Rewarding Weekends

This weekend I put in 17 miles. For me, this is pretty impressive. Without injury yet with a little pain but not overextending myself. I was able to run those miles with my ladies Danielle, Jen, and Tara, and if without them, I would’ve never ran. Okay, maybe three miles but never 17. 11 of those miles on Saturday morning, were done between two of Staten Island’s many parks. We have the most parks in the 5 boroughs. A fact I learned while preparing for the Miss Staten Island pageant some years ago. Clove and Silver lakes provided us with many morning hellos to some familiar faces and nature: The trees, the flowers, the waterfalls, the ducks, the birds, and of course the dogs. The first 10 miles were done and we thought it was over. I was glad it was over. My hips were hurting due to a slip at work and the impact of the run combined. My mind was over the loops. So we snapped a shot or two, chatted until one of us left, and then, I actually said, out loud, who wants to run more? Silly me, I knew my road racers would definitely want more! So one more loop and we were pooped. Good thing I had nothing planned on the agenda afterwards; Except that half priced Frappuccino at Starbuck’s Happy Hour from 3-5PM everyday now through May 10.
Then came Sunday morning and I texted my lovely lady Danielle to confirm she was running though the trails with another Staten Island Killa Bee Billy, the trail run leader. Yes I made that title up but if it weren’t for him, I’d still be in those trails. So we headed into the trails. I heard it was going to be painful. But I thought we’d ease in to that. Nope!! That’s not how we roll. So up a hill we went. And another hill. And another. You get the picture. This trail run encompassed a lot of hills. And this is exactly what I wanted out of the trail run. I wanted terrain. I need those hills in my training and I am glad I didn’t wuss out. Not even a repeat at the very end of the 6 miles. Thanks yellow and red for getting purple to move her ass! And then off to little man’s baseball game I went. But first, a stop to do grocery shopping.
The baseball game was great. Dan did amazingly. And my sisters and their families showed up to cheer him on. I never let him know they were coming until they actually parked at the field. I hate to disappoint. He was so excited that they came; proud that he didn’t strike out; and impressed he caught a few balls. We all enjoyed the game and his enthusiasm that day, even though we were still wearing our winter coats in MAY!
After the game, I was able to sneak in a pedicure and then off to make Dan’s birthday wish list at Toys R Us. The best idea created. Okay, not the best idea ever, but you know what I mean: A very smart idea. Then came cinco de mayo.
Ahhh I remember those days when I partied with the best of them in Chevy’s parking lot. But this year, it was a work day and a day off for little man. So he came to work with me. Dressed in his suit shirt and tie with fancy shoes, he was ready to take on the office. Some morning hours were spent setting up his race cars against some Star Wars characters in a battle until a co-worker entered the office. He got quiet but yet continued with his game. Then the coworker got him some extra tools around the office to make a ramp and garage for some car racing. Super happy with this until I said let’s ready or write something. He decided to write a story. Picture the opening of Star Wars where it starts “In a galaxy far far away…” Well his story became a one lined, one page typed story with illustrations. He decided that he wanted to sell his story. The price was set at $40. Oh no little man. Let’s be realistic. How about 50 cents I said, then he replied no, two quarters, I will not take just 50 cents. He knows that 2 quarters equals 50 cents but his wheels were turning. He had a plan and a reason behind it…
I think that’s enough reading for now.
Until the next blog entry.

 Dan the man and his family plus Daniel S photobombing

Dan the man and fam

 Me and my girl Danielle after 6 trail miles.  Billy was camera shy.

 Me, Jen, Danielle, and Tara on the bridge at Clove Lake after 10 miles.

 

Danielle, Dan and I while selling Dan’s autographed book!

My date with little man

I had bought a living social 3 class voucher for Jumplife for me a couple of months back. I thought it would be a fun and less stress on my body alternative to spin, weight lifting, or running. However since the voucher is due to expire in December and because time has not been on my side, I decided to use a class for little man. 

I tried to register on-line however the system was not recognizing my voucher as payment so I called Jumplife.  After explaining the issue I was told somebody would call me back shortly.  And minutes later, they did!  Danny man was registered for his first trampoline class.  

Saturday morning we headed into the city by car, and because I hate being late to new places and I hate to circle blocks to find parking, I parked right across from the studio by Canal Street.  That being said, I should have circled. There is on the street metered parking that wold have worked. 

I arrived for the class about 15 minutes early and met the owner, the instructor and another instructor who would be joining.  I was told that I could join in the class, for free the first time.  I was assured parents  do partake in the class and it would be fun.  I paused.  Now, I love physical activity, I love interacting with my child, and I was very excited about this class so it was a bonus.  However, I have an injury, I was dressed in jeans, wore no socks and had no sneakers, and I really wanted little man to experience this with other kids, not me playing with him.  However they had sneakers for me to borrow, and a nice new pair of socks. There were several children signed up for class and at least one other parent so…well, no excuses here.  I was ready to join in the fun.

All of a sudden, after chatting and Dan the instructors getting acquainted, we realized it was 10:05-Class start time 10:00.  And then we realized no other children or adults were there.  Pro-we had the whole joint to ourselves. Con-We would miss the interaction with the other people for the activities planned.  Let me say that Dan needs coaxing. He loves other kids, he loves activities, but boy does he get “tired” easily.  EXCUSES.  I heard them all in 10 minutes after we began.  Oh how I wished for other kids so he can forget that he was actually moving but playing with the kids.  And finally in the middle of our jumping and ball throwing game, 15 minutes later, the kids arrived!!!  By that time though little man was done.  And the entrance of the kids really didn’t help.  Even the awesome techno and disco lighting didn’t help.  But I thought it was soo cool, until I had an unhappy flashback of running through the Hollywood Studios tunnel with the disco lights at the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. “Simon says” followed and Dan tried very hard to listen and not make a mistake.  He did an amazing job!  I could barely hear if Simon said to do something because the music was loud but I managed. Next “follow the leader” came on.  This is where a child gets to lead the class.  They choose the jumps and moves and everyone follows.  Dan had his turn and he was ecstatic!! Lively even!!! And when their time in front ended it was time for stretching.  Oh how I love you thy stretching.  Even here, little man complained.  Honey, I explained, we are cooling down, almost complete, stretch my dear, it helps you!  And you know what he said at the end?

This was FUN!  I want to come back!

Really?

You complained.  You stopped.  You complained more.  And you want to come back???

Yep, that’s what he said!

And this is what I said: Sure.  An impromptu date with my little man is always welcomed! And maybe he doesn’t love to always move.  But he moved!  Some kids don’t move at all, and their parents don’t encourage them. A reminder to me that he will find his interests one day but I need to expose him to things; and that is what I plan to do again and again and again with no pressure just understanding that I didn’t love to move either when I was his age.  I loved to talk!  Some things never change and some things do!

Jumplife Studio

And since I paid a million dollars to park we made a day of having access to NYC!  Onward via the subway to Toys R Us to complete a wish list and then to Wendy’s to eat.  Yes-we eat fancy! 

Little man and his Star Wars wish list

Happy Thanksgiving from me and mine to you and yours!!

  

Taking the subway