Did You Know About the First Leg of the Triathlon?

Did you know about the first leg of the triathlon?

The first leg of our triathlon was the open water swim. We swam in Offat's Bay for .3 mile. The water was cold, though at 70 degrees, several athletes chose not to wear a wet suit. Being in the beginner wave, there were lots of athletes starting with us. I tried to get to the back of the pack. But there really were swimmers who were slower than me, so I decided to try to get in the gap area between the quicker ones and the slower ones. It was awful! Not only did I keep getting slapped and kicked, but some were right on top of my back! Especially those who were using the back stroke. I had really wanted to use the breast stroke, but the water was rough from all the swimmers and the jet skis the lifeguards were on so I swallowed a lot of water. I mostly ended up using doggy paddling and breast stroke with a few free style strokes thrown in to get away from the other swimmers. My time of 18 minutes was a pretty good time for me. But I found a video today that will really help me train for this kind of swimming!

Did You Know Where to Find Your Dream House?

Did you know where to find your dream house?

Some days my daughter and I just talk about our dream homes. We like our house and our neighbors, but if we could live any place we wanted, it probably would not be here. I don't know the "perfect" place to live, but I would not mind giving places like North Carolina a chance. I've heard the climate is great and it is really pretty. Looking at Wilmington real estate I see a few houses which just might make it onto our "dream house" list!

Did You Know My Race Results?

Did you know my race results?

I was very happy with my race results from the triathlon yesterday. I was pleased to beat my overall finishing time goal, as well as the finishing time for every event. We were anxious to look at our results online yesterday and I am posting them here as well.

Distance Short
Clock Time 1:44:58
Chip Time 1:44:58
Overall Place 115
Gender Place 38
Division Place 38
Time Back 29:53
500M Swim Rank 170
500M Swim Time 18:06
500M Swim Pace 3:37/M
T1 Time 05:12
12 5M Bike Rank 130
12 5M Bike Time 51:01
12 5M Bike Pace 14.7mph
T2 Time 01:05
3 1M Run Rank 80
3 1M Run Time 29:31
3 1M Run Pace 9:31/M

Of course I've been trying to think of ways to improve my time. Spending less time during the first transition would help and getting stronger on my swim will help. But overall I am very pleased with these times!

Did You Know About LA Police Gear?

Did you know about LA Police Gear?

My neighbor is a sheriff. With him raising two boys, I know he is always looking for the best way to get the things he needs in the most affordable manner. I just found LA Police gear. I am sure my neighbor would be interested to know that right now there is an offer for free shipping and a free hat with any two tactical boots and clothing purchase.

Did You Know I Just Finished the Lone Star Triathlon?

Did you know I just finished the Lone Star Triathlon?




I just finished this race! It was great fun and a great challenge! I beat the goal I had set for myself. My swim was really bad, though my time was better than I had thought I would finish in. My bike time and run time were both also under what I thought they would be. We were grateful for good weather with not nearly the wind gusts we had expected! It was lots of fun and I think I would like to do it again! I will certainly need more swim practice!

I will be posting more about my experience soon!

"Team YMCA"

Did You Know About News, Tips and Information Blog?

Did you know about News, Tips and Information Blog ?

I just came across this great little blog. It is indeed full of news, tips and information! I especially enjoyed reading the one about the Wal Mart Parody Site . I had not really heard about this case before, but I think I know many people who would side with the parody maker!

With News, Tips and Information I can keep up with and learn about new things going on all over the world. It looks like a good place to keep up with things going on outside my own little corner of the world!

Did You Know About the Bodacious Bloggity Book Club?

Did you know about the Bodacious Bloggity Book Club ?

This new book club is started by a friend of mine. She loves to read and has picked a wonderful selection for our first "meeting" . Her goal is to have us read the book by the 25th of each month, then make a post about it linking back to her blog. It should be lots of fun and looks like there are already several who are ready to participate. She could not decide between historical fiction and a classic for the first go 'round, so it seems she picked both with her first title: To Kill a Mockingbird. So get you a copy (try your library first) and finish reading and reporting by April 25th.

Did You Know Spring Break is Over?

Did you know spring break is over?

At least down in this area. It flew by too fast for us and did not seem like a real break at all. Between preparing all the food for the camp, getting together all the travel supplies we needed, and trying to piece together all the loose ends did not leave much time for Spring Breaking. I am looking forward to some time to regroup from all this!

Did You Know the Best Time to Hit the Beach During Spring Break?

Did you know the best time to hit the beach during spring break?

Since my son was out of school for spring break this week, the kids thought it would be fun to head down to the beach one day. I agreed and have tried to get everything done that needed to be done. Today was the day we had planned. My son woke up not feeling well, so we put it off. Then later this afternoon we decided we would try to head out after all. But, I found that I had to get a few more things done before I could leave. We ended up not going out and reaching the beach til 6pm. When we got to the island, we were glad!

The traffic was awful! Parking along the seawall was nearly full! But we found a decent spot, parked and sat on the beach to eat. During this time, most everyone else left! It was so nice to relax and enjoy the beach with just a few folks, and after a while, we were the only ones left! We left the beach at around 8pm as it was getting good and dark. We had a great couple of hours there and I took quite a few pictures to share:

Did You Know How To Make Balloon Animals?

Did you know how to make balloon animals?

A couple of Saturdays ago, as part of our family outing we ate dinner at Outback Steakhouse. One of the best parts of the evening was the balloon man who was there. He made a crazy rhino hat for my son and a really unique and cute dog for my daughter. We were all impressed by this new balloon toy.

The man took a yellow balloon, blew it partially up, and twisted the end til it came off. He then somehow sealed it back up so it stayed inflated (for a short while). This was a piece of "macaroni" that my daughter's balloon dog was going to eat. Then, the guy twisted a clear balloon into part of a dog shape. He pushed the yellow "macaroni" til it went inside the clear balloon and knotted the clear balloon back up. Then he finished twisting the dog design until we had a balloon dog with a piece of macaroni that it had eaten!

Did You Know About The Technique for A New Earth?

Did you know About The Technique for A New Earth?

I have heard much these days about being "green", becoming conscious and aware of taking care of our Earth. I have heard much about taking action to help conserve our Earth’s resources. But I have not heard much, until recently, about a new technique which will help not only enhance a new earth, but will enhance the people who belong to it as well.

I think many people are striving for peace in the world. But it is hard to obtain and maintain peace among others unless we first start by making peace with ourselves. It seems that the new technique called The Sedona Method really focuses on "how you and I can live life now free of this unnecessary suffering and stop imposing this suffering on others. It also shows you how to bring the presence of awareness that you truly are into the foreground of your consciousness and thereby change the mass consciousness of planet earth."

Based on what I hear around me in daily living and on the news, I think many people would be interested in hearing what types of positive thinking processes the Sedona Method offers as an alternative to the ideas of suffering and pain. The Sedona Method seems to do this by zeroing in on "limiting thoughts, feelings, tendencies and reactivity that Tolle [the author] collectively refers to as the "ego" and "pain body." You learn to tap your natural ability to surrender by deciding to drop what is being experienced, welcoming or embracing what is, diving into the very core of the experience".

Did You Know About the First NASCAR Drivers?

Did you know about the first NASCAR drivers?

I was watching a bit on the History Channel this morning. I don't care much about NASCAR, but I did find it interesting about the first NASCAR drivers. When NASCAR began in the 1940's, many of the sport's top drivers were ex-(or concurrent) moonshine haulers! These are the guys who started work at 11pm hauling moonshine across the area. One top NASCAR racer, Junior Johnson, began hauling moonshine when he was just 15 years old. He learned how to soup up cars and engines to make them run up to 150 mph. These guys learned how to drive fast and dangerously. The speed and excitement of NASCAR drew their interest, but the money they made racing was almost nothing compared to the money these guys made hauling moonshine!

Did You Know You Can Get Online Auto Insurance Quotes?

Did you know you can get online auto insurance quotes?

As we begin thinking of putting our son in driver's ed, there is much to take into consideration. My friend just told me last year when they insured their daughter that I need to be prepared! My mom asked me just yesterday if I knew how much it would be to insure my son. I told her what our friends pay for their daughter and mom said it will probably be double. So when I heard I could get free online auto insurance quotes, I thought I should check it out. I got quotes from four different companies. One far exceeded the others in value for our family.


Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know It's Spring Break?

Did you know it's spring break?

The public school kids here will be on spring break this week. I know they are all looking forward to it, though exams for the high school will be the week they return! I was looking forward to spring break, but I think I will be so busy, I may not have time to do all the things I had planned. Here are a couple of things I'd like to do with my kids during the break:

visit the Titanic exhibit
spend a few hours at the beach
see a movie


So far, that is all we have planned, besides relaxing when we can. My son has track practice everyday and I have some things to do to get ready for camp and some lesson planning to do as well.

What are your plans for spring break?

Did You Know A Better Way to Conduct Performance Reviews?

Did you know a better way to conduct performance reviews?

Halogen e360 is helping to make performance reviews easier for everyone involved. The employer will be able to reduce paperwork using the software, be able to conduct evaluations for different groups and individuals within the corporation, and provide 360 degree feedback on various attributes. Using Halogen makes the review process a little less painful.

Did You Know It's Almost Time for Camp?

Did you know it's almost time for camp?

Each year over Easter weekend, our church conducts a youth retreat. This has been going on for more years than I can count. I've only missed two. The last few years I've been "head cook" so I have been getting my shopping list in order. It's a tough job, but I kind of like it. Tonight I went on a shopping excursion to get a feel for some of the products we will need as well as the prices of these products. Groceries have gone up quite a bit this year, so it's always good to have a "heads up" in that area.

Did You Know Some Good Reasons to Eat Oysters?

Did you know some good reasons to eat oysters?

Living on the Gulf oysters, I know many people who love to eat oysters! There are many reasons why. Here are half a dozen:

Omega 3 fatty acids
Year around availability on the coast
Source of Zinc
Tasty!
Eat ‘em by the dozen
Rich in protein



There are some folks who are at high risk for eating raw oysters. You can learn more about this at Be Oyster Aware .

Did You Know How to Get a Closer Shave?

Did you know how to get a closer shave?

As spring arrives here in the south and we pull our shorts out to wear, it is time to think about getting a good shave. I was reminded yesterday of the best way to get a good shave. I have tried different kinds of creams, even hair conditioner, but the most important thing is to use a new blade. I have read that you should only use a blade about ten times before you replace it! I know I use mine a lot more than that! But using a fresh, clean new blade gives you a closer, smoother shave with fewer nicks and less (or no) razor burn.

Did You Know About Kettering University?

Did you know about Kettering University?


I was just mentioning to my son yesterday that since he is about to finish up his first year of high school, we need to start looking at some colleges he would be interested in. I told him that I’d like for us to start making plans to visit some of these college campuses. I don’t think the Freshman year is too early to start visiting potential colleges. In fact, last year, we made a visit to my sister’s Alma Mata. We were nearby and thought it would be good to stop in for a visit. It made a really good impression on both my kids. So that is why I thought we need to start getting a little more serious about scheduling some college campus visits.

But when you are a young teen, it is so hard to figure out just what college might be right for you. I came across the site for Kettering University. I was not familiar with the college before, but I really got a kick out of the stickman videoes! I think it hits kids right where they are!



Although I don’t know much about this school, it might be one worth checking out. I found out that they have been ranked "the #1 University in the nation for Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering" by US News and World Report. Being voted as one of US News Best Colleges for mechanical engineering is an achievement Kettering is proud of.

Did You Know About Ladies Night?

Did you know about Ladies Night?

I just got my first invitation to a Ladies Night with a new friend of mine. When I told my husband, he thought maybe it was to a church night. I said no. He said "a BAR??". I said no.

Next Thursday, Tri On The Run is hosting a Ladies Night to help us ladies in our training. There will be core training tips as well as Bosu Ball demonstrations. There will be women specific bikes, new Zoot shoes and wetsuits and even a free massage! They have also indicated there will be a chocolate fountain.

Sounds like they know how to draw the women!

Did You Know About Photo Greeting Cards?

Did you know about Photo Greeting Cards?

I would venture to say that we all love getting mail from our friends, especially those we have not seen in a long time. But to get photos from these friends of them and their family makes it even sweeter. Then we can feel as if we are there with them, sharing in the experience. At times it can even bring a bittersweet pang to the heart.

I love keeping up with long distance friends. It is always a joy to keep up in photos and see how much the kids are growing and changing. When I saw these great new borderless photo cards , I knew these would be the perfect way to keep up with friends far away! I love how you get the full photo effect, and it is made into its own little card so you attach the note right to the photo!



These borderless photo cards are a little bigger than 5x7. You can include a printed verse or personalized text, along with lined envelopes which can be imprinted with your return address. You will receive an electronic proof by email so you can be sure you get the photo card you want. These great cards come with a money back guarantee.

It's that simple to share your latest, greatest photo with your friends and family!

Did You Know We Saw a Flamingo in the Petting Zoo?

Did you know we saw a flamingo in the petting zoo?




I was certainly not expecting to see a flamingo in the petting zoo!! The bird was fenced off in a corner, so you really could not pet it. And some of the school kids were swatting at it, making it a little mad. But I just had to get a picture of the flamingo for all my friends who adore this bird ! This one looks like he gets plenty of shrimp (see his shrimp-y color.)

Did You Know What to Do On A Branson Get Away?

Did you know what to do on a Branson get-away?

Last summer, one of our friends was performing in Branson. We were invited to come see her perform, but it just never worked out for us. This year, as we begin to think about how to spend our summer vacation we have seen just how much there is to do in Branson. True, it is called "The Live Music Capital of the World", but I have found that there is so much to do! (And it is not all country music!!)

If we decide to head to Branson, I can see there are a list of things that we would certainly not want to miss out on. I think the whole family would enjoy the Hamner Barber Variety Show filled with comedy and illusions. My husband would definitely want to see the Legends in Concert, and I imagine we would all enjoy that show. The Acrobats of China would most likely be an amazing show that would thrill us all. And the history buffs among us would not want to forego the American Presidential Museum, Breakfast with Mark Twain or the Titanic Musuem.

And that is just the short list!! I will surely need to check out one of the vacation packages. There are many to choose from. Looks like the Family Package, Great American Package, or Titanium Package might be a good choice for us!


Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know About the Pig Races?

Did you know about the pig races?

This is one of the most enjoyable things for the kids to see at the livestock show! As it was raining the day we went, we only got to see one afternoon show (there are 4 or more throughout the day) and I missed half of that!

These little piggies simply "run" around a track. It's all in good fun and the kids get a kick out of it.





My daughter loved "Swifty" the little swimming pig!

Did You Know You Can Rent Computers?

Did you know you can rent computers?

I had never heard of computer rental before. I could not really figure out why someone would want to rent a computer, but after seeing this list, it made sense to me.

~feature movie production
~week long off-site software training class
~customer research project
~trade show, convention or other special project

I am sure that is not an exhaustive list, but it showed me some reasons why it would be practical to rent a computer!



Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know About Longhorns?

Did you know about longhorns?




Living in Texas, we see longhorns all the time. In fact, NASA has some longhorns on its campus. No, it isn't for training steers for life on the moon. This project has been ongoing for about ten years. It is for research and study of the longhorns as well as for helping youth get involved with raising and caring for the steers.


Yesterday, we saw one of the longhorns from the NASA project at the Houston Livestock Show. Though our pictures are not great, you can get an idea of just how big this animal is.

Did You Know It's Fantasy Baseball Season?

Did You Know it’s fantasy baseball season?

As spring training rolls around for the pro ball players, arm chair players can begin getting ready for their season as well. Playing in a fantasy baseball league can bring great fun and challenge for many wanna be ball players.

I am going to have to be sure and mention the new Fantasy Sports Prophet's Fantasy Baseball software to my dad. It could really be the help he needs to bring up a good team and help him to win the fantasy baseball league championship.

This new software provides web access so that my dad can utilize the information from anywhere. So while he travels this summer, he won’t have to miss a play! He can check out the player rankings, which are based on Predictive Modeling by PhD scientists! This software could be the draft assistance tool he needs to make the perfect choice about every player! Dad will be able to get full season roster management. He can even use “artificial intelligence” to get mid-season projections. All stats, updates and injury reports will be accessed by the software. To become a member, it would only cost Dad $39.95. But if he uses the special Promo code BMC200, he could get $10 off! That would only make his potential winnings that much sweeter if he dominates the league!

Did You Know About Granny's Cheesecake and More?

Did you know about Granny's Cheesecake and More?

I came across a vendor today at the Houston Livestock Show that I really want to brag about. My nephews were getting low on funds and wanted a snack. The girls were buying candy and the boys thought this would be a good way to spend their last couple of dollars. Like everything else today, all the snacks were overpriced. But as we checked out the offerings at Granny's Cheesecake and More stall, the younger boy spotted the chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows on a stick. They were all priced higher than what he had. But "Granny" offered to make him a half stick of the strawberries so that he could afford it. He jumped on it and scarfed down his two chocolate covered strawberries. Well, the older boy decided to ask "Granny" if she would do a half stick of marshmallows for him. She agreed and he even let little brother have a bite! Granny said she will only make these half stick offers available to the kids, and we all appreciated it! If you have some youngsters in tow at the Livestock Show, stop by and see if you can enjoy some of the treats Granny's Cheesecake and More has to offer!

Did You Know About Skin Whitening?

Did you know about skin whitening?

I must admit I did not understand what this was all about. Of course, being so pale, I was not sure just what skin whitening entailed. But I learned that it means to even out the skin tone, to diminish discolorations or unwanted pigmentation. As I age, I can definitely relate to this. I have noticed what I've always heard called "age spots" and I'm not even that old! I remember my great grandmother having these spots, and have noticed other younger family members with them as well. Seeing young people with fresh, creamy skin makes me understand why folks would seek out skin whitening.



Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know Outback No Longer Serves Baked Sweet Potatoes?

Did you know Outback no longer serves baked sweet potatoes?

After our family outing last night, we decided to eat at Outback, as we had received some gift cards for Christmas. We usually enjoy our meals at Outback, and I was set on a medium Outback Special with a baked sweet potato. We were tired and hungry and ready to order when we got seated. I was disappointed to learn they no longer serve baked sweet potatoes. They do serve mashed sweet potatoes. I tried to order mine without butter, but the waiter said they were all ready and pre-made earlier in the day, so they were already mashed with butter. I put in a request that they go back to serving the baked sweet potato. I refrained from asking him to just bring me one of the ones they baked before they mashed it (that's what he said they did) but just dropped it and ate steamed veggies instead. Just not the same...

Did You Know How to Win a Wii?

Did you know how to win a Wii?

Last week at the YMCA, I began talking to a boy near my son's age. He was telling me all about the Wii system they got. With four boys, I can see why their family would want to get the Wii! But this kid was telling me how much his DAD loves playing the games! He told me I should try it out sometime. I kept laughing and he finally asked why I was laughing. I told him he was probably right, I would play it once and find out that I really did like playing it!

And now, I just learned of a chance to win a Wii system! And not only that, I can bid for $10 internet-for life! Well, bidding actually begins at $10, but....so I wanted to find out about this offer. All you have to do is sign up to bid for Charter High Speed Internet (you must qualify by zip code) and you just could be the winning bidder! And don't forget to register to win the Wii-no bid necessary for this one!!

Did You Know I Got Picked to Write Homeschool Product Reviews?

Did you know I got picked to write homeschool product reviews?

I learned earlier this week that during their "alpha phase", the Choosy Homeschooler website will be paying homeschoolers to write product reviews (they have filled their quota for submissions.) I submitted an online application and am thrilled to say that I've been picked to do some! It should be a fun job talking about some of the products I've used over the years. I'm a little nervous, but hope that it will all go well. All my blogging experience is going to serve me a good purpose!

Did You Know Good Vacation Options?

Did you know good vacation options?

We are still debating our vacation plans for this year. We have been talking for six years about going back to Disney World and the kids want to. But my husband does not want to go there in the summer. So we are now exploring other options. Many of them are not close by. We are trying to decide if driving or finding cheap flights will be our best options. With the price of gas, we just are not sure what kind of vacation we will have this year!

Did You Know How to Make a No-Sew Fleece Blanket?

Did you know how to make a no sew fleece blanket?



My niece taught me how to make these, and we have made quite a few over the last several years. We are in the process of making one for our Granny, who wants a blanket to take to dialysis treatments every week. These are super easy and I love that there is no sewing involved.



This project is unfinished, because at her 80th birthday party next week, we will ask all of her friends to tie one knot of the blanket, and as they do, to please say a special prayer for Granny. Then, when she uses her blanket at her treatments, she will know that she is literally being "covered in prayer".


Steps to make the blanket:





First, we bought two pieces of fleece 1 1/2 yards long (you can obviously get less if you want a smaller blanket) Next, I washed and dried them. Then we laid them one on top of the other. I trimmed the edges to be pretty close to the same length, but I don't worry about it being exact.



Next I measure in the corners 5" from either side.





























I use quilting tape to mark it. Then I run a piece of tape from corner to corner. I cut off the corners and fringe each edge.








Last, double tie each pair of fringes together.