladies?!

Vacay Detox

That feeling when you return to your desk after an 11 day vacation and realize you have to sort through 247 emails? Yeah, that feeling. 

Blah.

So, here's your five second recap. 

We drove 13 hours into Kansas City on the 17th with the dogs so that we could be there for Derek's sisters graduation from the University of Kansas.

Then it was off to Vegas with Whit and Pat where we indulged mostly in laying by the pool, drinking and eating. It was a perfect, relaxing, kidless vacation.

Then we were reunited with our turkey who got to spend the week with the four people he loves most (after mommy and daddy of course).

More detailed posts to come this week.... hope you all had a lovely Memorial Day weekend!

Dr. Drew

Drew has both an Uncle and an Aunt who are doctors or soon-to-be doctors. I would love nothing more for him than to follow in their footsteps and do the same. Derek and I have always discussed how we really want to put a strong emphasis on academics but the question is how hard do we push. Growing up, my parents always put us in any activity we wanted to be in, but our grades were always a top priority. I was that kid who even got paid for A's and aren't ashamed of it. Whatever works right? Sometimes I hate that I'm the only one out of Derek and I's siblings that don't have a graduate degree, but then again, in the world of advertising, a graduate degree doesn't really put you ahead of others. If you love what you do (which I do) and are with the right company, you'll go as far as you want to. In fact, prior to Derek's career change which brought us to Ohio, I had worked my way up to the management team for my department. It was such an awesome feeling when I got that promotion and I truly enjoyed helping to mold and grow our team of wonderful employees. I did have to step down to the senior level in order to work from home when we moved, but am fortunate to still be working for the same company. Did I totally ramble off subject there?

Back to Drew. Have you guys heard of the Chinese method to parenting? Studying ALL the time, no activities and really no social life? Sounds hellish doesn't it? But then, those are the kids getting straight A's and attending ivy league colleges. Sure some of them might turn out socially inept, but they will run the large companies and work their way up the ranks quickly. They are guaranteed jobs post graduation and will probably live securely forever as doctors, engineers, lawyers or CEO's. Drew is only two so our parenting style regarding this hasn't really been set yet and I doubt we adopt this method. It's just more an ongoing conversation I have with Derek about how much we want to push him when he's older.

Maybe at his med school graduation, I'll print this picture to show him....

Do you have older kids? Do you think you push them too much academically? Any of you utilizing the Chinese method to parenting? 

What Do You Call "It"?

I have a boy.

And I have no filter.

Thus, a post about "it".

Drew and his BFF Jack

Drew's still not really interested in potty training, but we still talk to him about it daily. The problem, I've noticed, is that we haven't really decided on a 'name' to use when referring to his anatomy. A couple times I've called it pee-pee, but then shut that down as I thought it would confuse the kid. Growing up, it was called a wee-wee, but I'm not sure if I like that. The official term, in which I'll leave off this post, is just not cutesy enough for a toddler. And, I just hate that word in general. 

Do we got with Weiner and him wonder someday why a company named a hot dog after that part? 

Do we go with something human-ish, like "Hank", and ruin that name for any future friends named Hank he might meet? 

Or maybe something original like Mr. Noodle and pray he still grows up to eat spaghetti? 

Maybe just Pecker? ... but then we'd have to cross our fingers that no one ever says 'give her a peck on the cheek'. 

So, I need help. I know TONS of you have little boys. What did you go with? I need help!


(FYI - if you don't feel comfortable commenting with what you call "it", just shoot me an email! ourjourneyblog08 at gmail dot com)

Yummy Guacamole

I've changed the title of this a lot over the years. In passing, to friends and family, it's been Guacamole Salsa, Feta Guac and Avocado Salsa.

I officially termed it Yummy Guacamole earlier this year and sticking with that. 

(for now)

I've guest posted this on other blogs but realized I've never put it up on my own. It's a fav among friends and family and never fails me at a get-together. And just like the all of my other recipes, it's super easy. Ready for it?

Ingredients:

(this makes only a few servings, I always double!)
2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 avocado, peeled and mashed

1/4 c. finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 T. parsley

1 T. oregano

1 T. olive oil

1 T. vinegar (or white wine)

4 oz crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the feta cheese. Stir gently to mix.

2. Then gently stir in the feta cheese.

3. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

(I'd suggest making the dip the same day that you plan on consuming it in order to lessen the 'browning' of the avocados  Also, did you know that if you leave the pit in, it will turn brown less quickly? Fun fact.)

Enjoy!

Morning Rituals

Mornings are a special time around these parts. Generally, daddy has already left for work by the time I have to get Drew up and ready for school. I love our rituals and the sweetness that comes with a happy toddler to start my day.

Sometimes I think he can hear my alarm go off, but sometimes I think he's just so in tune with me that he wakes when I do. There's no crying, no whining, nothing. The only sound I hear is a gentle "hi, mommy" over and over because he knows I'm just down the hall in the bathroom and can hear him. He patiently waits for me to come and give him his hug and kiss before opening the blinds and curtains so that we can watch the kids walking to school.

We point out birds and squirrels, count how many children we see, pick out colors and squeal in delight when a school bus passes by. Then he grabs an animal as I gently lift him up while nibbling his cheeks even more. We talk about how we slept and what we dreamed about while I get him changed for the day. There's no rushing, no squirming, nothing but a happy routine. He knows he gets to go to school and that mommy will be back at the end of the day to pick him up. Once shoes are on, he takes his animal back and tosses him in the crib after a hug and kiss, followed by saying 'night night' to all of the others. Sometimes I even hear him say things like "Drew go to school, you stay here and go sweep" to them. Adorable, right?

I love our morning rituals.

Catholic Wanna Be

(my apologies in advance for a word-heavy post!)

Derek and I have both belonged to the same church in Kansas City that our families joined over a decade ago. We got married there, Drew was baptised there and we love it. It's the perfect church for us and we miss it dearly up here. Before Drew came, we used to watch it online, but with the hustle and bustle of having a baby, we didn't keep up as we should have.

Fast forward to now with a 2 year old who we would like to attend Sunday school most weeks. We knew it was time to find a church up here seeing as how we'll be in Cleveland for a few more years and the search was on. The problem? Everyone in Cleveland is Catholic.... or at least that's what it seems!

Church #1: It was very small, smelled like moth balls and we were the youngest there by 30+ years. And that doesn't mean it's not a nice church, we just want something with younger families where Drew can make friends. Moving on.

Church #2: A bit better but not 'it'. We attended a couple of times, liked the sermons, but the 3rd time we went, no one was there to watch the toddler room. And I wasn't really impressed with their childwatch process and how easy it would be to snatch a kid from a room. Moving on.

Church #3: Um no. We'll just leave it at that. It was tiny and we really  just didn't connect with the pastor's message. Moving on.

Church #4: Attended 4 times. At least a 25 minute drive, but better. The childcare and Sunday school wing are great with great teachers and a lot of kids. Yes it takes up a lot of our Sunday to get out there but we liked it. It went on the backburner in case we can't find anything else.

Church #5: Felt SO much like our home church. We were very impressed with the childcare and school classrooms and there were tons of young families. After attending a few times, we thought we had found our church home.

And then I read the pastor's weekly note in the program. I don't even remember exactly what it said but I did read "homosexuality is a moral sin" and was appalled at how they had brought in a spiritual healer to 'rid the gay' out of people. Um, WHAT?! I almost jumped up in the middle of the song to go snatch my kid up. Derek and I are all for equality and absolutely will NOT have our child be taught that being gay is a sin. Who knows what else they believe there! Needless to say we were done with that church. Moving on.

Church #6: Drove by it, saw like 13 cars out front and kept on driving to Barnes & Noble instead.

So here we are. Churchless once again. As I pouted about our situation, I remembered that a couple of our friends invited us to join them at their Catholic church. A quick google search later led me to find out that there really aren't major differences in the two faiths and it would hurt to explore the option. And, in case you're wondering, one of the priests where our friends go isn't against homosexuality as I know some are.

In the end, it's all about Drew. We want him to have a church home where he can learn the basics of the bible and faith surrounded by a church family full of good people. If the Catholic faith believes the basics of what we believe as Methodists, would it be wrong to test it out?

Are you not Catholic and have attended a Catholic church? Do you think we should just try it out and see what it's like?

We Didn't Co-Sleep

Hi blog friends!

Today I'm over at Wifessionals guest posting on how we ended up not co-sleeping and ways to calm your new baby. I hope you'll stop by to read my thoughts!

Did you know...

... that today is National Chocolate Chip Day?

Didn't think so. 

Neither did I. 

Oh, did you think I was going to elaborate more on the fun Holiday instead of post cute pictures of my adorable little guy lining up his lizards? 

Mothers Day Recap

I hope all of you lovely mothers out there had a wonderful mother's day!

My Mother's Day began with a wonderful brunch at The Orchard House where I ate wayyy too much, but enjoyed every bite as well as the amazing view.

The boys got me a beautiful Stella and Dot necklace with the letter 'A' charm and Andrew's birthstone charm. It's small, which I love, and perfectly special to honor the little guy that made me a momma.

Then it was off to get a pedi with my friend Virginia, followed by a bit of shopping while the boys napped. 

Unfortunately we didn't get to see either of our mothers in person (since they live 13+ hours away), but we were able to FaceTime them and open their gifts. I was super excited for what I got my mom and had to show all of you lovely ladies! It's an adorable Kansas cutting board from etsy with a heart over the city they've lived in for 28 years and where I was born and raised.

Derek's siblings always get their mom something nice, but this year I wanted to get her and Cal something myself for Mother's Day/Father's Day. I found this adorable little charm that says "thank you for raising the man of my dreams". I thought it was cute for the in-laws.

And in other news, if you've been following my saga of the baby birds, they are officially fledglings! Yesterday, while we were outside, we saw one jump/fall out of the nest. I was nervous that he accidentally fell so we grabbed some gloves, I carefully caught him and plopped him back in his nest. He stood up, looked at me like "wtf lady?" and flew back off his nest. A couple hours later, the nest was empty and all three babies were out and about. I'm hoping they'll make it with our crazy neighborhood cats out and about, but this morning one did greet me outside so at least one made it! 

Baby Update!

No, I'm not pregnant. Settle down.

Remember these beautiful eggs from a couple weeks ago?

They officially have hatched. 

Unfortunately one didn't make it, but we do have three beautiful little baby robins. 

Drew and I say hi to them everyday and he loves pointing out "momma birdie". We've even picked worms out of the yard and laid them near the nest to make her life a little easier.

Aren't they precious?

May Giveaway Winner & A Discount

Good morning my friends...

Congrats to Roxanne for winning the blog design! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(You have until midnight on Sunday to contact me by email to claim your prize)

BUT WAIT...

Bummed you didn't win?

Maree is offering 25% off any blog design for all Our Journey readers! 

Use the code TWENTY5 for any listings in her etsy shop to receive the discount. 

Isn't she the best?

Around The House

One of my favorite days each year was this past Saturday. 

Let's call it "go-to-the-local-nursery-and-spend-way-too-much-money-on-flowers" Day.

Exhibit A: A trunk full of color.

On Sunday my new friends went in their pots and hangers and my yard is officially 'springalized'. 

Cheers to spring color!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Also, just a reminder that you have until midnight EST on Thursday to enter the May Giveaway! 

A custom blog design by Grey Loves Design

Click HERE for details.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, even if you don't win, I will still have a special gift for all those interested in a new blog design!

20 Things I Would Tell My 17 Year Old Self

1. You are not fat. Just run a bit and you'll tone right up.

2. Don't worry if you change your college major. What you end up choosing will land you in a company that you'll spend at least 9 years at (I'm still there!).

3. Don't be afraid of moving away from Kansas City after college. Things work out just fine.

4. He is not 'the one'. It seems like it now, but he's not. I promise.

5. I know you want to be more 'popular' sometimes. I wish you would see how some of those girls look now, both inside and out. Some are divorced, some are broke, some are not happy and some are still finding themselves. You'll be so much happier than a lot of those girls in the future so don't worry about it.

6. Your brother is still one of your best friends to this day. Cherish those few moments left with him while you live under the same roof.

7. Someday you actually will like holding babies. Down the road, you'll even have your own. 

8. I know it sucks working multiple summer jobs, but it's teaching you the value of hard-earned money.

9. Try to find the silver linings in life.

10. When you get the chance, visit your grandparents. You have three left and someday you won't have any and wish you had more time with them.

11. Appreciate your mother. I know you frustrate each other but someday you'll understand what it's like to be a mother. I know you don't think she knows anything, but she does. 

12. College will be a blast. You'll join a sorority and make some great memories, but just know that your best friends are already in your life and more will come after graduation. 

13. All of those guys that you dated throughout college will help you realize what you want in a spouse. A lot will break your heart, but don't worry, they weren't part of the bigger plan anyway.

14. You know how you've always been a saver? Keep it up. 

15. Stop laying out so much, or at least wear more than 15spf on your face. 

16. Study abroad a semester. 15 years later and I still wish you would have.

17. Loyalty has always been one of your strongest traits. When it's tested at young company after college, stick it out through the tears. It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made when that company fully blossoms.

18. Take that 'friend of a friend' to your date party senior year. It will be the beginning of the relationship you've always dreamed of. 

19. Don't be embarrassed by your parents old cars. Instead, be thankful they saved money to pay for your college leaving you without a single loan upon graduation.

20. Invest in this online site that will come around in a few years called Facebook. With a lot of money.

Healthy Veggie Salad

Who's needing another SUPER quick, healthy and delicious meal idea?

All you need: 

  - a red pepper
  - a green pepper
  - an onion
  - broccoli
  - cauliflower
  - cherry tomatoes
  - 1 small can of chopped olives
  - low fat shredded cheddar cheese
  - fat free Ranch dressing


Then what?

Simple. Chop up the larger items, add in as much of each ingredient as you'd like, mix in a large bowl with the dressing and chill in the fridge for 4+ hours before eating! 

We added a 4oz chicken breast to ours and estimate that the entire entre is under 500 calories. Pretty sweet, right?