Christmas Is Right Around the Corner

I think I can talk about it here since none of my family reads this blog (at least not yet).

Last night I got a chance to work on one of my Christmas projects. My husband was out of town so I had the computer to myself and endless (5) hours of me time...

Last year or the year before I started giving "homemade" gifts. This years present came from a spark of an idea from Snapfish or Shutterfly or one of those sites....we (which really means I) will be making a cookbook. I thought it would really be fun to make aprons too but this is taking so much time that aprons aren't going to happen. At first I was just going to upload the recipe and a picture but once I learned about Photoshop and all the DS free stuff online the wheels really started turning.

Little did I know this was going to be so involved...it took me 5 hours to make my 20 8X8 recipe pages in Photoshop and they only have a title, recipe, picture frame, and picture. I still have to add paper and embellishments and it would be neat if I could include my own pictures. There is still some time so maybe it will happen.

Here is a little peak into the cookbook....

Who Knew?

My sister is crazy. She calls me in my "off season" when I have only been running 4's and 6's at a nice comfortable pace and asks if I plan on running with them when I come visit that weekend. Well of course I can't turn her down, but do ask how many miles. She says "oh, just nine" In which I say "WHAT? I haven't run that far in 2 months!" She points out, "Oh, it's not that much further than 6." which is true but their pace is my biggest concern. They run FAST; Well at least faster than me. But I can't say no cause we don't ever get to run together. It's true sister time and I can't pass that up so of course I agree.

She says we have to start at the ungodly hour of 5:50am and we will be meeting her friend that is new to running. Secretly I am thinking she might be a little slower and keep my fingers crossed but wishes are dashed when my sister tells me that her friend has been working on speed and distance with a half marathon coming soon.

So we started out a few minutes late which required us to run faster "just until we meet up with her friend." Well that was a joke, once we met up with her friend the pace just kept up. It turned out that it wasn't so bad since we all took turns telling stories and the time really flew. Before we knew it we were well past eight miles and sister's friend had to peel off to meet up with some others to run a 5K and we had to head home.

In the end we ran 10 miles at a 9 min. mile pace which is awesome for me and despite all of my concerns and complaints it really was a great run. The park trails are flat, with a nice 60 degree temp, and no wind (miracle). I felt great and it was time with my sister that really mattered.

Run On! - Brooke

Shelfari

Just found another addition for my newest blog....check out the Shelfari book shelf. How cool, now I can add all the books I am reading and want to read. Course when am I going to have time with all the other stuff I am doing. What a dilemma.

On Hiatus....

Last race.....July 4, 2009 Carthage Red, White, and Boom run

Taking some time off of long runs and missing it terribly but got to try a bit longer. Running only 4-6milers four times a week for a grand total of around 20 miles a week. Getting tired of people asking when the next race is or talking about races in front of me. Was reading an interview with an Ultra Runner and it got me to thinking about trying that. Also been looking at Adventure Racing websites and new bikes. Feel like an alcoholic window shopping a liqueur store. Really itching to do something..... We'll see how long I can hold off ;-)

Run On! - Brooke

Scrapbooking a Step Further

Digital Scrapbooking (DS) seems to be my newest hobby. Funny how I finally started scrapbooking last Christmas when my mom gave me a scrapbooking kit over 3 years ago. Figured I could at least use that Birthday present so I gave it a try. It turned out that I really liked it and created a vacation album and made a few small gifts including a chipboard book for Mom and Charlie with pictures of all their grandkids.

Transitioning into DS seemed to be a natural progression when we got our new Mac and Photoshop. Had some friends over and they brought an "expert" with them and we had a little "Introduction to Photoshop and Scrapbooking" class. It seems that DS is even easier to waste time with. There are so many great sites and blogs out there offering ideas, products, and tutorial but the best is all the freebies. I have found free templates, kits, embellishments and more and spent tons of time downloading them and organizing them. Now, to get a project finished.

Here are a few of my favorite DS blogs:
Scrapping with iKEA Goddess - scrapbooker who compiles weekly freebies
Taylor Made Designs - great design ideas, freebies, tutorials, products
Three Paper Peonies - beautiful designs, tutorials, products, including freebies and challenges

Another Blog....Really

After looking through so many great blogs I am inspired to start another one. My original blog is all about running and my journey through miles with my running friends but there is so much more to me. So much more that I want to share or remember and think about. Michael would ask me "Do you have time for this?" And the answer is of course..... "NO!" But I never will and should that stop me? I guess that means I am really doing it....blogging again!