My day didn’t go as planned at all. I could call this post “The Second Time in His Life My Oldest Child has Puked” but in that case I might as well call it “Don’t Read This Post” (It’s really not so bad, and ends well)
My 5 year old ,Nicholas, had his annual year pediatric checkup scheduled so after dropping 3 year old Jhenya off at preschool, Nicholas started acting like he was about to fall asleep walking in the parking lot, and speaking in a barely audible voice.
He had slept close to 12 hours, got up early to play with Star Wars Legos, and was hitting the wall at 9:30 am. I was exasperated. (Also concerned about making a good impression on the Pediatrician, to be honest. Isn’t that often the case?)
During the drive to the Doctor, I cajoled, badgered and threatened to confiscate all 15,000 teeny tiny pieces of the Lego kits he owns if he didn’t perk up. He didn’t. Okay, I get it. You’re tired. Really tired.
Bless his heart, in the waiting room he wrote out his little words for his PreK spelling test that he was missing at school: six, seven, eight, nine, ten, then put his head down. They called us in and a very nice nurse asked Nicholas to step on the scale.
He looked up at her and out of nowhere lost his breakfast EVERYWHERE! His shirt, pants, arm, floor, wow! I got him reasonably cleaned up and after taking his temperature, the experts determined they could do his 5 year exam, do a quickie strep test but we would skip vision/hearing tests and vaccinations.
I got him home and into bed, started working on my computer and later on it actually became a day I had wanted for a long time.
I couldn’t go to work (pukers are REALLY frowned on at Preschool) and Nicholas and I got to spend a quiet afternoon together with ginger ale, crackers, grilled cheese, the Incredibles, Star Wars Legos, Model Cars, Conversation and Computers. I got some work done and also got lots of alone time with my 5 year old, which has become such a luxury since having two small children and a full time outside the home job. My 3 year old is home much more and needs me more. Nicholas is becoming a tall, handsome rowdy (ok he’s always been rowdy) sports and Wii loving kind of boy .
By late afternoon Nicholas was proclaiming himself to be “full of energy” and asking for pizza for dinner. Whatever bug that was, it doesn’t seem to be lasting the 5 days the Dr. predicted but it was a little respite from real-life schedules and a cuddly day with my baby, even if he is almost 4 feet tall.
Now I will go finish the pukey laundry.
(Wrote this a week ago and forgot about it. Today we had to return to the Doc for the vaccinations we opted not to get while he was sick. Me in the car: “Nicholas, No Throwing Up Today, Do you Understand Me? (giggles all around)
He got four shots, didn’t even flinch. My Superhero!
We are counting down the days to our annual trip to Augusta for Masters Week. In years past this always meant driving to Augusta on the Tuesday of Masters Week for the pre-tournament press conferences with some of the favorites to win, and the defending champion.. It was also the day we got to hear from Tiger Woods. This year, the owner of 4 Green Jackets, will be meeting the press on the Monday of Masters Week, as it will mark his return to professional golf after spending the past 3 months dealing with revelations of infidelity in his marriage. This will be Tiger’s first time in a press conference setting when the media will get to ask questions. Only sports media that normally covers golf and the Masters will be allowed inside. TMZ, Access Hollywood, and Extra will all be on the outside looking in, and that is one of the reasons why Augusta is seen as the perfect place for Tiger’s return. It promises to be an interesting week and 11Alive News will be there reporting live everyday. I will also be writing blogs about what I manage to see in and around an event that will truly be “Like No Other”.
Marathoners are full funny little sayings. The two I quote most often come from my dad:
Run your race.
Run to run another day.
I kept repeating those quotes over and over again in my head over the last week like a mantra. By now, I was supposed to be basking in the post-marathon glow, instead I’m scrambling to find another marathon. Instead of trying to break four hours, I’m just hoping to finish. It’s funny how one night in the ER can change your running plans.
I’ll gloss over all the details and sum it up like this: I’m OK, it’s no big deal. But for a while, I was totally sidelined. And for just a while, I didn’t even care about missing the ING Georgia Marathon. It was always there, hanging around in the back of my mind. But it wasn’t until days later, when I came out of a pain-medication-induced haze that I realized the last six months of training was building to a crescendo that would never happen.
Saturday night, I went to the Team in Training celebration dinner. I admit there was a part of me that didn’t want to go. That didn’t want to hear everyone talk about their successful marathons while I just nodded and smiled. But I’m so glad I went.
I was so proud of everyone. While runners relived the race, water stop by water stop, the non-runner spouses and friends got a glazed look. I could almost hear their brains working: who cares how many goo gels you ate? And whether you ate them at mile 9 or 12? It’s almost like this secret language only endurance runners can speak. Yes, it’s awesome.
Run to run another day. It looks like that day will be April 24th. I’m planning to run the Country Music Marathon in Nashville next month. So, I’ll get my big event. Just a month late.
The National Association of Free Health Clinics is holding a clinic that is expected to draw thousands of people at the Georgia International Convention Center on Saturday, March 27th. All available appointments have been filled but walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information go to The National Association of Free Clinics Website.
Participating Publix stores are also offering Free Health Screenings at Publix Little Clinic locations through March 31st. (From atlantaonthecheap.com)
Oh Baby Fitness centers in metro Atlanta are giving free exercise classes to metro Atlanta moms. Participating Atlanta area locations will have free pre natal and post natal classes on May 8th and 9th.
Kidthing.com is a new website for kid that is billed a safe, secure internet site with no advertising where kids can learn and play. There are items you can purchase on the site but playing on it is free once you download kidthing.com
Handy kids can head toLowe’s Build and Grow workshop for free beginner woodworking classes. On Saturday, March 27th they will make a Kaleidoscope. Sign up for a class at lowesbuildandgrow.com
Also this weekend, Michael’s Craft Stores are having a free Spring Thing family event where kids can try out Crayola’s new Model Magic Presto dots.
And Bass Pro Shops are having a Free Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Crafts for kids each weekend on March 27 and 28th and again on April 3rd and 4th.
Kids can bowl up to two games a day for free this summer at participating area bowling alleys when their parents register them at kidsbowlfree.com
When you register there are five different prompts asking you to buy a family pass for $24.95. Scroll to the bottom and click on “No Thanks” if you are not interested in the Family Pass. (From Iheartsavingmoney.com)
Also from theiheartsavingmoney blog: David Bach’s book: Start Over Finish Rich is available FREE. Readers can download one chapter a month. It is part of a promotion by Oprah.com. Chapter One is currently available.
The final 2010 session of Clayton State University’s accounting students free volunteer tax preparation assistance program will be offered at the Clayton State University School of Business on Saturday, Mar. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The assistance is available for those who make under $49,000 a year. They will be assisted on a first come, first serve basis. If taxpayers have further questions, they may call the VITA hotline at (678) 466-4527.
United Way and various non profit agencies have teamed up with Wal Mart to give free taxpayer help next week.
Here are the times and locations:
3/29/2010: 12-4 pm Fellowship Bldg, 1303 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SE (404) 808-1097
2/31/2010: 9am-4pm Lakewood Church of Christ, 1966 Lakewood Terrace SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (404) 622-7931 ext 100
4/9/2010 9am-5pm Rockdale County Government Complex, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers, GA 30094 (404) 623-2857
Every Saturday through April 10th: New Birth Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038.
Whew!
It’s my “Friday night” since my days off are Monday and Tuesday after anchoring 11Alive Weekend Morning News at 9am.
I made it home by around 2 this afternoon (GOOD day), then researched the grocery sales, played with the boys and headed out for some shopping by 4.
At CVS I took advantage of the Cover Girl Makeup Sale to try out the Cover Girl/Olay foundation which is normally $12.00-$16.00 but was down to $6.00 after coupons and Extra CAre Bucks. It was a hassle. The cash register didn’t want to accept my Buy One Get One Free Coupons from the February Proctor and Gamble Sunday Coupon Insert (BOGO). Still, it worked out with a little patience on my part. I’ve heard it is the best selling foundation in the country right now, so we’ll see how I like it.
Viewers a few weeks ago gave me a hard time on the the Morning News Live chat when they could see I was drinking not my usual Diet Coke, but Pepsi Max. When it goes on sale.. what can I say? I bought 4 12 packs today at Rite aid for $10.00. That’s $2.50 instead of the $4.00 Diet Cokes at most stores right now. Diet Coke is my favorite but I’d rather save a few bucks! The Max also has extra caffeine, I hear.
My friend and co-worker Kathy started raising chickens and when “The Ladies” are laying, she brings eggs to work! This is fabulous! The first week they eggs were $1.00 a dozen due to being a little small; now they are up to $1.50. For FARM FRESH eggs! They can cost $4.00 in some stores!
Our family had already started having omelettes or frittata every once in a while beacuse its quick and easy, you can pack it with healthy vegetables, it’s inexpensive and healthy. Eggs are an inexpensive protein and if you’re concerned about cholesterol you can eliminate one or more yolks.
Here’s a recipe from my email inbox from BJ’s Wholesale Warehouse. I have never shopped there through I’ve heard they accept coupons (always a plus!)
I have had memberships at some of the other clubs in the past and for me personally,they were best for Bulk Spices, Olive Oil, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Fresh Salmon and sometimes, kid’s pajamas and sleepers. Most don’t accept coupons.
Angel Hair Frittata – Recipe courtesy of BJ’s Wholesale Club
A solid brunch item – or for brinner (breakfast for dinner)
Serves 4 at $1.72 per serving
4 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 small Zucchini, sliced
1 Tomato, seeded and chopped
1 Green Onion, diced
4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
2 Tablespoons Black Olives
½ tsp. McCormick® Basil Leaves, crumbled
4 Eggs
Salt and Black Pepper
½ cup Grated Romano Cheese
6 oz. Angel Hair Pasta, cooked al dente
1. Heat 2 Tbsp. of oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté fresh
vegetables and garlic until tender, about 3 minutes. 2. Stir in olives and
dried herbs. Set aside to cool. 3. Preheat broiler. Beat eggs and cheese in
large bowl. Stir in vegetables and pasta and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat remaining oil in large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Pour
egg mixture into pan and spread with spatula until veggies and pasta
are evenly distributed. 5. Cook until eggs are set and golden-brown on
bottom. 6. Immediately place skillet under broiler. Cook until top is set
and golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Carefully remove pan from oven.
7. Loosen edges with butter spreader. Carefully invert pan over large
plate and slide frittata out. 8. Cut into 4 wedges and serve immediately.
Local companies are celebrating spring with Sweet Treats all over town!
Aunt Kimmie’s Creations in Roswell is offering a free cookie when you buy a beverage and mention 11 Alive Ways to Save. The store is located at 1055 Canton Street in Historic Roswell.
Rita’s Italian Ice locations are offering free Italian ice on Saturday, March 20th. There is a location at Underground Atlanta and many others in the metro area.
Yoforia Yogurt at 3079 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta is also giving away free yogurt Saturday March 20th starting at noon.
And on March 23rd, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream stores across the country will be celebrating spring with Free Ice Cream Cone Day.
March 23rd is also Free Pastry Day at Starbucks. Customers are required to buy a beverage and print out a coupon on Starbucks.com
Dinnergarden.org is a non profit that gives away free vegetable seeds. Gardeners can sign up for the freebie on the site. That deal comes from AttentionTargetShoppers.com
Kids can learn to make a bird feeder at the Lakeshore Learning Store on Roswell Road in Marietta on Saturday. The store has store has free craft projects for kids most weekends.
For the grownups there’s a Martha Stewart Painting Class at Home Depot on April 15th. It’s is part of the Do It Herself Workshop Series.
Two more weeks remain of free Tax Help at Clayton State University, on March 20th and 27th. The assistance comes from Business school students who have studied the new tax laws. Assistance is available from 9am to 1pm in the School of Business Building. Those seeking assistance must have an income of under $49.000 per year. Taxpayers can also call (678)466-4527.
For more money saving tips follow Valuesval on Twitter.
HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!!!
I was just watching Suze Orman and she agrees with a lot of credit experts who belive credit unions treat their customers more fairly than banks do.
She recommends Creditcardconnection.org to find the right credit card and credit union for you. On the Dean’s List of Credit cards from that site are these from Georgia:
Georgia Power Federal Credit Union
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Federal Credit Union
Duluth, GA
Fulton Teachers` Credit Union
Hapeville, GA
United 1st Federal Credit Union
Kingsland, GA
Georgia Florida United Methodist Federal Credit Union
Marietta, GA
LGE Community Credit Union
Marietta, GA
Want to know what’s not recommended? They are listed too! 
Sandy Springs antique mall Antiques and Interiors is having its spring storewide sale. The values will vary because 50 different antique dealers have shops at the location. A spokeswoman said many dealers have marked their merchandise down 50 percent from original prices. Antiques and Interiors is at 6336 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404) 250-1057. The sale runs through March 21st.
The Boutique Armoire upscale kids’ consignment sale is March 19th at 1418 Dunwoody Village Parkway. Shoppers can also pay $10.00 to shop on the 18th at 7pm and beat the crowds.
On March 20th, the Intown Atlanta Parents of Multiples club is holding its annual consignment sale at The Salvation Army at 2090 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta GA 30329. The sale is open to the public beginning at 8:30 a.m. No children or strollers are allowed. for more information call (404) 486-2800.
For adults, Talbots.com is having an outlet sale with items up to 7% off. Coupon codes for extra discounts and discounted shipping are also available on retailmenot.com.
Both Filene’s Basement and Off Fifth are holding men’s suit sales this week. Filene’s sale starts Sunday March 14th. The store often puts coupons on its Facebook page. Off Fifth is Saks Fifth Avenue’s outlet store. The suit sale starts Wednesday March 17th but email subscribers receive invitations to reserve merchandise starting Saturday March 13th. Join the email list here.
Halfoffdepot.com has tickets for a four course dinner and two hour show at Medieval Times restaurant for $20.00. That’s more than half off the normal price of $52.00.
On Monday, Scoutmob.com will have a promotion for 50% off purchases at Veronica’s Attic Boutique in Sandy Springs which can be downloaded on to a cell phone or wireless device.
Scoutmob.com will also offer the following deals this week:
Tuesday – 50% off Urban Cannibals Bodega + Bites (East Atlanta)
Wednesday – 50% off Joe’s on Juniper (Midtown)
Thursday – 50% off A La Mode Salon (Northside Dr.)
Friday – 50% off Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille (Buckhead)
Saturday March 20th: Dillard’s at North Point Mall is partnering with Wellspring Living to restock its resale store. Bring an article of gently used clothing for Wellspring Living’s Upscale resale store and receive a 20% off coupon for your entire purchase at Dillard’s that day. Refreshments and a spring fashion preview will be provided.
Cool Stuff this week in my opinion! I always try these out to make sure no credit card number is required, no purchase is required and the deal still exists.
Walmart.com has a variety of free sample offers. To find them click on “See All Departments” on the left upper corner, than scroll down to the heading “In Stores Now”, or click here. Currently shoppers can order a free sample of the new variety of Crest 3d White Strips.
Tomatoheirlooms.com promises to send three free packages of basil seeds to customers who sign up for the Tomato Heirlooms newsletter while supplies last.
Tylenol has a website designed to help those who suffer from arthritis called justkeepmoving.com. Those who register will receive a free fitness DVD and a pedometer while supplies last.
Lowe’s is holding a Build and Grow Workshop for kids this weekend. Sign up at lowesbuildandgrowcom. This week’s project is a tabletop basketball game. The workshops are recommend for kids in first through fifth grades.
Learning Express Toys of Woodstock will have animals from the Little Red Barn Petting Zoo for the kids both days this weekend. The store is located at 2295 Towne Lake Parkway.
By the way, I signed up for all these to make sure they work, and today I received the Crest White Strip sample. It comes with a $10.00 off coupon! I will be watching for them to go on sale and then use the coupon.
Follow Valuesval on Twitter for money saving tips, freebies and good deals. And have a great weekend!
The score was Johnson Ferry: 1, Me: 0.
Some hills are just hills, but some are Hills (with a capital “H”). Johnson Ferry at Columns Drive is definitely a Hill. 
I ran it during my 12 miler, and I was set to face it again for an 18 miler. Leading up to Saturday’s run, I’d been living on a solid diet of Olympics. I love the Winter Olympics: bob sledding, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard cross, even curling. My television never strayed from NBC for those ten days (given NBC’s usual programming line-up, this was a huge change despite my obvious 11Alive loyalties). So, I entered Saturday inspired and ready to treat Johnson Ferry like that cocky ice skater from Russia—Take that!
By now, you’re thinking: it’s a hill, what’s the big deal? So it’s time to admit I have a thing about Hills (not the little hills, just the Hills).
I’m not nervously uncomfortable of them the way I am of revolving doors and garbage disposals. They just keep beating me. I can’t run them at the pace I should be. I fall behind on the hills and catch up with my runner partners at the top, but as the runs get longer it’s getting tougher. There are lots of things I can do to improve my hill performance next time, but right now, I’m about to start ramping down on my running: no time to start a new strength training plan.
So I just have to gut it out.
And you know what? I did. Maybe it was the pocket full of jelly beans I nibbled at the later water stops. Maybe it was the extra hours of sleep I squeezed into my week. I’m not saying it was super-fast or that I didn’t fall behind. But I did it, and I felt good. So, in my book, that makes it 1-1.
This will be short.
The Olympics are over, everything is getting torn down at the international broadcast center, and Vancouver is quickly reverting back to its non-Olympic form. We have just one more day left, and then it’s flight time back to Atlanta.
I wanted to just take a moment to say some (quick) final thoughts. This has been an exhilarating experience, and I truly hope you all have enjoyed reading about it and seeing it from afar as much as I enjoyed experiencing it in person. The goal with any story like this is to try to take the energy, excitement, and atmosphere of the event and bring it to your television set or computer. It’s a tough task, especially with an event as broad in its scope as this one. I hope you all enjoyed the stories and moments, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring them to you.
In a few days, I’ll be back at work at WXIA, and you can continue to follow my work through my Twitter account: MattPearlWXIA11. In the meantime, thanks so much for following along with our Olympic coverage — it was our pleasure to provide it!
