Tonight's Bad Run

I guess if all my posts were positive, I'd have no credibility.  Tonight I went to the gym and had a terrible run.  For the last several weeks, I've been working my way back up to running a 5K. 

Part of the reason tonight was bad, I took most of last week off.

Another reason, I'm carrying more weight than I'd like (working on that one).

But today was brutal.  The workout itself should have been simple, which made it all the more frustrating.  Walk 5 minutes, run 1.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 1.5 min, walk 1.5 min, walk 5 minutes. 

I got through the workout but was majorly dissapointed in the 2nd to last running segment when I dropped from a 10 minute mile (6 MPH) to an 11 minute mile to a 12 minute mile.  I have been really trying to maintain a 10 minute running pace through this training. Per usual, I ran at 1% incline but switched to no incline for the cool down walk.

Here's a forced smile at the end of the work out... Pardon my sweatiness. :) (OK I just smiled!)

 

To add insult to no injuries (just injured ego) - apparently I still pushed myself too hard because when I got back I couldn't stop sneezing.  It's this - which happens whenever I overdo it. Can't believe "overdoing it" was 8 minutes of start/stop running.  Nowhere to go but up I hope!

So many people I know and love have overcome so much more than a bad running night- I definitely find strength in their accomplishments and know I can do better.

Anyhow, there's my grumpy post for the evening.  I'm anxious to get back to my PR-best (pictured below).  Looking for this picture tonight, I found a lot of old recipe posts from my old running blog.  I think it's time to make some nutritional changes if I want to get back into shape!

Your tired friend,
Madeleine

 

finding balance

Balance means something different to everyone.  This weekend- I found balance in completing all of the "I've gotta get this done" items on my list.

The weekend started with my usual Saturday errands.  I'm all about rituals.  I love getting up early on Saturdays, grabbing some Starbucks, hitting Target, and then going to the grocery store.  This weekend was no exception. :-)

 

Best find of the day was this adorable table.  Of course, I did not buy it since I have no room for it. But someday when I have a bigger yard, this mushroom trio will need to make an appearance.  So cute...  Looks like it came right out of a Smurfs cartoon.

 

When I finished my errands, it was time to get to work!! This weekend I focused on finishing several "long-term" projects including some quilts.  I was really happy with how all of the projects came out and can't wait for everyone to receive them.

Here is what they looked like all packaged up!  I had been holding on to this ribbon and I just loved how they added some fun to the packaging.  I hope everyone likes them!

The big guy, Camden, was such a great helper...

I called this post finding balance - because just like a bear stuffing his face before a long winter, I really packed a lot into this weekend.  With travel and some upcoming vacation plans- my larger "work on at home" activities needed to be completed.  I'm excited to take on some smaller projects next weekend.  More on that soon.

Finally, I finished the weekend with a trip to the gym.  Let's just say the treadmill punished me. 

 

Tonight my flight was delayed due to weather.  Hopefully I'll manage to get a good night's sleep.  Usually I sleep like a rock, but not on travel days.  Sleep before an early morning flight : Madeleine :: Kryptonite : Super Man.  Anyone else out there have this problem?

 

Wishing you all a wonderful week.  Thanks for reading!

Mike Polk Jr. - Great Comedy

There’s something about Cleveland that brings out the accent in me.  Suddenly, I’m talking fast and waving my hands.  Yelling about “the Decision" and 271. 

And then there’s this one.  Mike Polk Jr.

 Image Source: https://evbdn.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/18977229/mikepolk.jpg

His videos are hilarious.  I’m especially a fan of him as Greg on the “Man in the Box series”.  And this is another classic:

This weekend, Mike performs at the Just for Laughs Comedy Show in Montreal.   If you’re in Canada – check him out.  If you’re in Cleveland – check him out. 

This guy’s the real deal folks – I think he’s going to be our generation’s Seinfeld....

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Speaking of things I enjoy, special thanks to Kelle Hampton at Enjoying the Small Things for her post this week on Instagram about these adorable Maileg cigar boxes.

So fun when houses have hidden little treasures - maybe someday if I clear some space!  Gotta believe that Camden would enjoy a mouse in the house.

 

It was a busy but fulfilling week – hope everyone is having a great *almost* Friday!

Madeleine

what dreams may come

What dreams may come... For the last several months, I've had the same recurring dream.  In this dream - there are 3 secret rooms in my house that I have not yet "decorated" or really used.  For anyone that knows me, you know how impossible that seems.

 

 

Maybe it's the 2,000 airplane rides.  Maybe it's the nights in the hotels.  Or maybe it's that crazy childhood fascination (that bridged it's way into adult fascination) with doll houses. But EVERY corner of my home is decorated.

 

 

My Barbie Dream House.  2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms of Madeleine-perfection.  Brick exterior, black shutters, one floor, wheel chair ramps and extra big doors so that every guest is comfortable.  I designed and planned every inch of my home.  I snuck-in as it was being built.  I'm blessed to have 2 housekeepers who love the house like I do making it so it's always company ready.

 

 

While I'm not home often, my home is my sanctuary.  How can you not smile when you walk into this? 



 

 



 Or snuggle up on the couch at night and enjoy lighting and a warm foot warmer, like this?

 

And that moment.  The one when you look at the shared water color that your Granny painted for you and your sister, and wonder if she ever thought it would someday hang in one of your kitchens? 

And then there's that stubborn tear, the one from 2004, the one you have learned to wipe away and smile at.  Because a good tear can be the price we pay for great love. 

But oh the smile that quickly follows... Thinking of the family and friends/family (my friends - they are my family) - that I am so very blessed with. 

Bright yellow kitchen?  I'll take it.

Or when you take in a sunset with this one, who is pretty sure this house is for him.

 

 

And now my dream - what do these empty rooms mean? My home is perfect for me already! 

 

But I know in my heart what it means..  For so long I've looked to other blogs for inspiration, have half-heartedly tried my own, but now I'm ready to jump-in with both feet. 

 

This is the forgotten space, my space, where I can share my life.  Decorating and maintaining it how I please-  I'm so happy to launch my little corner of the Internet.

 

 

Thanks for visiting my "extension of home".  I'm excited to share what I'm up to in Charleston, SC and to learn from you.  Best love - Madeleine