Briney 19/8/2011

So we met the contractor today to go over the plans and make sure we had everything we wanted in the plans and up to date. Jesse's dad also came with us which was good as he also had some good ideas.

Interior
Jesse made sure that the sliding doors will be put on the porch not french. There is also potential for a floor to ceiling window in front of the stair case and two double windows in our bedroom to make the elevations look better. We also discussed the new powder room and narrowing the stairs to create more space for the closet in our bedroom, but also keeping the narrowing for the rest of the hall way up stairs.

We need to select Tile and flooring and Cupboards, but are thinking red tile for the kitchen, dining room and porch. Going to see Stick and stones and all others in the area tomorrow.

Tony mentioned us meeting a guy to go over windows and doors with him at the house, also to contact Mrs. Deshields or Mr. Tucker at BAC.

Jesse and I need to check if the stairs and hall way have recessed lighting as that is what we thing we need.

Landscaping
The stairs to the dock will put in place along side the house with a hand railing from the garden. The garden will be dug out behind the house and we discussed putting a temporary fence to be put in place until the hibiscus has grown up.
The front of the house shall be extended to the widest point which it is at now and shall also need a rail to pass health and safety.
The entrance stairs shall be moved back away from the house, so cut short and built up alongside the current raised flowerbed.
The porch shall be all one level, by pouring concrete.

There were three guys there today removing the floor upstairs. (M,S,YL)

Here are some pictures to show the development.

Long time overdue

So we have neglected this blog completely and a lot has happened since we last wrote an entry. Firstly we finished the NYC marathon, we got engaged, we got married and we have now bought a house. A very big year for us, we are so excited about our new adventure. So on that note we have decide to dedicate this blog to the new house and its progress. To give some back ground the purchase of the house has been going on for a year, so to actually own it feels very surreal and it is taking a lot of getting used to. As of Monday July 4th Jesse was the proud owner of Briney.

We have paid our dues

We have paid our dues to the NYC marathon oh my goodness it was expensive! $650, we didn't get in through the lottery which is a shame, but at least now we are with the Mid Atlantic athletic club and have guaranteed spots. This is also great as someone was telling be they organised long runs so that you don't have to go it alone. This will be good for Jesse and I being first timers to get some advice from other people. I am getting very excited although very nervous also. Jesse and I went for a run the other day and were determined to go for an hour (only about 1/4 of the actually race day) we did it, but its amazing how much it takes it out of you!

We have also been doing some weight training and shorter runs during the week to try and mix it up a bit. We both did Pump it up at Magnum, Monday lunch and then I did Yoga in the evening which is a great class as you really feel stretched and relaxed when you leave, although I did really struggle on the run on Tuesday and Jesse was flying!

So we both decided we have to get new sneakers for our running I want the exact kind I have now which are Asic gels I think, they are the best pair I have ever had and just hope they are still making them.

Cornerstone 10 miles

We are on our way! Jesse and I ran the cornerstone 10 mile race yesterday as training for May 24th and the New York Marathon. I managed to finish in 1:24:36 and Jesse was 1:26:26, which I think is great for both of us. I think Jesse probably finished a lot better than I did as when I crossed the finish line I was dead, probably to do with the day before's self inflicted illness. Jesse pushed it from about 2 miles to the end and did a great job! Now we just have to keep it up.

We also went to the driving range yesterday which was fun, although makes you realise how much improving you have to do, before I get back out on the golf course. It is nice and light here in the evenings which will hopefully work in my favour for practising golf as we have talked about heading out to hit a couple balls after work.

Right golf and Running focus for April 2010.

Stewing and Braising

Last night Jesse and I went to a cooking class at International Imports. Was so much fun! We bought cooking classes for two along with a week in Provence at the last Contest fundraiser and it was time to use it. It was great! We learnt how to make a pot roast, Chili, Chicken Fraisse with Northern Dumplings and a tomato and Okra stew. It all tasted very yummy and the whole experience was a lot of fun. So much so that we are going to sign up for more classes. Roasting and gravy making are next.

Training

So Jesse and I started off pretty ambitiously this weekend as we ran a 10k race on Sunday. Somers thought there would be squealing the whole way round but there was none of that only a shout from Jesse as he went storming past me on his final push "Where's the finish". We both did really well especially Jesse as I can't remember the last time he went for a run longer than the Cobb's hill route we do along the railway trail. So the results : Me: 50:24 Jesse: 53:23 So that works out at Me: 8:23 min miles, Jesse: 9:12 min miles. I think that's a great starting point and we can both improve on this. This weekend for our long run we are doing Zoom around the sound 7 miles so 1 mile more than Sunday. Jesse is going to do the race but unfortunately I shall be away the following weekend. We are ahead of our training for May 24th which is great I just hope it stays this way. Sorry this must be very boring for any readers but a great way to keep track of all of our training. I have yet to come up with a formal schedule but I think over the next two weeks it shall have to be done, sorry Jesse.

New York Marathon

Ok I decided I needed some focus for my running and have always wanted to do a marathon so I have signed Jesse and I up for the New York Marathon November 7th 2010. I thought I had gotten used to the idea until yesterday when I came into work and a reminder popped up that I should start training for May24th the big half marathon derby here. Well from here until November 7th I shall now be training or have training on my mind. I decided last night to look at training schedules and freaked out at the thought of running for over 4 hours in one go. How on earth am I going to do that! I have just bought a book that shall hopefully help as its all about a lady who used to be a couch potatoe and has run a marathon and the build up to it. Its more of a funny read than anything else but hopefully it shall motivate me and ofcourse Jesse to get our bums in gear. Here we go!
I have run three straight days just gentle jogs and it is going well so far.