American Idol...how we heart thee.

While yes, the Talamantez home is so happy that Kris has been crowned the winner of AI 2009, my personal favorite was the bikini face off. Literally moments prior to this happening I was defending AI's newest judge to hubs (who refers to her as the "hater") and nonchalantly commented, "And seriously, she's almost forty...her body rocks."

When low and behold she unzips her dress is the most classy, wardrobe malfunction way. Regardless, I really like Kris...and I love Kara. Oh, and I think Paula is a W-I-T-C-H....she did not cheer for Kris. I know she is an Adam lover, but show some respect for your own program.

Enough Idol nonsense.

The Recessionista says, "Me likey. A lot."

Yesterday, Forever 21 launched thier new "contemporary" line. I think it may be seen more as a "grown up" line. And I can not wait to see it. I am contemplating ordering some things just to see the quality and fit of it all.

Shirts for $15.80....dresses for $24.80!?!?!? Wow, the prospect just excites me.

Talamantez togetherness.

We have been going, going, going so much lately. Honestly, since ski season we have had so little time at home that we are all ready for a much needed break. This weekend was a start to a wonderful time. We spent the weekend doing things around the house, eating well, and shopping for a new car...(much more fun for Ralph than I). {Gia diving in to Daddy}

{On the Counter patio...we were able to watch the fountain show}

{Gia working hard to build her own burger}

{Gia and Mommy's matching pedicures}

{Gia at the park...looking more and more like Mimi every day}

So that is our weekend in pictures. We had such a great time. Not to mention all of our physical, outdoor activities (in nearly 100+ degree weather) left us with a tuckered out girl...allowing Ralph and I so coveted alone time....so nice.

A weekend that comes to a close and I will always look back on fondly.

Parkway half marathon.

2:45:00
I just signed up for 26.2 on 7.26.09 in San Francisco. Anyone want to join me?

Memorial C/O 1986 picnic.

Last Saturday we had an impromtu picnic with some of Ralph's dearest friends from High School. While we all get together with relative frequency, we never get all the little ones together unless it is 4th of July, Lake Trips, etc.

So we headed out to Tice park. Ronnie grilled burgers. We had juice boxes and water. Fun was had by all. Sweaty red faces from all the kids. It was fun and we need to do it more often! {The beautiful, grown up Ani}
{Baby James and Pat}

{Rob and Cari}

{Kiddos hanging out in the shade}

{Tera and Gia preparing for a nap...go figure}

Tricia and I were talking that next time (maybe mid to late summer) we can get together around dusk and do a movie night at the park. All we need to decide on is the movie. Pull out the pillows and blankets. Popcorn and M and M's and we will have a park movie theatre....what date works so we can get everyone together.

Thanks again for coming on such short notice! We had such a blast.

The best part of today.

The best part of today is the fact that I have something to do for a couple of hours this morning and then I get to spend the remainder of the day with my girl. I am confident there will be a trip to the park, coffee making, Grover biting, Sesame watching and tons of cuggling.

This is the best part of any day.

I am thankful.

Thoughts on life.

{This picture was taken at the La Jolla 5k}

I started running in seventh grade. I started running because I joined the track team. I joined the track team because I wanted to fit in. All of my friends (we were the cool-dorks) were on sports teams. Much to my dismay, I was not even talented enough to make the A or B team of volleyball or basketball. Well, the track team was in such dyer need for participants that anyone that wanted to made it. So I made it.

We ran. We ran, we ran and we ran some more. I hated it. Every step was like agony, but I so wanted to right to say I was in "Athletics" and not just PE. So I ran. And I just kept on doing it.

Years passed and I would run during tennis or cheer practice (I did make those teams...thank goodness).

I ran in college, because I often liked boys that liked to run. So I did.

I ran when RT and I first started dating because it impressed him.

I started running again after Gia was born. I started running to shed those 70+ pounds I had packed on. I started running to find that body again.

Then it just continued. Sometimes I would run because my post partum hormones were making me crazy. Sometimes I would run because I felt bad about myself. Sometimes I would run because I felt good about myself. Sometimes I would run to escape.

But I just kept on running.

This past weekend I ran the Parkway Half Marathon. At mile four my groin went out. The pain was pretty bad. And yet, I finished.

Running: I started to fit in. I continued because it was cool. I finished for me.