A Song for a Long Run

Today I ran long to start getting my body used to longer distances again. It was an amazingly beautiful fall morning, the perfect temperature and smelling of fallen leaves. The kind of morning that you're sure to get that runner's high.

One thing I find when I run long, I need to start real easy so when I get close to the end of my run I have the energy to pick up the pace. I find that sometimes fast paced songs are not always the best to listen to at the beginning of these runs. Songs that are somewhat relaxing help to calm me and even relax me while running. Today one song I really enjoyed was "Where are You Going" by Dave Matthews Band. His voice is soothing (even sexy) and I love the style of music, it's real original. Another song I loved this morning was "When You Come Back Down" by Nickel Creek. It's a perfect song for a cool crisp autumn morning run. Listen to it, you'll see what I mean. You'll find this song after "Where are You Going" on my playlist. Happy running!

Friday's Song of the Day

Today's song is "A-Punk" by Vampire Weekend. This is a short fun little diddy that has a good running beat.

Our Last Week of October

Can it already be November? The last week of October was pretty busy. Monday was a big day for Erin. She finally turned 5. She had anticipated her birthday for so long and so when the big

day finally came, I don't think she was disappointed. It started with a special breakfast and the opening of presents before everyone left for work and school.

She had been asking for an American Girl Doll for a long time. Then the week before her birthday she decided she didn't want one, much to my surprise. However, because I had already ordered the doll, there wasn't any going back. Needless to say I was a little nervous to see her reaction to her gifts. Luckily, she loved her doll and new outfits. The doll is a "like me" doll and so her hair color and eyes match Erins. She really is a beautiful doll. Erin carries her around every where she goes.

Then it was off to McDonalds for lunch with some of her best friends. They all had a great time eating and playing on the toys.

She was able to play with her best friend, Lyndi, for the afternoon and then Grandpa and Grandma Bailey took her to Toys-R-Us for a little Birthday shopping. After a dinner of her favorite homemade pizza, we all sang Happy Birthday and had cake and ice-cream. Happy Birthday, Erin, we love you!

On Thursday, I went to help in Austin's class for his Halloween party. It's always fun to go into the class and see the kids your child hangs out with day in and day out. We did crafts, games, and had treats. Thanks Shelly, Janae, and Amy who came and helped me run the party. I am really happy with Austin's teacher, Mrs. Carmony. She is so good and patient with the kids and the most important thing is that Austin loves her!

Then for the big day - Halloween. The kids didn't have school that day and so they kicked back all morning and watched the Goosebumps marathon on TV. Bill took the older boys to the Layton High football game while Erin and Austin went to their friends house for a Halloween party (thanks Nikki!).

Then the big moment arrived and Bill took the kids trick-or-treating while Jack and I stayed home and passed out candy. The weather was so warm that the kids lasted over an hour and a half, allowing them to come home with huge, overflowing sacks of candy. When they came home Bill asked, "What's with the pumpkin outside?" I had no idea what he was talking about and so I went outside to see the Ute jack-o-lantern glowing brightly on our porch. For those who don't know, this is blasphemy to have any sort of University of Utah item anywhere near our home. Of course I knew exactly who the culprit was and the next morning I returned the unholy gourd to it's home. (Thanks, Trevor!)

So, now it's on to November....

Running song of the day: Today's running song is Hysteria, by Muse. This song comes recommended from my sister Amy. I downloaded it a couple weeks ago and I love it. Today I think I played it over at least three times. It fits my running cadence perfect. Thanks, Ame! If you want to hear it, just go down to my player at the bottom of the page and it is the next song after Lollipop. Love it!