Mommy Dearest

My children bore me

I came across an interesting article about parenting today and just couldn't resist posting a link. Once you get past the lady's abrasive style and her extreme child avoidance, she may just have a valid point in there.

My question is whether this is a generational issue. My take is that our generation was raised to believe that a woman taking time for herself and her interests, i.e., making herself happy first, is a better mother and wife than a woman who sacrifices all in the name of children and marriage. This allows for each woman to determine what balance of family, career, outside interests, etc...she wants.

I should also add that as an oldest sibling and someone who's worked quite a bit with kids, I have never found them boring. If you're interested in something, they will usually take interest in it as well and since you set the agenda it should be easy enough. There is a tediousness in accomplishing mundane tasks but I fail to see how that's different between daily tedium for anyone.


I think I can...Calling ALL potty trainees (find out if it really rolls!)

the right stuff

Due to an unusual heatwave here in the rainy state, temperatures topped 100 and above. Needless to say, the lack of air conditioning in our house was unbearable. Normally, our 2 fans, when properly placed, will blow enough cool air left over from the night before to keep us happy. This past weekend they did nothing but assist my hair in drying faster after several cool showers.

One would soon come to realize that the movies are the place to be during such a weekend. In fact, we saw "Monster House" and "Superman." Monster House is superb and I highly recommend it for adults and kids who don't scare easily--it's really a Halloween movie. Superman is decent, entertaining but predictable, of course. Kevin Spacey does an amazing job of playing one evil, messed-up guy! J and I actually got to Superman in time for previews...a dramatic feat of which you're aware if you've ever planned to meet us at a specific time and place before. Apparently, Mark Wahlberg is in some new movie and we got quite the 80's kick out of making fun of him for a moment. As I wispered, "That's Marky Mark," J says yeah, Donnie Wahlberg's brother. I raised my eyebrow quizically (how did he know that?), and J explains,

YOU KNOW, THE GUY FROM NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK -- DANNY, DONNY, JOE, JON AND JORDAN?

Now, I'm absolutely rolling. OMG, I couldn't have told you their names and I absolutely loved them. I was going to marry Joe for years...it's the eyes. After my stomach muscles began cramping, I told J to -- under NO circumstances -- ever repeat that. Dude, that boy better hope I live forever because he's never gonna be able to pick up a lady with those lines!

how parents everywhere can listen to their teenage girls declare undying love for their favorite popstar

Running blahs :P

Urban Ninja Video

Not really sure what my deal is...I ran a PR for a 1/2 marathon at Sauvie on the 4th and was under my marathon race pace. The race felt great and my legs strong except for the first two miles in which my knee was giving me trouble. Once I warmed up, however, no problems.

That weekend I ran an 18-miler, although quite slow at 12 min./mile. I felt fine that day and was even a little frustrated with the slow pace of the group. Ever since, though, my legs have been tired but even worse, I just have a bad attitude about running. It's not that I dread my runs but I'm quite ambivalent about them and don't look forward to them like I usually do. It didn't help this past weekend that on my 16-miler I crashed at the 2-hour mark and walked a bit. Thank goodness I run with nice people who waited up ahead for me to make sure I'd pull through. After a couple minutes walking, I decided, since I still had 3 miles left, that I might as well run and get it over with. Thank you Mariko and Kenny for making sure I didn't find my own spot under the Hawthorne Bridge and just curl up and sleep!

So, that leaves me with the key question: How Do I Get My MOJO Back???

I ran the day after the long run with a friend, just a short, slow run but really struggled through it. I had even tried listening to my running songs--Running Down the Dream, Chariots of Fire, Go the Distance, etc...but to no avail. The new plan is to take 2 days in a row off and pray that my legs rest enough to move faster on the next run, which, of course, will make me feel like I'm progressing. Since the Marathon is only 3 months away, I have quite a bit of work to do and could use some enthusiasm.

Suggestions are welcome!

Chair Exerciser, the running alternative