Here are some things I've learned while being on this earth for the last 48 years:
1) Sometimes you just HAVE to learn to let things go. No matter how hard it is, no matter how painful, no matter how much you don't want to....sometimes it's crucial and in the end sometimes it's even better in the end. I know sometimes in my life I have held onto things WAYYYYY longer than I should have. So just take that deep breath....put all the bad things and things you need to say goodbye to in that breath....and let it go.
2) People will inevitably hurt you. We are human...it's inevitable that others will hurt us and that we will hurt others. Some people are brought into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Discern which area they belong in...acquire the lesson if need be. Learn from it and move on. Then cherish those that are there forever.
3) Do things yourself!! Don't be that wounded sparrow waiting for someone to save you or rescue you. Don't wait for someone else to fix it. Don't wait for someone else to do it. If it needs done...get in there and do it. And try to do it without complaining or throwing it in someone's face.....nobody likes that.
4) I'm going to share one of my favorite quotes here for this one...."Don't make someone a priority who only makes you their option." Great words to live by....and if you can follow this one, it'll be a lot less painful in the end.
5) Face your fears. Hard one, and scary too...but once you've stared it in the face and conquered it, it's amazing how other fears seems less daunting.
6) Sometimes you just have to put YOU first. I know as a woman this is sometimes a really tough one to do because we are so sacrificing...especially when it comes to kids. We put everyone else first and we end up with not much left in the tank at the end. Sometimes you need to call a time out, lock the door, hide in your car if even for 5 minutes and just take a moment for YOU! If you can...I advice taking time out for yourself every single day. Even if it is only those 5 minutes. You deserve it :)
7) Here's another quote..."If it's important to you you'll make it a priority. If it's not important you'll make an excuse." So true...if you want something bad enough...make it a priority in your life. Want to lose those 10 pounds...it ain't going to happen sitting on the couch....if you really want it to happen YOU need to put forth the effort and make it a priority. Put it on your calendar...your phone...your iPod...if that's what you need to do. If you really want to go out on a date with your spouse...make it a PRIORITY!! If you want to do something fun with your kids...put it on the calendar!! If there is one thing I've really come to find is if I put it on the calendar or on a To Do list...it has more of a chance of getting done. Quit making excuses as to why you can't....make a plan to say you CAN!!
8) Kind of goes with the one above, but MAKE A PLAN. If you want to see your life at a certain point in 10 years, 5 years...next year....MAKE A PLAN ON HOW TO GET THERE!! You can't just get in a car and drive willy nilly from here to the Grand Canyon unless you have a map showing you the correct way to get there. Make a plan, dream list, whatever you want to call it and brainstorm ways on how to get to that goal. You'll have far better success getting there if you have a plan!
9) Not everyone belongs in your heart. Now hear me out on this one. I took a class several years ago that taught me this and let me tell you it was the best class I've ever taken! Just because someone may be close to you (parents, siblings, relatives, spouse, friends) it doesn't give them free access to your heart. YOU get to choose who lives there....it's not an open door...or at least it shouldn't be, to just allow anyone just to walk in and take up residence. It is an earned place...and rightfully so...because it's a special place, that only those who truly care about you, who are willing to look out for you, those who have your back...those who can handle living there in that tender place and treat it as such. So if you need to, clean out that heart space and only allow those who deserve to be in there, in there. The others, you may have to kick out to the front porch...or the yard...or in the city.....or a different continent...or some honestly are just toxic and belong on the moon. Take the time to take inventory and clean house...trust me, you'll be glad you did. ;)
10) Sometimes it just is what it is. Some things, and some people, you can't change. Change what you can, accept what you can't change and just enjoy the journey and learn from it. We aren't here that long anyway. Glean the lessons God puts your way. Ask Him to help you through the hard stuff and praise Him for the good, the bad and the ugly. Anyone can praise God when things are good, but praising Him when things are tough is another story. Do it anyway. God will bless you for it.
OK...off my philosophical soap box now. :)
January 15, 2015
Life Truly Is Precious
In God's Word it tells us that we are like vapor...that our time here is 'here and then gone in an instant'. Yet we walk around...at least I do, taking for granted each breath that we take, getting caught up in everyday mundane things. This week is one of those weeks where life hit us, our community, and a very dear family square in the face...and honestly it was somewhat of a sucker punch.
A very dear friend and fellow scout parent had an incident last week where his heart stopped and he was life-flighted to Grant Hospital in Columbus. My husband and I went to visit him this past Saturday. It was hard to see this relatively healthy man lay there in a bed hooked to machines...this man that we had a meeting with the day before...and now here he was lying there clinging to life. If ever there was a time in my life that I "prayed without ceasing"...this was the time. We prayed as a family, I prayed on my own, so many people everywhere praying just for God to grant a miracle and allow Bob to come home and be OK. Sadly, God chose not to answer the way we wanted and sadly he went home to be with Jesus....and though the thought of Bob going to be with Jesus is comforting, honestly we all want him to be here...and it's hard....very hard...accepting God's will, yet watching his wife and three children suffer through all of this. It just doesn't seem fair. I think what is also making this so hard is the fact that he is so young...he's only a few months older than my hubby and I. His family and ours are very similar. They have three kids, so do we. They've only been married a year longer than us. Two of our kids are the same age as theirs. We've been neighbors for years. This all just hits way too close to home and it's truly just not fair...and it's just plain hard. I've been asking a lot of the "Why" questions to God this week. Why take Bob?? Then I was thinking if I was God....Bob would be one of those people I would definitely want on my team.
Bob was one of the good ones. He truly was. A very kind, gentle, welcoming and Godly man...a bit quirky, yet so very smart. Humble, hard working and very much a family man. You could tell how much he loved his wife and kids. He was one of those guys you wanted on your team because He would not only get things done but He truly would do it with excellence. Bob was an expert at "crossing the t's and dotting the i's". Bob was one of those people you just wished you could be like. I don't think I have ever heard anyone speak an ill word about Bob. He was just that kind of guy...a true gem. And one now that I wish I would have gotten to know even more. He was very instrumental in our scout troop. It's truly not going to be the same without him. After all, who's going to walk into the meeting and say, "Hey gang" like he did?? He and his wife were also very instrumental in introducing us to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course and our lives are forever changed because of him and his wife facilitating that. Other than a house payment, our family is pretty much debt free...and it's all because of Bob and Mindy giving us the tools to do so. Thank you Bob and Mindy!
But like I said we aren't even guaranteed our next breath...and this week has truly proven that. So as you go about your "everyday" please take the time to tell those around you how much they mean to you, how much you appreciate them...because the next moment they could be gone, and sadly that is reality.
As I finish this post, please pray for Bob's family if you will...pray for peace and comfort for Mindy, Emma, Ellie and John as they travel through this dark valley. Also pray for Bob's parents and extended family and for the the many, many lives that he touched. Bob is truly going to be missed very deeply.
And as Bob would say....Peace.
A very dear friend and fellow scout parent had an incident last week where his heart stopped and he was life-flighted to Grant Hospital in Columbus. My husband and I went to visit him this past Saturday. It was hard to see this relatively healthy man lay there in a bed hooked to machines...this man that we had a meeting with the day before...and now here he was lying there clinging to life. If ever there was a time in my life that I "prayed without ceasing"...this was the time. We prayed as a family, I prayed on my own, so many people everywhere praying just for God to grant a miracle and allow Bob to come home and be OK. Sadly, God chose not to answer the way we wanted and sadly he went home to be with Jesus....and though the thought of Bob going to be with Jesus is comforting, honestly we all want him to be here...and it's hard....very hard...accepting God's will, yet watching his wife and three children suffer through all of this. It just doesn't seem fair. I think what is also making this so hard is the fact that he is so young...he's only a few months older than my hubby and I. His family and ours are very similar. They have three kids, so do we. They've only been married a year longer than us. Two of our kids are the same age as theirs. We've been neighbors for years. This all just hits way too close to home and it's truly just not fair...and it's just plain hard. I've been asking a lot of the "Why" questions to God this week. Why take Bob?? Then I was thinking if I was God....Bob would be one of those people I would definitely want on my team.
Bob was one of the good ones. He truly was. A very kind, gentle, welcoming and Godly man...a bit quirky, yet so very smart. Humble, hard working and very much a family man. You could tell how much he loved his wife and kids. He was one of those guys you wanted on your team because He would not only get things done but He truly would do it with excellence. Bob was an expert at "crossing the t's and dotting the i's". Bob was one of those people you just wished you could be like. I don't think I have ever heard anyone speak an ill word about Bob. He was just that kind of guy...a true gem. And one now that I wish I would have gotten to know even more. He was very instrumental in our scout troop. It's truly not going to be the same without him. After all, who's going to walk into the meeting and say, "Hey gang" like he did?? He and his wife were also very instrumental in introducing us to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course and our lives are forever changed because of him and his wife facilitating that. Other than a house payment, our family is pretty much debt free...and it's all because of Bob and Mindy giving us the tools to do so. Thank you Bob and Mindy!
But like I said we aren't even guaranteed our next breath...and this week has truly proven that. So as you go about your "everyday" please take the time to tell those around you how much they mean to you, how much you appreciate them...because the next moment they could be gone, and sadly that is reality.
As I finish this post, please pray for Bob's family if you will...pray for peace and comfort for Mindy, Emma, Ellie and John as they travel through this dark valley. Also pray for Bob's parents and extended family and for the the many, many lives that he touched. Bob is truly going to be missed very deeply.
And as Bob would say....Peace.
March 15, 2013
New place
So unfortunately this blog got hacked into a few weeks ago...couldn't do anything with it...so I decided to start a new blog for my running...you can find it here: Running the Race. I'm gonna keep this one for other things, but my new one I will dedicate to my running adventures...so come check me out :)
February 27, 2013
The Essentials
So I was recently asked what are the absolute essentials that you must have for your runs...I thought it was a really good question and a good topic to discuss while in the midst of my Cap City Half Marathon training. So here are a few of the essentials that I must have on my runs:
EOS Lip Balm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lip balm!! I mean I'm a fanatic about it. By far the best lip balm ever made! I always wear this before going out on a run, especially if I'm running outside in this cold weather. I have one of these beauties in each one of my purses, on my desk and by my bed....yes I LOVE it that much!! They are amazing! And not to mention they are 95% organic and 100% natural. My faves are summer fruit and lemon drop, but I'm really enjoying my new raspberry pomegranate...it's delish! Try them if you haven't yet...you won't be disappointed.
Gum
I must have gum on a run....keeps my mouth moist while I run. It's a must! My favorite....Stride Spark Orange. I love the fact that it has B vitamins in it....a nice plus! But regardless of what kind of gum it is, I just have to have gum....it's not a good run without it.
Tunes
I can't do a run without my auditory motivation. I love my music!! I always have my iPod Touch with me and playing my tunes...and with an ADD girl like me it's nice having that musical distraction while I run. One of my favorite spots to get great running tuneage right now is from Rock My Run. They have great DJ mixes of great workout songs. My favorite right now is 80 Reasons to Run and Mash Up My Run. They also have great Christian running mixes by a DJ named Lloyd which I like as well. So if you are looking for great motivating music...check out Rock My Run....they have lots of different genres and great mixes.
Fuel Belt Handheld Water Bottle
I just recently found this water bottle and I'm glad I did! I was looking for a water bottle to conveniently take with me on my long runs. It's not too big and fits nicely in the hand. I was debating between handheld or a fuel belt that wraps around the waist. I think for me this will be better for me and less distracting. I really like it. It also has a zipper pocket to fit an ID, some money and energy gels so it's great. And I found it on a recent trip to TJ Maxx and got it for $ 7.00!! Works great AND a great deal?? Yeah I'll take that!
Mizuno Shoes
I heart my Mizunos!!! Anyone who knows me knows I love these shoes soooo much! My favorites...My Wave Precision 13. The color on the link is not the ones I have are these beautiful pink pair. I can't say enough about these shoes. When I first got them I swear I heard angels singing...it was that monumental. They are amazing! I also have a pair of the Wave Rider 16 and I like them too now that I finally broke them in....I think I like my Precisions a bit better though. But honestly you can't go wrong with Mizuno. They have this amazing precision fit program you can do on their website that tells you which running shoe is best for you...absolutely amazing! Check them out!
Well that pretty much sums it up. As long as I have these essentials I know it's gonna be a pretty decent run. What do YOU need for a good run?? Have a great day!
EOS Lip Balm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lip balm!! I mean I'm a fanatic about it. By far the best lip balm ever made! I always wear this before going out on a run, especially if I'm running outside in this cold weather. I have one of these beauties in each one of my purses, on my desk and by my bed....yes I LOVE it that much!! They are amazing! And not to mention they are 95% organic and 100% natural. My faves are summer fruit and lemon drop, but I'm really enjoying my new raspberry pomegranate...it's delish! Try them if you haven't yet...you won't be disappointed.
Gum
I must have gum on a run....keeps my mouth moist while I run. It's a must! My favorite....Stride Spark Orange. I love the fact that it has B vitamins in it....a nice plus! But regardless of what kind of gum it is, I just have to have gum....it's not a good run without it.
Tunes
I can't do a run without my auditory motivation. I love my music!! I always have my iPod Touch with me and playing my tunes...and with an ADD girl like me it's nice having that musical distraction while I run. One of my favorite spots to get great running tuneage right now is from Rock My Run. They have great DJ mixes of great workout songs. My favorite right now is 80 Reasons to Run and Mash Up My Run. They also have great Christian running mixes by a DJ named Lloyd which I like as well. So if you are looking for great motivating music...check out Rock My Run....they have lots of different genres and great mixes.
Fuel Belt Handheld Water Bottle
I just recently found this water bottle and I'm glad I did! I was looking for a water bottle to conveniently take with me on my long runs. It's not too big and fits nicely in the hand. I was debating between handheld or a fuel belt that wraps around the waist. I think for me this will be better for me and less distracting. I really like it. It also has a zipper pocket to fit an ID, some money and energy gels so it's great. And I found it on a recent trip to TJ Maxx and got it for $ 7.00!! Works great AND a great deal?? Yeah I'll take that!
Mizuno Shoes
Well that pretty much sums it up. As long as I have these essentials I know it's gonna be a pretty decent run. What do YOU need for a good run?? Have a great day!
February 25, 2013
The good, the bad, the TMI...
When it comes to talking about my half marathon training, I'm all about keeping it real. As much as I would love to post about how half marathon training is like rainbows and butterflies it just isn't always going to be that way...that just isn't reality. At least I've found that it's never been MY reality. Life gets messy...things get messy and it sometimes just isn't so pretty.
This past Friday I did my run at Kids America because it was just too cold outside and we had ice earlier in the day. (It's funny how last year I was out in snow and rain and cold...this year I'm such a wuss...lol!) Anyway, I ran in my new Mizuno Wave Rider 16's again and I think I finally broke them in. It was a good, actually really good 6 mile run. Felt really good, did a nice negative split on my last mile...it was really good.
So this morning I opted to do my long run. Now I usually try to do my long runs on the weekend, but with my middle son's birthday party and the weather I opted to do another Monday long run (and can I just say I really like it, starting off the week with the long run). Now I've been trying to finally get to my 10 miler....the last couple weeks it just wasn't working out and I'd get to about 9 miles and would just have to quit...just couldn't go any farther. Well on the good side of things, I was finally able to break through that. 10.29 miles to be exact. I was able to do it in 1:36:56 with a pace of 9:24...was pretty happy with that, and I was even able to pull off negative splits the last 3 miles of my run which I was pretty happy about. After today's run I think I may be able to do this. Though I know most plans say that you only need to train to about 10 miles in order to do the half...the type A personality in me is thinking I need to not only make sure I can do 13.1, but I may if I feel up to it try to surpass that. I figure in my mindset that if I can go past that then surely I can do it and in my mind it won't seem such a hard feat. I'll be honest by the time I got to 10 miles I was glad it was about over....again after my long run I'm saying to myself...how am I going to add more miles to this?? I think come race day it will be ok. I need to calm my mind for sure.
So then for the the bad and ugly....so about half way through my run my stomach was really starting to bother me. I know this may be a bit of TMI but I'm about keeping it real and helping inform others so if they are training too that they will know what can happen. Well anyway I really needed to find a bathroom...and of course my long run I usually go to our local park called Lake Park across town. Now, this place is a nice place to run and pretty hopping when the weather is warmer...not so much this time of year...which is fine for me...except when you are looking for a bathroom. I usually run around the Lake Park campground...which I might add is the FARTHEST point from my house possible...so I thought I would try to see if the campground bathroom was open....of course it was not...not that I was surprised. Needless to say I went to try the bathroom which was probably less than a half mile away by the pool...nada there too. So back around the Lake I go...I got around the soccer fields and back up by the lake and crossing over the parking lots and I see it....the port-o-potty. Definitely not my first choice by any means...but desperate times you know....so thankful it was there. Felt better afterwards but not sure what caused it. Not sure if it was the egg I had for breakfast or the orange juice/ pineapple smoothie....I'm gonna guess the OJ....so now I'll know not to do that again before a run. I usually have those AFTER a run...don't think I've ever had one before....and I will definitely won't be doing that again....not good at all. So lesson learned.
So 67 days until the Cap City Half Marathon...I think I may actually be able to pull this off. :)
Have a great week everyone!
This past Friday I did my run at Kids America because it was just too cold outside and we had ice earlier in the day. (It's funny how last year I was out in snow and rain and cold...this year I'm such a wuss...lol!) Anyway, I ran in my new Mizuno Wave Rider 16's again and I think I finally broke them in. It was a good, actually really good 6 mile run. Felt really good, did a nice negative split on my last mile...it was really good.
So this morning I opted to do my long run. Now I usually try to do my long runs on the weekend, but with my middle son's birthday party and the weather I opted to do another Monday long run (and can I just say I really like it, starting off the week with the long run). Now I've been trying to finally get to my 10 miler....the last couple weeks it just wasn't working out and I'd get to about 9 miles and would just have to quit...just couldn't go any farther. Well on the good side of things, I was finally able to break through that. 10.29 miles to be exact. I was able to do it in 1:36:56 with a pace of 9:24...was pretty happy with that, and I was even able to pull off negative splits the last 3 miles of my run which I was pretty happy about. After today's run I think I may be able to do this. Though I know most plans say that you only need to train to about 10 miles in order to do the half...the type A personality in me is thinking I need to not only make sure I can do 13.1, but I may if I feel up to it try to surpass that. I figure in my mindset that if I can go past that then surely I can do it and in my mind it won't seem such a hard feat. I'll be honest by the time I got to 10 miles I was glad it was about over....again after my long run I'm saying to myself...how am I going to add more miles to this?? I think come race day it will be ok. I need to calm my mind for sure.
So then for the the bad and ugly....so about half way through my run my stomach was really starting to bother me. I know this may be a bit of TMI but I'm about keeping it real and helping inform others so if they are training too that they will know what can happen. Well anyway I really needed to find a bathroom...and of course my long run I usually go to our local park called Lake Park across town. Now, this place is a nice place to run and pretty hopping when the weather is warmer...not so much this time of year...which is fine for me...except when you are looking for a bathroom. I usually run around the Lake Park campground...which I might add is the FARTHEST point from my house possible...so I thought I would try to see if the campground bathroom was open....of course it was not...not that I was surprised. Needless to say I went to try the bathroom which was probably less than a half mile away by the pool...nada there too. So back around the Lake I go...I got around the soccer fields and back up by the lake and crossing over the parking lots and I see it....the port-o-potty. Definitely not my first choice by any means...but desperate times you know....so thankful it was there. Felt better afterwards but not sure what caused it. Not sure if it was the egg I had for breakfast or the orange juice/ pineapple smoothie....I'm gonna guess the OJ....so now I'll know not to do that again before a run. I usually have those AFTER a run...don't think I've ever had one before....and I will definitely won't be doing that again....not good at all. So lesson learned.
So 67 days until the Cap City Half Marathon...I think I may actually be able to pull this off. :)
Have a great week everyone!
February 20, 2013
Sometimes you just gotta do it
So this week so far seems to be going a little better. Ended up taking Sunday off and resting one more day and went for my long run on Monday...and I'm glad I did. My foot was still bothering me a little on Sunday, but when I woke up on Monday...no pain. I decided I was going to run as long as my body felt good, despite the fact it should have been my long run. Surprisingly I felt really good and I ended up doing 9 miles. The only part of me that started hurting towards the end of my run were my glutes...I may want to concentrate on those during my cross training sessions. And speaking of cross training, I have really struggled with doing my cross training...I'm just not entirely sure what to do...I know cross training is supposed to help, but the last thing I want to do is do something that will jeopardize my running or make things worse. If you have done any sort of research on running, cross training or preparing for any sort of race, you'll find as many opinions and options as Lindsay Lohan has had altercations with the law. There is just so much...which is right? I think the reason I've really drug my feet on this cross training is for fear of doing something wrong. Well after the miserable runs I had last week I knew I had to do something...even if it was wrong.
So after some research I've decided to go this route: Nike Training Club. It has many different types of workouts (including stretching exercises which are wonderful) and it's motivating because you earn badges....and for me motivational items are key...gotta be striving for something :) So for right now until I find something better that is what I'm going to use. Yesterday I used the Body Flexor workout and I'm definitely feeling it in my arms today...which I'm not surprised since my upper body strength is non existent. It's sad...and push ups are the worst thing known to man!! I hate push ups...but I'm determined to get through at least 10 decent push ups (regular...not the wimpy kind) and do them well. We shall see how that goes. I've got to get my upper body strong so I can accomplish the Indian Mud Run in June. There is a bit of climbing on these obstacles so I'm bound determined to do it well. I'm going to be going to my first Indian Mud Run meeting tonight so we'll see how that goes. I'm hoping to get involved with cleaning and helping with the course...I love that trail and anything I can do to keep it nice or make it better I'm all for.
Well time get moving...got some errands to run and have to fit in a 4+ mile run in somewhere today as well...though with this cold snap we are experiencing, I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing the Kids America track real soon. It's gonna be another busy one! Have a great day!
So after some research I've decided to go this route: Nike Training Club. It has many different types of workouts (including stretching exercises which are wonderful) and it's motivating because you earn badges....and for me motivational items are key...gotta be striving for something :) So for right now until I find something better that is what I'm going to use. Yesterday I used the Body Flexor workout and I'm definitely feeling it in my arms today...which I'm not surprised since my upper body strength is non existent. It's sad...and push ups are the worst thing known to man!! I hate push ups...but I'm determined to get through at least 10 decent push ups (regular...not the wimpy kind) and do them well. We shall see how that goes. I've got to get my upper body strong so I can accomplish the Indian Mud Run in June. There is a bit of climbing on these obstacles so I'm bound determined to do it well. I'm going to be going to my first Indian Mud Run meeting tonight so we'll see how that goes. I'm hoping to get involved with cleaning and helping with the course...I love that trail and anything I can do to keep it nice or make it better I'm all for.
Well time get moving...got some errands to run and have to fit in a 4+ mile run in somewhere today as well...though with this cold snap we are experiencing, I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing the Kids America track real soon. It's gonna be another busy one! Have a great day!
February 17, 2013
Sometimes things aren't rainbows and butterflies
Sometimes things in life are amazing, great and you think they can't get much better....as far as my Cap City Half Marathon training goes however, this was NOT one of those weeks. Definitely no rainbows and butterflies...just lots of hardship and pain.
Rewind to last Sunday...I had an amazing 9.6 mile run...I felt like I could have run longer if I would have had the time to. Monday was a rest day and then Tuesday's run I ran outside and it was HORRIBLE!! Awful to say the least. My legs felt tired and like I had lead in my shoes...totally miserable almost 4 mile run. I gave myself another day off on Wednesday then proceeded to do another 4 mile run on Thursday. Though it wasn't quite as miserable, I had pain in my left foot/ankle area...not good. I've been dealing with that the past few days since. It just feels like my calf muscle is tight and the bottom of my foot is bruised or something. I tried breaking in my new pair of Mizuno Wave Riders 16's since my other Mizuno's are getting towards the end of their life cycle. Not sure if it's the breaking in the new shoes, running in the old ones earlier in the week...who knows.
So I get to today...it was supposed to be my long run. Was hoping to put in some good miles today, but the longer the day went on the more I felt it wasn't the best idea. My foot still hurt a little and I just don't want to push it. Hubby gave me a wonderful foot massage and that helped a lot....so I opted to not run my long run today. Am I bummed...yes, but I'd be even more bummed if I hurt myself so bad that I couldn't run, so I'm glad that I'm far enough before race day that I can afford the luxury to take a few extra days off...so today instead of running I did some stretching exercises which really did help and I'm seriously thinking of incorporating these into a post run routine. Also I'm thinking that maybe stretching a little before a run would be somewhat beneficial. I don't usually stretch before a run (I do a warm up walk, but not a stretch). I've heard both sides that you should or shouldn't. I may try it and see if it helps me. I do stretch after a run though. So what's next?? Well I'm going to try and do a run tomorrow and see how I do. And if I don't make it into a long run, I'm ok with that...it's not the end of the world and I don't want to push myself so hard that I ruin this for myself....and that is my ultimate fear. That something happens that I hurt myself and can't race. So I'm just going to ease back into it and go from there and see how it goes.
On other news, had a great girls day out yesterday. It was just nice to get out and enjoy some shopping and cheesecake. :) Though it was funny because most of our purchases were all running related. I found myself some much needed new sports bras and a cute tank that I think will match my running skirt perfectly. Also found one of those little hand-held water bottles....gonna try that out on my next long run and see if that works for me...not sure yet if I want something to hold during the race or something around my waist. Luckily we have some time to figure that out.
Well I know this wasn't one of my more cheerful witty posts, but I just want to keep it real...not everything about training is fun, easy or rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes there are obstacles and struggles on the way to a dream. The thing is to not let it beat you, defeat you and to overcome those things. So here is to the next few months of overcoming ;). Have a great weekend!
Rewind to last Sunday...I had an amazing 9.6 mile run...I felt like I could have run longer if I would have had the time to. Monday was a rest day and then Tuesday's run I ran outside and it was HORRIBLE!! Awful to say the least. My legs felt tired and like I had lead in my shoes...totally miserable almost 4 mile run. I gave myself another day off on Wednesday then proceeded to do another 4 mile run on Thursday. Though it wasn't quite as miserable, I had pain in my left foot/ankle area...not good. I've been dealing with that the past few days since. It just feels like my calf muscle is tight and the bottom of my foot is bruised or something. I tried breaking in my new pair of Mizuno Wave Riders 16's since my other Mizuno's are getting towards the end of their life cycle. Not sure if it's the breaking in the new shoes, running in the old ones earlier in the week...who knows.
So I get to today...it was supposed to be my long run. Was hoping to put in some good miles today, but the longer the day went on the more I felt it wasn't the best idea. My foot still hurt a little and I just don't want to push it. Hubby gave me a wonderful foot massage and that helped a lot....so I opted to not run my long run today. Am I bummed...yes, but I'd be even more bummed if I hurt myself so bad that I couldn't run, so I'm glad that I'm far enough before race day that I can afford the luxury to take a few extra days off...so today instead of running I did some stretching exercises which really did help and I'm seriously thinking of incorporating these into a post run routine. Also I'm thinking that maybe stretching a little before a run would be somewhat beneficial. I don't usually stretch before a run (I do a warm up walk, but not a stretch). I've heard both sides that you should or shouldn't. I may try it and see if it helps me. I do stretch after a run though. So what's next?? Well I'm going to try and do a run tomorrow and see how I do. And if I don't make it into a long run, I'm ok with that...it's not the end of the world and I don't want to push myself so hard that I ruin this for myself....and that is my ultimate fear. That something happens that I hurt myself and can't race. So I'm just going to ease back into it and go from there and see how it goes.
On other news, had a great girls day out yesterday. It was just nice to get out and enjoy some shopping and cheesecake. :) Though it was funny because most of our purchases were all running related. I found myself some much needed new sports bras and a cute tank that I think will match my running skirt perfectly. Also found one of those little hand-held water bottles....gonna try that out on my next long run and see if that works for me...not sure yet if I want something to hold during the race or something around my waist. Luckily we have some time to figure that out.
Well I know this wasn't one of my more cheerful witty posts, but I just want to keep it real...not everything about training is fun, easy or rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes there are obstacles and struggles on the way to a dream. The thing is to not let it beat you, defeat you and to overcome those things. So here is to the next few months of overcoming ;). Have a great weekend!
February 15, 2013
In the thick of it
Sorry been away for a bit...life gets busy you know...
So training is going...it's been kind of a rough week this week. Rough just trying to fit in the time to get my training in and then doing it. Did my long run this past Sunday, 9.53 miles....and though I usually dread the "long run" this one was actually really good and if it wasn't for the fact that I needed to get home I might have gone longer. Learning to refuel is something I'm trying to figure out. Took some Gatorage energy chews with me (by the way it's not something I would want to take all the time) they are OK, kind of like gummies, but after running 7 miles and having a dry mouth it just wasn't the most pleasant thing. Need to invest in a portable water system to take on my long runs...just haven't found that right thing yet....need to work on that. But yes, my long run this past Sunday was great...good thing because my shorter runs this week were horrible!! I ran on Tuesday...outside...which is always a good thing, but I had very low energy and my legs felt like they were in concrete boots. Horrible...and my left calf would start cramping...overall, one of the worst runs I've had in a while. Decided to rest Wednesday and went out yesterday at Kids America...the first mile or two again...legs felt awful. By mile 2.5 I had to take a break because where my leg meets my ankle was hurting terribly and I could tell my form was off making it worse. Decided to walk a couple laps to regroup and then ran the rest of my 4.6 total miles. Second half was better after I regrouped but my left leg and foot are sore today. I think I'm going to take today and tomorrow off and then maybe try to attempt a run on Sunday. It should be my long run, but we will see how that goes. Don't want to push too hard...my next long run I was going to shoot for 10 miles, but may have to hold off on that...we shall see.
So in more running news...I signed up for another run today. If you've heard me talk last summer about the Indian Mud Run that my friends and I would run on last summer, then this is the actual race. The Indian Mud Run is a 3.2 mile race with mud and about 30 obstacles...I debated about doing it, but thought heck I only live once and since I already know the trail pretty well why not. If you sign up by Saturday, February 16th you can get in at last years price of $45.00. I'm kind of excited....nice to have races like this literally in our own backyard, and the best part is the money benefits the Lake Park district, which is where I also do my long runs...so it's a win win!! I'm doing the 8:00 a.m. wave so if anyone would care to join me come along!! I may need someone to point out trees for me...lol!
This week, we celebrated a birthday in our house...my middle baby turned 14 this week. How is this possible!!?!?! He's growing up so fast and he is so smart! So proud of the young man he is becoming.
On other news, I am so excited about tomorrow!! Having a long overdue girls day out with my besties! Heading to Easton to do a little bit of shopping and I've heard there is going to be some cheesecake involved. Can't wait!! I love my boys, but there is something to be said about testosterone free time....did I say I was excited?? Is it Saturday yet??
Well I've got things to get ready before tomorrow, so I better go for know. Here's hoping that next weeks running training goes better.
So training is going...it's been kind of a rough week this week. Rough just trying to fit in the time to get my training in and then doing it. Did my long run this past Sunday, 9.53 miles....and though I usually dread the "long run" this one was actually really good and if it wasn't for the fact that I needed to get home I might have gone longer. Learning to refuel is something I'm trying to figure out. Took some Gatorage energy chews with me (by the way it's not something I would want to take all the time) they are OK, kind of like gummies, but after running 7 miles and having a dry mouth it just wasn't the most pleasant thing. Need to invest in a portable water system to take on my long runs...just haven't found that right thing yet....need to work on that. But yes, my long run this past Sunday was great...good thing because my shorter runs this week were horrible!! I ran on Tuesday...outside...which is always a good thing, but I had very low energy and my legs felt like they were in concrete boots. Horrible...and my left calf would start cramping...overall, one of the worst runs I've had in a while. Decided to rest Wednesday and went out yesterday at Kids America...the first mile or two again...legs felt awful. By mile 2.5 I had to take a break because where my leg meets my ankle was hurting terribly and I could tell my form was off making it worse. Decided to walk a couple laps to regroup and then ran the rest of my 4.6 total miles. Second half was better after I regrouped but my left leg and foot are sore today. I think I'm going to take today and tomorrow off and then maybe try to attempt a run on Sunday. It should be my long run, but we will see how that goes. Don't want to push too hard...my next long run I was going to shoot for 10 miles, but may have to hold off on that...we shall see.
So in more running news...I signed up for another run today. If you've heard me talk last summer about the Indian Mud Run that my friends and I would run on last summer, then this is the actual race. The Indian Mud Run is a 3.2 mile race with mud and about 30 obstacles...I debated about doing it, but thought heck I only live once and since I already know the trail pretty well why not. If you sign up by Saturday, February 16th you can get in at last years price of $45.00. I'm kind of excited....nice to have races like this literally in our own backyard, and the best part is the money benefits the Lake Park district, which is where I also do my long runs...so it's a win win!! I'm doing the 8:00 a.m. wave so if anyone would care to join me come along!! I may need someone to point out trees for me...lol!
On other news, I am so excited about tomorrow!! Having a long overdue girls day out with my besties! Heading to Easton to do a little bit of shopping and I've heard there is going to be some cheesecake involved. Can't wait!! I love my boys, but there is something to be said about testosterone free time....did I say I was excited?? Is it Saturday yet??
Well I've got things to get ready before tomorrow, so I better go for know. Here's hoping that next weeks running training goes better.
February 2, 2013
There is a fine line...
There is a saying that I have....there is a fine line between dedication and insanity...and when it comes to running...that line is very very fine.
So today I knew I needed to get my long run in....8 miles to be exact....however the Weather Channel was calling for 2-4 inches of snow our way starting at around 9 a.m. Needless to say, this left me with 2 options...well 3 really but that 3rd one wasn't an option, which was skipping the run altogether. But my other 2 options were A) Go use the track at Kids America and go around that track a billion times or B) Brave the sub Arctic outdoor temperatures. Needless to say my body woke me up at 6 a.m. and though I laid there for about 20 minutes debating on whether or not to crawl out of my nice warm cozy bed, I reluctantly got my gear on (which I laid out the night before so there were no excuses) and headed out before my brain could tell me no. Though I was what I considered bundled up...it was COLD OUT THERE!! 14 degrees to be exact...6 with the windchill. My fingers were frozen by the time I got down my alley (and yes I had mittens on). I decided against going my usual long route and decided to do my usual longer school route instead since I figured the roads would be clearer and if I fell or needed help at least there were houses nearby...lol. Overall the route was clear...only a couple little icy spots, but nothing major at all. The biggest problem....the wind and keeping my face warm....definitely need something for my face...thought about one of those face masks, but afraid people would think I'm some sort of criminal running away from something.....face masks have truly gotten a bad rap! Not to mention by halfway through my run though the rest of my body (other than my face) was getting warm...my core was FROZEN!! I literally could not feel it! My core usually gets pretty cold after a good workout...but this was like icebox cold. Needless to say my core was beet red when I got home and took a while to thaw out. Needless to say I think I need to rethink my outdoor gear and maybe dress a little warmer than I did...though I thought I did, I obviously need to bundle up a bit more. So I'm on the lookout for good winter running wear...nothing hugely bulky but will keep me warm while wicking away the moisture. If you have any suggestions let me know.
So would I do it again....as insane as it sounds, probably YES. Though I froze and it wasn't an easy in the cold...I far prefer being outside than running in circles around a mind numbing track. Don't get me wrong, I like the KA track and it serves me well...just not for 8 long miles...much rather be outside for my long runs....and thus, I hope and pray that next week's long run will be a bit warmer....though I did hear that the groundhog did not see his shadow today so hopefully an early Spring will be upon us and I can continue with training outside more often!
Overall training has been going pretty well...still having trouble grasping cross training and what to do that would work best....found a new Nike app that has exercises so maybe I'll try those.
Well I'm going to get my family some dinner and continue trying to thaw out...unfortunately been a pretty lazy day...just laundry and dinner. Oh well...I'm hoping to paint the second coat on my hallway/stairway next week and finally have that project done...it will be so nice to finally have that finished...though it does make my stairwell seem a bit smaller, I'm glad it's finally having a nicer look.
Well have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!!
So today I knew I needed to get my long run in....8 miles to be exact....however the Weather Channel was calling for 2-4 inches of snow our way starting at around 9 a.m. Needless to say, this left me with 2 options...well 3 really but that 3rd one wasn't an option, which was skipping the run altogether. But my other 2 options were A) Go use the track at Kids America and go around that track a billion times or B) Brave the sub Arctic outdoor temperatures. Needless to say my body woke me up at 6 a.m. and though I laid there for about 20 minutes debating on whether or not to crawl out of my nice warm cozy bed, I reluctantly got my gear on (which I laid out the night before so there were no excuses) and headed out before my brain could tell me no. Though I was what I considered bundled up...it was COLD OUT THERE!! 14 degrees to be exact...6 with the windchill. My fingers were frozen by the time I got down my alley (and yes I had mittens on). I decided against going my usual long route and decided to do my usual longer school route instead since I figured the roads would be clearer and if I fell or needed help at least there were houses nearby...lol. Overall the route was clear...only a couple little icy spots, but nothing major at all. The biggest problem....the wind and keeping my face warm....definitely need something for my face...thought about one of those face masks, but afraid people would think I'm some sort of criminal running away from something.....face masks have truly gotten a bad rap! Not to mention by halfway through my run though the rest of my body (other than my face) was getting warm...my core was FROZEN!! I literally could not feel it! My core usually gets pretty cold after a good workout...but this was like icebox cold. Needless to say my core was beet red when I got home and took a while to thaw out. Needless to say I think I need to rethink my outdoor gear and maybe dress a little warmer than I did...though I thought I did, I obviously need to bundle up a bit more. So I'm on the lookout for good winter running wear...nothing hugely bulky but will keep me warm while wicking away the moisture. If you have any suggestions let me know.
So would I do it again....as insane as it sounds, probably YES. Though I froze and it wasn't an easy in the cold...I far prefer being outside than running in circles around a mind numbing track. Don't get me wrong, I like the KA track and it serves me well...just not for 8 long miles...much rather be outside for my long runs....and thus, I hope and pray that next week's long run will be a bit warmer....though I did hear that the groundhog did not see his shadow today so hopefully an early Spring will be upon us and I can continue with training outside more often!
Overall training has been going pretty well...still having trouble grasping cross training and what to do that would work best....found a new Nike app that has exercises so maybe I'll try those.
Well I'm going to get my family some dinner and continue trying to thaw out...unfortunately been a pretty lazy day...just laundry and dinner. Oh well...I'm hoping to paint the second coat on my hallway/stairway next week and finally have that project done...it will be so nice to finally have that finished...though it does make my stairwell seem a bit smaller, I'm glad it's finally having a nicer look.
Well have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!!
January 25, 2013
Pricier does NOT mean better...aka Stick with what works
So half marathon training is trudging on and has been quite interesting with the weather here lately. Today I was scheduled to do a long run and mother nature decided to dump some snow on us. I usually try to do my long runs outdoors and since I was trying to keep my weekend open, today was the day. Needless to say I ended up going to Kids America and using their track...and let me say that 7.6 miles on a track is not a barrel of fun. The first 4 miles were kind of tough, but after 4.5 miles I kind of found a groove. Surprisingly I was able to do my run with mostly negative splits, the last mile being my fastest so I'm pretty tickled with that.
Now those who know me know that I am a huge Mizuno fan. Ever since I got my first pair of Mizuno Wave Precision 13's this fall I have been in love with these shoes. Now I know this is a shock but I'm already through about half the life of these precious babys so I have been on the lookout for their replacement. Now I know...once you find something good you should stick with it...but I like to explore a little bit so I went for the gamut...I decided I would use my Amazon gift cards and some money I got at Christmas to buy myself the ultimate pair of Mizunos...The Wave Prophecy. These were the most expensive pair of shoes I had ever bought myself...despite the fact I paid with it mostly with my gift cards I still felt guilty about it, but I just had to try them, especially since I read the reviews on Amazon and they got such glowing reviews. Well I just received them this week and today was my first test drive with them. And honestly all I can say is that I'm terribly disappointed. I wanted to like them. Ran a full mile in them, but they just made my shins and knees hurt and they were just so rigid and stiff...now before you go on a soapbox, I very well know that these are new shoes and they may need a bit of breaking in, but these were nothing like my precious pink beauties. Even my Precisions didn't need this kind of breaking in or feel this rigid and stiff. Needless to say these puppies are going back and I will most likely exchange them for another pair of my precious hot pink kicks. I could almost buy 2 pairs for the price of the others...so needless to say, just because a shoe has a bigger price tag doesn't mean that it's a better shoe. I had the same thing happen when I used to wear Asics. My most expensive pair of those feel apart in three months. So I think it's a definite lesson learned. Sometimes it's truly better to stick with what works and not go with the notion that bigger price tag means better product. Now I'm not saying these weren't made well or anything like that, these just are not comfortable and not the shoe for me.
So after my 7.6 mile run around a boring track, I think I'm going to give myself a little weekend break...may go for a small walk tomorrow with the hubby, but that's all. Let's just say that I can tell that I've begun ramping up my training and I think a little break would do me a little good :)
Have a great snowy weekend!!
So after my 7.6 mile run around a boring track, I think I'm going to give myself a little weekend break...may go for a small walk tomorrow with the hubby, but that's all. Let's just say that I can tell that I've begun ramping up my training and I think a little break would do me a little good :)
Have a great snowy weekend!!
January 18, 2013
Music Matters
Motivation...sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't...you feeling me?? You know those days when you know you have something big looming on the horizon and you honestly are just dreading it big time?? That was me this morning. I usually try to do my long run on the weekend, but because of things going on this weekend I opted to do it today....and I was dreading it....and here's why:
First of all, while I'm posting on this blog I'm going to be honest with my feelings...post how I'm feeling at the moment. That being said, I have to honestly say I have been struggling with the thought of doing this half marathon the last couple days. I know my last couple runs, though good runs, they weren't great. I struggled...and I think my main problem was and is going to be more wrestling with myself than anything else. When I signed up for the Cap City Half Marathon I was really excited. Now that I've officially started training, I'm half scared and wondering if I can pull this off. I know some of you are thinking, "whatever", but when I struggle to get through a 4 mile run, the thought of pulling out another 9+ miles is daunting to say the least. Forward to today's run....I was struggling to get out the door. Though it was cold out and a little windy this morning, (27 degrees at 10:00 a.m.) the sun was shining bright, yet I literally was dragging my feet. But I finally got out there...I decided to go my normal "long run route" and to be honest those first 2.5 miles were tough...for me those first miles usually are. But I trudged through and kept going...though I was keeping a pretty decent pace even though I felt as if I wasn't. It wasn't until I hit about mile 4 that I started to feel "Ok, I can get through this." That's where in my opinion MUSIC MATTERS!! I almost always run with my iPod and play some sort of motivating music to get me going. Today, at mile four, my motivating song was "Running Down A Dream" by Tom Petty. I started picturing in my head running the half marathon....chasing that dream. I got caught up in the music...before I knew it I was making my third lap around the campground. Was doing pretty good by this point. I knew there was a pretty big hill ahead...next motivational song to come on, "Renegade" by Daughtry...got up the hill and around with no problem...was feeling good at this point and into a groove...this is about mile 5 - 6.5 at this point. My last motivational song was "Eye On It" by TobyMac....my new powersong...love this song! If you listen to the lyrics, it is the PERFECT running song. This got me through mile 7.5...after that I could tell I was struggling. I began praying hard at this point because I was roughly about another mile and a half away from home. I prayed and ran...I told myself that if I could get to a certain spot I would allow myself to stop...I made it slightly past that spot and was hoping to go a little farther, but I had to stop for traffic and just didn't have it in me to start up again. I had to walk approximately another half to three quarters mile home...longest walk ever. But I was able to make it home....now guzzling lots of water and a Vita Coco to hopefully ward off any muscle soreness tomorrow.
Needless to say, despite the fact that I really didn't want to go out there and I was dreading it I was able to (with God's help of course) pull off a nine mile run...no stopping...which is honestly a God thing because lately I've been struggling to get through a simple 5K without stopping. Maybe it's being outside instead of inside...who knows. Fact is, I made it...and if I just push myself and talk positive over the negative, play some really good motivating music, and ask God for help when I desperately need it...this half marathon can become a reality. It's just going to take time, practice, diligence and honestly....a little smidge of insanity. My motto I've told my husband is, "There is a fine line between dedication and insanity". Here's hoping I don't go too insane these next few months.
Have a great weekend all!
First of all, while I'm posting on this blog I'm going to be honest with my feelings...post how I'm feeling at the moment. That being said, I have to honestly say I have been struggling with the thought of doing this half marathon the last couple days. I know my last couple runs, though good runs, they weren't great. I struggled...and I think my main problem was and is going to be more wrestling with myself than anything else. When I signed up for the Cap City Half Marathon I was really excited. Now that I've officially started training, I'm half scared and wondering if I can pull this off. I know some of you are thinking, "whatever", but when I struggle to get through a 4 mile run, the thought of pulling out another 9+ miles is daunting to say the least. Forward to today's run....I was struggling to get out the door. Though it was cold out and a little windy this morning, (27 degrees at 10:00 a.m.) the sun was shining bright, yet I literally was dragging my feet. But I finally got out there...I decided to go my normal "long run route" and to be honest those first 2.5 miles were tough...for me those first miles usually are. But I trudged through and kept going...though I was keeping a pretty decent pace even though I felt as if I wasn't. It wasn't until I hit about mile 4 that I started to feel "Ok, I can get through this." That's where in my opinion MUSIC MATTERS!! I almost always run with my iPod and play some sort of motivating music to get me going. Today, at mile four, my motivating song was "Running Down A Dream" by Tom Petty. I started picturing in my head running the half marathon....chasing that dream. I got caught up in the music...before I knew it I was making my third lap around the campground. Was doing pretty good by this point. I knew there was a pretty big hill ahead...next motivational song to come on, "Renegade" by Daughtry...got up the hill and around with no problem...was feeling good at this point and into a groove...this is about mile 5 - 6.5 at this point. My last motivational song was "Eye On It" by TobyMac....my new powersong...love this song! If you listen to the lyrics, it is the PERFECT running song. This got me through mile 7.5...after that I could tell I was struggling. I began praying hard at this point because I was roughly about another mile and a half away from home. I prayed and ran...I told myself that if I could get to a certain spot I would allow myself to stop...I made it slightly past that spot and was hoping to go a little farther, but I had to stop for traffic and just didn't have it in me to start up again. I had to walk approximately another half to three quarters mile home...longest walk ever. But I was able to make it home....now guzzling lots of water and a Vita Coco to hopefully ward off any muscle soreness tomorrow.
Needless to say, despite the fact that I really didn't want to go out there and I was dreading it I was able to (with God's help of course) pull off a nine mile run...no stopping...which is honestly a God thing because lately I've been struggling to get through a simple 5K without stopping. Maybe it's being outside instead of inside...who knows. Fact is, I made it...and if I just push myself and talk positive over the negative, play some really good motivating music, and ask God for help when I desperately need it...this half marathon can become a reality. It's just going to take time, practice, diligence and honestly....a little smidge of insanity. My motto I've told my husband is, "There is a fine line between dedication and insanity". Here's hoping I don't go too insane these next few months.
Have a great weekend all!
January 16, 2013
Training Day 3
So day three of my 16 week half marathon training plan is complete and to be honest I am sore...not overly, but I'm feeling it. Not sure if it's the cross training I did yesterday...which by the way I AM feeling...mostly in my arms and neck. I can see this training isn't going to be a walk in the park...it's going to be a challenge for sure.
Today I did my second set of speed intervals. I decided to stay with a 400m distance the whole time...don't want to overdo it. I'm not sure if it was just the fact that I was tired and sore from yesterday, but this set I seemed to struggle a little more than last week's intervals. I did 7 sets of 400m like last week, though I only took one lap to recover instead of 2. On intervals 5 and 6 I was bottoming out for sure, but for some reason interval 7 I didn't feel too bad...maybe it was because I knew I was about done...lol. Regardless I did it and I was able to keep a pace (even with my walking recovery laps) of 9'54" which isn't too bad for a not so young thing. I'm hoping that this training will get me to where I need to be by May...completing my first half marathon. That's the goal and that's all that matters. Blood, sweat and tears are part of the package...but hopefully there will be sweet victory in the end.
My biggest challenge....pacing. Learning to pace myself properly. A 5K pace is far different than a half marathon pace. Learning that running a race is not just physical, but there are a lot of mental components that go into it as well. My biggest challenge is making sure not to give too much too soon. Learning that going slow at first will benefit me towards the end...saving some of that energy for when I'm at mile 12 where I'll be tempted to give up. That will be my biggest struggle I can see. Hopefully these next 16 weeks of training will help me work that out.
On another note...took my middle son Brennan to Freshman scheduling orientation last night. Honestly I'm in shock...how did this happen??? I struggled with Austin becoming a Freshman, but I knew for a while that was looming over the horizon. With Brennan I feel like it just snuck up on me. Where did my sweet big hearted Brennie Gene go?? Wasn't he that shy little kid I just took to Kindergarten?? Wow...when they said that once they start school it goes by fast, they weren't kidding...especially when they get to Jr and Sr. High. Geesh!! They all are growing up to fast and it make me incredibly sad. But so proud of what they are becoming.
So tonight I am taking another cooking class at The Village Pantry. If you have not taken a class there, you need too...they have great recipes and are so very gracious. The owners Chris and Jenny Wilson are great and work so well together. You can tell that this is their passion. Tonight's class also includes Ed Kiefer of Kiefer's Florist giving some great decorating tips. Took a class with him last week...very informative. I was relieved to know that I'm obviously on the right track with the redecorating of my house. Tonight Ed is going to talk about texture and more decorating tips. I'm not sure if tonight's class is sold out, (they usually sell out pretty quickly) but you can give The Village Pantry a call if you are interested.
Well I'm going to leave you today with a picture I put on my Facebook page for my 365 day photo challenge...today's photo was to do with a good habit. The best good habit I can say I have right now of course is running...best thing I've ever done for myself. But a good habit is even better when shared. This is a pic of my friends Lori Varns, Leslie Warner and Juanita Welch after our CCMH 5K this past October. It was a miserable rainy day that day, but despite that I think the majority of us beat our own PR's that day. A memorable day indeed.
Have a great day everyone!
Today I did my second set of speed intervals. I decided to stay with a 400m distance the whole time...don't want to overdo it. I'm not sure if it was just the fact that I was tired and sore from yesterday, but this set I seemed to struggle a little more than last week's intervals. I did 7 sets of 400m like last week, though I only took one lap to recover instead of 2. On intervals 5 and 6 I was bottoming out for sure, but for some reason interval 7 I didn't feel too bad...maybe it was because I knew I was about done...lol. Regardless I did it and I was able to keep a pace (even with my walking recovery laps) of 9'54" which isn't too bad for a not so young thing. I'm hoping that this training will get me to where I need to be by May...completing my first half marathon. That's the goal and that's all that matters. Blood, sweat and tears are part of the package...but hopefully there will be sweet victory in the end.
My biggest challenge....pacing. Learning to pace myself properly. A 5K pace is far different than a half marathon pace. Learning that running a race is not just physical, but there are a lot of mental components that go into it as well. My biggest challenge is making sure not to give too much too soon. Learning that going slow at first will benefit me towards the end...saving some of that energy for when I'm at mile 12 where I'll be tempted to give up. That will be my biggest struggle I can see. Hopefully these next 16 weeks of training will help me work that out.
On another note...took my middle son Brennan to Freshman scheduling orientation last night. Honestly I'm in shock...how did this happen??? I struggled with Austin becoming a Freshman, but I knew for a while that was looming over the horizon. With Brennan I feel like it just snuck up on me. Where did my sweet big hearted Brennie Gene go?? Wasn't he that shy little kid I just took to Kindergarten?? Wow...when they said that once they start school it goes by fast, they weren't kidding...especially when they get to Jr and Sr. High. Geesh!! They all are growing up to fast and it make me incredibly sad. But so proud of what they are becoming.
So tonight I am taking another cooking class at The Village Pantry. If you have not taken a class there, you need too...they have great recipes and are so very gracious. The owners Chris and Jenny Wilson are great and work so well together. You can tell that this is their passion. Tonight's class also includes Ed Kiefer of Kiefer's Florist giving some great decorating tips. Took a class with him last week...very informative. I was relieved to know that I'm obviously on the right track with the redecorating of my house. Tonight Ed is going to talk about texture and more decorating tips. I'm not sure if tonight's class is sold out, (they usually sell out pretty quickly) but you can give The Village Pantry a call if you are interested.
Well I'm going to leave you today with a picture I put on my Facebook page for my 365 day photo challenge...today's photo was to do with a good habit. The best good habit I can say I have right now of course is running...best thing I've ever done for myself. But a good habit is even better when shared. This is a pic of my friends Lori Varns, Leslie Warner and Juanita Welch after our CCMH 5K this past October. It was a miserable rainy day that day, but despite that I think the majority of us beat our own PR's that day. A memorable day indeed.Have a great day everyone!
January 15, 2013
Time for a revival...of sorts.
Considering it is a new year, and I see many great new things on the horizon for 2013, I figured it's time to revive this old blog to document it if for no one else, at least for myself.
2013....New Year...new beginnings...a time to reflect and a time to re-evaluate and start anew. As in several years past I have chosen a word for 2013...My One Little Word for the year if you will (as given by the great scrapbooking icon Ali Edwards). However, let me digress for just a moment...
When I came across Ali Edwards' idea of choosing a word for the New Year I thought "What a great idea!" So when I started this journey my word for 2011 was TRUTH...and a great word it was! Between things that happened that year and taking the Brave Girls "Soul Restoration" Class, I found out so many great things about myself...things that were holding me back, things I never realized and the strength to push forward...great word! For 2012, the word was PREPARE...which again was a perfect word for that year. That year we did quite a bit of remodeling to our home...Kevin's bathroom, my bathroom, our living room, redid our hallway with new drywall and a new kitchen floor (finally!!). A lot of preparation and stress went into all that, that is for sure...I think that word also helped me prepare also for this year. This year my word I've chosen is DISTANCE. Which honestly has several different meanings for me. The main one being that I'm preparing for my first half marathon this May...which is also the main reason I'm reviving this blog...I want to document my journey to the half marathon. I think "distance' is a word that will serve me well this year and I'm hoping you will join me on my journey.
So most of my posts will probably be about my running journey and my preparations and struggles with preparing for my first half marathon. Now I'm no young pup anymore and my body tells me that often, but I'm determined to do this and to do it with excellence. As my hubby says, once I get my mind set on something, better just get out of the way...I guess I can be a stubborn one...go figure :)
So my first post for this new year, I officially began my half marathon training yesterday. I'm signed up to run the Cap City Half Marathon in May. I've looked over several "training plans", and so far this one I found on Runner's World seems to be the best fit for me...it's called the FIRST Half Marathon Training Plan and it uses only 3-4 runs a week and 2 days of cross training...I like the idea of not running every day...this body is not up for that...so this plan intrigues me. Started yesterday with a good tempo run at Kids America...went in the evening which I have never done...luckily it wasn't too crowded...much better than the mornings at 9 AM...great bobbing and weaving training during that time...lol. Felt pretty good.
Today I did my first bit of cross training....don't really have a set "plan" yet, but looking into a few things, but thought I better start something so I decided to use this app I found on my Kindle called Daily Workouts..(I have the free version)...only did 20 minutes today, 10 minutes on abs and 10 minutes on arms since those are what I consider my weakest areas...and can I say I am right!! Especially my arms! I never was big on upper body strength so here's hoping that this year I will go the distance and change that...I guarantee I'm going to feel this arm workout later!
On another note, I am also doing my best to give God the first part of my day...I've been reading a devotional by Joyce Meyer called "Battlefield of the Mind". So far it has been really good. I do miss days...weekends are harder than through the week...but not beating myself up over it...God knows my heart and I know He sees my efforts. It has been the most consistent I have been so far and really gleaning something from it, so I am going with it...I am also reading another devotional, but don't want to share it just yet...you'll understand later, but it also is changing me and working out well...though it truly isn't easy.
So, thus begins my journey into 2013....going the distance and setting goals. Hopefully seeing positive results. May you also go the distance in your life in 2013!! Have a great year!
2013....New Year...new beginnings...a time to reflect and a time to re-evaluate and start anew. As in several years past I have chosen a word for 2013...My One Little Word for the year if you will (as given by the great scrapbooking icon Ali Edwards). However, let me digress for just a moment...
When I came across Ali Edwards' idea of choosing a word for the New Year I thought "What a great idea!" So when I started this journey my word for 2011 was TRUTH...and a great word it was! Between things that happened that year and taking the Brave Girls "Soul Restoration" Class, I found out so many great things about myself...things that were holding me back, things I never realized and the strength to push forward...great word! For 2012, the word was PREPARE...which again was a perfect word for that year. That year we did quite a bit of remodeling to our home...Kevin's bathroom, my bathroom, our living room, redid our hallway with new drywall and a new kitchen floor (finally!!). A lot of preparation and stress went into all that, that is for sure...I think that word also helped me prepare also for this year. This year my word I've chosen is DISTANCE. Which honestly has several different meanings for me. The main one being that I'm preparing for my first half marathon this May...which is also the main reason I'm reviving this blog...I want to document my journey to the half marathon. I think "distance' is a word that will serve me well this year and I'm hoping you will join me on my journey.
So most of my posts will probably be about my running journey and my preparations and struggles with preparing for my first half marathon. Now I'm no young pup anymore and my body tells me that often, but I'm determined to do this and to do it with excellence. As my hubby says, once I get my mind set on something, better just get out of the way...I guess I can be a stubborn one...go figure :)
So my first post for this new year, I officially began my half marathon training yesterday. I'm signed up to run the Cap City Half Marathon in May. I've looked over several "training plans", and so far this one I found on Runner's World seems to be the best fit for me...it's called the FIRST Half Marathon Training Plan and it uses only 3-4 runs a week and 2 days of cross training...I like the idea of not running every day...this body is not up for that...so this plan intrigues me. Started yesterday with a good tempo run at Kids America...went in the evening which I have never done...luckily it wasn't too crowded...much better than the mornings at 9 AM...great bobbing and weaving training during that time...lol. Felt pretty good.
Today I did my first bit of cross training....don't really have a set "plan" yet, but looking into a few things, but thought I better start something so I decided to use this app I found on my Kindle called Daily Workouts..(I have the free version)...only did 20 minutes today, 10 minutes on abs and 10 minutes on arms since those are what I consider my weakest areas...and can I say I am right!! Especially my arms! I never was big on upper body strength so here's hoping that this year I will go the distance and change that...I guarantee I'm going to feel this arm workout later!
On another note, I am also doing my best to give God the first part of my day...I've been reading a devotional by Joyce Meyer called "Battlefield of the Mind". So far it has been really good. I do miss days...weekends are harder than through the week...but not beating myself up over it...God knows my heart and I know He sees my efforts. It has been the most consistent I have been so far and really gleaning something from it, so I am going with it...I am also reading another devotional, but don't want to share it just yet...you'll understand later, but it also is changing me and working out well...though it truly isn't easy.
So, thus begins my journey into 2013....going the distance and setting goals. Hopefully seeing positive results. May you also go the distance in your life in 2013!! Have a great year!
December 17, 2012
I know it's been a while...
Yes I know it's been a while...well over a year since I've posted on here....but with recent events I feel the need to make a post...maybe not so much for others, but for myself to work through things.
Again in light of recent events with the school shooting in Newtown, CT...even though I knew not a single one of these victims or those directly touched by this tragedy, I have been affected deeply by this event. Taking my kids to school today...my oldest two were almost late...not because of them, but because of me...I was the one dragging my feet this morning...I honestly didn't want to take my boys to school. And after I dropped them off and told them I loved them, I cried all the way home...and those who know me know I'm not a huge crier. This tragedy is sad and honestly makes a mom like me feel like nothing is safe anymore.
Now I want to preface this next paragraph with this statement....I do not own a gun. That being said...I have heard responses through social media and the like of those who are against guns. Yes, guns are dangerous weapons...they can be used to do terrible things, obviously. But guns don't kill people PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. It's those behind those guns that kill. I know this is gonna sound stupid, but never have I heard of any news report stating a gun walked into anywhere and started killing people. I mean lets face it....if someone wanted to use a toothbrush to kill someone, they'll figure out a way to do it...granted it would take longer and wouldn't have the same effect, but point being is objects don't kill. You can point fingers all you want to guns, knives, cars, video games, etc. but until we start looking ourselves in the mirror and putting the blame where it belongs...on a misguided and evil human race, all we are going to do is play an endless blame game that will never get us anywhere. We could ban guns, but that will only make those who want them fight that much harder to get them and then acquire them illegally.. Taking guns away will not solve this. Controlling guns....sure maybe. Honestly I don't understand why anyone other than a military official or someone in law enforcement would need an automatic rifle anyway. Again I don't own guns, but that seems a bit much for the normal Joe in my opinion.....but that's a whole other can of worms.
Honestly, it's time to look at the human heart people. It's time for each of us to rise up and respect one another as HUMAN BEINGS!! We are all human...we all have rights, and feelings...we all breathe the same air. Until we go back to respecting each other, valuing human life and loving thy neighbor and quit focusing so much on ourselves, how we've been offended and hating each other this world is just only going to get worse. Until we learn how to respect things that we use as well things won't get better. For instance, I can teach my son to drive a car, but if I also don't teach him the things that can happen when a car isn't used properly, how can I expect him to respect it....and if he sees me disrespecting others, how is he going to learn respect.
Respect, value, integrity, honesty, love and so much more. Just a list of the many lost values we need to reinstate in the world today....thing is, it needs to start with us. We can either be a part of the problem and waste our time playing the blame game, or take a stand and live our lives as examples . Will it save lives you may ask?? Maybe yes, maybe no....but honestly what else do we have?? At least we can go through life doing our best to make a difference, no matter how small that may be.
Thank you for allowing me to stand on my little soap box. And please, I'm sure there are going to be those who disagree with my opinion. You have every right to disagree.
Please continue to pray for our country, for those in Newtown, CT, for those families affected by this tragedy and for our schools, teachers, school workers and students.
Again in light of recent events with the school shooting in Newtown, CT...even though I knew not a single one of these victims or those directly touched by this tragedy, I have been affected deeply by this event. Taking my kids to school today...my oldest two were almost late...not because of them, but because of me...I was the one dragging my feet this morning...I honestly didn't want to take my boys to school. And after I dropped them off and told them I loved them, I cried all the way home...and those who know me know I'm not a huge crier. This tragedy is sad and honestly makes a mom like me feel like nothing is safe anymore.
Now I want to preface this next paragraph with this statement....I do not own a gun. That being said...I have heard responses through social media and the like of those who are against guns. Yes, guns are dangerous weapons...they can be used to do terrible things, obviously. But guns don't kill people PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. It's those behind those guns that kill. I know this is gonna sound stupid, but never have I heard of any news report stating a gun walked into anywhere and started killing people. I mean lets face it....if someone wanted to use a toothbrush to kill someone, they'll figure out a way to do it...granted it would take longer and wouldn't have the same effect, but point being is objects don't kill. You can point fingers all you want to guns, knives, cars, video games, etc. but until we start looking ourselves in the mirror and putting the blame where it belongs...on a misguided and evil human race, all we are going to do is play an endless blame game that will never get us anywhere. We could ban guns, but that will only make those who want them fight that much harder to get them and then acquire them illegally.. Taking guns away will not solve this. Controlling guns....sure maybe. Honestly I don't understand why anyone other than a military official or someone in law enforcement would need an automatic rifle anyway. Again I don't own guns, but that seems a bit much for the normal Joe in my opinion.....but that's a whole other can of worms.
Honestly, it's time to look at the human heart people. It's time for each of us to rise up and respect one another as HUMAN BEINGS!! We are all human...we all have rights, and feelings...we all breathe the same air. Until we go back to respecting each other, valuing human life and loving thy neighbor and quit focusing so much on ourselves, how we've been offended and hating each other this world is just only going to get worse. Until we learn how to respect things that we use as well things won't get better. For instance, I can teach my son to drive a car, but if I also don't teach him the things that can happen when a car isn't used properly, how can I expect him to respect it....and if he sees me disrespecting others, how is he going to learn respect.
Respect, value, integrity, honesty, love and so much more. Just a list of the many lost values we need to reinstate in the world today....thing is, it needs to start with us. We can either be a part of the problem and waste our time playing the blame game, or take a stand and live our lives as examples . Will it save lives you may ask?? Maybe yes, maybe no....but honestly what else do we have?? At least we can go through life doing our best to make a difference, no matter how small that may be.
Thank you for allowing me to stand on my little soap box. And please, I'm sure there are going to be those who disagree with my opinion. You have every right to disagree.
Please continue to pray for our country, for those in Newtown, CT, for those families affected by this tragedy and for our schools, teachers, school workers and students.
October 24, 2011
My Bucket List
This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.
So here it is....My Bucket List:
1.) To build a cabin in the woods, complete with a cozy fireplace...awesome back patio area and of course my own craft room!
2.) Take my family back to Disney World!
3.) Spend a summer traveling Europe...especially Ireland, Germany, Greece and Italy.
4.) Own a Black Jeep Wrangler
5.) Go on a Tornado Chase with my son Brennan...we've talked about doing this for years...we are both huge fans of tornadoes!!
6.) Learn how to swim
7.) Be able to touch someone's life in such a way that they could never repay me, because in the end I know I'd be blessed too!
8.) To run a Marathon
9.) To own an iMac and an iPad
10.) To go on a long vacation with my hubby, just him and I...maybe travel Route 66 together??
11.) Go to New York City!! Catch a Broadway Show
12.) Take a course in professional photography
13.) Be published in a Scrapbook magazine
14.) Get my finances in order so that way I wouldn't have to worry about my finances for the rest of my life!!
15.) Tag along with the team on Ghost Hunters...I think that would be scary cool!
That's it for today....it'll probably be different tomorrow. So what's on your Bucket List??
April 15, 2011
Why???
Why....
- ...does is the weather always bad when my son goes to Scout camp??
- ...does my lawn look like a hay field...you would think with all this stinking rain we've had that my lawn would look like the hills of Ireland, lush and green...there are two green patches of grass in my backyard...count them...2...which I also ask...
- ...why can't my front hill look like a hay field so I don't have to mow it!!
- ...no matter how much I do, the hubby always tells it like he was much busier, worked harder and did more than I.
- ...do my boys think that I should do everything and complain when I don't?
- ...does it have to rain so much?!?!?
- ....am I complaining??
Oh well....time to go to work!
April 5, 2011
Hello April!!
Wow...time seems to be on an all out frenzy lately. Here we are, already in the first week of April!! Yikes! So what's going on...well today starts my journey with the Soul Restoration Class I signed up for about a month ago over at Brave Girls Club...today is the day! Though I won't officially start until Thursday because my friend Leslie is joining this journey with me. I'm excited and honestly a little bit scared about this journey....not really sure where this journey is going to take me....from what I've heard from others that have taken the class, it is amazing. So I'm hoping it's true...lol! If you are interested in taking a journey, there is still time to sign up until noon today. Check it out! So Brennan went to the District Science Fair a couple weekends ago....He got an excellent on his project...I am so proud of him. The fact that it was a project that I wasn't totally on board for...he proved me and his daddy wrong and did an 
awesome job. Though he doesn't get to advance to State level, the fact that this was his first Science Fair and he was the only one in his entire school to advance to districts....again I am one very proud momma, and yes Brennan is already thinking of ideas on what to do for the next science fair...lol!
awesome job. Though he doesn't get to advance to State level, the fact that this was his first Science Fair and he was the only one in his entire school to advance to districts....again I am one very proud momma, and yes Brennan is already thinking of ideas on what to do for the next science fair...lol! Kevin had a scope done about 10 days ago because he has Barretts Esophogus and it was time for his check up. There were a couple spots the last time the doctor wanted to keep an eye on and check this time around. The doctor called last night and said that everything looked fine and that hubby wouldn't have to have another scope done for another 2 years...so a huge PTL!! Hubby was pretty worried, but God is good!
So if you've been anywhere near the Northeast...we have been having some crazy nasty weather. One minute it's nice (and I do mean minute, cause it doesn't seem to stay nice for long) and then, bam...tons of rain, like we had yesterday or like last week...freaky snow. It's crazy and discouraging because between being sick last week and this nasty weather I haven't walked/jogged in a week...ugh. I hate going that long without doing anything...I'm about ready just to run circles around the house!
Busy month again this month ahead too...This weekend in Colton's Pinewood Derby and also my sister-in-law's baby shower....definitely one of those times where I wish I could clone myself cause I can't be at two places at once and it's in two opposite directions!! Ugh...and hubby has to work this weekend so...hoping that Pinewood Derby doesn't take that long so maybe I can make it to the Baby Shower, eek...it's either feast or famine in my world...everything all at once or nothing. Ugh!
Well I need to get hubby's lunch ready....trying a new recipe from Gina's Skinny Recipes called Chicken Pot Pie Soup....by the way it is yummy!! Just tried it!
Have a great April everyone!
March 10, 2011
Wow!!
So much going on at the moment, but felt the need to share some things on here...so be prepared for a lot of randomness...lol!!
First of all, there is an awesome giveaway over at Lisa Leonard Designs right now. She is giving away my next new necklace, unless I'm lucky enough to win one...lol! If you've seen the necklace and bracelet I wear all the time now, then you've seen here stuff...she is AMAZING!! This jar necklace is so special...it reminds me of the salt jar of Kevin's granny...there is a long very special story that goes with that...ask me about it sometime. I think this necklace reminds me of Matt. 6:21 and how where our treasure is, there your heart will be also. Granny and Papa's hearts were with their family...and the fact that they could laugh at me when I put salt in their coffee instead of sugar, makes it all more special...like I said, long story but very dear to my heart. Anyway check out her giveaway!!
I have been getting huge into reading lately...I stumbled upon a book called "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller...can I just say this book just spoke to me in a way that, well lets just say most books don't speak to me...I read them, they're good, and then I forget about them. Not Donald's books...I haven't had a book speak to me like his books since I read Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" and I read that book 3 times. Donald Miller writes how I would like to write...just like you were talking to him with littel quips thrown in for goof measure. His last book I read, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" has changed me in ways that I don't think I've understood yet and I will definitely be reading this one a second time. I wish I would have stumbled on these books sooner because it has really shed some light on my walk with God and how God has given me this amazing story to live out and it's up to me to live it and make it amazing, with God's help. I can sit back and have a boring mediocre life or have an exciting life God has created for me. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, but if you are looking for a good read, so far any of Donald Miller's books have been amazing!
Brennan goes to the District Science Fair the end of March. We still have yet to tweek his board and make it more presentable...that is going to be a long day! We have to be at Mount Union at 8 a.m. and it won't be over until 4 p.m. I'm so proud of his accomplishment, especially considering I wasn't too keen on the project at the beginning.
It has been raining like crazy here in Ohio...flooding a bit by the river and I heard we are supposed to get 4-10 inches of snow tonight....I'm about ready to pack up and move somewhere much warmer...this is crazy!! If I find that crazy groundhog, that boy is mine...I have a bullet with his name on it....lol!!!
And when it's not raining...lol...I have still been keeping up with my walking/jogging. I have done 400 miles since August 8th and I feel so good doing it! This past week I started jogging a little bit again, and boy can I feel it!! Now if this rain could ever stop I could really get into it, but nothing is more miserable than running in the rain!
I'm going to be an Aunt again...Luke and Amanda are expecting...just found out yesterday that it's going to be a girl!! Congrats you two!
I'm going to be taking an online art-scrapbooking-journal class over at Brave Girls Club here in April called Soul Restoration and I'm kind of excited about branching out into the art side of things...sound like a really cool class and maybe it will help me use up the little pieces of this and that craft stuff I have that I for whatever reason can't seem to part with...lol!!
Just got over a bad chest cold/laryngitis this past week...which really stunk cause I was supposed to sing the solo at church this past Sunday but there was just no way....but feeling much better now...thank God!
By the way...does anyone know where a woman my age can buy a decent dress?? I'm a bit too old (LOL!!) to shop in the Junior dept. and I'm not ready to branch out in the embroidered sweatshirts and elastic skirts just yet, so if you have any ideas...I have only a couple dresses to my name that I can actually wear and with Spring coming (hopefully!!) I kind of would like a new dress...no I kind of need a new dress....any help would be appreciated.
First of all, there is an awesome giveaway over at Lisa Leonard Designs right now. She is giving away my next new necklace, unless I'm lucky enough to win one...lol! If you've seen the necklace and bracelet I wear all the time now, then you've seen here stuff...she is AMAZING!! This jar necklace is so special...it reminds me of the salt jar of Kevin's granny...there is a long very special story that goes with that...ask me about it sometime. I think this necklace reminds me of Matt. 6:21 and how where our treasure is, there your heart will be also. Granny and Papa's hearts were with their family...and the fact that they could laugh at me when I put salt in their coffee instead of sugar, makes it all more special...like I said, long story but very dear to my heart. Anyway check out her giveaway!!
I have been getting huge into reading lately...I stumbled upon a book called "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller...can I just say this book just spoke to me in a way that, well lets just say most books don't speak to me...I read them, they're good, and then I forget about them. Not Donald's books...I haven't had a book speak to me like his books since I read Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" and I read that book 3 times. Donald Miller writes how I would like to write...just like you were talking to him with littel quips thrown in for goof measure. His last book I read, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" has changed me in ways that I don't think I've understood yet and I will definitely be reading this one a second time. I wish I would have stumbled on these books sooner because it has really shed some light on my walk with God and how God has given me this amazing story to live out and it's up to me to live it and make it amazing, with God's help. I can sit back and have a boring mediocre life or have an exciting life God has created for me. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, but if you are looking for a good read, so far any of Donald Miller's books have been amazing!
Brennan goes to the District Science Fair the end of March. We still have yet to tweek his board and make it more presentable...that is going to be a long day! We have to be at Mount Union at 8 a.m. and it won't be over until 4 p.m. I'm so proud of his accomplishment, especially considering I wasn't too keen on the project at the beginning.
It has been raining like crazy here in Ohio...flooding a bit by the river and I heard we are supposed to get 4-10 inches of snow tonight....I'm about ready to pack up and move somewhere much warmer...this is crazy!! If I find that crazy groundhog, that boy is mine...I have a bullet with his name on it....lol!!!
And when it's not raining...lol...I have still been keeping up with my walking/jogging. I have done 400 miles since August 8th and I feel so good doing it! This past week I started jogging a little bit again, and boy can I feel it!! Now if this rain could ever stop I could really get into it, but nothing is more miserable than running in the rain!
I'm going to be an Aunt again...Luke and Amanda are expecting...just found out yesterday that it's going to be a girl!! Congrats you two!
I'm going to be taking an online art-scrapbooking-journal class over at Brave Girls Club here in April called Soul Restoration and I'm kind of excited about branching out into the art side of things...sound like a really cool class and maybe it will help me use up the little pieces of this and that craft stuff I have that I for whatever reason can't seem to part with...lol!!
Just got over a bad chest cold/laryngitis this past week...which really stunk cause I was supposed to sing the solo at church this past Sunday but there was just no way....but feeling much better now...thank God!
By the way...does anyone know where a woman my age can buy a decent dress?? I'm a bit too old (LOL!!) to shop in the Junior dept. and I'm not ready to branch out in the embroidered sweatshirts and elastic skirts just yet, so if you have any ideas...I have only a couple dresses to my name that I can actually wear and with Spring coming (hopefully!!) I kind of would like a new dress...no I kind of need a new dress....any help would be appreciated.
January 21, 2011
You can't go home again...
So this past weekend we took a much overdue trip to the Cleveland area. While we were there we visited my grandparents (my grandpa is going to be 90 next month...WOW!!) and my aunt and uncle. It was so nice to visit and eat dinner with my extended family...and we got to eat at Red Robin which we've never eaten at before (none near us) and it was quite good. It was just nice to take the time out to visit, chit chat and enjoy family.
On Monday we got a tip that the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center was having free admission that day...so we decided to partake of the "free day". Luckily we got to the Rock Hall early and the crowd really wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed the Rock Hall very much and the boys liked it some, they liked the hands-on stuff of course and were mesmerized by the wild outfits. They were most fascinated with the Michael Jackson display of course. By the time we were leaving the Rock Hall people were lined up outside to get in...which was CRAZY!! We decided to go next door to the Great Lakes Science Center...speaking of crazy...that place was a zoo. We only stayed for about an hour and got out of there because it was just way too crowded and the boys were getting cranky and hungry...and Colton was throwing a fit...lol! The boys were fascinated with seeing the frozen Lake Erie and the huge boats though.
We didn't stay in Cleveland long after that since we heard there was an ice storm on the way, though we did tool around long enough to see my childhood home, the house I grew up in from the age of around 2 to the age of 11, and then also seeing my old elementary school. The school hasn't changed much at all from what I remember of it. And though I know it's the house, it looks quite different to me. Maybe because it's white instead of the cute minty green that I remember...or maybe because it seemed bigger to me back then. The large pine tree that used to be in the front yard is gone as well as the huge hickory tree that used to be in the backyard. We also saw the old "Lawson's" building that I used to go get milk and bread for my mom was still there as well as Augie's pizza...unfortunately they were closed or I would have so waited for a pizza. They had good authentic Italian pizza...delish!!
Also saw the old mall we used to go to, Randall Park Mall, which I was extremely shocked to find it was boarded up and no longer in operation. This saddened me deeply...this was the place we'd go for something special to do...there was the big theatre...and all the shops...and at Christmas time it was absolutely magical. I loved that mall. There were times we would even walk to the mall...which was about a mile from our house...but it was no big deal to me...we were going to THE MALL!! So to see it all boarded up, vacant and dead was a sad sight. From what I understand, it started going downhill shortly after we moved....go figure.
Like my mom told me...you can't go home again....and not that I would want to go back and live in the Cleveland area again, but I think it's true...you can't go back to your past...you can only move forward in your Journey of life...so here's to moving forward and a great 2011!!
Here is a pic of my new necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs...I'm going to be doing the One Little Word Workshop over at Big Picture Classes hosted by the incredible Ali Edwards. My word for 2011 is "truth". This year I am seeking truth in my life...truth in myself, truth in those around me...just stripping away the fluff and stuff and getting to what is true. And I couldn't stop at just a word for this year...I decided to also include my life word. My life word is "journey"...which is also the name of my blog (and name of my favorite band, but unlike what my hubby thinks this is NOT the purpose of the word)...life is a journey...it is an adventure...there are great, amazing moments...there are potholes and there are detours. The journey includes joy and sorrow, but it IS a journey...not something to sit on the sidelines and watch, but something to be experienced and enjoyed...My hope is to enjoy my journey to its upmost fullest. Happy 2011 to you all!
November 18, 2010
A bunch of randomness...
That's pretty much what the last few weeks have been...a bunch of randomness, very ADD and squirrelly.
To start off...I have to give a huge trumpet call to my son Brennan who just competed in his school's Science Fair and got a Superior on his project! Way to go Brennan...we are so proud of you!!! He did his experiment on the affects different liquids have on baking soda. He had a bottle with a cork and tried to see which 
reaction would make the cork go the highest. He tested white vinegar, ginger ale, lemon juice and red wine vinegar. After all the testing, white vinegar won. I'm so proud of him, because I'll be honest...I really wasn't sold on this project (he came up with it by himself by the way, no science fair project books or internet ideas), so I was a bit skeptical and wasn't really sure how he was going to pull it off. But he did...he attached string to the cork and then measured the string to see how far it went into the air...ingenuitive! He's always loved science and experiments. He reminds me so much of me at that age. I received my first Chemistry set at his age and I thought it was the coolest present ever!! (Yes Dad I thought it was cool...and I know that it was an expensive gift at the time you bought it. I think it cost $75.00 at the Hobby store (mine was a much bigger kit than the one shown here...I think it had 75 or 100 projects)...but I want you to know it was one of my favorite presents EVER!!) 
Anyway, He will now progress to the County Science Fair in January and he is so excited! I'm so proud of him!
reaction would make the cork go the highest. He tested white vinegar, ginger ale, lemon juice and red wine vinegar. After all the testing, white vinegar won. I'm so proud of him, because I'll be honest...I really wasn't sold on this project (he came up with it by himself by the way, no science fair project books or internet ideas), so I was a bit skeptical and wasn't really sure how he was going to pull it off. But he did...he attached string to the cork and then measured the string to see how far it went into the air...ingenuitive! He's always loved science and experiments. He reminds me so much of me at that age. I received my first Chemistry set at his age and I thought it was the coolest present ever!! (Yes Dad I thought it was cool...and I know that it was an expensive gift at the time you bought it. I think it cost $75.00 at the Hobby store (mine was a much bigger kit than the one shown here...I think it had 75 or 100 projects)...but I want you to know it was one of my favorite presents EVER!!) 
Anyway, He will now progress to the County Science Fair in January and he is so excited! I'm so proud of him!Also we just got done with selling popcorn for Scouts. Thank you to all who bought popcorn from my boys. I know they appreciated. Brennan now gets to Fort Rapids water park and also got a Marshmallow Gun. All their proceeds also has pretty much paid for their summer camp for this coming summer too. So thank you from all of us, cause that is a big help for us and we couldn't do it without you!!
On the fitness front...I just jogged my best mile and my best 5K yesterday. I jogged a 9' 29" mile and a 30' 55" 5K. Which honestly surprised me because I just wasn't feeling it yesterday. Now this past Sunday I was in a groove...I jogged my longest jog...6.7 miles. The best part of that was walking/jogging around our courtsquare in the middle of town. It's there that I take the time to pray for our city, the people, the officials of our city, the police station, the people in the jails, the fire dept...just anything God laid on my heart. I am loving this time and like I said, before I knew it I had logged over 6 miles....so I guess God laid a lot on my heart...lol!
The boys are starting Upwards basketball soon and they are excited about it. It's Bren's last year so hoping he has a good year this year. Colton...well lets just say he's super confident...lol!
I don't know where you are, but the weather here has been cold and miserable. I think the older I get the more I understand why people go south for the winter. I've had a dull headache for three days and going from the heat to the cold does NOT make it any better. Praying that Mr. Sunshine shows up sometime soon cause I miss him a lot!
Well I better go for now. Gotta get the boys from school soon. Have a super week!!
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