Ready to Rock 'n Roll

I just signed up for the inaugural Seattle Rock 'n Roll marathon (or half marathon, in my case). I know I'm probably a little crazy for doing so based on the stomach episode following my last race. But I love a good time and a band every mile sounds soooo fun.

Seattle is cold almost year round so I usually run in my Lululemon boogie crops. The RnR race is in June so I'll likely need to wear shorts (ick) or a running skirt. Can any runners out there recommend a skirt? I need it to be long...especially the under shorts.

The guest room reveal

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my mom and I had done an cheap inexpensive Ikea makeover in my guestroom. I failed to take before pictures but here is the end result. It's very simple but I love the pop of the green quilt. I purchased the table a few months ago at Target for $60. The pictures over the bed are black floral fabric ($8.99/yard) stretched over wood frames ($5/each).

Complete waste of time

Breaking News just posted about this interactive map on Zappos. There are some ugly arse shoes being bought across the country (i.e. watermelon vans). So if you've read every blog you love and caught up on your Facebook newsfeed, check this out.

Back from vacation

The PaperCourt family is back. What a great, relaxing vacation! Our vacation started with a 5am flight Wednesday morning. As painful as it was, it was awesome to be checked into our hotel at 9am with a full sunny day ahead of us.

sandy beach leading into the pool

The Hyatt Gainey Ranch is a perfect family destination. They had no less than five kid activities planned per day....bracelet making, Native American dancing, Birds of Prey show, bumper boat races in the pool...the list goes on. And they have a Camp Hyatt for "drop-off" opportunities! It was like a real vacation.Birds of prey show

We had two great meals in Scottsdale - Frank & Lupe's and Cowboy Ciao. Check them out if you're in the area.

Now...back to laundry.

Easter planning

Mr. PaperCourt and I just decided that we are going to host Easter dinner this year. I'm sending out this electronic invitation...

We're planning to feed the kids first then hire a sitter to entertain the kids (6 boys) in our playroom. Last year, I made an amazing cake (pictured below) with a nest made of chocolate on top and I'm hoping to recreate that masterpiece.

What are your Easter plans?

Happenings....

My mom is in town and today we went to Ikea. That place rocks! We're redoing our guestroom today for under $150. I can't wait to share the pictures!

In other news, my stomach is feeling better and I froze my arse off at my son's first t-ball practice. I wore ballet flats - it was 40 degrees and muddy. I'm not so smart sometimes. And the most exciting news of all, we decided to take a leap and commit to the independent private school for my son.

Two hours and six minutes of fun!

I did it! I finished the Mercer Island Half Marathon on Sunday with my fastest time ever! YIPPEE! My time was 2:06....11 minutes faster than the Seattle half marathon last November and 19 minutes faster than the Seattle half when I was 25. Am I getting faster with age?

Unfortunately, my body took a major beating. Two hours after the race, I was doubled over with stomach pain. After two doctors visits yesterday, I found out I have some inflammation in my intestines. It hurts and involves 3 weeks of medication. And, sadly, I don't think I'll be signing up for the inaugural Seattle Rock 'n Roll half marathon in June. The thought makes me want to cry...I seriously LOVE, LOVE running 13.1 miles.