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Sep
8
JB and I managed to have our kids-free outing today and it was perfect. The weather was glorious — a lovely last gasp of summer — and the hike on Tiger Mountain was gratifyingly ass-kicking (about 2000 feet straight uphill, woof). We missed the kids enough to talk about them a lot but not so much that we rushed immediately back to daycare afterwards; instead, we lolled around our sweetly silent house for a bit and leisurely ate slices of homemade apple bread — WITHOUT SHARING. Bliss.
Always tempting fate, this guy.
It seems hard to believe but I realized this was the first real hike I’ve been on since before I was pregnant with Riley. That’s over three years, jesus.
(Also, I seriously hate having hair that’s too short to pull back, but long enough to get all sweaty and gross.)
The last bit of the trail before the summit, right about the point when my legs said EXCUSE ME BUT PLEASE STOP THIS INSANITY RIGHT THE FUCK NOW.
At the top there were these birds checking us out and stealing pieces of our sandwiches, I don’t know what they were (some kind of jay? JB said he knew them only as “camp robbers”) but they were incredibly bold.
See? Check out that Dr. Doolittle shit right there! Of course, I’m grimacing and squealing in fear because OMG BIRDS. Their scrabbly, gritchy FEET. GRAH.
I have an incredibly awesome photo of JB from when he first held his hand out for these birds and they completely freaked him out by immediately swooping in; in it he’s sort of shrieking and running away and it is SO GREAT, but he REFUSES to let me post it. So you’ll just have to use your imagination. Remember: shrieking.
The view from the top. Ahh.
After today’s break, I feel like my parenting reserves got refreshed in a big way. Which is a good thing, because someone in this house still looks like this:
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71 Responses to “Recharged”
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Loving, Lately
JR Watkins Vanilla is my new favorite body lotion. Love the smell, love the way it feels, love the awesome label design.
I may have mentioned it once or twice, but Breaking Bad is the best thing that has ever happened to television EVER. You should watch it right now.
Bob Book Series
Riley has honestly learned to read as a result of these little box sets. Cannot recommend enough.
This applesauce bread from Allrecipes is superfast, supereasy, and the kids love it (I leave out the spices).
oh, I am so incredibly jealous.
(and would love to see the shrieking picture!)
Okay, how is it that YOUR kid looks all cute with the grumpy face on? He needs to have a seminar; I’ll send my grump (because she just looks scary.)
Tiger Mountain is a fabulous hike and what a perfect day.
The birds look like Grey Jay’s. They can be quite bold. Hard to tell from the photo.
I say put that ’shrieking’ photo in the flickr link and some of us will see it. :)
Omg, Riley is so funny! Why does he do that? Can he see okay? I mean, he’s not squinting right? Is he really just that suspicious? Wow.
Kudos to you guys for the awesome kids-free hike. That is important to do!
Also, to JB – PLEASE man, let us see the photo! That sounds awesome!
The hike looks glorious! And those birds! They sort of look like Magpies, which we have here in CO. They too are very bold and would steal in a heartbeat. I once saw one chasing and pecking at a poor cat!
Glad you and JB had a good time sans kiddos. I’m due for a re-charge myself.
That looks so awesome. But…can. not. do. tiger. mountain.
You’re so buff.
I live at the base of Tiger Mountain and have never been up there. I’m forwarding the link to this post to my (loves-to-hike) boyfriend so he can drag his (never-been-on-a-hike-will-probably-die) girlfriend up there. Also, yes. The short hair that won’t even make a Pebbles Flinstone “pony tail” sucks. I hate it and can’t wait for another inch so I can somewhat pull it back. Completely in the same boat with you there.
OMG Jealous is not a strong enough word. I need a parenting recharge! Wah!!!!
I love the grump…and oh my god…birds in your hand! eeek. Images of Alfred Hitchcock! My parenting reserves are barely hanging on. Headed to SF Thursday for work. Won’t be home until Saturday night. Long hours, but a hotel to myself for two nights! Room service, quiet….a hike would be better for me, but I’ll take it!
You’ll have to sneak the shrieking picture on some day!
Did you do any geocaching?
I started this last weekend and it is so much fun – and so addictive! :D
They’re Grey Jays, but I only know that because I looked them up. I too only know them as “camp robbers” – must be a western thing.
You’re looking hot! And I love how young JB looks when he’s clean-shaven. Awww.
I love that Riley face!
Dude, I’m so jealous of the scenery out there. I can’t walk to the mailbox without getting drenched in sweat, it’s way too hot for hiking in FL.
Glad you got to hit the reset button with the kids. It’s so much better when you get a break for awhile and can put things into perspective. It’s definitely easier to stomach the tantrums.
OMG that picture of JB on the tree almost made me crap my pants! How high up was he??
Looks like a fun day and a great hike. You are also looking hot. All that Turbo Jam is obviously working.
It sounds like you guys had a fantastic time! Gorgeous photos! Oh, and that little grump face made me laugh. I remember the days of grumpy preschoolers…hopefully sunny faces are right around the corner!
Wait a minute…we get to see a pic of his nekkid toushie but we don’t get to see him screaming like a girl? Come on, JB, RELENT. Also: WHAT does Riley’s shirt say? Because the way it’s folded up and that expression, well, the sophomoric imagination begins to kick in.
I just wanted to say that you are looking really good. I’ve been reading your blogs about working out and I saw the picture of your Seven jeans and you look even better in these pictures. Your blogs and obvious commitment to get in shape is actually what inspired me to try to lose my post-baby chub (which I’ve had for three years now). Anyway, you look great!
That looks like so much fun! I keep telling my husband we need to skip work like that one day but we’d just end up playing on the computers all day or watching TV. (No good hiking in Florida).
Linda, I’m sorry, but I think we’re gonna need to see that picture.
The pictures are beautiful! I haven’t had a day without kids in 2 years, maybe by the time they are 3 I can have a recharge day :)
Although you have no idea who I am, I read your blog everyday. You are hilarious and the visualization of JB shrieking and running away from the birds is amazing. I am literally “LOLing” at work…that’s right, “LOLing.”
Thanks for the laughs
Okay, several things:
1.) Look at you, skinny girl!
2.) Regarding the birds, my husband and I were at a nature preserve here near Chicago a few months ago when a certain (extremely aggressive) species of bird was having its nesting season. He walked under a tree that must have had a nest, and two of them dive-bombed his head. He ran, shrieking and flailing, as they chased him. If only I’d had a camera, I’d have had to start a website just so I could post the pictures. As it was, there was an article in the paper a couple weeks later about that species and their tendency to dive-bomb angrily, and I nearly fell off the couch laughing at the memory again.
ooh, that looks like fun! You look great! The last hike I went on was on my honeymoon 4 years and 3 kids ago, and I was pretty fit then. My hubs and I are thinking of taking a long weekend in mid-October to go back to the same area and I’m thinking- if I start training now, will I be able to hike up Chimney Rock without passing out? And do my hiking boots still fit or did my feet get fat too? Anyway, you’re inspiring me to try it and find out! I miss being kick-ass!
You look like Lara Croft or something!
Hot mama!!! :)
Awesome! My wife and I have been talking about playing hookie and having a day like that. Except, you know, without the hiking and outdoors stuff. We were thinking of just sneaking a bag of McDonalds into the movie theater and just staying there all day until they kick us out.
I miss hiking. I used to go all the time when I was in HS and College. I live in the foothills of the Appalachians where I’m literally 30 min from all kinds of trails. What happened? Oh yeah, my kid. Now I’d rather sleep when I have free time. Maybe one day we’ll get our lazy asses off our couch and get back out there.
You look incredible, Miss I-Can-Bounce-Nickles-Off-My-Flat-As-A-Pancake-Midsection.
I’m hoping for the same, actually, having bought that damn Gillian Whatshername self-torture DVD that you recommended. It’s been sitting next to the TV for at least a week now and I’ve been staring at it and I haven’t lost a single inch yet. What gives??!
Dude, You look unbelievably awesome! Totally hot.
The scenery is gorgeous – what a great way to spend the day. Glad you had a good time.
I’m so jealous!!!
And I’m glad I’m not the only one with a grumpy 3 year old, must be something about that age 3. Would you agree that 3 is worse than 2?
Dear JB: Dude, seriously – I have seen your manly man pictures, pictures of you leaping over things in a single bound, daddy pictures and even a pic of your naked behind. Don’t deny me a glimpse of you shrieking! I have no doubt about your manliness. So please reconsider!
Dear Linda: You.Look.Awesome.
Dear Riley: You are too cute for words. Also, adorable when mad.
What a view. I really wish I lived somewhere other than boring flat Central Texas. Bah. Am jealous.
Glad you got your kid-free outing, it does make a HUGE difference, doesn’t it?
I am jealous of the terrain there. It is too damn flat here. Looks like you had a super time and please post the shrieking photo.
did you bury Riley in the couch?
Wow! You look awesome! Last hike I did I got bitten by a squirrel cuz I was feeding it, I’ll try to remember to only feed birds from now on.
Just out of curiosity, is that Riley’s lair, nest or trap? Ha, yes I started that discussion again, lol!
Damn I miss the pac-northwest! What a view. I could NEVER let a bird do that, I am totally freaked out by them, h8te! GAHHH!
We havent been out alone since I had the kid, 11 months ago. Living away from family blows in so many ways. Glad you had some time together.
Other people’s grumpy child = so much cuter than my own. Great pics!
Holy crap. Florida doesn’t look like that.
Also, Riley and my chipmunk should hang out and try to out-glare each other.
ok, 3 things:
1 – holy SHIT are you ever hot. seriously. quit.
2 – Beautiful scenery! so glad you got to have a nice day off :)
3 – not that i know ANYTHING about birds, but they kinda look like Whiskeyjacks?? maybe?
yay for being refreshed! when i read your first post about taking a day for yourselves it made me think you guys need a sitter! i know its quite the hunt but it will seriously be soo good for you both.
You look amazing! I’ve been trying to lose the baby weight and you are certainly an inspiration!
I love Camp Robbers, they’re so funny. And bold! I had some friends visiting so we snowshoed into a lake here in the Oregon Cascades and I have a picture of my friend with 8 Camp Robbers on him… on his head, on his arms. They were loving his trail mix. :o)
You look absolutely fabulous, by the way.
Seriously you look SO FREAKING FIT! I’ve followed your recommendations and have ordered the 30 Day Shred. I have NO DOUBT it will KICK.MY.BUTT. Any other advice or recommendations??
Linda, you look like Hiking Barbie. And I mean that in a totally jealous but inspired to get off the couch way. ;-) *snort* Seriously, you look GOOD. You should be so proud of yourself!!!
PLEEEEEASE JB?! PLEEEEASE let her post the shrieking photo? We all have our Achilles heel, right? If you let her post it, I will so get close to a spider and let my hubby take a photo and send it to you.
First, you look mahhhh-velous! I’m still trying to get rid of baby weight… and my youngest are 18! Sigh.
And you’ve convinced me that we need to do the Tiger Mountain hike. Maybe it can be our foray into empty-nesthood. Sigh!
Carol
Ok, I really need to know what Riley’s shirt says also because in my mature as a 15 year old boy brain it says “little dick” as in I am being a…
Sounds heavenly but you forgot to post the most important thing- the apple bread recipe. I know that sounds all Martha Stewart but damn I love me some apple bread and I can’t find a decent recipe. Don’t make me beg.
My husband had the same encounter a few weeks ago on on mountain in Vancouver. He found another name for the birds (though they are still Camp Robbers or Grey Jays) Whiskey Jacks. I kinda like the sound of that better. :)
I am a little envious about the hike, at 7 months pregnant I am not doing any major hiking for a while.
What a gorgeous day! The picture of JB on the log freaks me out. You look completely incredible.
hiking rocks. beaing close to nature totally recharges the soul. love ur blog & ur pix.
What a beautiful view! Having those marriage mental health days make all the difference in the world, don’t they?
I want to be that skinny.
And I want a day off to hang out with my husband w/o the kids. Whenever that happens, and its rare, we stay home and clean the house. BORING
And I love that grumpy face at the end. I have a kid like that, too.
I think that the important question here is child hive…or trap?
If I send you some warm-out-of-the-oven-chocolate-chip-cookies, will you post that picture?
And the apple bread – Swistle’s recipe?
Oh for Fucks sake post the fucking picture. We know he is all manly in his man sandals. We wn’t think less of him.
Dude. I’m so buying the 30-Day shred because you look like you could kick some serious butt. You look excellent.
Glad you had a good day!
Before you see True Blood you should read the books by Charlaine Harris – the Sookie Stackhouse series. It’s a bunch of fun, and I assume HBO, being HBO, will make it all serious and sexed-up.
I just wanted to say DEAR GOD YOU LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS! I’m officially off to buy that DVD you keep talking about!
I hear you on the hair thing. I’m so regretting chopping mine and my kids are a bit older than yours! :-)
a day with just hubby and no kids? wow i’m jealous… can not recall the last time! sigh… congrats glad you enjoyed it!
i really wanna see that photo of JB. also, you are getting tinier and tinier.
Wow…does Riley’s expression every look familiar! Although I think my youngest may actually tense up a little more than him! Anyhow, I completely feel your pain! I actually stayed late at work tonight, to get caught up, but I ended really enjoying the alone time in a big empty office. Is that pathetic or what!
OH and I’m watching Fringe right now, but I’m a few hours ahead of you so I won’t spoil anything…I’m just curious to see what you think.
I want to see the shrieking picture too. What do we have to do to see it?
Plus so jealous of your date-day. I want one with my hubby, sadly it probably won’t/can’t happen until mid-October :( I will just live vicariously through yours.
I’m sorry but I just have to say that at first glance at the photo of Riley (who is cute and adorable) I thought for a second his T-Shirt said LITTLE PRICK …. oh I am going to HELL!!!
:) PS You are TOO DAMN SKINNY (that was my jealous voice)!
GAH that looks beautiful. I swear, I’m a northwestern girl at heart. I’ve never even BEEN to that section of the country, but something tells me I’d never want to leave. It’s simply gorgeous.
SHOW THE SHRIEKING PICTURE! And my God you are insanely, movie-star like, jealousy-induingly, buff and thin.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=101693
I have several of these, and they’re great for short hair. I even wear them while I’m working out, to keep the hair out of my face. And they’re cute!
I thought you were *supposed* to cultivate an expression of extreme suspicion when manning your hive/cave/lair, though.
And how awesome do you look, Outdoorsy McHikerson? (Going home to run now, yes.)
From the look on his face, you’d think the letters hidden by the wrinkles on his shirt were r and i.
What a GORGEOUS spot to be hiking! I like that the birds swoop down but I’ve seen “The Birds” too many times to be ok with that.
Hello. I just have to say you look so strong and so sexy in those photos. Not to mention happy!