Well, apparently it is - and that means it is time for my monthly wrap-up.
1. I am cheerfully knitting a spring sweater - in screaming green (607 Lemongrass - Blue Sky Alpaca.
2. The pattern is called "Something Red".
3. Red speaks to me of winter.
4. Since spring appears to have FINALLY arrived, I thought I would knit bright.
5. That does not appear to apply to socks, however, because I am knitting red socks.
6. After I finish "Something Red", I will be knitting something in "Eclipse" (Classic Elite Cotton Bamboo) for my niece.
7. The colour doesn't really speak to me of spring either - but it's not my choice. (Apparently, her mother isn't thrilled about it either).
8. I just discovered that my 15 year old has 9 days of school left before exams.
9. THAT speaks very strongly of summer.
10. What the hell am I going to do with a 15 year old all summer?
11. Not to mention his 12 year old brother.
12. This just speaks of trouble - big time.
13. In other news - I ran my second race of the season.
14. It was the Canmore Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women's half.
15. It is full of hills (including a hill over the last two kilometres (1.2 miles for those not into the metric system). (Click here for a link to the elevation - then tell me if you don't want to vomit!)
16. I did this run, apparently, because they give great loot bags.
17. It was OK - but you get the same loot for running 5 and 12 kilometres, as you do for 21.
18. Lesson learned - next time I will run the shorter race.
19. I am running a half marathon in Seattle at the end of June. I don't know if there is a loot bag.
20. Apparently, I am a slow learner.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
An open letter to LuluLemon
Dear Chip Wilson and company
I am a 53 year woman - mother of 3, a 30 year plus runner and a recent marathoner. I am also 5 feet 9 inches tall and I weigh 185 pounds. I wear a size 14. I am not fat, I do not consider myself unfit and I have disposable income at my ready.
Imagine my dismay when I walked into your store on 4th Street in Calgary, in search of a running jacket and found no jackets larger than size 12. Upon enquiring with the young saleswoman, I was told that Lululemon does not carry anything above a size 12. To be more precise , she told me that Lululemon does not carry "large" sizes.
I actually do not think of myself as "large" (although that is often the size I go to in a store). I am, to use a well-worn euphemism, big-boned. But again, I emphasize that I am quite fit - I am currently in training for my second marathon ever, so I run 4 times a week, I lift weights twice a week and I practice yoga once a week. I have not put a pound on in at least 6 years (rather remarkable, given my love of red wine and the fact that I am currently weathering menopausal moments).
When I look at your web site, it tells me that your mission is in " Creating components for people to live longer, healthier, more fun lives" and that you aim your clothing "primarily at active women and men: individuals that work, play and share our vision of creating healthier, happier and more fun lives!" I don't see the asterisk anywhere that tells me *but only if you wear a size 12 or less*.
I acknowledge that you have choices in the market you target and the sizes you produce. But the message I took away from your store is that I don't belong there unless I fit into your definition of an active woman. I find it surprising in an era where the fashion industry has been criticized for using anorexic models, that a company that supports healthy living and active lifestyles seems to think that all that stops at a size 12.
When I cruise around your website, it feels like I should belong there. Your clothing designs, the fact that I can sort by "run" or "yoga", the fabrics that wick and don't hold smell - these all speak to me as a runner. But the sizing does not. So I will take my dollars down the road to a running store that understands that runners come in all shapes and sizes and can accommodate my request for a size 14.
Finally? I really wanted to find a jacket in your store. I like your story, I love your designs and I know from others' experiences that you make a quality product that works. It's just too bad that your sizing makes me feel like I don't fit.
And one last thing? The young woman who served me needs a little bit of work in customer service. Just saying....
I am a 53 year woman - mother of 3, a 30 year plus runner and a recent marathoner. I am also 5 feet 9 inches tall and I weigh 185 pounds. I wear a size 14. I am not fat, I do not consider myself unfit and I have disposable income at my ready.
Imagine my dismay when I walked into your store on 4th Street in Calgary, in search of a running jacket and found no jackets larger than size 12. Upon enquiring with the young saleswoman, I was told that Lululemon does not carry anything above a size 12. To be more precise , she told me that Lululemon does not carry "large" sizes.
I actually do not think of myself as "large" (although that is often the size I go to in a store). I am, to use a well-worn euphemism, big-boned. But again, I emphasize that I am quite fit - I am currently in training for my second marathon ever, so I run 4 times a week, I lift weights twice a week and I practice yoga once a week. I have not put a pound on in at least 6 years (rather remarkable, given my love of red wine and the fact that I am currently weathering menopausal moments).
When I look at your web site, it tells me that your mission is in " Creating components for people to live longer, healthier, more fun lives" and that you aim your clothing "primarily at active women and men: individuals that work, play and share our vision of creating healthier, happier and more fun lives!" I don't see the asterisk anywhere that tells me *but only if you wear a size 12 or less*.
I acknowledge that you have choices in the market you target and the sizes you produce. But the message I took away from your store is that I don't belong there unless I fit into your definition of an active woman. I find it surprising in an era where the fashion industry has been criticized for using anorexic models, that a company that supports healthy living and active lifestyles seems to think that all that stops at a size 12.
When I cruise around your website, it feels like I should belong there. Your clothing designs, the fact that I can sort by "run" or "yoga", the fabrics that wick and don't hold smell - these all speak to me as a runner. But the sizing does not. So I will take my dollars down the road to a running store that understands that runners come in all shapes and sizes and can accommodate my request for a size 14.
Finally? I really wanted to find a jacket in your store. I like your story, I love your designs and I know from others' experiences that you make a quality product that works. It's just too bad that your sizing makes me feel like I don't fit.
And one last thing? The young woman who served me needs a little bit of work in customer service. Just saying....
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Because I can't answer in just one word.
So a friend sent me this - it's called "Getting to know your friends and family". I am supposed to answer the questions and then forward it on.
I don't like the forwarding on part - mostly because I never know who to send it to. The people in my book club wouldn't appreciate it (I don't think). I could send it to my family - but one is on a plane coming home (yey! It's my husband), one is sick in bed (and would tease me mercilessly), another would think it was stupid (boys are like that, I find), so likely my daughter would answer it. But I could probably answer it for her.
But I like them, so I thought this was an appropriate place to send it. With commentary, of course.
1. What color are your socks right now? White and blue running socks - my favourite - but pricey! (For a sport that is supposed to be low-tech, I keep racking up the bills at Gord's!!)
2. What are you listening to right now? CBC radio - I'm Canadian like that - and keep your mitts off it, Prime Minister Harper!!
3. What was the last thing you ate? Special K cereal bar. Too busy driving an unappreciative (read male) child around to get dinner. And then I wanted to run, And now it feels too late to eat. But I should.
4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes - and all my children will too. Because it's a life skill.
5. Last person you spoke to on the phone. My daughter - who was excited because she got her first pay cheque for 3 weeks work. (I used to get like that - now it's just a wee small drop in the bucket.)
6. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes !! It was my friend Nancy.
7. How old are you today? 53 (but I feel....42)
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV ? Hockey - again, Canadian like that. I even prefer to watch most games on the TV rather than live. It's cheaper, I can knit, they show replays and because we have a PVR, I can reverse to discuss a contentious call. I can also yell at the TV and not embarrass my kids. Well, I guess they are still embarrassed, but since no-one they know, or might know are anywhere near, I'm OK with that.
9. What is your favorite drink? Red wine - although coffee is a close second - or first, depending on the time of day. Because really, I shouldn't be drinking red wine first thing in the morning. The neighbours will talk.
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? No - natural blonde as a teenager, so why would I? Brown and grey now - God's highlights (as my hairdresser says). Besides, it gives me something to point to when my children are stressing me and say"Here - this hair just turned grey because of your attitude!!
11. Favorite food? At the moment? Curry - but chocolate, prime rib and home-made pasta are right up there.
12. What is the last movie you watched? Hmmm - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , part one. I think.
13. Favorite day of the year? Boxing Day - because while most people are out cramming the malls, I'm in my jammies, listening to the peace and quiet of 3 teenagers and a husband sleeping. And giving thanks that another year has been successful.
14. How do you vent? Mostly talk to myself - but I can get a good rant going with encouragement from just about anyone. And I find that running is very therapeutic (and almost cheaper than a therapist.)
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Dorothy doll - given to me by a family friend. I think my mom still has her stashed away. But I'd rather not ask. What if she has thrown her out?
16. What is your favorite season? Spring - it glorifies life in a lovely, brash way.
17. Cherries or Blueberries? Neither, although I eat blueberries for the health benefit - but only in a smoothie. And I like cherries when they are fresh and in season. But how come the limit? Where's the other berry family members?
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Well, I prefer that to emails about hair laser removal or waxing or get rich schemes. But my friends have lives, so I don't stress (too much).
19. Who is the most likely to respond to this questionnaire? My daughter. Followed by my sister. If I send it.
20. Who is least likely to respond? My husband - if I sent it to him (which I won't).
21. Living situation? Married, with too many shoes and dirty dishes.
22. When was the last time you cried? I don't cry easily or often - but I did cry after I left my daughter at university (wasn't she just in day care yesterday?) and after my marathon. And I have been known to tear up at sentimental songs.
23. What is on the floor of your closet right now? Shoes,and some shirts that fell - and likely a lot of dust.
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? My sister.
25.What did you do last night? Made dinner (mmm, chicken curry,) read , watched an old episode of Glee and the season finale of The Good Wife, stayed up too late.
26. What are you most afraid of? Something happening to my family.
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? cheese
28. Favorite dog breed? If I were to get a dog - a standard poodle - but I also like black labs.
29. Favorite day of the week? Friday-I look forward to the weekend
30. How many provinces have you lived in? 2 provinces
31. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds - because the ones that I have, my husband gave me (for our engagement and for my 50th).
32. What is your favorite flower? Tulips - and I love lilacs.
I don't like the forwarding on part - mostly because I never know who to send it to. The people in my book club wouldn't appreciate it (I don't think). I could send it to my family - but one is on a plane coming home (yey! It's my husband), one is sick in bed (and would tease me mercilessly), another would think it was stupid (boys are like that, I find), so likely my daughter would answer it. But I could probably answer it for her.
But I like them, so I thought this was an appropriate place to send it. With commentary, of course.
1. What color are your socks right now? White and blue running socks - my favourite - but pricey! (For a sport that is supposed to be low-tech, I keep racking up the bills at Gord's!!)
2. What are you listening to right now? CBC radio - I'm Canadian like that - and keep your mitts off it, Prime Minister Harper!!
3. What was the last thing you ate? Special K cereal bar. Too busy driving an unappreciative (read male) child around to get dinner. And then I wanted to run, And now it feels too late to eat. But I should.
4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes - and all my children will too. Because it's a life skill.
5. Last person you spoke to on the phone. My daughter - who was excited because she got her first pay cheque for 3 weeks work. (I used to get like that - now it's just a wee small drop in the bucket.)
6. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes !! It was my friend Nancy.
7. How old are you today? 53 (but I feel....42)
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV ? Hockey - again, Canadian like that. I even prefer to watch most games on the TV rather than live. It's cheaper, I can knit, they show replays and because we have a PVR, I can reverse to discuss a contentious call. I can also yell at the TV and not embarrass my kids. Well, I guess they are still embarrassed, but since no-one they know, or might know are anywhere near, I'm OK with that.
9. What is your favorite drink? Red wine - although coffee is a close second - or first, depending on the time of day. Because really, I shouldn't be drinking red wine first thing in the morning. The neighbours will talk.
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? No - natural blonde as a teenager, so why would I? Brown and grey now - God's highlights (as my hairdresser says). Besides, it gives me something to point to when my children are stressing me and say"Here - this hair just turned grey because of your attitude!!
11. Favorite food? At the moment? Curry - but chocolate, prime rib and home-made pasta are right up there.
12. What is the last movie you watched? Hmmm - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , part one. I think.
13. Favorite day of the year? Boxing Day - because while most people are out cramming the malls, I'm in my jammies, listening to the peace and quiet of 3 teenagers and a husband sleeping. And giving thanks that another year has been successful.
14. How do you vent? Mostly talk to myself - but I can get a good rant going with encouragement from just about anyone. And I find that running is very therapeutic (and almost cheaper than a therapist.)
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Dorothy doll - given to me by a family friend. I think my mom still has her stashed away. But I'd rather not ask. What if she has thrown her out?
16. What is your favorite season? Spring - it glorifies life in a lovely, brash way.
17. Cherries or Blueberries? Neither, although I eat blueberries for the health benefit - but only in a smoothie. And I like cherries when they are fresh and in season. But how come the limit? Where's the other berry family members?
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Well, I prefer that to emails about hair laser removal or waxing or get rich schemes. But my friends have lives, so I don't stress (too much).
19. Who is the most likely to respond to this questionnaire? My daughter. Followed by my sister. If I send it.
20. Who is least likely to respond? My husband - if I sent it to him (which I won't).
21. Living situation? Married, with too many shoes and dirty dishes.
22. When was the last time you cried? I don't cry easily or often - but I did cry after I left my daughter at university (wasn't she just in day care yesterday?) and after my marathon. And I have been known to tear up at sentimental songs.
23. What is on the floor of your closet right now? Shoes,and some shirts that fell - and likely a lot of dust.
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? My sister.
25.What did you do last night? Made dinner (mmm, chicken curry,) read , watched an old episode of Glee and the season finale of The Good Wife, stayed up too late.
26. What are you most afraid of? Something happening to my family.
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? cheese
28. Favorite dog breed? If I were to get a dog - a standard poodle - but I also like black labs.
29. Favorite day of the week? Friday-I look forward to the weekend
30. How many provinces have you lived in? 2 provinces
31. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds - because the ones that I have, my husband gave me (for our engagement and for my 50th).
32. What is your favorite flower? Tulips - and I love lilacs.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
End of the month wrap-up
1. Apparently, I can't blog twice a week.
2. That means that either I have a dull life, or a very busy life.
3. I prefer to think the latter, but I suspect the former.
4. Knitting is going well - or it would be if I would sit down and actually do some.
5. A ten hour car ride surprisingly, lets you get a lot of knitting done.
6. But you don't see much scenery (I completely lost Roger's Pass on our way to Vancouver last week. Didn't realize we had passed it until we were in Revelstoke.)
7. Sometimes I worry about my lack of geographical awareness. But then I wasn't driving.
8. Running at sea level totally makes a difference.
9. I suspect the difference would wear off if I moved there.
10. No-one does pomp and circumstance like the British. It makes me want to move there and celebrate a royal wedding.
11. Second best option was a wedding brunch with my book club (and other assorted, interested parties).
12. Thank goodness for the technology known as a PVR. Makes getting up at 5:00 a.m. (instead of 2:00 a.m.) totally bearable.
13. Our daughter came home this week for the summer (hooray!!).
14. She couldn't get up for the wedding, even though she was still on an east coast time zone.
15. There is a new yarn store opening in Calgary.
16. Pehaps my daughter will go with me this weekend.
17. Not that I need any more yarn.
18. But she might.
19. In any case, it would give me something to blog about.
20. Does that reinforce dull or just rather pathetic?
2. That means that either I have a dull life, or a very busy life.
3. I prefer to think the latter, but I suspect the former.
4. Knitting is going well - or it would be if I would sit down and actually do some.
5. A ten hour car ride surprisingly, lets you get a lot of knitting done.
6. But you don't see much scenery (I completely lost Roger's Pass on our way to Vancouver last week. Didn't realize we had passed it until we were in Revelstoke.)
7. Sometimes I worry about my lack of geographical awareness. But then I wasn't driving.
8. Running at sea level totally makes a difference.
9. I suspect the difference would wear off if I moved there.
10. No-one does pomp and circumstance like the British. It makes me want to move there and celebrate a royal wedding.
11. Second best option was a wedding brunch with my book club (and other assorted, interested parties).
12. Thank goodness for the technology known as a PVR. Makes getting up at 5:00 a.m. (instead of 2:00 a.m.) totally bearable.
13. Our daughter came home this week for the summer (hooray!!).
14. She couldn't get up for the wedding, even though she was still on an east coast time zone.
15. There is a new yarn store opening in Calgary.
16. Pehaps my daughter will go with me this weekend.
17. Not that I need any more yarn.
18. But she might.
19. In any case, it would give me something to blog about.
20. Does that reinforce dull or just rather pathetic?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
On the road again (stay with me - it's about knitting and running!)
So I start the marathon course again on Monday. I didn't have to register again for it - I am fine with running by myself and there are any number of training programs on line that would see me through to the finish line. There are likely on-line groups that would give me the encouragement that I currently get from the people that I run with.
But I am wayyyy better with this structure and group. I have a New!! Fresh!! focus to my running. I even think I can do a wee bit better time by being part of this group (we're not talking Boston qualifying, just my own PB). The program is based on 4 runs a week - 2 coached and 2 solo. And after one run there is a lecture. I took in some of the lecture material last year, but I am really looking forward to hearing it in the context of my own experience - maybe it will allow me to make some changes and "tweak" my runs. If not, well, then I know I can forge ahead next year without the benefit of the program.
This morning, in my post-run coffee, one of the women said she had never seen a pair of hand-knit socks - ever. I was a little surprised - although if you didn't grow up with knitting relatives and your parents are younger than mine, I guess it makes sense. So I will take a pair for her to see. But it got me thinking about running and knitting.
One is a sport and one is not (the Knitting Olympics aside), but they both involve doing something that brings you personal pride. And it is something that can't be taken away from you. I will always have that experience of crossing the finish line, just as I will always have the skill of knitting something original (because every knitted item is an original). And sometimes my knitting makes me want to cry (like when I can't get gauge. Or I notice a wee tiny mistake, 9 inches before the point where I am currently at). And my running is tear-invoking too (like when every step gives me pain - and I mean the mental kind, not the physical). And there is the thing about taking a run and turning it into a race. Or taking some yarn and turning it into socks.
People who don't knit think you are crazy for knitting something that can be bought at Zellers for two bucks. And people who don't run, think you are nuts for running, never mind running a marathon. Those who do only one likely respect the person who only does the other (and vice versa) because they get where the other person is coming from. It's personal pride and the sense of completion. And those of us who do both? Likely a little nuts - but also likely a little calmer and more fit than the general population (in my opinion).
Then I clicked on this month's issue of Twist Collective - and there is an article that celebrates the kntting runner (or perhaps the running knitter) - and she says it much better than I do. So go on and click on the link - and then if you are like me, go put on your shoes and go out and celebrate the aliveness of running. Or pick up your needles and celebrate the creativity of knitting. Just (as Nike says) do it!!
But I am wayyyy better with this structure and group. I have a New!! Fresh!! focus to my running. I even think I can do a wee bit better time by being part of this group (we're not talking Boston qualifying, just my own PB). The program is based on 4 runs a week - 2 coached and 2 solo. And after one run there is a lecture. I took in some of the lecture material last year, but I am really looking forward to hearing it in the context of my own experience - maybe it will allow me to make some changes and "tweak" my runs. If not, well, then I know I can forge ahead next year without the benefit of the program.
This morning, in my post-run coffee, one of the women said she had never seen a pair of hand-knit socks - ever. I was a little surprised - although if you didn't grow up with knitting relatives and your parents are younger than mine, I guess it makes sense. So I will take a pair for her to see. But it got me thinking about running and knitting.
One is a sport and one is not (the Knitting Olympics aside), but they both involve doing something that brings you personal pride. And it is something that can't be taken away from you. I will always have that experience of crossing the finish line, just as I will always have the skill of knitting something original (because every knitted item is an original). And sometimes my knitting makes me want to cry (like when I can't get gauge. Or I notice a wee tiny mistake, 9 inches before the point where I am currently at). And my running is tear-invoking too (like when every step gives me pain - and I mean the mental kind, not the physical). And there is the thing about taking a run and turning it into a race. Or taking some yarn and turning it into socks.
People who don't knit think you are crazy for knitting something that can be bought at Zellers for two bucks. And people who don't run, think you are nuts for running, never mind running a marathon. Those who do only one likely respect the person who only does the other (and vice versa) because they get where the other person is coming from. It's personal pride and the sense of completion. And those of us who do both? Likely a little nuts - but also likely a little calmer and more fit than the general population (in my opinion).
Then I clicked on this month's issue of Twist Collective - and there is an article that celebrates the kntting runner (or perhaps the running knitter) - and she says it much better than I do. So go on and click on the link - and then if you are like me, go put on your shoes and go out and celebrate the aliveness of running. Or pick up your needles and celebrate the creativity of knitting. Just (as Nike says) do it!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Today's To-Do List
1. Finish the tile project I am working on with Karen.
2. Have lunch with Nancy.
3. Cruise the new section of Chinook Mall (they just opened an "Anthropologie"....)
4. Run with Brandee and Maureen.
5. Hang laundry on line (spring-time - gotta dry those sheets outside!!)
6. Watch the Flames win (or lose, as the case may be).
7. Finish the gusset on my sock.
8. STRETCH after running.
This is not a typical day - because I usually work on Wednesdays at the school library. But it is spring break - which gives me a rare day to do what I want (Well, except fornag remind the boys about their chores. Because they really like that.)
2. Have lunch with Nancy.
3. Cruise the new section of Chinook Mall (they just opened an "Anthropologie"....)
4. Run with Brandee and Maureen.
5. Hang laundry on line (spring-time - gotta dry those sheets outside!!)
6. Watch the Flames win (or lose, as the case may be).
7. Finish the gusset on my sock.
8. STRETCH after running.
This is not a typical day - because I usually work on Wednesdays at the school library. But it is spring break - which gives me a rare day to do what I want (Well, except for
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Favourite foods
I like lots of different food - and I go in and out of love with some - but today's favourites are:
1. Really good chocolate
2. Home-made pasta (lucky I have a husband that makes it)
3. Prime rib - done rare.
4. Anything with lemon in it.
5. Home-made cookies - as long as they don't have raisins in them (yuck!)
6. Oddly enough - butter tarts -with lots of raisins. I know. It doesn't make sense.
7. Caesar salad with home-made croutons and lots of garlic - with a grilled chicken breast tossed in.
8. Gelato - especially lemon and grapefruit
9. Home-made cupcakes - with a touch of icing on them.
Love coffee and red wine - but they aren't really foods per se.
1. Really good chocolate
2. Home-made pasta (lucky I have a husband that makes it)
3. Prime rib - done rare.
4. Anything with lemon in it.
5. Home-made cookies - as long as they don't have raisins in them (yuck!)
6. Oddly enough - butter tarts -with lots of raisins. I know. It doesn't make sense.
7. Caesar salad with home-made croutons and lots of garlic - with a grilled chicken breast tossed in.
8. Gelato - especially lemon and grapefruit
9. Home-made cupcakes - with a touch of icing on them.
Love coffee and red wine - but they aren't really foods per se.
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