Thursday, April 7, 2011

growing seeds

Just as I did last Spring I am growing an organic vegetable garden on my patio and just as last year I am getting a later start on it that I would have liked. Early March I started growing seeds in a contraption I made using egg cartons and empty toilet paper rolls cut into thirds.



I am attempting to grow a slightly larger garden than last year (to be able to share with Steph, my friend and neighbor, and possibly have some to freeze or dry to last throught winter and share with others). So far my planted seeds include: basil, oregano, cilantro, thyme, chives, 2 types of lettuce, carrots, and green onions. I filled each reservoir with potting soil, planted the seeds according to each ones individual instructions and then watered as needed (about every other day).


They sat absorbing light through my sliding glass doors for a few weeks.



They all sprouted at their own pace but once grown enough, I transplanted the seedlings into pots outside. I also started a second set of seeds for the lettuce, carrots and green onions so I will have product ready in cycles so it's not all ready for consumption at the exact same time. I plan to continue doing this with more seeds until I run out of room.


Also planted outside (because these seeds are not meant to be transplanted) are Blue Lake Green Beans and sugar snap peas (both an addition from last year). Also planted are a bell pepper plant, tomato plant, and strawberries which all started from small plants rather than seeds. I am hoping for lots of sun and a garden full of large yield this Spring and Summer!

Coming soon: Pictures of my patio garden all planted and growing fast!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Half Marathon Countdown {2 months}


The half marathon that once seemed so far away back in November when I initially decided to run it, is now just less that 2 months away...AHH! Yesterday marked the official 2 month mark from when I will traverse 13.1 miles in a single event. Ever since I ran in the 10 K in mid-March I have been more successful with my training. The 10 K rejuvinated me and I have been running 2-3 times and doing 2 cross training days (usually Pure Barre classes) each week. Each run gets easier and I am able to run longer distances before needing to stop to walk. To date my longest run is 7.5 miles (I ran all the way around Coronado Island) and on Friday I am planning to run 9.5 miles! My "short" runs now are typically not shorter than 4 miles which is crazy considering when I started my training 4 miles was my long run. Part of me is sad that this training will eventaully be over (I cannot believe I actually feel that and said it). My hope is that I can continue running without having a half-marathon goal set as I don't know if I will do another. Here is to the last 2 months of training! Go BIG or go home!

Friday, April 1, 2011

'sissy's song'

On my 5 minute drive to work Wednesday night, this song played on the local country radio station. I started tearing up with the chorus as all I could see were visions of my late sister Lauren. During the Spring I can always feel her around and this was one of those moments. I had to keep my composure since I was headed into work but I couldn't wait to hear this song again. Tonight I looked up the lyrics and watched the music video (posted below in this post). I couldn't believe the title of the song is 'Sissy's Song'. Anyways, hope you enjoy this song and lyrics as much as i did. Here is to 16 years (on April 5th) of celebrating your life Lauren!

Sissy's Song

Alan Jackson

Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe

Chorus:
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

Repeat Chorus
It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me

april showers brings may flowers


This month I am hoping for more Spring like days than rainy days, I will finish planting my Spring patio vegetable garden, continue half-marathon training, travel home to the Bay Area for Easter, and hopefully complete some crafting projects! Do you have anything fun and exciting planned for this month/Spring season? What kind of projects do you like to do for Spring?