Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Bundle of Joy

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Guess what arrived yesterday?? A little package of lovelies for me to adopt! That's right, my order from Better World Books is finally here!! Yaaaaaaay!

Is there anything more thrilling than a box of books arriving in the mail? Well, I'm sure there must be, but this is pretty damn exciting.

My precious!


The War of the End of the World - Mario Vargas Llosa
Death with Interruptions - José Saramago
East Lynne - Ellen Wood
The Easter Parade - Richard Yates
The End of the World News - Anthony Burgess

Looks like a nice bunch for my summer reading. Can't wait to curl up with these guys!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Saving the Ta-Tas

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Saturday was the Columbus Komen Race for the Cure, which, apparently, is the third largest in the world! Gooooo Columbus!!

Jon and I woke up early and headed downtown to get in on the activities and excitement before the races were set to start. The atmosphere was just incredible. The buzz was electrifying!



We checked out all the survivors tents where I signed the survivor banner and grabbed up some free swag. Then, I made a nice little sign to wear on my back for the race...

Subtle, I know.

You would not believe the number of people who would sneak up behind me to take a pic of that sign. Haha! Guess they share my sentiments.

Just as we were heading over to the car to drop off our bags to get ready for the run, we ran into our old friends, Brian and Jen. With 50,000+ people running around that day, what were the odds?

Me and Jen

Brian and Jon

Of course, once we ran into our friends, our plans quickly changed. We were so excited to see them and couldn't stop talking (which I'm sure no one is shocked to learn), so we decided to abandon the 5K run in favor of the 5K walk. No real biggie, but probably a bit surprising considering how long/hard I've been working on getting ready for the race. 

Oh well! We went with the flow and had an AMAZING time! No regrets.



After the race, we sprawled out on the courthouse lawn, snacking, gossiping, and enjoying the festivities. We couldn't have asked for a better day. I'm already looking forward to next year!

1-Year Survivor


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Heart the Arts

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Last week we attended the ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA at Aidan's school. We feel very fortunate to live in a great school district that celebrates the arts and provides arts education that extends beyond finger painting. We expected a lot from the extravaganza, but even then, we were blown away by the experience.

The school was filled with the students' artwork, which gave it a very gallery-like feel. Of course, we wasted no time scoping out Aidan's work. Here are a few pieces...

Aidan's "Very Hungry Caterpillar"

Aidan's "Self-Portrait"

See any resemblance?

Aidan's "Dark Bird"

Posing with his creation

In addition to the visual art, there was plenty of performing art. Aidan and company put on quite a show of singing, playing instruments, dancing, and even putting on a little skit. I could not wipe the smile from my face! I was sooooo proud!!







I really wish I could have gotten a better, closer view of the kids when they were singing and using instruments (alas, I just couldn't get any good pics). Also, I'm absolutely kicking myself for not taking video...particularly during the dancing segments, which were absolutely hilarious and adorable. However, it was an incredible evening and we all had the best time.

I just can't believe Aidan's kindergarten career is about to come to an end! Even though there won't be any big time difference in his school day next year (since his school only provides all-day kindergarten), it is still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he'll be in 1st Grade! Not the little guys of the school for much longer. But, he can't wait!


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Putting My Breast Foot Forward

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As some of you may or may not know, I had boob surgery last month to replace the knockers that I lost to the big C. (I'm no Boobs McGee, but I think they look pretty good.) Unfortunately, with surgery comes recovery time...which seemed to last FOREVER. During that time, I was restricted from most physical activity save walking, so I've been getting a wee bit twitchy to get up and moving again.

Well, I'm happy to report that my restrictions have officially been lifted and I have been sweating myself silly all week in celebration! Hurrah!

I was a little worried about how I'd do with my running since it had been a few weeks since my last jog, but it was just like riding a bike (only waaaaay suckier). This is great news since the Columbus Race for the Cure is this weekend and Jon and I are slotted to run in the coed 5K. 

(I think I can, I think I can, I think I can)

Of course, with the return of running comes the return of running songs...

5 SONGS I'M DYING TO RUNNING TO THIS WEEK:
Bullet and a Target - Citizen Cope
Time Running - Tegan & Sara
More - Usher 
Naïve - The Kooks
Long Train Running - The Doobie Brothers

COOL DOWN & BE COOL SONG OF THE WEEK:
Orange Sky - Alexi Murdoch


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Right now, I am super happy to be back in the fitness groove. (We'll see how long that lasts.)  Just being able to do a little strength training and jogging has made me feel very accomplished. I'm hoping to add more activities back into my routine very soon.

I'll keep you posted.

Love,

Chesty La Rue 
(or do you prefer Hootie McBoob?)

EleFUNt


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Well, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is in town again, so last night we made our annual family trek down to watch the handlers walk the elephants up to the arena. Always good times...

Here they come!

Our front row seats.

There they go.

Dylan was enraptured.

Aidan thought they smelled.

Don't know if we'll actually go to the circus since we have such a busy weekend coming up, but we may end up coming back down to watch the elephants walk back to the train on Sunday. Gotta wait and see if time and weather are on our side.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Pastafied


PASTA with SWISS CHARD, ONIONS, and GOAT CHEESE
(plus Sun-dried Tomatoes)
-- modified from a May 2011 Real Simple recipe --

12 ounces pappardelle or fettuccine 
(* we used spinach & chive linguine, actually)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 bunches Swiss chard, stems discarded and leaves cut into 1-inch strips
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil
(* tomatoes not in original recipe)
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chard, tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes more.

3. Add the chard mixture, 3 ounces of the goat cheese, 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pasta and toss until the goat cheese melts and coats the pasta (add more cooking water if the pasta seems dry). Serve sprinkled with the remaining ounce of goat cheese.

Serves 4.

This was mmm mmm good! Very easy and delish!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mama Mia!

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Nothing gives me more joy (or migraines) than being a mother, and motherhood gets better each and every year. Being surrounded by men, I'm frequently treated like a queen around these parts and Mother's Day was no exception.

In addition to the kisses, hugs, smiles, and homemade cards and drawings, Jon and the boys got me...

* A new subscription to Real Simple magazine

* A fish spatula from Crate & Barrel

* A book order from Better World Books (will blog about when they arrive)

* My favorite ice cream (Gravel Road) from Jeni's

* A pretty dress to wear on Mother's Day...


A random assortment, to be sure, but all things I love!

We went out for brunch with Jon's family at our favorite family-owned Italian restaurant. We all had a really nice time and the food was, of course, outstanding.

Good times!

Aidan with his great uncle

Dylan wants spaghetti!

After our meal, we decided to work off the calories with a trip to the mall. We didn't find a whole lot that we couldn't live without until we stumbled into the shoe department at Nordstrom's. Grammy bought a pair of gray Toms for me and a black pair for herself. So lovely! I love being shoe sisters with Grammy. She's got great style!

Hurray for gray!

Also, my mother-in-law surprised me with a beautiful pair of earrings for Mother's Day. Isn't that so sweet?

Silver and Gold...so versatile!

As you can see, I got completely spoiled rotten for Mommy Day. I have no idea what I did to deserve it, but I certainly won't complain.


Just simply a wonderful day! Hope yours was special, too!