Six Months of Hard Work

I’m totally psyched for my trip to Disney World for my first-ever 5K (The “Princess and the Frog Royal Family 5K” on March 6th). It’s going to be legendary.

5K Training Update

Here’s what’s been going on…

My “long run” each week had been as long as 5 miles to-date. I’ve been more or less able to maintain a 10-minute per mile pace on the two 5-mile runs I’ve done so far, despite having to take about three short speed-walking intervals during the 5 miles. It’s a killer and I wonder if I’m pushing myself too hard, but no pain, no gain, right? It doesn’t leave me with any post-run pain, it’s just agony getting through the run at the pace I push myself to.

A New Record & New Shoes!

Oh my goodness! I won AGCO’s Christmas photo contest! I had a lot of fun with the whole experience and was so happy when the voting finally ended and I had a solid lead. I thank my new friends at AGCO for sponsoring the fun contest and I’m looking forward to receiving my prize in the mail. (The prize is a limited edition book entitled "The Proud History of AGCO.")

Now that the most exciting news is out of the way, let’s review my so-called “resolutions” for the new year:  calendar managment, fiddle, and exercise...

New Year's Resolutions

I generally don’t get into the whole “new year’s resolutions” craze. I mean, what’s the point? Who really sticks with their half-baked resolutions anyhow? And what’s the big deal about a new year anyhow…we don’t celebrate each day, each week, each month (maybe we should). However, this morning I decided that maybe I should approach 2010 with a more positive attitude and perhaps even resolve to do a few things differently this year. (Or at least start out the year with that mindset and see if the resolutions become habit.)

I need YOUR vote!! I'm a FINALIST in the AGCO Christmas Photo Contest!!

Wow!  What a day!!  Never in my life have I ever won anything and now I'm a finalist in AGCO's Christmas Photo Contest.  Whatever happens, at least I'll be able to say, "It was an honor just to be nominated."

Somehow, Sue from AGCO happened upon my recent blog post about decking the farm for Christmas, and commented about how I still needed to submit my photos.  She even found me on Facebook and messaged me that way...that's good customer service!!  Thanks, Sue!

Turns out when I thought I uploaded my photos the other day, they didn't go through, but after the messages from Sue, I resubmitted and this time it worked.  It worked so well, that now I'm a FINALIST!!

So help me win this for my Mom & Dad by casting your VOTE!!

Go to http://bit.ly/4vbJaU on Facebook and "like" my picture...it's the one of my Dad on his 1958 Allis-Chalmers D17 in front of our barn.  Here's the picture you're looking for on the voting site:

My Christmas Baking

Every year when December rolls around, I start baking whenever I can find free time (which can be difficult).  I just like to bake.  People tell me I'm good at it, but maybe they're just being polite. 

I'll keep this post short and sweet.  Following are the cookies I got around to making this year.  I had others on my list, but ran out of time.  Top priorities are the ones that family and friends claim as favorites!  If you're interested in any of the recipes, just let me know.

Clockwise beginning from the 1:00(ish) position:

1. Mint Chocolate Delights
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies with red & green M&Ms
3. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
4. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
5. Chocolate Pixies
6. Oatmeal Scotchies
7. Caramel Oatmeal Chewies
8. Shortbread Cutouts
9. Caramel-filled Chocolate Cookies
10. Soft Sugar Cookies
11. (in the center) Gingerbread Cutouts

Deck the Farm

This is the barn at our family farm. I think it’s the best-looking barn around. It’s just what a barn should look like. It’s a small barn as far as old barns go, but I love our barn. Each year, ever since I was in high school I think, I create a giant wreath to bedeck the barn. This post is going to be a pictorial journey of the construction of the 2009 edition of the wreath.