by Sarah | Oct 25, 2012 | All About Family, All About Kennedy, All About Me, All About Molly, All of Us
My childhood was pretty great all around.
The street I grew up on was lined with trees. Big tall trees that shed piles upon piles of leaves every year in the fall. The neighborhood kids would gather up gigantic piles to dive into, swim around in, get lost in.
My brother, being older than me, was a major ring-leader in the activities. No matter what the season, he liked to head up the games. Whether sledding in the winter, street hockey in the summer, he was in the thick of it.
Leaves was the one thing among these that I wanted to do more than anything.
How fun could that be?
The free fall with a cushioned landing.
I wanted to so much.
I never could.
I might have mentioned before that I had pretty severe allergies when I was young.
Among them were pollen, trees, tree sap, all that fun stuff.
Playing in the leaves gave me hives. All over the place.
By the time I had grown up enough that my allergies lessened we were in a brand new neighborhood with baby trees.
Now my kids live in a house with a huge tree in the backyard that drops a ton of leaves. They are never bright & colorful – but they are always plentiful. Now it’s their turn – and I love watching them bury each other in the leaves and scramble through. Even when my aware & very adult brain is protesting the dirt/bugs/need-baths-now…I love seeing the blatant joy at the simple pleasure of free falling into a pile of leaves.
by Sarah | Oct 22, 2012 | All About Indiana, All About Me, Blogging Life, Indy Geek Girls, The Reluctant Hoosier
Of all the things I thought I’d do in my life – scaling a pseudo-mountain wasn’t one of them.
This Friday I did just that.
Thanks to The Crag in Brownsburg I got to scale rock walls, challenge my pitiful out-of-shape body – and laugh at some of the best innuendos I’ve heard in years with my friends.
The Crag is a great indoor climbing facility tucked away in Brownsburg that has walls from “easy” to extremely challenging.
[flickr id=”8104337222″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]A group of us went, within about five minutes we were trained on tying ourselves to the ropes and belaying. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and even clued us in on where to start for the easier climbs (although it wasn’t long until the dares for the harder climbs began).
I was a total newbie to the climbing thing, and sadly mistaken at how much I’d be able to do. It was super difficult, and I’m still feeling the aches in my shoulders and upper arms days later. Much as they tell you to use your legs, your arms get killed.
[flickr id=”8104322567″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]Thing was, much as it hurt and tough as it was, every accomplished climb was a rush of adrenaline and pride. Every single one of us set forth to climb onto a platform, and we all did, making our strong pose – even those that were afraid of heights.
I’m ready to go back. I just need someone to go with me. Best part is that it’s not that expensive. A day pass for those over 8 is $20 – and for those under 8 it’s only $12. But there are weekly specials that are super worth it. Wednesdays are their canned food drive. If you bring in 2 cans of food, you get your pass for $12.
[flickr id=”8104333850″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]Friday nights are Family night. It’s $30 for the first 2 members (a $10 savings) and then only $5 for each additional family member. That’s only $40 for a family of four. You can’t go to the movies for that folks – and rock climbing takes teamwork and communication.
The best night, of course, is date night. $15 for the two of you. You’ll be challenged, you’ll laugh, you’ll have to be there to support each other going up and coming down. Again, cheaper than a night at the movies and better for your marriage then sitting the dark for an hour and a half.
So if you’re in Indy…get thee to The Crag. Some tips – don’t wear heavy sneakers. Wear shoes cut closer to your feet so it’s easier to plant your feet against the wall. Wear pants – you need to have those harnesses nice and tight. And be prepared for sore muscles and possible blisters.
View all the pictures from our night HERE in my flickr acct
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*The Crag treated me and some of my fellow IndyGeekGirls to a night of climbing free. All opinions and achingly sore muscles are my own.
by Sarah | Oct 17, 2012 | All About Family, All About Me, Blogging Life, Random
I have a family of 5.
I know, duh, right?
To compound the family of 5, all 3 kids have special needs and my husband’s company – while providing a decent sense of job security has really crappy insurance.
I mean, seriously crappy.
So when I get a chance to score a deal on anything health related, I’m there.
Now considering we have a family full of dysfunctional eyes and the ability to get new glasses only once every TWO years, finding out about the chance to get free glasses at Firmoo? Well, you bet your sweet fanny I jumped on that sucker.
I’ve been needing glasses for over a year since the husband hated my last pair. Not because my glasses got messed up (I’m a contacts girl, so glasses last a while) & not because my prescription changed (It hasn’t changed in 10 years).
Firmoo is awesome about offering the first pair free to first time customers – you only pay shipping – and bloggers don’t have to pay shipping if they do a review. See their options at their site.
So I picked out a pair, sent in my info and within a week I had a new pair of glasses! That easy. I didn’t have any issues with my glasses (after I adjusted to the style – so different from my usual style, I decided to be daring), but I know if I did the customer service would have been great.
Firmoo has a great option on most of their frames to “try on” the frames on the website. My biggest suggestion is make sure that you use your own picture to make sure you get them fit to your face, not the models – because it’s a guarantee that they don’t have a face just like yours and those glasses aren’t going to look the same on you as they did on the site.
So head on over and get your free pair now.
Seriously, I love never having to leave my chair to order a pair of glasses.
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I received a free pair of glasses in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. You can’t buy me with a sweet pair o’ lenses. I only respond to chocolate, eye candy, and lovely yarns.
by Sarah | Oct 12, 2012 | All About Erik, All About Marriage, All About Me
He was the first to ask US on a date. He included my beautiful three year old on our first date. He thought of us before he thought of me. He took us to an appropriate kid-friendly place. He talked to Denver, he madeDenver laugh. And when dinner was over, Denver looked at Erik and said, “Are you coming home to see Mimi and Papa?” The deal was sealed…he was special.
I held back, afraid to give up my heart. I couldn’t tell him I loved him…I was terrified of my past repeating itself. But once I was able to make that step, everything fell into place. Engaged and a wedding date planned before we’d hit the six month point. A fall wedding, as I’d dreamed.
There wasn’t a doubt…WE would be married. Not just Erik, and I…but Denver, too. He asked Denver permission to marry me, and he had Denver give me the ring – sending my mother into a fit of tears. The ceremony would involve Denver, and we’d be announced as a family.
And so we were. Our small family embarking on new territory. Making a path none of us was too sure how to follow. But we trudged ahead and forged it together.
The first year was tough as I pursued roles in Community Theater as well as marriage and mommy-hood. But from there, community theater was put on hold to focus on family.
We’ve had our struggles…financially, and emotionally. But we’re now at ten years and stronger than ever.
He’s the one that’s supported me, no matter what my dream or desire. He believes in me when I’m not so sure I believe in myself. He tells me daily that I’m beautiful, or a good wife, or both. He is proud of me as his wife, and as a mother.
So Erik, thank you for nine years of wedded bliss (and miss)…our struggles made us stronger…and your love makes me better.
by Sarah | Sep 22, 2012 | 45 before 45, All About Me, Get Fit - Or Kill Myself - Whatever Comes First
[flickr id=”8011911337″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]When I made up my 45X45 list I put a few things on there that I didn’t think I’d ever accomplish. Swimming with whale sharks, paying off the mortgage – seemingly impossible but you have to have lofty goals mixed in with the more attainable dreams.
Among the “probably never gonna happen” goals was “Run a 5k”.
I’m just not a runner.
Never have been.
Even when I had stamina and did regular cardio through dance.
So this was a pipe dream, but I felt like I had to have it on there.
[flickr id=”8011917340″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]Today I crossed that finish line. I achieved one of the goals I swore would never happen.
There are a LOT of the negative Nellie thoughts in the back of my head. The “I finished…but” phrases.
BUT.
I’m ignoring them today.
Today I completed a 5k.
Not only did I complete it but I raked in an approximate 11.5 minute mile. I came in second in my age division (not far behind the first place finisher for my age division).
I did it.
I really did it.
Cross another one off that list.
Next year I’m setting my sites on one of the color runs…and probably this one again.
I’m still not a runner – but I know I can do this now.
And I want to do it again.
by Sarah | Sep 19, 2012 | 45 before 45, All About Family, All About Me, Changing Tracks, Writing, writing tips
[flickr id=”7809492264″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]We all have dreams.
Some dreams are big – bigger than what our logical minds tell us we can accomplish.
Some dreams are more practical – but still mean something to us.
Growing up I had many dreams. I wanted to be a dance teacher. I wanted to perform on stage in musicals. I wanted to be a vet. I wanted to be a mom.
I was blessed to accomplish some dreams early. At 10 my dance studio let me become an ‘assistant’. Me and my co-advanced-class dancers would help the teachers with the young ones. By 11 we were teaching the classes ourselves for the most part. By 13 we were allowed to choreograph.
When I was in my 20’s I was able to take some courses and training and became a vet assistant. For about six months I worked in a vets office and still think of that time with fond memories.
I became a mom at 21, and again at 29 & 30.
Right after I got married I performed in a series of musicals over the course of the year. On stage. Singing and dancing under the lights.
Then I got wrapped up in real life. I had a husband, kids, bills, work and a home. Dreams went by the wayside as our girls were born and their development took up every spare second of breath and thought in my head. In the moments of quiet when everyone went to bed and I could unleash the stresses, I chose to do them with words.
Writing.
It had never been a dream, but as worlds formed under my fingertips, stories unfolded on the page, and characters breathed life into my soul a new dream formed.
Wrapped up in the realities of life I’d forgotten about me. About how important even the smallest dreams could be.
They give you life, hope, something to look forward to and achieve.
Dreams are life.
Since then I have created a 45X45 list and begun to tackle things on it. Some are small, others seem impossible.
Still, every time I cross something off of that list I feel a sense of elation, I smile for days. I have accomplished something.
It’s not just good for me. It’s not selfish.
My children need to see it. See me achieving goals and dreams. The little ones, and the big ones.
Within 6 months I’ll have proof of one of my biggest dreams on my Nook (and Kindle). Within a year I’ll have physical proof sitting on my bookshelf. Published.
It wasn’t a dream I had growing up. It’s new. Formed just 7 years ago. When I thought it was unattainable, outlandish and crazy.
I’ll never stop having dreams. Achieving this one I’ve formed new ones.
New ones will follow behind.
Never let go of dreams. Always have two – one practical & achievable, and another completely outlandish.
Never give up hope.
Let your children see the hope, and the accomplishment. It’s a prize that lasts for a very long time – and it helps them set their sights on the biggest dreams.
My childhood was pretty great all around.
