Red fish, blue fish.

Charlotte started swimming lessons last weekend.

She was very excited to put on her red swimsuit and get in the water. It's just her and another kid in the class, and he's close to 3. She looks so tiny next to him! But, she did better with going underwater than he did. So proud.

By the end of the half hour, she was very chilly and her little lips were a touch blue (red fish, blue fish). But she really didn't seem to mind. Matt took her and it looked like they had a fine time. I'm taking her this weekend, which should be a riot! I have a hard time imagining getting out of a wet bathing suit while keeping her contained. She is a mover and a shaker these days.

And wowzer, did she nap well after swim class. And eat! Hoo boy, that girl can put away some food.

Unjust August

Back in June, Alex and I took part in Keight's June Va-Voom challenge. It was fun, but we came nowhere near winning - not terribly surprising, but somewhat demotivating. In July, we decided to try our own version; thus was born Oh My July. And now, I bring you Unjust August.

An aside: I'm going to need help coming up with rhymes for all the -ber months that are coming next!

Keight's challenges are focused on exercise. I found June Va-Voom was great for proving to me that you can work in work-outs throughout your day, to good effect. Honestly, it doesn't take that long to do a 30-second plank, or 5 push-ups. She's put up the August VA-VOOM challenge, and spots are open until July 31.

Unjust August takes that exercise challenge and adds in a splash of healthy living. In addition to lunges, cardio, and planks, we've got: % weight lost, fruit/veg servings, and water consumption.

So tell me, who wants in?! It's set up as a Google Doc, and I'd be happy to include you. All you'd have to do is enter your values into your assigned worksheet. The leaderboard/competition page shows who's on top, as well as a breakdown of points by category.

June VA-VOOM

A_Leo said it best:

Yesterday as I was going through my Google Reader, I came across this post from Keight at Put Up Your Dukes.

Immediately I shared it with Joie. We didn't even discuss, but I knew she'd sign up, so right away I emailed Keight. Last night I got an email from Keight outlining the point system, what the winners win and the rules, and I was super excited.

This is just what I need! Hopefully it keeps me motivated this month, but I must admit, I have a feeling it's going to be a wee bit depressing when I see how much other people are doing and how little I am. Think positively! It's go time!

She was right, of course, I did sign up. And I contributed my $10, along with at least 40 other people. While I don't stand a chance of winning it all (hello, already the leader has a disgusting 72 points, while I have a mere 17), I figure MAYBE I might be able to place 8th, and at least get something?

Ultimately, though, this is crazy good motivation. I have a slightly competitive nature, and yesterday I actually went for a walk with the express goal of getting further ahead of A_Leo. Sorry kid.

3...2...1.

M and I went to Woodstock VT for a 3 day weekend and had a great time. We spent most of Saturday on rented cross-country skis.  It was my first time x-c skiing, and for the most part I didn't feel like an idiot. The first 2-3 miles were practice miles on a golf course, which I enjoyed. The next 5ish miles were on Mt. Tom. I should have questioned the wisdom of skiing on something called Mt. Tom. All told, I fell only three times, a respectable number considering the sheer terror that consumed me.

Here's a brief pictorial essay of me skiing down a hill:

I survey my kingdom and assess my options for descent.

Panic mask firmly in place, I begin my descent. Note that I have not yet employed the snowplow braking technique.

I chose a graceful swan dive to finish.

This, kind readers, is why I prefer snowshoeing.

9.77 - for reals

Went for a walk with the dog and M. yesterday. Keeping in mind M.'s complete lack of activity over the past 2 months, I had no idea what to expect. We did 9.77 miles in 3h20m! With a total climb of 770 feet. We are beasts. Also we are very tired.

I think what surprised me the most was the fact that, for the first time ever, I seem to be in better shape than M. This is astonishing - he could always be counted on to beat me up hills, down hills, and on flats. Last year I bought a road bike. He still beat me - on a mountain bike, with fat knobbies. How embarrassing. Yesterday, however, he had to stop when we were going up the first big hill, and I didn't need to (I did, though, because I am a dutiful wife).



After finally making it home - the last two miles took FOREVER and I may have whined a few times - we popped Gus in the kennel and went to my favorite store. Tractor Supply Co and I have a deep deep bond. Yesterday it was strengthened by the presence of pullets! And ducklings! They are so cute. But also kind of smelly. We left there with a new hi-protein no-grain dog food, a few more seed packets, peat pots, a new thermal shirt for me, and various and sundry lawn mower-related goods.

Yesterday's true highlight (this is punny, you'll get it in a minute) was setting up my grow light for seeds. Now there's an otherwordly glow coming from under the door of the guest room. I checked them last night before going to bed, and M. laughed at me and reminded me that it takes longer than 5 hours for seeds to germinate. Seriously, they can't do something to speed up the process?

This week should be a good one. Endoscopy tomorrow to rule out celiacs (please please please rule it out!) so hunger is once again on the schedule. Get to start outdoor housework this week - planting sweet peas, cutting down last year's stalks and general cleaning. M. says he's going to build my raised beds for the square foot garden this week. We'll see if it happens.