BOB stroller

BOB stroller
Originally uploaded by kmmcclain.

My jogging stroller came in the mail today! I can't wait to try this puppy out. I've been wanting one of these for awhile, but typical for me, I've spent the past few weeks researching them to find the best one for the best deal. I purchased this one from here and saved $80!

I used to run several times a week...before I got pregnant. I've been trying to get back to running lately, which has been challenging for several reasons: 1) I haven't been running for over a year so the enjoyment and exhilaration I got from it before seem to have eluded me thus far, 2) I have lacked the motivation to get up early and go running before my husband goes to work, so he can watch Margot and 3) until fairly recently the weather has not been nice enough to run in...I hate running in the cold (OK, it's been warming up for 2 months now, but it sounded good). I seem to think that spending a considerable amount of money on a jogging stroller will somehow help me overcome these challenges. Let's just hope it doesn't sit in the garage and collect dust.

bel canto

bel canto
Originally uploaded by kmmcclain.

I finished this book today. I read it in about 5 days; I couldn't put it down. It's the first time (in a long time) that I've read a novel straight through without getting distracted and picking up another book. That's especially easy for me because my husband works here and I can check out any book I want. Since I'm in the store several times a week, I'm always finding new books I want to read...which is why I'm typically reading about 7 or 8 books at a time. Maybe I like starting books more than I like finishing them. Don't get me wrong, I finish them. I have to finish them. Even if the book totally stinks, I feel like I must plow through it or the book will taunt me until I do. I think it's an addiction. I even do it with magazines. I read them from cover to cover -- even the articles that don't interest me. I know, it's absurd.

Anyway, the circumstances of the story are thought-provoking; it would definitely be a good choice for a book club discussion. If I had one, it would be on my list.

the catalyst

Back-tack small button
Originally uploaded by back-tack.

Here's the swap that served as the catalyst for me entering the blogosphere.

under the wire

When I first heard about blogs two months ago my first thought was, "Why would anyone want to read about the lives of people they don't know?" I decided to check out my friend Hannah's blog...two hours later I was still reading. I learned some new things about my friend AND the fascination behind blogs (or at least one of them) -- links. I visited at least 10 other blogs in those two hours and embarked on a journey in a new wonderful world. My husband has been trying to convince me to start a blog for about a month (he's been at it for awhile now). I have resisted for two reasons: 1) I don't feel like I have anything to share that other people will be interested in reading and 2) I enjoy lurking on other people's blogs too much to spend time keeping up with my own. Even though those two things still hold true, I have decided to throw my hat in the ring. Why? Mostly because I've been observing all these cool swaps (of crafty creations and handmade items) taking place on blogs I visit daily and well, I'm tired of just observing. A requirement to participate in this one is that you have a blog. So, here I am...getting my blog started and signing up for the swap before registration ends at midnight (all while my husband laughs in the background).