I don’t have time to write and you don’t have time to read so let’s just do this!
WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2015
RUNNING
This was not a great week for my most beloved of sports. I think I’m just over tired and cranky. This too shall pass.

I’m smiling because it’s over…and the sun was out.
I ended up only running 20 miles total because I need new shoes! I know what you’re thinking and yes, that is definitely part of the problem. The other part is I’m so focused on strengthening that I’m not stretching enough.
SWIMMING
The pool was kind to me this week. I guess you can’t have it all so, if my running was suffering my swimming had to be good. And it was!

I used all my toys for this 2,000 meter swim.
CYCLING
I finally climbed on the bike trainer out of pure necessity. I had a shopping date with my brother and dad! We left early and came home late so, instead of heading straight to my computer last Friday morning I headed straight to the basement and did a combo cycle and strength workout. It was actually amazing. I seriously loved it.

Getting it done on the trainer before the sun comes up.
That ride, coupled with a 70 minute spin earlier in the week, and then a surprise ride outside in the warm December weather, I totaled about 75 miles. Not too shabby.

Sometimes you ride to the next state…
STRENGTH TRAINING
I had to miss Barre class this week because I was helping out in my son’s classroom. I do make unselfish decisions sometimes. I knew I couldn’t slack on my strength work now so, I did a 30 minute workout after spin class on Tuesday and then another session early Friday morning, also coupled with a ride on the trainer.

Side plank hip dips with added medicine ball weight.
I learned this move from a video Nellie at Brooklyn Active Mama posted from her Weekly Wednesday Workout series. When is that coming back Nellie?
FUEL
I hate to cook but I absolutely love this easy crockpot meal – Turkey Sausage and Sweet Potato Stew. We’ve been eating it for days!

I will never be able to photograph food that look appetizing. Sorry.
RACING
This was a shit show. I had originally planned to run a Holiday Dash 5K with one friend. Early in the week she told me she had to bail. I immediately texted for volunteers and had one friend said she would do it. The morning of the race she woke-up sick. It just wasn’t meant to be. I was most upset about not being able to donate the toy I purchased as my race entry fee, but I’ll be sure to donate it to another cause.
Oh who am I kidding? I’m most upset about not being able to show off my holiday compression socks!
THINGS I LOVE
This picture and the fact that it’s not my tree but, my brother-in-law’s, who sent it along with a text that read:
“She wanted that ornament pretty badly this morning…and she got it!”
Yes she did.

What?
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
There’s been a trend with moms lately, probably especially in the blog world, of creating lists of things not to ask or talk about with one another. Top 10 lists have crept up everywhere with things never ask a mom of twins, or a mom with an only child, a mom with a child who has special needs, a mom with a large family, a mom who wears drag queen outfits to school, and on and on and on and on.
Finally, Allison Barrett Carter stepped up to the plate and put an end to it, with her article for The Washington Post titled:
Why I Will Ask You What I’m Not Supposed To Ask
To summarize, she basically says how the hell am I supposed to get to know you if I don’t ask anything about your life? How do women bond or share real parts of themselves with all these stupid rules?
For the record, I will answer any and all questions about being a twin mom. Yes, a lot of them are stupid but bless your heart for asking anyway.

Are they identical? Did you have them naturally? Are they double trouble? How much weight did you gain? Did you breast feed? How do you tell them apart?
That last one is my favorite. My answer is because “I’M THEIR MOTHER!”
READING
The exclusive ESPN interview with Ronda Rousey, the first since she was knocked out by Holly Holm and lost her title.

Hug it out.
PODCASTS
As you may know, Serial made it’s long awaited return with season two, episode one last Thursday. I was so excited! I downloaded it right before a longer run and, by about mile three I was yelling out loud to no one, “This guy is a total dip shit.” Unless something really amazing happens, I’m super disappointed with their selection for a topic and Bowe Bergdahl’s total disregard for how many lives he endangered, when he was supposedly trying to save them. I’m not sure I want to hear anymore.
MUSIC
Lately I’ve been turning this one UP. It’s also a Barre class favorite…
I literally watched this video for the first time when I downloaded here and, wow. Embarrassing. It’s awful. Just close your eyes and listen.
RANDOM QUOTE GIFT OF THE WEEK
And the award for the best gift guide goes to GiGi of GiGi Eats Celebrities, who titled her post WTF Do You Want? She found the perfect gift for every a-hole on your list – A Bag of Dicks:
How was you week?
What is the first thing to go when you have no time?
Tell me what you’re watching, reading and listening to!
I swear I read your posts and LONG FOR YOU TO MOVE IN WITH ME.
Which is indeed as awkward as it sounds 🙂
we could snuggle and watch TRANSPARENT?? 🙂
I love this so much.
I want to pack my blankie and jump on a plane!
So I haven’t heard the serial podcast yet but I’m hearing mixed reviews. It’s so hard because the original story was so unique and intriguing! I still have to listen! I should bring back the weekly Wednesday workout but Asics mentioned before the views on that series are the lowest of the week 🙁 single digit low — like did I remember to post this? Low. I don’t know how to revamp the series!
Great job on the spinning this week too!!
I also don’t mind sharing my motherhood experience even though my set up is not particularly unique!
That is too funny about the page views on the workout series!! I can see why you stopped 🙂 BUT I loved the post about the kettle bell workouts today!!
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on Serial…
also please forgive my typos, all comments are done real early in the morning on my phone. There will be more. PLENTY MORE. just forgive them. lol
I would forgive you anything my friend. Typos? No biggie 🙂 I cannot imagine how hard it is to comment while riding the train!
Buying bag of dicks and passing out to everyone on my list. Hahaha!!!
I mean, really! I think I need those for the next ladies night 🙂
Ok I’m not going to watch that music video. Because I like the song. Bags of dicks? Put me down for a case! So funny! Have a great week!
Good call. I wish I could un-see it.
Case of dicks – check! LOL!!
Being tired and groggy was me last week, I completely get it. That post by Gigi was hilarious. Amen sister.
AMEN! Thanks Hollie. Hope you get some extra rest this week…
I hope you got to take those cute socks out for a run anyways! And LOL to the gummy penises!!!!
I actually went for a long bike ride and wore them underneath my pants. Not the desired effect. I’ll be sure to run around with them this week and next! Thanks Wendy.
The video is awful but the song still rocks…I’m liking Irresitable by Fall Out Boy & Demi too. I have the perfect person on my list to give the bag of dicks too…already ordered them, can’t wait! Did you say spin class, were you teaching, why wasn’t I informed? Don’t you know I’m a groupie!? I will make it to Barre one of these days but the Holidays & pierogi production (skinny…not!) is holding me back..it will have to be in the New Year when everybody and their brother will be signing up!
I’ll have to check out that song!
And no, I didn’t teach the class, I took it. Sorry I didn’t make that clear…you know I would have given you a heads-up.
No worries about Barre but when are we snowboarding??? We can go anywhere as I know you are not an Okemo fan 🙂
I love the way you put it, we need to be able to ask..even if the questions are one’s we have heard a million times. If people aren’t interested in getting to know each other what’s the point!
Exactly right!! Thanks Amanda.
Ugh……Serial!!!! So last year I got obsessed (btw I am part of a FB group called Serial Addicts with gazillion members who post second by second updates on Adnan)…. and I had this super fun Serial and Syrah discussion night when season was done (like a book club for a podcast)…. and am sort of planning to do the same this year…. but honestly after the first episode I sort of feel like meh about the topic… I’ll give it a couple more episodes before I make a definite decision. I love Sarah Koenig and the style and production of the show, but the actual topic this time…..meh!!!!
I know!!! I saw your post about all the fun you have surrounding Serial and this year? Not so much. Glad we’re on the same page here and I will definitely listen again and hope it turns around.
I agree about Sarah and the production. As soon as I heard her soothing voice it brought me back to so many great runs listening to it. But WHY this topic??? Ugh.
Just started watching Shameless and I think it’s pretty hilarious. On my day off I tried watching Jessica Jones and How to Get Away with Murder. I liked them OK but not sure if I’m a die-hard fan just yet. I hear Fargo is worth watching, that may be next.
I read that RRousey interview and damn near got teary eyed. It’s so intense and raw. I really feel for her and all athletes. Being able to deal with failure is a lot harder than winning. I’m really good at dealing with failure 😀
When I’m in a rush and have no time, cooking becomes anything I can make in minutes. eggs and toast. And washing my hair.. ugh I don’t know why but I just wish I could have perfect hair every day. Like a mermaid. I wish I was mermaid: no pants. no periods. perfect hair. clam shell bra. Winning!
My husband just asked about Fargo and I don’t really know anything about it? I may end up watching if I have some free time over the holiday vacation.
So glad you read the interview with Ronda. It was definitely emotional and just makes me like her more. I’m rooting for her no matter what!
As for you hair? Just cut it off. Mine takes 7 seconds to “do.” 🙂
I love the idea behind that article – asking the “uncomfortable” or awkward questions is what leads to bonding and community. That’s the beauty of blogging often!
SO true! That completely applies to blogging as well. Good point!
I think that I laughed out loud three time while reading this. First – that tree. I swear, my kids almost did that decorating the damn thing this year because they were leaning and leaning and leaning while standing on a stool. And what do you do when you start to tip over? Grab the damn tree. Second – I love Serial and am so excited that it’s back but yes, total dipshit. Third – so glad that you’re able to tell your twins apart. And I do love that Demi song. Kind of embarrassed to admit it but not as embarrassed as it is to admit that I downloaded Justin Bieber’s album the other day…
OMG!!!! Seriously? The Biebs? Now I don’t feel so bad. Thank you Christine 🙂 HAHAHA!!!
I’ve had some similar weeks of running lately- I’m just rolling with it this time of year. Love the strength/spin combo!
Oh no. Sorry to hear that but, if it’s going to happen, now is a good time.
That combo seems to be working for my body so I’m going with it!
Thanks Laura.
You never cease to make me laugh Allie! And, for the record, I do think your twins look different. I sometimes try to figure out which one is which when I’m reading but I still get confused! But honestly, that is kind of a silly question to ask. A mother always knows their children. I know it’s Cooper just from the baby noises he makes.
I’m so glad I can still make you laugh Britt. And yes, there are subtle differences.
It’s so true that a mom knows all her child’s noises. I can tell which of the boys is getting out of bed in the morning by that and some other tiny clues. It’s call unconditional love and there’s nothing else like it!
I love that article that the mommy wrote. I totally agree. How are you supposed to get to know someone with out asking question. I feel you with having a bad running wee.
It resonated so strongly with me. I never want people to be “afraid” of asking the wrong question. How silly.
Sorry you can relate to the running bummer. Hopefully it will pass quickly for both of us!
You always know how to make a girl laugh on a Monday. From delicious turkey stew to a bag of gummy dicks to everything in between … love you! Great week 🙂 xo
Love you too 🙂
I frequently only run 20 miles because I need new shoes. Also, I’m purchasing you a bag of dicks. 😉
BAWHAHAHAHAHA!!! You just made my day! 🙂
This is freaking hilarious Allie! The bag of penises, the destroyed Christmas tree!! Yikes! I have nightmares about that happening! 🙂
I so want a pair of those Christmas compression socks and I am behind on Serial. I’ve got some catching up to do!!
And yes to keeping it real and asking questions! It’s so much more interesting 🙂
So glad I could give you what I’m sure is a much needed laugh 🙂
Don’t rush to hear Serial. It’s awful. It deserves a bag of dicks. #sorrynotsorry LOL