Bye Bye June

Can you believe the month of June is over? I can't! It flew by. Please slow down, summer, I want you to last.

I finally finished Week 3 of the pushup challenge. Here are the last two sessions:

Day 2:
S1: 14
S2: 19
S3: 14
S4: 14
S5:19

Day 3:
S1: 16
S2: 21
S3: 15
S4: 15
S5: 23

...

I rounded off June with 114 (running) miles. Phew. This is the fourth month in a row with 100+ miles, and needless to say, I'm ready for a little break. As much as I love having a race to train for, I'm looking forward to getting this half marathon over with and racing some shorter distances.

I took an unscheduled rest day today, after running yesterday and resting Tuesday. I'm glad I did, though, because now my legs are itching to run and I can't wait to get out there tomorrow.

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Want a good laugh? Here's some texting Adam and I shared this morning:

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I've got something exciting up my sleeve for tomorrow!!!

Welcome!

Welcome to RunFitMama! I promise this is the LAST time I'm changing the name of this little ol' blog. I started it without putting too much thought into the title and I like this one so much more!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, purple polka dot bikini

I am loving my new bathing suit from J. Crew. I'm actually loving all my new goodies from J. Crew that arrived yesterday! It doesn't quite fit me the same as the model, haha, but it's not too bad. I'm loving it because it's way cuter than the mom tankini I was sporting last summer. I think this suit is fun and summery and still mom-appropriate to be chasing a 19 month old around in on the beach... which leads me to my next love..


Source

I cannot wait for our beach vacation in two weeks! Ah, sun, sand, saltwater, seafood... We are staying at a house with Adam's parents, sister and her three kids so there will be no shortage of excitement with the little ones running around. I can't wait to see Jack's reaction when we get to the beach!

My new at-home body weight strength session:
3 sun salutation a
3 sun salution b
20 wide leg squats
1 minute plank
20 lunges on each leg
1 minute holding a squat
1 minute side plank each side
20 walking lunges stepping back
15 pushups

repeat if you dare

Sugar Addict

I am a sugar addict. There. I said it.

Adam was sitting on the couch, having a snack. "What are you eating? Cashews?" I asked. He was being very secretive, then I looked in the bowl. Peanut M & M's.

Needless to say, I attacked them. I couldn't not have some. He said there has been a big bag of M & M's hidden in the house for a couple weeks now. If I had known about them, there's no way they would have lasted that long. I tried not to eat any tonight, but it was like I couldn't help myself. The past couple weeks I have pretty good with my sugar intake. If I don't buy oreos, I can't binge on oreos. Simple, so I haven't been buying sweets.

I don't regret eating the candy tonight, but I do wish I could have stopped at just a couple, not several handfuls.

14 miler

14 miles done! I was not looking forward to it.. at all. This pic was taken pre-run, and that's my nervous face. I went very slow- it was hot (about 80 degrees) and stopped for water a couple times a water fountain. I had ZERO stomach issues- ate yogurt pre-run. I also used a combo of Gu and Shot Blocks which worked well. My only complaint of Shot Blocks and Gu Chomps is that they are harder to carry than little packets of Gu. I had them stuffed in the pocket of my fuel belt but it was tight. I'm not sure yet what I'll do for the half in a couple weeks. I won't have any one I know along the course so I can't get some fuel handed off to me.

I'm feeling good about this last long run before the race. I haven't been following the schedule I made except for the long runs. We drove the course for the Mad Half, and it's not THAT bad. Yes, it's hilly, but the last 4 miles are downhill. Better than the other way around, right?

Beiber Fever

Dreams do come true... I met Justin Beiber today!

Just kidding... I did meet his cardboard cutout at Macy's. Gourmet Runner wrote in a post that she's reluctant to take certain photos in public for her blog, and it got me thinking. When I was in high school, I had no shame. Nothing embarrassed me. I mean, I mooned Caitlin in the parking lot at Hannaford- in the afternoon daylight. In my younger days I probably went too far, doing foolish and embarrassing acts for the heck of it (and let's be honest, attention). I've become ever so slightly more reserved at my old age of 27. I do miss not being embarrassed easily, though, like dancing silly in public and singing karaoke.

Vanessa challenged her readers to take a picture somewhere you normally wouldn't. So, here I am, hugging the Biebs (there's no way he's that tall in real life) at the mall.

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We spent the afternoon downtown with Grandma and Pa (Jack's new name for Grandpa Tom).

There are so many exciting happenings on Church Street, I can hardly contain Jack. We had a 45 minute wait to be seated for dinner at The Farmhouse so we let Jack run around and get a little crazy since he would have to be strapped into a high chair for a little while.

I brought a couple of secret weapons to dinner- vanilla milk from Starbucks and a new Thomas the Train book.  I find eating out with Jack works best when he has some non-familiar / special (i.e. vanilla milk from Starbucks) items to occupy him.

We had a great dinner at The Farmhouse celebrating Pa's birthday (it was yesterday). Burgers and microbrews... perfection.



I was desperate to get a picture of Jack and I...

J didn't feel like cooperating

Me, J and Pa



Finally!

Finally, the numbers I'm looking for!


(I stopped to cross the street between miles 2 and 3)

 For what seems like a while, I've been stuck at a 10:30 pace. My 5K times are improving, but for everything else it's 10:30.

I took a very hilly route from my mom's house today and just went by effort. I brought my iPhone so I could use LogYourRun but kept it in my back pocket and didn't look at it. I also didn't wear a watch, so I was able to focus on breath and feel instead of how long I had been running for. These numbers make me very excited because I went at a medium-hard effort, not all-out.

After my past couple runs, my stomach has been very cranky. I'm trying different things before my runs (no pun intended- ew) and haven't found success yet. I've heard a lot of runners have success with smoothies before a run so I think that's something I'm going to try. Anyone have a go-to smoothie recipe pre-run?

Basin Harbor 5K 2011 Results

For the many people who are finding my blog by searching for Basin Harbor 5K Race Results 2011, just found them! You can view them here!

More Rain Play

Jackaroo was up at 5:00 this morning, which meant he was ready for a nap by 9:00- perfect time for a run. It was raining, so we got our rain gear on and headed out with the jogger.

I wasn't conscious about what was under my rain jacket- I obviously should have. It stopped raining about a mile in and I was quickly heating up. I was forced to take my jacket off and run in an ill-fitting, too long tank and not supportive enough for daytime view bra. I was that woman- the one you see running and wonder how she's running with her chest bouncing up and down so much.

The rain came back in a couple miles, so I was luckily able to cover up again. We ran 6.75 miles and I'm not even going to mention my pace- it was SLOW.

When we got back, I was soaking wet but Jack was completely dry. I'm pretty impressed with the rain guard on his jogger.

Happy Friday!

Favorite Things

What I'm loving Thursday...

Yoga In My Living Room

Owen Roe Abbot's Table

"Sydney (I'll Come Running)" by Brett Dennen

The Goodies I Ordered From J.Crew (and keeping my fingers crossed that the bathing suit fits)

Fresh Prince of Bel Air

"Run Like A Mother" (book and blog)

Fresh Peach Crisp (made by Adam)

Jack's New Words: Shee (Fish), Eee eee (Monkey), Paw (Grandpa)

Organization

The Switch to Cloth Diapers (it's easy!)

Paige Premium Denim

And an old favorite...

http://www.wwujd.com/

Hills, Oh My

Middlebury Maple Run Hill Chart

 A couple months ago I posted this hill chart. I had been worried about these hills, but really they were nothing.

Mad Half Marathon Hill Chart

These hills?!? Yes, these hills are something to worry about.

R-word | Spread the Word to End the Word

R-word | Spread the Word to End the Word

Words can hurt. While unacceptable to make racially charged statements, negative and demeaning comments towards those with special needs are often commonly heard. 

Let's pledge together to end the use of such words and terms. Focus on inclusion. Those with intellectual disabilities deserve just as much respect and compassion as everyone else.

Rain play

A couple of weeks ago I was gung ho about the Hundred Pushup Challenge. Remember? Well, I haven't really mentioned it lately, because I've been working on Week 3... for about 3 weeks now. Tonight I re-started Week 3 and I'm going to make it!

Week 3 / Day 1

S1 13
S2 17
S3 13
S4 13
S5 17

...

Jack has a subtle way of expressing his wants and needs.. without words. It rained most of the day today and when I came home from work he went into the closet and pulled out his boots. Want: rain play.

We compromised, and went for a run. It was pouring, but that's okay. He doesn't mind the rain and neither do I. We ran 5 miles at an easy pace. That easy pace today with the jogger was 10:45.

Jack is the best running partner. Counting fire trucks, motorcycles (or "cools" as J calls them), plans and buses makes the miles fly by. I adore this time  have with him. It's like it's our special time together. We talk, well I talk and he listens. I'm thinking pretty soon he'll be chatting away with me. It reminded how lucky I am to be his mom.

Kale Chips

I arrived home from work last night to an empty house. Adam and Jack were out and about so I quickly changed and got out for a run, because I knew if they came home before I left I wouldn't get out the door for a while. I sent Adam a text that said "Run. BRB." I got four miles in, and I'm glad I did because when I came home, they were just getting home, too.

Monday night, I made kale chips. It seems like kale chips are a blogger must-have, so I just had to try them for myself. Adam was definitely not down with the idea, he said that kale isn't good for anything.

Kale
Olive Oil
Parmesan Cheese
Salt

Spread kale on cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil, parmesan cheese and salt. bake at 295 degrees until they look crispy- about 15 minutes.

*I baked mine at 350 for 15 minutes and they burnt, BUT they were good. Adam's culinary experience told me to lower the heat and use less oil to prevent this. I also chopped the kale into smaller pieces, but this is unnecessary because they shrink up like shrinky dinks.

Share the Road

We attempted a family photo yesterday- got the camera all set up at the perfect height, sitting on the footrest of Jack's high chair. And this was the result. Haha.

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I missed my long run on Sunday. We spent the morning hanging with Adam before he had to go to work and then before I knew it, Jack was ready for a nap. He slept for a couple hours, and we had a family party to go to in the afternoon so a run was a no-go.

I let Adam know ahead of time that I had to get in a long run on Monday. I was out of Gu, so I went to Women's Source for Sports to stock up. Enter my new love:

I ran 11 miles in the hot, noontime sun (never gonna do that again). I LOVED the chomps. The personalized doses are great and I just ended up taking one every mile or so. I also brought along my fuel belt and planned a stop at a water fountain half way into the run. I also love my fuel belt. It makes long runs so much more enjoyable by not having to worry about hydration. And I can also easily carry my phone, which makes me feel safer on long runs.

Side track... SHARE THE ROAD. My entire run was on bikepaths, except for a quarter mile stretch on Spear Street. Spear Street should not be a problem, though, because it has a very wide bike lane and is littered with bikers and runners all spring, summer and fall.

Here I am, running against the traffic, in the bike lane when I hear a vroom behind me. A car passed someone (there's no passing on Spear- double yellow line) in the opposite lane, so he swerved into the opposite lane (next to the bike lane I was in). I swear I felt his side mirror inch by me. I recognized the car, too. It's a young man whose mother lives next door to my mom. He is notorious for driving dangerously. I seriously want to call him and ask him if he realizes he almost made my son an orphan. It really pisses me off.

I'm sorry to rant, and I know I've said it before, but I am sick and tired of dangerous drivers. Please, let's make a conscious effort to be safe and alert drivers. It's really not that hard. Get off the cell phone and pay attention!

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We spent the afternoon swimming at Grandma's pool. The water was a little chilly but the boys didn't mind it.

Basin Harbor 5K Race Recap

This was my 3rd (or 4th- can't remember) year running this race. It's a decent drive- about 45 minutes- for a 5K, but it's a beautiful course and has a great small, hometown feel. I think there were only about 50 or so runners today (they said it was the smallest turnout in their ten years of having this race).

My BFF, a new running mama who was supposed to run, too, wasn't there. Sad face!

My mom, Tom and Jack came down- my mom was running, too. We lined up at the start (which is a decent half mile walk away) and decided that we would run together. We run races together all the time, but never actually together (she's speedier than me). We also decided that we were going to kick some serious trash.

Horn blew and we just went for it. The first mile flew by and I looked at my watch- 7:45. Um, yeah, there's no way we could keep that pace. We slowed down a little bit, but stayed strong. We both told each other to go ahead if needed, but we stayed together right until the end.

Hit mile two around 16:30 and kept plugging along. The last mile was tough and my legs were feeling really tired. But the great thing about 5Ks is that it's over so soon! With only a mile left, I knew I could hold on.

We finished in 25:49! A new PR! It was amazing to run a race with my mom and I think knowing we were in this together made us push ourselves a little more.

We stuck around after, because with so few participants we thought we'd be guaranteed a raffle prize. Nope.

We didn't take any race photos, but here are some playing around after the race.

I'm excited that I had a great race today, but it makes me a little nervous for the half marathon coming up on July 10. I have two more long runs to get it in and then a week rest and it's here. I'm nervous because of the hills, I'm nervous because I just ran a half a couple weeks ago. I'm also nervous because these past two races have been great, personally, and I'm worried I'm due for a bad a race. I guess the Middlebury Maple Run counts as a "bad race," though. I think once I get two double-digit runs in I'll feel much more confident.

What to Wear

Today I am taking a rest day. Why??? I'm racing tomorrow! It's a 5K so I'm hoping my legs can find some speed in them. My BFITWWW (best friend in the whole wide world) is running tomorrow, too. It's her second race and I am so excited for her.

Now, onto important things... what to wear tomorrow...

Two-A-Days

There was an article in Runners World about running twice in a day. Once or twice a week, I'll workout twice in a day, but it's usually running and yoga or running and bodypump. I'd love to run  twice a day, but realistically it's probably not going to happen.

Today I got to experience what it's like to run twice in a day- last night (around 7:00) my mom and I ran with J for 4.5 miles and I ran this morning at 7:30 (by myself- I was going to wait for J to wake up but I'm glad I left without him! He slept until 9:00) for 4 miles.

The miles with my mom last night flew by. It was a hilly route and we took turns pushing the jogger. I felt like I pushed myself, but it was comfortable. Today was HARD. My legs felt tired, not heavy, just tired. I managed to eke out 4 miles at a 9:45 pace (fast for me).

What do you think about running twice in a day? I know one speedy little runner who's game...

Timmy

In case you haven't heard, my husband is a Bruins fan. And so tonight, this makes me one very happy Bruins wife.

And he's been priming a little Bruins fan right from the start. Adam has worn the same shirt - a Guinness shirt that was free at a bar- for every game 7 in the finals and now he wants to hang his jersey up in the living room.

I'm Trying

I've said it before.. I'm not great in the kitchen. Even so, I do have a couple of recipes in my repertoire. A new favorite is cauliflower mac and cheese. The original recipe is from Runner's World, but after making it a couple times I've found it needs to be tweaked.

Ingredients

large head of cauliflower

2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

2 bay leaves

16 ounces macaroni (The original recipe calls for 8 ounces of noodles- not nearly enough noodles for how much sauce you end up with- You could even go up to as much as 20 ounces noodles if you use 2 1/2 cups of stock. The original calls for whole wheat pasta, which I used the first time I made it and it was great but since I was making this for Adam, I knew he wouldn't go for the ww)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Any type of cheese works- we use Cabot Extra Sharp. The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cheese- again, since I was making it for Adam, that amount of cheese simply wouldn't cut it)

1/4 cup parmesan

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/8 tsp nutmeg

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

By using my substitutions, you can get 8 servings at 399 calories a serving. Cut down on the cheese and you will save a ton of calories. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease casserole dish. Cook cauliflower- I boiled water and cooked the cauliflower in it for 20 minutes. Heat stock with bay leaves on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, turn of heat and let sit. Boil water and cook macaroni for five minutes (do not overcook noodles! You will want them slightly underdone because they'll cook more in the over with the sauce). Using an immersion blender, combine cooked cauliflower with stock, cheese (not parmesan), mustard, olive oil and salt and pepper, working in batches. Combine sauce with noodles and put in baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top and cook for 20 minutes.

*I took a bunch of pictures that I will post later. Adam made fun of me profusely for doing this. I said, "I have 19 loyal followers of my blog and I need to keep them updated!"

Happy Tuesday

Adam and I went to Shelburne Farms for dinner last night. If you are ever in the Burlington area, go to Shelburne Farms. It is my favorite place. And they make their own cheese. Yum two year cheddar and smoked cheddar- you won't be disappointed.

These pictures are taken in their garden, just outside of the inn on the lake. The grounds here are unbelievable. So much fun to explore. It's crazy to think that this was a family's summer home (top picture on the left).

After several courses, I was stuffed. We didn't even eat any of our wedding cake that Adam remembered to take out of the freezer a couple days ago.

I had a rest day planned, but J and I went for a run in the afternoon. The temps were nice- in the 60's- and the sun was out, so I just couldn't help myself.

Happy Tuesday!

Crybaby

Lately I have been full of waterworks. Anything and everything causes me to tear up. Yesterday on a run, a woman walking two pug puppies brought on the tears. I could barely choke out, "they're so cute." Last week my mom and I were driving through a neighborhood and saw a wedding in one of the backyards and I got teary eyed. I cried at my own wedding, but I don't cry at others'- especially strangers'. Today during my run a woman was walking with her little girl on the bikepath.. started reading "Run Like A Mother" and had to hold back the waterworks right there in Barnes and Noble. Country songs? Don't even go there. Not sure where I'm going with this, just an observation..

4 miles with J yesterday / 9 miles solo today

Today's run was the perfect long run. Settled into a nice pace and relaxed. I love long runs- it gives me time to reflect, think and relax. My last couple miles on a long run are usually faster than an easy pace on a short run. It takes me a little while to get "into" a run and I just find that after a couple miles, I'm into it. What do you prefer, short and fast? Or long and easy?

J man and I spent the afternoon at the bookstore. It is the absolute perfect place to spend a rainy day. He loves playing with the huge train set in the children's section, but I think he thinks it's his. When other children come over to play, he looks at them like they're invading his territory. Good thing he doesn't talk yet because I'm sure he'd have some choice words for the kid who stole Bernie (the bus from Thomas and Friends) from him.

Happy Day

Happy Saturday everyone!

I taught yoga this morning and here is the playlist:

I like this playlist, but I think it's time to add some new music to my repertoire. In case you haven't noticed, I love my John Mayer (don't judge), Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz and Paolo Nutini (check him out if you haven't before- he's awesome!). Any recommendations?

My BFF, the one who hates my music, was at class today. She didn't say anything because I think she's learned by now that I'm not changing it. I get paid the same, whether there are three people in class, or twenty three.

I mixed the flow up today and ended up doing a standing sequence that involved several poses on the same one leg in a row. It was one of those days where it seemed every one's balance was off, including mine.

(Please excuse the lion's mane of a halo around my head- that would be frizzies) Tree, Dancer, Hand-To-Big-Toe Sequence all while holding each pose for several deep breaths. My standing leg was definitely shaking by the end.
Yesterday, GMR and I went for a nice run. I love running with her! I know she has to slow down for me, but I have to speed up! I was sucking wind fo sho (I'm so hip). Jack joined us, but I'm still hoping to get some runs in with her without the jogger.

It's our anniversary today! We are celebrating by... Oh wait, Adam's a chef and has to work. But, we have extra special plans for Monday.

Photo Dump

Messy Messes

Anyone watch Real Housewives of New York (or Orange County, for that matter)? I can't not watch it. And I love it because it makes my level of crazy look not so bad.

So, all week I've been in this funk. I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to kick it. After work tonight, my mom watched Jack so I could go for a quick run (four miles) and I felt better after, but I still feel like I've got this heavy, stress, anxiety feeling.

I'm leaving this mess for tonight.  I can clean it up tomorrow. Housewives are calling my name.

Asana Lesson

I've forgotten to post the last two workouts in the Hundred Pushup Challenge, so here they are:

Week 2 / Day 2
S1: 14
S2: 16
S3: 12
S4: 12
S5: 19

Week 2 / Day 3
S1: 14
S2: 17
S3: 14
S4: 14
S5: 21

Day 3 this week was VERY hard, and I realized it's because I've been slacking in the cross-training department. And what did I realize last night? You don't need to GO to yoga to DO yoga. I have a mat, my body and a wood floor. I'm all set.

I didn't run yesterday, because it was just too hot. We went to my mom's and swam, and I practiced in the living after Jack went to bed. I sometimes would get distracted practicing at home because of all the other distractions, but last night I was able to stay focused. And when I put my iPod, on shuffle, I don't have to worry about offending anybody.

The asanas I practiced last night focused on core and arm strength. Here are some of my favorite poses for strength (all pictures courtesy of Yoga Journal).

Plank Pose- can be modified by dropping down to knees or elbows.  Can be made harder by lifting one leg and then the other- just remember to keep good form with hips low and back flat.

 

Chaturanga- can be modified by dropping to knees. Can be made harder by alternating lifting on legs. Make sure you keep your hips low and back straight.

Side Plank- Can be modified by dropping down to knees or elbow. Can be made harder by lifting the top leg.

Boat Pose- can be modified by bending knees or holding onto the back of your legs. Make sure you are nice and high on your sit-bones and chest high.

Bakasana- This is a great entry level arm balance. For detailed instructions on how to get into Bakasana, go here.

Yoga poses are great because often you are working multiple muscles at the same time. All these poses work arms and core. Bakasana looks like an arm balance, but there is no way to be steady without a steady core. Think about holding it all it, nice and tight. Your core will give you strength. Please feel free to ask me any questions!

Happy Pants

Good morning everyone! I just want to let everyone know that I have my happy pants on today! I have a tendency to be impatient, emotional and an over-reactor and I need to remember sometimes that it's important to take a few deep breaths and remember everything is going to be okay.

In the spirit of this, a few things I am thankful for:

1. A happy, HEALTHY family
2. Our wedding anniversary this weekend
3. Two legs that can run
4. My amazing support system

and one I'm really excited about...

5. The new running mama in my life! My best friend of 13 years, a wife and working mom of two young boys, has started running. She trained and ran a 5K for work and loved it! After the race she said, "Now I get this running thing." I love it when someone gets that running seed planted and I am so proud of her. We are running a 5K together in a couple weeks and I can't wait!

Happy Tuesday!

P.S. Is anyone else a little (a lot) sad about Meredith Vieira leaving the Today Show?

Salt on the Wound

A nice add to my Monday? My computer just crashed. All files are gone. All pictures are gone. I just erased hundreds of photos of Jack from my iPhone because I saved them to my computer. I'm praying I can bring this POS Dell to a computer genius tomorrow and my stuff can be recovered. Then I'm going to go buy a Mac.

Case of the Mondays

I woke up this morning and just had that "ugh" feeling. It was only 7:00 am and temper tantrums from my bff were in full effect. It seems like overnight my sweet little boy turned into... well, a toddler, I guess. Then, I dropped a makeup brush behind the space heater in the living room (don't ask). I'm not going to worry about it now, but I did write myself a note so I don't forget once winter arrives.

There were two things that made Jack super happy today.

The truck department at Toys R Us and my foam roaller. He is currently obsessed with the foam roller. He likes to run circles around it in the living room. And tonight he was laying on it just like I do.

After a meeting I came home and went for a run, hoping this would cure me. It was really hard- 4.5 miles and I had to stop and walk a couple times. I felt really good in the beginning but I know I started off too fast. And it was noon and all I had eaten was a slice of toast. I should know better.

Adam, Jack and I went downtown and had lunch (outside!) at Vermont Pub and Brewery and then walked around. Jack actually did awesome sitting through lunch and it was pretty relaxing. He was a maniac on Church Street, though. Sorry to the store owners whose front windows he licked. Gross.

I think one of the reasons I get bummed on Mondays is because it's the only day Adam and I have off together. Honestly, his schedule sucks. I know, it could be worse but it just gets me so down sometimes. Even though he works evenings, he's often out of the house by noon. Five nights out of the week he misses dinner with us, he misses all the activities we do on the weekends. Ugh. Sorry to complain- I just had to vent!