Sunday, July 11, 2010

‎24th Annual Summer Sprint Triathlon

This morning I competed in my 1st every triathlon. I've only started working out again on April 20th but concentrated primarily on just running and swimming. About 4 weeks ago I did a spin class with Brooke on a Sunday and really enjoyed it. It motivated me to add biking into my workouts which made me realize I swim, bike, and run every week, which are the 3 components of a triathlon, so I might as well compete in one. So 4 weeks ago I kicked my workouts up a notch by increasing my swimming distance and biking and running on the same day. I looked at the times from last year and set a goal of an hour and a half for this race. I ended up finishing the 1/4 mile swim in 9:13, 14.3 mile bike in 57:09, and 5K run in 27:33 for a total time of 1:33.56.

Swim Portion

I've done all my training in the pool at the YMCA so I wasn't sure how it would be swimming in Lake Erie. Since I grew up with a pool as a kid, this was my first time really swimming in the Lake so I was a little concerned going into this. I had no idea what to expect at the start of the swim race. I was thinking I would run out about as far as I can then start swimming. The more seasoned tri-athletes started off like dolphins. No joke, they would run dive in, jump out, dive back in, etc...just like dolphins. I was shocked and did my best to position myself closest to the break wall to cut down my distance. I was able to separate myself in about the middle of the group so I had plenty of room through most of the race. When I could finally stand in the Lake all I could think about was that I still had to bike and run over 17 miles still. So I trudged through the water to conserve energy and started running again once I hit the beach.




Bike Portion

I had never practiced swim to bike so I was concerned how my body would react to the change. To my surprise Brooke and Dominic were at the bike rack in the transition area to wish me luck and give me some much needed encouragement. I started off pretty strong and at about the 6 mile mark I started feeling really nautious. In my head I'm thinking I need to call Brooke to pick me up, I can't do this. My fruit breakfast was not sitting well at this point. This is something I'll have to change for the next one which is something I realized as I had to pull over to speed puke. Yes, that's right I threw up. It's gross but the best thing I could have done. I immediately felt better and was able to pick up my pace the rest of the bike portion. I realized if I want to get serious with this I need a true racing road bike. I was using my brothers hybrid bike which was good but with a true road bike I could probably improve my time by 5-10 minutes easily.





Run Portion

I felt pretty good after the bike leg of the race and was able to transition pretty fast to the run stage. My time at this point was about 1:06 so I knew I was close to my goal and just had to push through. Again, Brooke and Dom came through with some much needed encouragement rooting me on as I started the run. I felt like I was running in slow motion for most of this portion but was able to stay motivated and finish strong. I actually even considered puking again, since it helped so much during the bike portion. Just kidding, no puking for this leg. For some reason the sun was blazing for just 9:00am which just added to the already exhaustion I was feeling. I made it my goal like I do in all my workouts to sprint through to the finish and ended the race strong in 1:33.56. I was greeted by Brooke and Dominic at the finish line and couldn't feel more relieved and accomplished.




Post Race

This experience was both rewarding and educational. I was able to realize I could complete the race and finish strong and I was able to learn what I did wrong or could do better the next time. I wasn't sure what to expect which is something I won't have to worry about the next time. Hopefully I'll have a better bike for the next race and can set my target goal at sub 1:25.


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Shopping Addict in the making

Today Dominic and I went to the store to get a new baby pool to deal with this heat, I decided to let him have a toy cart. Dominic put his baby pool in there immediately and booked it for the toy aisle. Once he spotted the "Disney Cars" display he went nuts!! He shoveled almost half the display into his cart. I managed to get out of the store with the pool, the cart, and two of the cars.

After he put the pool in the cart--on to the toys!

uh oh, we're in trouble!


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Pictures!

Dominic and Ryann smooching!
New carpet and wall color

Another view

Dominic trying out his big boy potty
Uh Oh we have a toddler on our hands!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Lack of posts..

Sorry I haven't been posting but Dominic had a double ear infection (his first) and after 10 days on an antibiotic and a trip to the ped today he still has a single ear infection. We've been dealing with a very clingy, coughing, snotty toddler and he's been like a koala baby attached to us-so I don't have time to blog. I promise, once Big D is feeling better I'll post pics!!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Good Golly Miss Molly!!!!

Maggie was scheduled to be induced at 5:30 this morning, but went into labor last night while "watching the Bachelorette". If you know Maggs, this is so fitting for her! Molly Marie Kusan was born this afternoon and weighed 7 lbs 9oz. I haven't had a chance to talk more with Maggie-but my heart is bursting with joy for her!! Happy Birthday Molly!! And Maggie, Happy BEST day of your life! :) Love you!

Monday, June 7, 2010

lil bit of this, lil bit of that!

There are SO many exciting things happening this week!!

*TOMORROW morning, one of my best friends, Maggie will be induced to deliver her first daughter! She's waited so long to conceive and Miss Molly Marie already has so many people who love her! (And maybe a future husband in Dominic!)

*Tomorrow morning I will also be traveling to my clinical site for a visit from 8-12. I'm a bit nervous just to begin this actual process. I will go on a tour and then observe the radiological technologists at work. My biggest fear is that I am going to see something extremely gruesome and question my decision. I like to think I have an iron stomach though. Wish me luck!!

*Friday we are going to be getting new carpet on our 2nd floor and 5 flights of stairs! I cannot express how excited I am!!! We have the construction grade carpet right now and will be installing a very nice frieze carpet. Oooh I can't wait to Dyson all over that!! lol

*This week we have also decided to re-paint our 2nd floor (main living floor). We are also redecorating our living room and changing it from warm yellows, browns & reds to a gray/blue, brown and white. I think it's going to look great and so much more relaxing. I am on the look out for some neat pieces to add! :)

*My best friend Becky is turning the big 3-0 on the 14th and we are going to celebrate this weekend! Happy early Birthday Becky!!!

*My brother, Brett is going to be taking his Step 1 boards on the 10th. He's been studying like crazy and I know he is going to do great! Good Luck brother! And happy 26th birthday on the 12th! Love ya!



I thought this was hilarious! Dominic fell asleep during lunch this afternoon!!! He's never done this before! I was actually making my lunch and turned around to see this, so I did what anyone would do-sat down across from him at the table and ate lunch! lol Needless to say our conversation was pretty one sided! :)

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Another "first"

Dominic had been fighting a slight cold for about a week and a half. The cold progressed into a cough and on Friday a fever. We made an appointment for Saturday morning (how much do I love that our ped is open on Saturday!) and within minutes, Dr Flask informed us that Dominic had his first ear infection...and it's a double ear infection. Poor kid!

Saturday night Dominic fell asleep around 8:30, at 10:30 he had vomited all over himself and was very upset!! Long story short, he was once again running a fever and ended up coming to bed with us and after LOTS of tossing and turning-fell asleep around 4 am. Needless to say none of us were well rested today.
Today Dominic was his happy self, but looked a bit groggy all day and we were battling his fever on and off. Oh and by the way, Dominic is teething HARDCORE to boot! He's been up twice already tonight and it's not looking promising for a restful night. It's tough on all of us, but Lou and I will absolutely sacrifice sleep, evenings, etc for our little guy.

I don't want this entire post to be sad so here ya go! Oh and Dr Flask informed us that being in the water had nothing to do with his ear infection and he can still swim!






Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer blues

It officially feels like summer here in Ohio. The pool is open and the Jet Express is back to bring people to the islands. Dominic and I headed to the beach this morning to play in the sand and at the playground. I couldn't help but kinda get sad knowing that this is the last summer for a while that I'll have days like this with Dominic. In August, I begin my clinicals which will last for 22 straight months. Next summer I will be at the hospital 5 days a week for 8 hours a day. I know that I will be working for a goal that I have wanted to achieve for a long time and worked tremendously hard for-but I love every moment I get to spend with Dom each day. I will definitely NOT take this summer and last few months for granted! We are going to live it up Mommy/Dom style! ;)


Showing off his belly button which he is obsessed with now!

Monday, May 31, 2010

A Day with Thomas the Train!

Last Friday we drove about an hour away to spend a "Day with Thomas the Train". Dominic is ob-sessed with trains and while we were showing him the website pictures he went nuts yelling "CHOOO CHOOO"!!! We knew this was something he was going to really enjoy!

Dominic in the Imagination Station. They had lots of train tables set up for the kids to play at. It was a tough choice for Dom to decide which table he liked best-so he played a little at all of them!!

We decided to play for a bit while waiting for Thomas to arrive. This is the exact moment that Dominic saw Thomas coming around the bend. He was yelling CHOO CHOO at Lou!

Dominic & I getting ready to board Thomas for our 35 minute train ride!! :) The guy taking pictures refused to take a family photo with my camera so Lou took our picture.
The train ride was so neat! The conductor came by and punched our tickets too! They also had music and story telling. Each train car was decorated with all sorts of Thomas decor, balloons and streamers. I couldn't help but try to imagine I was heading for Hogwarts like in Harry Potter haha!
It's hard to keep a toddler still when there are balloons and kids everywhere-so we went with the fail proof snack! After our ride we picked up a Thomas tee shirt and balloon as souvenirs! I hope this is something we can do again! :)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

18 months!

Can you believe this little bugger is 18 months already? He was officially 18 months on May 13th, but I'm just getting around to post. Dominic amazes me every single day. He can understand so much and everyday is a new adventure. His new favorite phrase is "uh-oh" which he says ALL THE TIME! He drops things purposely just to say it. He is also a wiz at every puzzle in our house, and I'm currently looking for new ones to challenge him a bit. He's now in the 75th percentile in height, weight and head circumference. He's growing like a weed and loves everything-especially if he can dip it in ketchup!! We have been going out to eat a lot more at restaurants and Dominic loves to wave hi and bye to everyone. He flirts with the waitresses and babbles to nearby tables. I could write forever on all that this wonder kid can do, and tomorrow I would probably have 20 more amazing things that Dom discovered and learned. I attempted to get an 18 month picture with his Pooh Bear but it's tougher than I thought to keep a toddler still!! Enjoy!



Pssst!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Lou*Brooke*Dominic*TJ & Sadie!!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Life in pictures

Dominic and his sneaky smile. Wow-I can't even remember him without teeth!
Melts my heart!

He put on my sunglasses all by himself and grabbed an old cell phone. Think he was trying to tell me something?

Daddy and Dominic cuddling!
Silly, giggly family photo!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Oh the things Lou can do!!

Lou has been a busy guy these past 2 weeks. He wouldn't call himself a "handyman" but I couldn't disagree more!! He has ripped up all the laminent flooring in our house, mortared, cut and layed tile and with a little help grouting from me, finished the flooring. I also have to mention that he took out and reinstalled our toilet and stove!!! I love the change-the white grout makes all our white woodwork really pop!!

The 2nd floor bathroom

Kitchen

Dining area
Oh and Lou has also successfully conquered this--the Thurmonator found at Thurman's Cafe in Columbus and featured on Man V. Food. I'm so proud! Is there anything my husband can't do!?!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Pictures! :)

"Daly Miracles" MS Walk team 2010 (minus Brett and Mary)
At the Zoo with Daddy!

Mommy & Dom walking at the Zoo!

Mom & Dom lunchdate. Such a neat little dipper!

YUMMY!!!

Friday, May 7, 2010

I'm baaaaAAAAck!!!!!

I know it's been a while (a month exactly to be precise). Once I made the decision to take a hiatus from the internet-I thought a month would be a nice, round "number". It was wonderful timing because we've had SO much going on lately! I'll try to catch you all up!!

MS WALK: Are you ready for this? We raised $5,550!!!!! Even Jim Tressel donated to our team!! (there are many perks to having a Buckeye Football alumni as your brother!) The walk was at Cleveland Browns Stadium and we had a great time! Lou and I are already brainstorming on how to do more for next year! We were the 3rd highest raising team and Lou is in the top ten for individual donations! That means next year he'll be recognized with prime time parking, a banquet and special flag to wear! I'm so proud of our entire team!! What a great time and cause!!

Tax Season: Another tax season in the books. Lou worked tremendously hard and it paid off! You have to understand that Lou runs his tax practice as a side job. He has a 40+ hour job he works during the week and works on returns in the evenings. He did such a great job that he made enough money to tile almost all the laminent floors and re-carpet almost our entire home!! Right now we are literally in the process of laying tile in our house. I'm not kidding, I have a stove and toliet in my living room! haha! Living in a 3 story townhome, the carpet has seen a lot of wear and tear so we are excited to get a more durable carpet in.

Me:
- Not too too much to update but I did attend my orientation for clinicals and thankfully I was able to get into the hospital that is 5 minutes from the college where Dominic will be in childcare. I was super pumped to get this placement, as Cleveland Clinic (30 min drive) was one of my options!
- I've officially started my 3rd month of Copaxone injections! It's getting so much easier and so much more routine now. I've had a few hiccups and hit a few veins but luckilly we are stocked up on bandaids.

****I'll update more later with pictures! We have a Tornado Warning right now! Better get off the computer!!****

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Blogging break

I know that I've definitely been MIA but I really needed to take a little blogging break. Lately, exhaustion has hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been in bed by 10 pm nearly every night and have been sleeping in longer than usual-both of which are unusual for me!

We have had really gorgeous weather so Dominic and I have been spending our days at the park or just walking/playing in our development. We've also taken a few bike rides!

Other than that, our dog, TJ has been in and out of the vet. Last week he was diagnosed with the "flu" and I had to give him meds twice a day at scheduled times. Last night we brought him into the vet again for a scheduled surgery and teeth cleaning. He had a large cyst on his ribs so we got that removed & his teeth are sparkly clean and his breath is great!! Although, he seems to be a little angry with us & still groggy from surgery so he hasn't been handing out any puppy smooches yet!

In MS Walk news-we've exceeded our team goal of $5000 and are currently at $5,185!!!! The walk is on Saturday so we still have a few more days to raise donations--but I couldn't be more proud of what our team has accomplished!! :)

I wanted to upload some pictures to this post but the uploader is being super slow tonight-so expect an all photo post in the near future!!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Finally, some Vitamin D!!

It's going to be b-e-a-utiful the next few days in the Cleveland area and I plan on taking full advantage of all this sunshine! It's going to be so nice to take Dominic out without bundling him up!!! I'll be sure to take pictures of our outdoor adventures! :)