2020 Cookies Summer Run/Walk Challenge: Final Details and Checklists

I cannot believe the summer solstice is only three days away! That will mark the beginning of my annual Cookies Summer Run/Walk Challenge, and the challenge will end at the end of summer--the fall equinox.

If you're new to the challenge, it's very basic. It's basically just a way to make running or walking for exercise more fun through the summer! I created a checklist of runs/walks to try to complete throughout the summer. Here are a few as an example:

I've implemented a points system this year, which is really just meant for added motivation. I was going to try to do prizes for people with the most points, but it would be really hard to keep track of and verify them. Instead, you can use the points system in a couple of different ways:

- At the beginning of summer, decide how many points you want to aim for and try to hit that (or exceed it). Since there are 56 items on the list, the maximum number of points you can earn is 112.

- Use the points to have a competition with friends. Keep track of your own points and then see which of you can earn the most.

- Ask if anyone in the Facebook group wants to work on a particular goal and make a challenge with them. (The Facebook group is private, which means that nobody outside of the group can see the posts.)

- Make a leaderboard with friends to motivate each other.


General “Official” Rules and Notes

Obviously, you can make this challenge all your own and do it however you’d like! But if you’re interested in tracking your own points, here are my suggestions for “rules”:

1.   You may not count a single run/walk toward multiple items on the list. Each item on the list must be its own run/walk. For example, if you run in a park over a bridge with your dog on the fall equinox, that can only be counted toward one item of your choosing—not four.

2.   You can run or walk each item, regardless of which checklist you’re following. They are nearly identical, so you can choose whether you run or walk them.

3.   Unless it's specified on the checklist, the distance that you run/walk is totally up to you.

4.   Don’t overthink it. It’s up to you whether the run/walk “counts” or not! This is just for fun and motivation to get moving this summer.

I've made the printable checklist as well as a calendar so you can plan out your runs/walks (with so many items on the list, it can be hard to keep track, so the calendar is helpful). Just click the photos below to access them. There is a "running" checklist and a "walking" checklist. They are nearly identical; I just changed the wording.

Here is the running checklist and calendar:

      

In case those don't work, here are the written links:

Running Checklist

Running Calendar

      

And here is the walking checklist and calendar:

      

And the written links:

Walking Checklist

Walking Calendar

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I believe that is all the information you need to know! If you have questions please ask (you can post them in the Facebook group or ask here in a comment).

The link to the Facebook group for this 2020 Challenge is here: Runs for Cookies Summer Challenge 2020. (Remember, you get an extra point per item if you post a photo with some sort of detail of your run/walk on the Facebook group page.) Don't forget, the Facebook group is private, so nobody outside of the group will be able to see your posts.

Also, I may add some ways to earn a bonus point on certain runs, which I'll post on the Facebook group.

Okay, that said... I hope that lots of you will join in this summer! It was super fun to see all the posts last year (and very inspiring!). As always, my goal is to complete the list--whether running or walking, I'd really like to be able to finish it this year. I've never even completed half of it!

Finally, if you share this challenge with anyone, I'd appreciate the link to this page rather than just the checklist. This explains it better and has the links to each style of checklist.

One last thing: If you happen to notice any errors on the list or calendar, PLEASE let me know. I spent about eight hours working on this stuff, and my mind is ready for a nap. I won't be surprised if I mixed up a date or two. I'll change it as soon as possible.

Just two more days until the solstice! I'll be running from spring into summer :)

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One more day...

Today, I spent some time working on the post for the Cookies Summer Run/Walk Challenge, but I had a very busy day, so I wasn't able to get it finished like I wanted. So, I'm going to post it tomorrow--even though we're down to the wire.

I spent so much time in the car today (three hours) driving the kids around that it felt like the school year. I'd forgotten just how much I hate driving here and there all day.

I'm tired and I want to read some of my book before I go to bed, so I'm going to call it a night without a "real" post. I promise that I will finish up the final details of the challenge and get them posted tomorrow. I just need one more day--summer snuck up on me this year.

Meanwhile, I have zero photos for this post! So I'll just share a pic of the socks Jerry bought me. Instead of flowers or something like that (I hate getting flowers) he started buying me socks as an "I'm thinking of you" gift. These ones were fun! He thought of them after I shared the Super Mario Bros. video on my blog.

Anyway, I'll post more tomorrow!

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Mid-Month Update on my June "To-Do" List

We're halfway through June, so I thought I'd post an update on my "To Do" list for June. I'm actually further along on the list than I thought I'd be!

Here is the original post from my "to do" list.

Finish hanging the drywall - I actually accomplished this already! I finished hanging the drywall, and now I just have to tape and mud it. I really shouldn't use the word "just"... taping and mudding is the worst! I'm super happy to have completed the drywalling part, though--I can finally sell the drywall hoist (that's the red contraption in the photo below--we already found someone to buy it) and get rid of the excess drywall and insulation!

Dye my hair - Yes! I did cut and color my hair (dye my hair? I don't know which is the "right" thing to say these days). I cut my hair (way too short!) and finally colored it to cover my grays. I can't say I'm thrilled with the results, but at least I did it.

Spring clean the house - I am about halfway done with this. I worked on it quite a bit today, but I still have to do the "tough stuff" like replacing the caulk and really washing the windows. Today, I used a broom to go around the exterior of the house and get rid of the spider webs (now that we got our house sprayed for spiders!) but I didn't wash the windows. Tim (who sprayed the house) said that we should power wash the house before he comes rather than after, or else it will negate the "poison" he sprays on the house.

Read one book - I've actually been reading "The Happy Runner" (Amazon affiliate link) and I'm about halfway through the book. I'll plan on finishing it before the end of June. I wanted to read it to hopefully make me inspired for the "Cookies Summer Running" Challenge. It's a great book so far! I'll post a review once I'm done.

Use up all the meat we have in the freezer - This is something we really need work on. I think we've used one or two things, but we have several seafood items (shrimp, salmon, mahi-mahi) that need to be used. So, I need to make sure we use these things up as soon as possible.

Open the box with my new serger and actually try it out - I finally opened the box today! When I took it out of the box, I literally debated on which was more intimidating... the serger or taping/mudding the seams in the garage.

I took out the serger and did a couple of practice seams with the thread that was already in there. I took photos so that I would know what each color thread would do. That way, when I decide to rethread the machine, I'll know what color I'd like to go in which position.

I only had a few minutes to mess with it before Jerry told me that our friend Joe would be coming over this evening. Then I decided to clean the entire house, ugh. Joe hasn't been here in forever, so I wanted the house to look good when he saw all the work I did on it!

Clean out the kitchen cupboards - Haven't even started this, but I thought about it today when I was putting dishes away. I really need to work on it!

Start the annual Runs for Cookies Challenge - I plan to start this on the Summer Solstice, as promised. I will post the final details ASAP (hopefully tomorrow) before everyone starts on the 20th!

Clear out my inbox - I haven't worked on this at all, either. I really need to pick a night and work on it. I've had extra emails because of sending out the face masks, so it's been difficult.

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I'm surprised that I'm actually doing really well with my "to do" list! My biggest task now is to finish the drywall by taping and mudding the seams. It's so hard with so many things in there, cluttering up the space. But we have nowhere else to put it, so I just have to work around it. 

I'm excited about the serger... it was fun playing with it today (even if it was only for a few minutes). I can't wait to make an actual project with it!

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"¿Cómo se dice 'spider' en español?"

My morning was one that could have been straight out of a sitcom.

I was up late last night because I'd forgotten that my duvet and comforter were in the washer and needed to be dried--and because they're bulky, they take a while to dry. Jerry just went to bed without them (he usually kicks them off anyways) but I waited and put the comforter back in the duvet at 2:00 in the morning.

Thankfully, today was the first day I was going to be able to sleep later than 6:00 or so in a long time! I was looking forward to it.

Imagine my surprise, then, when Eli woke me up at 7:40 to tell me that a truck was here and someone was knocking on the door. I'd actually been in a pretty deep sleep, because I was disoriented for a minute. Then it hit me--we had people coming to spray the outside of our house for spiders this year!

Here's why:

Yes, that spider was on the ceiling ABOVE MY BED a few days ago. I've had it! No more of this.

I jumped out of bed and hastily grabbed a robe because I was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear. Embarrassingly, I opened the door and and a Hispanic man greeted me. I said, "You're here to spray for spiders, right?" and he said, "Sí, sí. We set up?" and gestured to our yard.

I said sure, that I would get dressed and be out in a minute. He asked, "Move car garage?" gesturing toward my car (his English was very broken, but I could understand).

Because our garage is a mess of drywall and stuff right now, I said I would have to move the car to my neighbors' house (Corey and Tanya, who I knew wouldn't mind if I parked there). So, I went inside and threw some clothes on, then I went out to move the car.

When I parked at Corey's, he came outside and said that he was expecting some trucks this morning to work on his house (they are getting new siding, new windows, and a new roof). But he showed me a spot where I could park and not be in the way.

When I got home, I was thinking, "Wow, this is serious stuff!" because the two Hispanic men were covering the windows of my house with plywood  (just leaning it against the house, not nailing it in or anything). They unloaded a lot of equipment from their truck into the front yard. I'd never had our house sprayed before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw a large tank with a hose coming off of it, so it looked legit.

However, I was confused because my mom had highly recommended a man named Tim to do the spider spray. He sprays her house every year and she's thrilled with the very thorough job he does. "Tim" isn't a very Hispanic-sounding name, but you never know.

I asked the men again if they were there to spray for spiders, and then one of them said "Sí, un momento. I call boss." So he called his boss, who was named José. At that point, I thought maybe Tim contracts out the work or something, so I spoke with José on the phone who said he was going to be there in one minute.

Meanwhile, I called my mom to ask if all this equipment was normal. I found it odd that they were covering the windows. Also, when my mom made the appointment (she called to make an appointment for them to do our house and her house back-to-back) she specifically requested that Tim himself would do the spraying.

My mom called Tim's company, and then called me back to let me know that they told her they had NOT sent a truck here.

I went back outside and there were ladders against the roof, tarps, lots of equipment in the yard, and I definitely thought it was overkill for spiders--no pun intended. José was pulling up in his truck, and when he got out, I asked him if he was there to spray for spiders. He said, "No, roofing!"

I nearly died. He showed me his work order, which showed COREY'S house number and not ours!

If José hadn't shown up when he did, his workers would have started pulling shingles off of our roof, hahaha. I'm so glad that I was home to answer the door, and that I had to move my car (otherwise I wouldn't have learned that Corey was having trucks go to his house today as well).

José apologized and said, "You almost got new roof for free!"

I thought the whole story was hilarious, and I felt bad that the workers then had to move all of their stuff to Corey's.

Inside the house, Eli was cracking up about the whole thing. Noah said he wishes he knew Spanish, and I said the same thing. I had been flying through the Spanish Duolingo course a few months ago, but when I discovered the Best Fiends game to play on my phone, I stopped Duolingo, unfortunately.

Regardless, I hadn't quite gotten to the courses on spider extermination or roofing yet, though! ;)

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Quarantine Humor

Please notice that I didn't say "Coronavirus Humor"--I am not saying that the virus is humorous in any way.

I have to admit, I have been cracking up at memes about quarantine/social distancing ever since it started. I know it's terrible! I honestly don't mean to make light of what is happening. (I actually had this post in my "drafts" folder for a while, because I wasn't sure if I should share it.)

The world is so bizarre now. Everything that we do has to be done differently due to this virus! It has obviously had a devastating effect on SO many people. And the quarantine hasn't been the greatest, either.

However, there are some memes that you have to admit make you chuckle a little. These are some of them that made me laugh! (I truly do not mean any disrespect... please believe that)

Yes, the virus has been devastating. My sister has told me of some of her patients who have been on ventilators or who have even died, and I don't think that it's something to joke about. However, for those of us who have been under "quarantine", these are some humorous ways of looking at the situation.

With all of the doom and gloom of 2020, if we didn't have a sense of humor, I don't know how many of us would make it through the year!

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A Q & A Interview with Jerry

I've gotten several requests over the years for Jerry to write another guest post, but when I mention it to him, he said he has no idea what to write about. Since I've been having trouble coming up with things to write about lately (per groundhog day quarantine), I thought I'd do a Q&A with him.

I asked on Facebook and Instagram for questions that you might have for Jerry.

Now, I have to say, that I am DYING to take control of this post and write little asterisks about pretty much everything that he says so I can explain (more about his answers)... but I'm going to restrain myself and let him take the reins. I cannot be blamed for anything he says! ;)

Here goes... (and remember, a lot of what he says is tongue-in-cheek! He's not a very "serious" person. He was even voted "class clown" in high school, if that helps. Which is actually one of the things that made me most attracted to him!)

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Q: What is the status of your stomach/spontaneous vomiting issues?
A: I don't know how or why it stopped, but it hasn't happened for the last month or so. I have indigestion and heartburn, but the vomiting just stopped randomly.

Q: What kind of work do you do?
A: I work for a major glass manufacturer in the department that makes the glass. It's a very hot, busy, and complicated environment.

Q: What advice do you have for husbands wanting to support their wives during their weight loss/wanting to become a runner journey?
A: Just get on board with it--be as supportive as possible. Don't feel neglected and if possible, join them on the journey.

Q: What is your favorite memory?
A: Going to the Star Wars celebration in Chicago last April--seeing all the nerds, displays, collections, actors, and characters from the entire Star Wars universe.

Q: What is your favorite meal that Katie makes?
A: Pork Chops & Rice

Q: How has Katie's bipolar affected your relationship? Can you feel when an episode is coming on? Do you feel like the boys are aware of it?
A: I don't even know how to explain that *laughs*. It's a constant worry and a constant adjustment. It's hard not to take things personally. And I have to choose my battles when it comes to what to argue about or when to speak up about things. Mostly, I just go with the flow. I cannot feel when an episode is coming on, because I don't feel like they are "episodes". It just happens like hitting a switch. I don't think that the kids notice because it's always been like this, but the more education you have on it, the more aware you are. Everything happens so rapidly. The kids just know what they have always known.

Q: Pirates or Ninjas??
A: Pirates. Because of the booty. And because they're on boats. And they have hooks. And some of them have swords.

Q: How are you doing with your depression? Is it under control?
A: It's still there... It's under control, but it's still THERE. Knowing that it's still there is worrysome. I know it's there and I feel it's there, but I keep myself busy to try to keep my mind off it.

Q: How do you feel living with someone that I consider "famous" (from the documentary "From Fat to Finish Line", magazine features, and popular blogger)?
A: It's just Katie. I know that people know Katie, but it's not like we have paparazzi sitting on our lawn. The closest thing to "celebrity" we have is when we go to Kroger and she doesn't smile at everyone when we walked by and later she gets a comment on her blog about how much of a "smug c*nt" she is because she walked through Kroger and "gave me a dirty look".

Q: What is your best advice for someone who supports someone going through a mental health crisis? Do you feel like you've made mistakes, or is there anything you would have done differently?
A: Throw strikes. (*inside joke*). My best advice is to read up on it and understand it. Don't take things personally, and it's not about you. You're going to make mistakes because everybody does--I make mistakes 30 times a day. Via text message. Learn to listen; learn to validate feelings; and learn how to meme, because memes cure everything.

Q: Do you have any running or fitness routines?
A: No. But not for lack of wanting (or needing). I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and I looked like a bowl of potato salad (round on the bottom and lumpy on top).

Q: How do you support Katie when she is depressed?
A: I pay extra attention to massaging her feet and I make sure she always has ice to chew. I try to do little things around the house (dishes, etc) to try to help out.

Q: What are your top five bands from your high school years?
A: Ooooooohhhh...
-Rage Against the Machine
-Korn
-The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
-Incubus
-Alice in Chains

Q: What is your favorite brewery and why?
A: Griffin Claw Brewing from Birmingham, Michigan. I've never had a bad beer by them--everything has been excellent. If you've ever have the chance to try Norm's Raggedy Ass IPA, that's my go-to.

Q: What do you like to do on your days off of work?
A: I like to lounge around the house, catch up on TV shows, and catch up on gaming if I have the chance.

Q: What are your thoughts on The Rise of Skywalker? (Specifically Ben Solo/Kylo Ren)?
A: Oh, man. Katie, you can't type this, I have to type this one...
"I loved TROS and I feel like I'm in the minority. The movie was excellent from start to finish. I can nit-pick through the whole thing like some self-righteous fanboy. I loved the turn of Kylo to Ben, saw it coming from day one but I didn't see it like that. I wish he would've lived through the whole thing but I get it. I am, admittedly, a bigger fan of the Expanded Universe. I love the movies for what they are but I prefer the written stories."

Q: Are you excited for The Mandalorian  season two?
A: YES! I need some live action Ahsoka! The first season was excellent!

Q: Which of Katie's home projects is your favorite and why?
A: I LOVE the island. I love the fact that she built the entire cabinet from scratch and extended the island three-fold and there are so many memories behind it.

Q: Would you do a marathon or a Ragnar with Katie in the future?
A: No, because she'll never do another one ever again! Ever.

Q: Where is your vacation dream spot and why?
A: I would go to Germany, just for historical reasons like WWII, concentration camps... (and, of course, Oktoberfest).

Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: I like reading Star Wars novels, video games, softball, disc golf, and listening to music. And watching wrestling.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for six months, where would it be and why?
A: Portland, Oregon... to see what the big deal is. It would be a good place to try out because of the weather.

Q: Do you like cats (and dogs and squirrels) as much as Katie? Which cat is your favorite?
A: Yes. But she doesn't love doesn't love dogs. Just Joey. I am predominately a cat person, and even though no cat will replace Chandler, these kittens are pretty damn entertaining. If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Duck.

Q: With all the crafts and home projects that Katie jumps into, what are some of your favorite hobbies/outlets? Also, is your family close by in Michigan?
A: I like playing softball with friends from work and I disc golf with friends from school. My entire family is in Michigan--most live in Petoskey, which is just south of the Mackinac Bridge (to the upper peninsula).

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There you have it! I bit my tongue and just typed out Jerry's answers however he wanted, even though it was hard not to write anything myself! ;)

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RECIPE: Pork Chops and Rice (or Chicken and Rice)

Ever since Jerry and I started dating in 1999, this has been his favorite meal. I make it a little different than his mom makes it, but it's still his favorite. I actually have a funny story to go along with this recipe:

One time, we were going to eat dinner at my mom's house, and I told him I was going to make Pork Chops & Rice over there, which he was excited about. He was at work, and my mom volunteered to make the dinner instead. We agreed to let Jerry think that I made it. When Jerry tasted it, he said, "Wow, this is really good--even better than when you usually make it!!"  My mom and I laughed and told him that it was actually her that made it. Now, I always joke with Jerry, "Are you sure you don't want my MOM to cook this for you?" ;)

This can also be made with chicken--usually, I'll swap out the celery soup for cream of chicken when I make it with chicken.


Here is a printer-friendly version!


Pork Chops & Rice

12-16 oz. raw boneless pork chops (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup white rice
2 cups water
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope onion soup mix

Combine all ingredients in a 9x13 baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F until the rice is done, stirring about every 30 minutes to check. It usually takes about an hour.

*Note: To speed the cooking up a little bit, I like to boil the water before adding it to the casserole dish.

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No More Messy Bun (my COVID DIY haircut--ugh)

That's how much hair I cut off my head yesterday!

After months of avoiding cutting my hair or coloring over my grays (because I wasn't going out and seeing anyone due to COVID), I finally decided that it was time to cut and dye it. It was actually one of the things on my June checklist of things I needed to do.

Ugh, I am so bummed! I don't know what I was thinking. Instead of doing my usual haircut (a trim, keeping it long but getting rid of the dead ends), I decided to cut it shorter.

To explain, yes--I cut my own hair. Ever since I learned how to do the "ponytail cut" (you put a tight ponytail on the very top of your head and then pull the ponytail straight up and cut off the top of it), I've been doing it for years.

Another way of doing a layered haircut is by using a long clip of some sort--you flip your head upside-down and and brush your hair so that it's going straight down from the top of your head. Then you place it all in a clip and cut across the clip. It literally takes less than three minutes.

I've always been fine with the "ponytail cut". If I was to go to a salon, it's exactly what I would ask for anyways--long layers. Ever since the COVID quarantine, I haven't cut my hair or colored my gray hairs. Since I wasn't seeing anyone, I didn't see the point!

Yesterday, I finally decided that it was time to cut and color my hair. Here is a "before" picture:

Clearly, I need to tweeze my eyebrows, too! Hahaha.

Usually, when I do the ponytail cut, I don't like how long the back of it ends up being, and I end up clipping away at it until it looks how I'd like it to. So yesterday, for some reason, I decided to use a clip instead (I used a "chip clip"--the kind that you typically use for potato chip bags) and I angled it more toward the back of my head rather than straight up (to make the back a little shorter).

Since I wanted to go shorter than usual, I didn't raise the clip as high as I normally would have. I cut across the clip, thinking I had plenty of room (hair) to spare.

When I removed the clip, I felt panicked. I literally almost had a panic attack. I couldn't believe how short it was and especially how short the top layer was! I wasn't sure where I went wrong, but I kept thinking, "Oh, shit!" over and over. This is my "Oh, shit!" face:

I hadn't yet dyed it, so I hoped that covering my gray hairs would help--it would make it look thicker? I don't know. I was just desperately hoping that the color would help!

My hair was a little greasy looking when I cut it (I hadn't washed it ahead of time) so I was betting on it looking thicker after I colored and washed it. I used a different brand of color this time (I always dye it black, which is basically my natural color, only it covers my grays!)

After dyeing it, I still couldn't believe how short it was. I tried putting it into a messy bun (which is my go-to literally EVERY day) and it's too short. I can pull it into a ponytail, but I don't like it like that.

I have no idea what possessed me to cut it shorter in the way that I did (I always think it through before cutting... what exactly will it look like? How long will the sides be? How long will the top be? Etc...)

After cutting and dyeing it, here is what it looks like. Keep in mind, I don't ever "style" my hair--I usually throw it into a messy bun--so this is just mid-air-drying it. I wish I could say I love it, but I don't. I can't wait for it to grow out! (By the way, I tweezed my brows while I was letting the color set.)

It's SO SHORT!

After this, I'm definitely going to stick with my tried-and-true ponytail cut. Or, at the very least, cut a tiny amount off at at time and see what it looks like before cutting more. It feels so weird to have a ponytail instead of a messy bun! Last night, the ponytail holder kept slipping off in the middle of the night--that's how short it is!

I have cut my own hair for YEARS, and I finally made a misjudgment. I'll just blame it on COVID, hahaha ;)

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