This Crazy Life of Mine | Tag Archives: holidays

Favorite posts of 2013

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Nanci

Another year is coming to an end… As I look through posts from this past year, it’s amazing how much has happened, how much was accomplished. Running, weight loss, personal growth, and more…. My blog has turned out to be the best form of a scrapbook I have ever done. And now it’s time for me to share my favorite posts of 2013. Since I just shared all my race recaps for 2013 yesterday, I did not include those in this list…

I have so much to look forward to in 2014 and continuing my blog is one of them. I hope you’ll stay with me and follow along!

Have a safe and Happy New Year! I hope you have a wonderful 2014!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Nanci

As I spend today with my family, I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

However you spend your day and celebrate this holiday, I hope you have a special day!

Race Recap ~ Santa’s Twilight 5K

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Nanci

Saturday night was only my second night race that I’ve done and it was so much fun! Hubby and I, along with our friend Corinna, did the Santa’s Twilight 5K on Honeymoon Island in Dunedin. It was only the second year and I didn’t get to do it last year because I was sick. I was excited to do it this year.

The weather was nice, but very windy. Thankfully it wasn’t warm, it was on the cool side. We wore shorts, red shirts, and fun twinkling Santa’s hats! I’m so glad hubby thought to get them. It made it really fun and festive.

We arrived at Honeymoon Island early and just in time for a beautiful sunset. You know me and sunsets…. I took too many photos, but I couldn’t resist. I am just drawn to the water and the amazing colors of the sun at the end of the day…

I also took what may be my most favorite finish line photo ever. I have decided that all finish lines should be along the water and have beautiful twinkling lights like this one. So pretty!

The race started just after 7pm when it was dark. We all had glow necklaces to wear and we knew the course would have luminaries to light the way. And of course we had our fabulous twinkling hats!

Finally, we were off! We started towards the back to let the crowd thin out. Santa Claus was at the start line cheering everyone on as they started, The kids who were running were so excited!

I had not run all week and I was so excited to get out there. It just felt great! Thankfully, my baby toe that I busted last Tuesday did not hurt.

My first mile was the slowest, just trying to get around everyone. Just before Mile 2, the crowds thinned out and I was able to run a really nice pace. I ran the entire distance, no walk breaks. It was a really nice course and it was fun to see all the lights and the costumes of the other runners. I knew that I was finishing my fastest 5K race when I was almost at the finish just before 29 minutes. I finished strong at 30:56 with an average pace of 09:38 per mile. Pretty darn good!

After we all finished, we waited in line for what might be the best post-race goodies ever. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, a banana, cookies, and chocolate dipped pretzels. Sugar rush!

It was really a fun time. I always enjoy doing races with hubby and my friend Corinna. It’s such a fun way to stay active and earn a cool medal to add to our collections. This race will definitely be on my list for 2014!

And of course, now I have a new 5K goal in mind… It’s time to tackle a sub-30 5K. I know I can do it! I am even more determined to do it after seeing the official race results and how I placed. Wow!

Have you run any Christmas races this month?

Another successful year for Jingle Bike For Kids…

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Nanci

This was our second year collecting bikes for kids. Hubby and I started Jingle Bikes For Kids last year and knew we had to do it again this year. We hope to do it every year, bigger and better each time.

Last week, our collection of bikes grew as we picked up several and one was delivered to us. We just loved seeing all the bikes in our garage. Last year, we delivered them directly to the Toys For Tots distribution center. This year, we decided to deliver them to the Toys For Tots toy drive at the Walmart in Oldsmar. It was a beautiful, cool morning and it was such a fun time.

We had a total of 13 bikes this year. There is nothing like seeing a truck full of bikes headed down the road to deliver. Hubby and I also purchased helmets for any that did not have them. In addition to the two bikes we purchased ourselves, we would like to thank:

Nancy D. (my mom)
Nick & Jenna D. (my brother and sister-in-law)
Erika G.
Corinna B.
Caroline C.
Carey & Melissa Birch
Tori & Patrick
Carol & Ken Lynch

Magic 94.9 and Fox 13 were broadcasting live and the 501st Legion was there. It was very festive!

And now, I will let my pictures tell the rest of the story…

When we delivered the bikes, all I could think about is how proud my dad would be to see all those bikes lined up. He loved nothing more than making a child happy at Christmas, and we hope to carry this on yearly to honor that wonderful Christmas spirit that my dad had.

If you have any questions about Jingle Bikes For Kids, or if you would like to donate a bike in 2014, please feel free to contact me at nanci.cernak@yahoo.com or via our Facebook page.

Currently | December Edition

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Nanci

Happy Friday! I feel like the best way to end this crazy week is with this month’s Currently post!

Current book:

I just finished a wonderful book by an author who I have had the pleasure to meet, Trish Doller. If you are a fan of YA Lit and are looking for a good book, this is it. And if you are local here to Tampa Bay, you’ll enjoy it even more because it is set in Tarpon Springs!

Current music:

It’s December, so that means Christmas music. And while I love a wide variety of Christmas music – new, old, and in between, I am very sentimental about the Christmas music I grew up on. My dad loved Big Band music, so it was always Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more…. Now more than ever, it just makes me smile to hear it. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I would have to say this one….

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra””

Current guilty pleasure:

Christmas movies. I can’t get enough of them. If the TV is on (and when is it not?!?!), there is a Christmas movie one. I love all the cheesy ones on the Hallmark channel, as well as the fun ones on ABC Family like Christmas Vacation or How The Grinch Stole Christmas. I will be sad when they go away in a couple weeks.

Current drink:

Water. I cut WAY back on coffee the last few weeks and I’m drinking enough water for two people. Plain, ice cold water is my favorite. I don’t like it warm, although I will drink it that way if I have to. I also like it with lemon, but other than that, I never add anything to it.

Current food:

The last couple of week’s I have enjoyed lunch with my mom at Jason’s Deli with my mom. They have the best tomato basil soup. I always get a cup of it with half a sandwich, roast beef on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and sliced avocado. It is so good and not too awful on points. It’s very filling too!

Current show:

Did you watch The Sound of Music, Live! last week? I DVR’d it and finally watched it. I loved watching the original movie growing up and I am not ashamed to admit that I love “My Favorite Things”. I also love Carrie Underwood, and I loved her version of the song on the live show. Did you watch it?

My Favorite Things–The Sound of Music, Live!

Current wish list:

I have my eye on this adorable Christmas ornament for our tree. I don’t have any running-related ornaments and I think it’s time I have one.

(Source: Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel)

Current triumphs:

Three weeks later, I am still riding high from my awesome PR at the Women’s Running Series Half Marathon. It will be awhile before I forget this one…

Current links:

DailyMile – I love this site to track the miles I log running or walking. It gives you a weekly total and at the end of the year, I get a total for the year. It’s always fun to look back at progress. If you are on DailyMile, add me as a friend!

The Daily Mel – Melissa is a fellow blogger and WW friend. She loves all things WW like I do and her blog is full of great information about the program and more. If you visit her blog, let her know I sent you!

Katy Widrick – Katy is a fellow blogger, runner, and all around cool girl. She has some pretty great content on her blog and her baby girl is too cute.

Current needs:

I always have a hard time answering this. I don’t’ really *need* anything. I would like to 2013 to end on a positive note, so I guess who could say I need that.

Current indulgence:

Four words…. Cake in a cup. Have you tried this yet? Holy yum, is it good. It feels like an indulgence because it’s so sweet and warm and delicious, but it’s only 4 Weight Watchers points plus value. And it takes 70 seconds to heat it up in the microwave. Hard to beat that!

Current outfit:

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, the answer to this one is my little black dress I wore to the Christmas party this past Tuesday. I haven’t even put it in the closet yet – it’s hanging on the door where I can see it. I felt amazing in that dress, especially after realizing it was a size 6. I just love it….

Current excitement:

Today we are dropping off bikes for Toys For Tots as part of our Jingle Bikes With Kids program my husband and I started last year. I believe we have 12 bikes this year. It makes me so happy to know that 12 little kiddos will get a brand new bike. I remember how much I loved my bike when I was little.

Current mood:

December is a hard month, no way around it. This year, I am having a little harder time getting into the holiday spirit. I just miss my dad. But we enjoyed a gorgeous sunset on the 4th in honor of him. I know he’s with me always, but I feel it most when I’m standing by the water and looking at a sunset like this….