The high

What's on my mind? Running. That's what. I am nearing the end of my half-marathon training, and am getting pretty excited to run the 13.1 in two weeks! I am slightly nervous, because I've never done anything like this before...ever. And I desperately don't want to be the last one to finish.

I wanted to run a half earlier this summer with my sister, but it just wasn't a good idea with the amount of sleep I was getting and the ups and downs of having a new infant in the house who had an up and down schedule. I was really bummed. But then five weeks ago my sister said she was doing another 13.1 (because she's just awesome like that) and got a fire underneath my butt to run it too. I'd been running all summer, but just 2-3 miles at a time, and a very occasional 4...I think I did a 5 once. So I was kind of nervous to start training with only 7 weeks to go, but I gave it shot and am on track and fired up to run!

I'm not a very athletic person, actually...I'm not, AT ALL. But I really enjoy running. I am obsessed with the feeling after I run. It's like a high. I feel so energetic and good and alive, and to be honest - this last Wednesday when it came to my rest day, I was actually disappointed that I didn't have a run that day and craved it. Weird, I know.

My brother-in-law is training for this half-marathon too, and I loved a comment he said about the training process: "Every week you do something you never thought you could do." It's so true, it's such a great feeling of accomplishment every week. I've never run 8 miles before in my life...and last Saturday I did, without trouble, and felt fantastic. I am so glad that I decided to do this, it's been tough, I've pushed myself, had bad runs and good ones, and I still have two big runs to tackle before the big day...but I'm looking forward to my 9-mile tomorrow. This next week is my biggest running week...which will be complicated because Andy is out of town and Vienna doesn't nap long enough to run 5 & 7 miles on a treadmill (which I am dreading running on the treadmill for that long anyways...I'd rather run outside.) SO, I either have to push the stroller for that long, which is basically out of the question, run after she goes to bed at night or go in the morning before she gets up, which would entail starting to run at 5:30am. Blah. Or figure something else out...

Regardless, two weeks left - 13.1 here I come!

Healthy cookies

Okay, so I realize that the word "healthy" and "cookie" don't really have much in common...but these are as close as they come with still tasting delicious. I discovered this recipe on the back of my Muesli bag and thought I'd give it a try and I loved them! They are super yummy and don't make me feel icky like normal cookies do after I eat them. Andy really likes them too, which is saying something because he typically doesn't like any "healthy" treats that I make - like bran muffins. So, I'm glad to have discovered a guilt-free, good-tasting, semi-healthy cookie that I can indulge. :)

Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies

1 Cup Bob's Red Mill Muesli (I buy it at Super One)

3/4 Cup sifted Whole Wheat Flour

2/3 Cup Applesauce (I use one without the added sugar)

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

6 oz. package Chocolate Chips

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1 Egg

Heat oven to 375. Sift flour, baking soda and salt together and set aside. Blend applesauce, sugar and vanilla together. Beat in egg. Add flour mixture and mix. Stir in Muesli and chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minute. (Makes about 2 dozen cookies.)

Super yummy!

Good riddance

Dear tricky no-good-can't-live-without-you piece of plastic,

We can live without you. Though we are grateful for the moments that

you saved our sanity, we are all-to-pleased that your service is no longer

necessary.

Sincerely, Kristy

If you haven't guess...we are pacifier free!! Officially. Have been for more than a week! It's over. It's done. The excruciating pacifier weaning process is complete.

Thank. God.

And as a result...we have a baby who is sleeping better! I feel we are very close to sleeping through the night, (I've been spoiled by a couple nights of this since the pacifier has been gone). There's been a big improvement from a few weeks ago. And not just at night, but naps too. She's getting in solid naps again and is back to putting herself to sleep. Oh goody!

I'm pretty happy 'bout this, if you can't tell.

Funny the things parents get excited about... :)