The Color Run

It feels like July is flying by.  I have had a lot of fun activities planned for July and have been trying to take advantage of as many activities that Columbus has to offer.  

This past weekend I took part in The Color Run.   This was truly the most amazing experience ever.  I loved every minute of it and am so grateful that I was able to partake in such a positive event. I am not a runner and I do not think that I ever will be and this event was perfect for me.  It was still a 5k, but the event stresses that all are welcome to participate regardless of age or ability.   It was amazing to see all of the kids, babies, older and younger adults alike walking, running and skipping to this event.   

I hope that I get another opportunity to participate in this event.  

 I was running late that morning (imagine that??) since I was meeting a co-worker at 7:30 am to carpool.   So of course, I barely managed to dress myself and did not get to apply my Color Run tattoo.  But Sophie and her family did and they looked adorable.

Here is a before shot.   Note how nice and clean we all look.

Here is a shot of the color powder that is showered on you at each color pit stop.   First we went through Blue, then Pink, Orange and lastly yellow.

Here is my praying mantis look.

I know I look silly and I did learn that headbands are really not a good look for me.

But, I could not have asked for a better time.

And now I have a souvenir and evidence that I completed my first 5k.   Walking- of course.

I promise to share some goodies that I have been baking this month soon.
Does anyone know of any other no pressure, not timed, 5k walks that I could look into?

Hope everyone is having a great month.  

Smiles,
Marci

Happy Fourth of July...... A week late......

I had a great Fourth of July.   I was a little sad that we had to pack so much fun into a one day time frame in the middle of the week.  Personally, I think we all should start a petition to outlaw holidays that fall in the middle of the week.  All holidays should fall on a Friday or Monday.  After all, who doesn't need more three day weekends in their life?  It may mean the the Fourth of July is really not on the fourth because I am not quite sure that we can rearrange the calendar.  Now that I think about it, it might not be such a good idea to celebrate the Fourth of July on the Tenth of July (for example).   It feels very un-American.   So forget I said anything at all. 

But despite feeling overwhelmed with all the mid week celebrations, I had a great time.   I went to Red White & Boom on Tuesday night downtown.  I met up with some friends and watched the fireworks from Huntington Park downtown.   It was a fabulous fireworks show despite it being 100 degrees or so outside.   

After the fireworks, I went to see Magic Mike with some girlfriends.   The Arena District theater was offering $5 movies after the fireworks.  Personally, this movie thing was a great deal.  I was all hot and sweaty after being outside all night in the heat surrounded by hundreds of people.  The theater was a great way to cool off.   Plus, I avoided all of the crazy traffic after the fireworks.   Can you imagine 500,000 people trying to leave the downtown area at once.   I can and it is not a pretty image at all.   After you picture that just picture me- one of the most impatient people ever- pulling out my hair- one-strand-at-a-time......

But back to Magic Mike..... No words....  I laughed. I covered my eyes.  I laughed some more.   I probably laughed at parts where you were not supposed to laugh.   I also am not sure I can ever see Matthew McConaughey again without cringing.   And laughing.

I did go see some local fireworks on the Fourth.   It was still very hot that day.  So I needed to make some goodies to share that would hold up the heat.   So I decided to make this recipe from Kevin & Amanda.   These were homemade honey roasted peanut butter cookies.   

I will warn you that this recipe makes quite a few cookies.  I saved quite a few for my co-workers on Thursday.   To be honest, these were not my favorite peanut butter cookies, but my co-workers enjoyed them.  And I do tend to be my own worst critic when it comes to my baking.   So ignore me and give these cookies a whirl for yourself.   

I hope you had a safe and happy Fourth.   Leave me a comment and let me know what you did.  If you plans were super fun let me know and maybe I will crash your Fourth next year!!!

Smiles,

Marci

June Madness

For some reason June just seemed to fly by.  I am not sure how, but it sure did.   June was a pretty busy month.  Work and many weekend commitments seemed to make it more "mad" than usual.  

But as always, I find time for food and fun.   I am sure I did some baking this month.  Although by the lack of blog postings, I cannot show any evidence of this.   But, that is the great thing about a blog.  It is my blog and I can blog when and how I want to.  Now, I may not have any followers and I betcha many hard core bloggers find my lack of baking and posting of recipes shameful, but eh- life is like that sometimes.   

I did find a delightful treat this month that I just HAD to share with you.  Mint M&M's.   I do not know how I managed to miss these yummies for so long, but I am telling you about them now.  I like to eat them after meals because they remind me of an after dinner mint.  Now, I am not sure how many people eat a whole package of "after dinner mints", but I always have been a special one.   Anything mint flavored is sure to be a favorite of mine and these do not disappoint.   

I also have had some stress and anxiety this month.  My cat, Thumper, has had a few medical scares.   She is older and recently had two emergency tooth extractions.  I am still not quite sure she has bounced back as well as I would like her to, but I am trying to be patient as she takes time to heal.   Here she is sticking her tongue out at me.   Actually, it is kinda cute, but she does poke her tongue out more than ever.  I am sure that it is because one of her major canines were removed.

I also participated this month as a walker in Columbus's Pride Parade.  I walked with the OSU College of Social Work.  I graduated from OSU with my Masters and was so happy to walk with such an amazing group of students, faculty and allies.   It was a hot, hot day, but worth it because I truly believe in what social workers do and was proud to walk as an ally in Pride.

I seem to find a funny or two every month that tickles my fancy and this one was the winner for June.   I cannot possibly say anything more except- yep.... It's true.....

And I leave you all with a picture I took while walking around my nephew's neighborhood.    I am not sure whose house this is, but I loved the way the ivy was climbing up the wood and tangled around the metal numbering.

Hope everyone has had a safe and happy Fourth of July! 

Smiles, 

Marci