Out for a stroll

Pete, the dogs, and I went for a stroll on Sunday. It was a gorgeous day, and I hadn't been walking for a while (the last time was during our camping trip). I had a great time, although I really got tired about 2/3 of the way into the walk. Baby Jack was pressing on my bladder, I was tired, and my legs were itching like mad—ever get that weird itchiness? It happens to me after I shave sometimes, especially when I used to go running (not doing that now, lol!).

Anyhow, I think I was a bit whiny, and Pete felt bad because I was uncomfortable. (Him: "You're tired? Really?" Me: "Uh, yeah! I'm lugging around an extra 30 pounds here!") But it was cute because we ran into some of his friends, and he was proudly showing off my big belly and telling everyone how happy he was to have his son on the way. So it was worth any discomfort to me to be out in the sunshine with my hubby and dogs, enjoying the vivid colors and warm sun, and stretching my (achy) legs a bit.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides Walk

In two weeks I'll be walking in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides Walk. I'll be joining Nicole and my niece Isabelle in this worthy cause. Please stop by my home page if you are interested in making a donation. My goal is $150, but anything above and beyond that is greatly appreciated (and needed). Thank you!

(P.S. If the link doesn't work for you, try searching for me under "Find A Walker" in the side bar under "Christina Hoogestraat.")

Walking with Jen

I loaded up my pretty picnic basket and set out to meet Jen on Wednesday. We decided we haven't seen each other enough since being laid off, so we are starting a walking regimen. And a picnic lunch was our little treat after our exercise.


My basket, open and waiting for dishes and the like


Shoe Factory Woods, where we walked the bike path


My New Balance 806 running shoes, which I wore to our walking session

We had a great time exercising, catching up, bitching and ranting (which we used to do during our breaks at work), and just enjoying the weather. Later we unpacked all of our food in a picnic pavilion and had a nice lunch of salad, watermelon, and cheese and crackers. It was delightful and relaxing, although the birds living in the shelter kept dive bombing our heads, making us rather nervous. All in all, it was a great day and a great way to spend time with my buddy Jen.