Sorry for the lack of posting. Life has been crazy the last few weeks.
Anyway, this is a recap of my hiking adventure.
Well, I survived the weekend...barely. We had planned on hiking and camping for 3 days, 2 nights, but we cut it short and only did 2 days, 1 night.
Apparently not all the campsites are "first come, first serve" as we found out when we reached Tettegouche State Park Friday afternoon. All the campsites had already been reserved. By this time we has hiked 8 miles or so, each of us carrying a 20+ pound pack. The next campsite was East Palisades...another 5miles down the trail. So, short of just hopping off the trail and setting up a tent in the middle of nowhere, we trekked on.
Thoroughly exhausted after 13 miles we quickly set up the tent, boiled dinner, strained and sanitized water from the stream and promptly collapsed in out sleeping bags.
Day two in the wilderness dawned hot and sunny with a sultry breeze. This would normally be a wonderful hiking day for most, but our battered and bruised, dehydrated bodies, begged to differ. We ate a quick breakfast while planning the day. We has only 10 miles of trail left before we reached our car. This left us with two options:
1. Hike our planned route of 5-6 miles that day and make camp. Then, hike the last bit Sunday.
2. Hike the whole 10 miles and drive into Duluth to stuff our faces with delicious, greasy burgers.
You can guess which option won out. So, we started our 10 mile trek to the car. We ended up in the sun for the better part of the day. I was even sporting sock tan lines at the end. Dehydration became so bad for me that I hadn't had to use the bathroom since I woke up that morning. This is a bad sign!!
Now don't get me wrong, even though this was a disaster of a hiking trip, I enjoyed it in many ways. We saw bear paw print, took cute photos of each other with breathtaking views in the background, and the quiet of the forest was wonderful.
I enjoyed the experience not only because I found inner strength to persevere when I though I would simply keel over from exhaustion, but I spent two stressful days with my husband and we did not take out our anxiety or exhaustion on each other. We worked as a team to get through 23 miles in 2 days and I am so very proud of this.
It's situations like this that make me truly grateful I met ( and had the good sense to marry) this man. Hiking 23 miles over one of the toughest parts of the Superior Hiking Trail is a personal accomplishment for me. An adventure I will always remember with my best friend.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Superior Trails Ahead
Getting all packed up tonight to head out after work tomorrow for the Superior Hiking Trails. We're hiking and camping Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. We've never hiked these trails before though so I don't know what to expect in terms of terrain or climate. My pack is very heavy right now...scaring me already!
This will be the first time I've hiked with a large pack. But, since we are heading out to Montana in a month to do just this very thing for two whole weeks, I thought I might like to get some experience under my belt instead of jumping in blind.
B is walking around our tiny apartment talking to himself about all the things he might be forgetting. Keeps saying "Gah, we might be alright" while his hands are in his pants. Is this normal behavior? Unsure, but will continue to silently mock him. He does the same to be...but without the silent part.
We live a few hours away from Superior so we've got a bit of a drive after work, but we are staying in a hotel Thursday night because I couldn't bear the thought of camping in our car (the cheapest alternative) or a campsite in the park. We found a Groupon for a hotel close to the shuttle and it was a pretty good deal so we went with that. Hot shower, warm bed, and hot food before I plunge into a forest full of bugs, damp nights, cold air, and uncomfortable sleeping bags.
I keep trying to convince myself that I can be this outdoorsy girl. That I don't look totally butch in my hiking clothes and shoes, that I don't mind pulling wood tics out of random places on my body. (Deep calming breath). But it's freaking hard! I hate bugs and ugly clothes. However the trade off is that I can spend time with a wonderful guy, enjoy some peace and quiet, and burn some calories without really noticing.
Let the long weekend adventure being!
This will be the first time I've hiked with a large pack. But, since we are heading out to Montana in a month to do just this very thing for two whole weeks, I thought I might like to get some experience under my belt instead of jumping in blind.
B is walking around our tiny apartment talking to himself about all the things he might be forgetting. Keeps saying "Gah, we might be alright" while his hands are in his pants. Is this normal behavior? Unsure, but will continue to silently mock him. He does the same to be...but without the silent part.
We live a few hours away from Superior so we've got a bit of a drive after work, but we are staying in a hotel Thursday night because I couldn't bear the thought of camping in our car (the cheapest alternative) or a campsite in the park. We found a Groupon for a hotel close to the shuttle and it was a pretty good deal so we went with that. Hot shower, warm bed, and hot food before I plunge into a forest full of bugs, damp nights, cold air, and uncomfortable sleeping bags.
I keep trying to convince myself that I can be this outdoorsy girl. That I don't look totally butch in my hiking clothes and shoes, that I don't mind pulling wood tics out of random places on my body. (Deep calming breath). But it's freaking hard! I hate bugs and ugly clothes. However the trade off is that I can spend time with a wonderful guy, enjoy some peace and quiet, and burn some calories without really noticing.
Let the long weekend adventure being!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Weekend
Spent Memorial weekend waiting for the rain to stop. Met with success Sunday afternoon when the weather turned a hot and humid 90 degrees. Went for a boat ride around the lake and later a jet ski ride with my husband.
Today is a lazy day of afternoon napping followed by stopping in at a few family cookouts. Got some major details of our summer trip hammered out this morning over cinnamon Chex with strawberries. Delish! Didn't even mind that B ate about half (per usual).
Jumping back to this weekend, I was able to pick the brains of some friends who have a six month old. I asked about what kinds of things they bought for baby that were a waste of money and what was really worth it. I learned a few things:
Buy:
Nanny Nap thing
Diaper Genie
Bumbo -with the tray
Baby Bjorn bib
Bassinet
Don't Buy:
Tons of baby clothes - Baby won't even wear half of the stuff before they grow out of it.
Tons of toys
Lotions and soaps- wait to see how sensitive baby's skin is first.
Obviously there are more things to buy than not buy, but it was good to hear from new parents. I've started looking for a few things, like a diaper bag and crib, but there are so many things to buy that's it's overwhelming.
Today is a lazy day of afternoon napping followed by stopping in at a few family cookouts. Got some major details of our summer trip hammered out this morning over cinnamon Chex with strawberries. Delish! Didn't even mind that B ate about half (per usual).
Jumping back to this weekend, I was able to pick the brains of some friends who have a six month old. I asked about what kinds of things they bought for baby that were a waste of money and what was really worth it. I learned a few things:
Buy:
Nanny Nap thing
Diaper Genie
Bumbo -with the tray
Baby Bjorn bib
Bassinet
Don't Buy:
Tons of baby clothes - Baby won't even wear half of the stuff before they grow out of it.
Tons of toys
Lotions and soaps- wait to see how sensitive baby's skin is first.
Obviously there are more things to buy than not buy, but it was good to hear from new parents. I've started looking for a few things, like a diaper bag and crib, but there are so many things to buy that's it's overwhelming.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Hot and Boozey
I have two things to share:
1. I ran three miles today and it was uncomfortable.
2. I found a gluten free beer I like: New Grist.
Amid all the BS today brought, I found time for a run outside in this beautiful weather. Up here you take what you can get when it comes around.
After my less than pleasant run, I went to the liquor store (this was not motivated by my crappy run) conveniently located behind our apartment building and they had two gluten free beer brands. I went with New Grist at $8 something a 6-pack and had one for dinner tonight. It had an after-taste reminiscent of mineral water if that makes sense. In all the gluten free nonsense, I haven't missed many wheaty foods, but beer has most definitely been missed.
It almost makes up for that uncomfortable run.
1. I ran three miles today and it was uncomfortable.
2. I found a gluten free beer I like: New Grist.
Amid all the BS today brought, I found time for a run outside in this beautiful weather. Up here you take what you can get when it comes around.
After my less than pleasant run, I went to the liquor store (this was not motivated by my crappy run) conveniently located behind our apartment building and they had two gluten free beer brands. I went with New Grist at $8 something a 6-pack and had one for dinner tonight. It had an after-taste reminiscent of mineral water if that makes sense. In all the gluten free nonsense, I haven't missed many wheaty foods, but beer has most definitely been missed.
It almost makes up for that uncomfortable run.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tides of Change
So as you can probably tell, I am not a dedicated blogger I blog when the mood strikes. Well it struck again!
I want to start sharing my latest quest in life. To become a mother. Now you may think "well it's not that hard, just go get pregnant." But, being the planner that I am, I want to go about this in the right way. It also doesn't help that my husband is even more of a planner than I am (if that's possible).
Before I even approached him with the idea of baby M, I took some time to consider the things I wanted out if this pregnancy.
1. I know that I want to be comfortable with myself and my size before I get pregnant.
2. I want to stay physically active during my entire pregnancy.
3. I want to develop good eating habits that will carry into my pregnancy and beyond.
4. I want to be financially prepared.
5. We need to move out of this beautiful...but tiny apartment.
6. I want to make sure that this is something my husband wants. It can't be all one sided.
7. I am in my mid to late 20's and don't want to wait anymore.
I know I have more reasons, and will continue to think of them. This is a good place to start.
I have been struggling with getting to a comfortable weight and size. I am not what you would call fat. Mostly just have that Midwest body type. I am 5'7" and guestimate that I weigh about 135. I do not own a scale and do not judge "healthy" by a number. I just want to feel comfortable in the clothing I own and wear.
I have been working out a few times a week for about 2 months now. As the weather has warmed up here I've become more motivated. I have noticed that the tire around my stomach has gotten smaller (thank god) and the cellulite in my Midwest ass is diminishing (insert sigh of relief here).
Last month I decided to go Gluten Free, not because I have Celiac's but to see how I feel. Well, I feel great so I am going to continue with it, even though I miss pasta, pizza, and cupcakes. I keep reminding myself I can still have them, it just takes planning.
Well this was a good starting point today. Off to the gym for an hour of hell. ;)
Before I even approached him with the idea of baby M, I took some time to consider the things I wanted out if this pregnancy.
1. I know that I want to be comfortable with myself and my size before I get pregnant.
2. I want to stay physically active during my entire pregnancy.
3. I want to develop good eating habits that will carry into my pregnancy and beyond.
4. I want to be financially prepared.
5. We need to move out of this beautiful...but tiny apartment.
6. I want to make sure that this is something my husband wants. It can't be all one sided.
7. I am in my mid to late 20's and don't want to wait anymore.
I know I have more reasons, and will continue to think of them. This is a good place to start.
I have been struggling with getting to a comfortable weight and size. I am not what you would call fat. Mostly just have that Midwest body type. I am 5'7" and guestimate that I weigh about 135. I do not own a scale and do not judge "healthy" by a number. I just want to feel comfortable in the clothing I own and wear.
I have been working out a few times a week for about 2 months now. As the weather has warmed up here I've become more motivated. I have noticed that the tire around my stomach has gotten smaller (thank god) and the cellulite in my Midwest ass is diminishing (insert sigh of relief here).
Last month I decided to go Gluten Free, not because I have Celiac's but to see how I feel. Well, I feel great so I am going to continue with it, even though I miss pasta, pizza, and cupcakes. I keep reminding myself I can still have them, it just takes planning.
Well this was a good starting point today. Off to the gym for an hour of hell. ;)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A Year Frozen in Time
It's been a year and yet it seems like only yesterday I was slipping into that creation of strapless cream lace, adjusting makeup and hair, and preparing to bind myself to this man for all time.
The top tier of a cake I never got to taste has been in my freezer for a year. It has been wrapped in layers of plastic and foil in an effort to preserve it. It as moved across a state line with us. It has symbolized a joining of two people for a year, inside my freezer. Now this foil wrapped mystery delight is thawing on my counter top; waiting to be eaten. Does the magic of that breathless giddy day still reside inside this top tier? Will it be there waiting for us when we bite into the first piece?
The tradition of keeping the top tier of cake is supposed to remind you of your wedding day, or if we were still in the early 19th century, it would be saved for the christening of our child...apparently weddings and christenings were very close together for most couples. For us the tradition would be to remind us of the happy occasion.
Although, it still really does feel like just yesterday that we were up on a beautiful cliff overlooking downtown saying our "I dos" in front of friends and family. So maybe there is something to be said for keeping the top tier. If nothing else, each time I've reached into the freezer it has served a purpose in reminding me of my wedding day; of putting a little smile on my lips as I remember how nervous he looked.
On the other hand, when you choose to marry your very best friend you don't really need another reminder of the happiest day of your life. You will always have the best reminder right next to you, in the car, at the grocery store, on the couch, in the kitchen, hogging the bathroom sink...
The top tier of a cake I never got to taste has been in my freezer for a year. It has been wrapped in layers of plastic and foil in an effort to preserve it. It as moved across a state line with us. It has symbolized a joining of two people for a year, inside my freezer. Now this foil wrapped mystery delight is thawing on my counter top; waiting to be eaten. Does the magic of that breathless giddy day still reside inside this top tier? Will it be there waiting for us when we bite into the first piece?
The tradition of keeping the top tier of cake is supposed to remind you of your wedding day, or if we were still in the early 19th century, it would be saved for the christening of our child...apparently weddings and christenings were very close together for most couples. For us the tradition would be to remind us of the happy occasion.
Although, it still really does feel like just yesterday that we were up on a beautiful cliff overlooking downtown saying our "I dos" in front of friends and family. So maybe there is something to be said for keeping the top tier. If nothing else, each time I've reached into the freezer it has served a purpose in reminding me of my wedding day; of putting a little smile on my lips as I remember how nervous he looked.
On the other hand, when you choose to marry your very best friend you don't really need another reminder of the happiest day of your life. You will always have the best reminder right next to you, in the car, at the grocery store, on the couch, in the kitchen, hogging the bathroom sink...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Oh How Time Flies
Time really does fly when you're having fun. It's been about a year since my last post. I'm married, living in Lowertown, and very content with the path I've taken. The "I" has most definitely become an "Us," leading me on an adventure of a lifetime to be sure.
In the past year we've found ourselves in a few canoes, in a tent in the middle of nowhere, listening to what we think was a chainsaw all night, in a foreign country eating Kraut and Wurst, in a tiny but comfy apartment, in a new car, on a road trip to the east coast, lots of give and take moments, and the most important of all is that we really did become and "Us" and it was easy.
If it's really that easy to enjoy spending time together why are there people who hate their spouse? I couldn't imagine that; he's my very best friend. The one who's seem me at my best and my worst, seen me on top of the world and watched my life fall to pieces. Not once has he judged me, unless of course I ask to be judged.
Any way you cut it, this last year has been one hell of a growing experience for me. I am part of a team, but I am still me.
In the past year we've found ourselves in a few canoes, in a tent in the middle of nowhere, listening to what we think was a chainsaw all night, in a foreign country eating Kraut and Wurst, in a tiny but comfy apartment, in a new car, on a road trip to the east coast, lots of give and take moments, and the most important of all is that we really did become and "Us" and it was easy.
If it's really that easy to enjoy spending time together why are there people who hate their spouse? I couldn't imagine that; he's my very best friend. The one who's seem me at my best and my worst, seen me on top of the world and watched my life fall to pieces. Not once has he judged me, unless of course I ask to be judged.
Any way you cut it, this last year has been one hell of a growing experience for me. I am part of a team, but I am still me.
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