Sky Diving

This could kill you. Good way to start.

I did something today that I never thought I'd do...... I went skydiving! My sister, Maddy, wanted to go for her 20th birthday. At first I said no way, but that Rory has always wanted to go and said he would go with her. They kept pestering me though and said I would regret it if I didn't go. I realized they were right. I am not a sit and watch person. I hate missing out on an adventure, so I signed up too.

We called Sky Dive New England before we left home to check the weather. They said the forecast was for wind, but to come anyway and they'd try to get us up.

The first thing we had to do was sign a million waivers and watch a movie about all the dangers. This did not make me feel any better.

Then we met up with our tandem instructors, got into our jump suits, and went through some instruction about what to do during the jump.

Before I knew it, we were in the plane. It was a beautiful fall day and the view from the plane was incredible. On one side we could see to the ocean and on the other the White Mountains and Mt. Washington. I, however, was too nervous to pay much attention to the view.

My videographer told me when we reached 4,000 feet. We already seemed so high that I couldn't imagine going up another 10,000 feet!

At 7,000 feet, the door opened and we let 2 solo jumpers out. I was closest to the door so I had a full view of them exiting the plane and falling into the abyss. Watching them fall made me feel sick.

Then we were at 14,000 feet and my instructor was telling me to move towards the door. Maddy and Rory said I looked like I was going to cry.

And then I was falling. It was actually a mercy that my instructor didn't give me more time in the doorway to get nervous and just pulled us out.

In the air, I remembered to arch my back and kick my feet up behind me. Free falling is a very strange sensation. You don't get that "stomach dropping out" feeling you get on a roller coaster, but you can tell that you are moving very fast.

After about 30 seconds I realized I was forgetting to breathe and I started to scream. They told us this was the best way to ensure we were breathing because it forces the air out.

screaming my brains out

My videographer came up and grabbed my hand and I tried to smile for him. It was hard because the air pressure against my face was so intense. It was also freezing!

After 45-60 seconds the instructor deployed the parachute. This is when the intensity of the free fall caught up with me and I felt like I was going to pass out. After a few deep breaths though I relaxed. I loved the time with the parachute. I could look around and enjoy the view and we swooped around playing in the wind.

Before I knew it we were coming in for the landing. I kept my feet up and we landed smoothly. I was so glad to be on the ground and have it over with!

We were lucky we got to go at all today- after we went they ended up calling a wind hold for the rest of the day! I was really impressed with Skydive New England. They were very professional and safe, but also fun. However, I think this was my one skydiving experience for my life. Happy Birthday Maddy!

This is however the best way to set a new mile record- 1 mile in 24 seconds!

A Change Of Schedule

I was laid off from my job last month because the medical information technology market has slowed way down. As I look for a new "real" job, I am working at a gourmet marker that recently opened. Unfortunately, they have asked me to take over the early shift, working 5:30 am to 2 pm.

I have always been a morning exerciser. There are a bunch of reasons for this- I like to do it while I am fresh; I have a finicky stomach and I can't eat much before I work-out; it puts me in a great mood for the day; and it made sitting at my desk all day more tolerable.



Except now, I am not willing to get up at 3:30 before work so I am trying to transition to working out later in the day.
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It just isn't working for me. After being on my feet and running around all day I am exhausted. My stomach is full of weird things that I have tasted all day (I just can't say no when someone in the kitchen asks if I want to taste something!). Plus, I am always stuck working out on my own all the time since the classes at my gym are early in the morning or later at night.

I have never had a problem getting myself to run or go to the gym, but now all I want to do is go home, lay down, and eat!

Have any of you had to make this transition from morning to night? How did you adapt?

For you night workout people- how do you do it??

A Weekend Away

I have this problem where I love Maine so much that I have a hard time leaving it! But, my friends have all come to see me multiple times so I knew it was my turn to go to them. So, I lined up a few visits and headed south.

First stop was in Chelsea, just north of Boston, to see my friend Cheri and her new apartment. I oohed and ahhed over the brand new building and we caught up while she cooked an amazing dinner. We had a roasted fall veggie pizza with a butternut squash base and brownies with caramel apple frosting for dessert. I *may* pick my friends based on their taste in food.

Then I headed south to Cape Cod to see my friend Jen's new house. She and her father built the house themselves! She has been working on it for years and I couldn't wait to see the finished product. It is gorgeous inside, but I didn't realize how amazing the location was until I woke up to this the next morning!

I was so excited the next morning to go for a run with Jen. I always run alone now and couldn't wait to have someone to chat with. It was a perfect fall run- the leaves were colorful, the cranberry bogs were flooded and full, and the marshes were full of birds. Holy moly though, I was working to keep up with Jen. Apparently I've slowed down a lot since college!

After a yummy brunch, we headed out in the kayaks. I usually kayak out in the open ocean where it is rough and windy, so it was a treat to meander more leisurely through the marshes and river. It was so warm and sunny it felt like summer again. 

Having gotten in our exercise for the day, we headed to the New England Dessert Expo in Boston. Given the name (and my love of all things sweet), I had high hopes. Unfortunately, it was not as big or exciting as we hoped (so don't waste you money). But, they did have a giant S'mores bar that was pretty darn amazing.

This morning Jen and I explored a trail near her house. It was a nice change of pace and I could keep up a little bit easier. Then sadly, I said goodbye and hit the road to miss the holiday weekend traffic. the traffic gods were with me and it was smooth sailing all the way home. 

Now I'm happy to be reunited with the hubby and the dogs. 

How was your long weekend?

Say My Name

I started a new part time job last night and half-way through the evening I realized that as I was introducing myself and telling people about myself that I had said husband about a million times. Not once did I refer to him by name.

I think part of it is that we have only been married for a month and half and I still get a thrill out of saying husband. It sounds so legit!

I love this shot we just got from our photographer. Our family isn't complete without the dogs!

But before we were married, I think I probably referred to him more as my fiance or my boyfriend. 

I feel like at home, I hardly ever call him by name either! I don't know why this is? 

Theories? Do you call your significant other by name? Do you have pet names you refer to each other by at home? How do you introduce him/her?

When Life Gives You Apples

Saturday morning I went grocery shopping and Shaws was having a super sale, so I bought lots of stuff to restock my freezer. As I was attempting to fit my haul into my freezer back at home, I found a container of apple butter I'd made last year and forgotten about. I defrosted it and enjoyed it on an english muffin with peanut butter. Holy yum. I forgot how much I love apple butter. 

Fast forward to the next day when I went apple picking.

We enjoyed some delicious hot cider donuts.

why are these donuts so small! I wanted to eat a million of therm

Wandered through the orchard picking the most perfect apples.

And got a little silly.

I had a nice big bag of apples and thought I was all done. Until I saw this beauty. A huge box of drops for just $10. I thought to myself "I could make so much apple butter," and lugged the box to the car.

My giant box has been banished to the garage because the puppy kept trying to eat the apples when it was in the kitchen

I didn't realize exactly how many apples it was. I've made 3 batches of apple butter, 2 apple crisps, and a big container of curried apple chicken salad. I still have so many apples!!

Everyone I know will be getting some apple butter. Luckily, apple butter is about the easiest thing ever to make. Here's what I do:

Cut up 12-16 medium apples leaving the skin on (basically just fill the crockpot). Add 1-2 cups of cider, apple juice, or when you run out of those, water.

Leave the crockpot on high for 6-8 to do its thing. You should end up with very, very soft apple mush. 

Put the mush in the food processor and blend until it is smooth and creamy. Then add sugar and spices. I like to keep mine low sugar, so I only add about a cup of sugar. I ran out of white sugar so I used brown sugar in my last batch and it came out just fine. I also usually toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, but use whatever spices you like. 

Now pour the apple butter back into the crockpot. I like thicker apple butter so I cook mine for 1-2 hours on high with the lid off. This allows a lot of liquid to evaporate, so it thickens up considerably. if you like a more liquid consistency, leave the lid on.

Then folks, you've got apple butter! Can it if you want, but I am always afraid of giving my loved ones botulism, so I stick to freezing the stuff I won't be using immediately.

batches 1 and 2, plus 2 more big containers in the freezer.

What's your favorite fall apple treat?

Rainy Day

It is a gray, drizzly day in Maine today. Usually, I am all about the sun, but I'm digging the rain today.

First, it got me on the treadmill where I cranked out a great speed session. Normally I'd run in the rain, but I was already at the gym for metabolic conditioning, and I didn't want to get my new shoes wet and dirty. #ocdaboutmyshoes When I am out on the roads, I just settle into a comfortable pace and stay there. But, on the treadmill I constantly vary my speed to keep myself from getting bored. I made up a fun little workout.

The combination of a good run and the rain made me feel like I really deserved a bagel from Scratch. I braved Saturday morning bagel line and grabbed some bagels, cream cheese, and coffee to bring over to my best friend's new apartment as a house warming. There is just something about a rainy day that makes it seem totally justified to sit and linger over bagels and coffee. 

Plus, the rain makes all the other chores I have to do not seem so bad. I didn't mind grocery shopping, cleaning the kitchen, or studying because it was just nice to be warm and dry inside. Now I am going to go curl up with some tea, my dogs, and a book. 

Happy Saturday!

Blogger Banner Swap

Hi Friends!

It is a gray, drizzly, dreary day here in Maine, but here is something to brighten to your day! How about the chance for some free advertising here on my blog?

I've been reading Theodora's blog Preppy Runner for a long time. In fact, she is one of my blogger idols. So when I saw she was offering the chance for some other bloggers to put a free ad on her blog, I pounced! I made this adorable little banner to put on her blog. Hopefully it will bring some new readers and comments my way (seriously, for the love of pete people. I know you are reading this, please leave me some comment love).

Anyway, I thought it was such a brilliant idea that I'd like to pass on the love. So how about a banner swap? I'll put your banner on my blog for a month, if you put my banner on your blog. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Here's how: Your banner should be 125 x 125. The first three people to e-mail me their banner and link to their blog win for the month. I'll reply and send you my banner. Next month, I'll offer another opportunity. 

What blogs are you loving lately? I need some new reads.