A Case of the Blah's

Did you ever get that???? A case of the Blah's that is? I seem to have them but I think I may be coming out of it. The past couple of days has just been...eh. My motivation level has been low and I have had no energy. But today I seem to be turning the corner...I did my 30 day Shred video and did the level 2 for the first time in FOREVER and it felt good. I think I'm riding that wave of accomplishment. Although I had to alter the movements some because of my foot/ankle. I'm still not able to do all the moves because of surgery but I'm getting there and I see improvement which means....RUNNING is just around the corner. I never thought I'd say this but I actually miss running. That's all I have time for right now...I have a child who is over tired and needs to be tucked in.

Life

Life is so precious. Right now my Grandfather is ill and in the hosptial. He is 91 years old and has lived a long life but it still hard to know that the end may be in site. He really was the only father figure I had growing up so it really is hitting me hard. He is doing fine now and they are keeping him for observation but they aren't sure why he had a seizure that put him there in the first place. He seems to be spunky and keeping all the nurses on their toes so that's a good thing. I know others have family members that are ill so I'll say a prayer for all those who have loved ones that are ill and I hope that they all recover and can be surrounded by their loved ones very soon!

Vacation

It's amazing what a vacation can do for the soul. I just got back from Tucson Arizona where I saw so many amazing things. We stayed on the Air Force base there and had wonderful hosts. I enjoyed the desert but I do realize that it's certainly not a place that I would want to live. There's just not enough color there. I thought there would have been more of a Mexican influence in the color of the homes and things like that but I was wrong.

One of my favorite days was horseback riding. It was my first time and I seemed to have a "teenager" as my horse (that's what the guide said) but I was able to keep him focused on the trail and had some fun. I think the horse picked me. I was petting him prior to our ride and when I stopped he put his head through the fence. I went back and gave him another rub and when I walked away the second time he started to kick the fence. It really was something else. I think he choose me as his rider for the day. While we were on the trail it was just so quiet and peaceful. The only sound was the sound of the horses. It really was peaceful and a good place to just forget about the worries of life.

After horseback riding we had a picnic lunch at Saguaro National Park. We went also went for some hikes there and climbed some rocks. while climbing the rocks it seemed as if I could see forever. It really was one of those landscapes that looked like it was painted in place.

I am truly thankful for being able to have the experience and enjoy nature and my family at it's best.

Let's see....Is anyone paying attention?

I haven't been here in so long...My last post was in July...WOW where in the world have I been? Who the heck knows. Consumed by life I suppose which isn't always a bad thing. I think it started when they took a lot of access away at work. I used to check on my friends' blogs each morning, see what was happening and then write my own thoughts, typically before anyone else on my team got into work.

So anyway, I'm back....I'll see if I can keep this up. So what's been going on? Well I had surgery on my foot in October and I've been dealing with that. The last 1/2 marathon I did in September was a painful one and I finally decided I should get my foot fixed. (but I must say that I loved the course and hope to do that 1/2 again one day) I've been living with this issue for a long time and it needed to get corrected. I've been headed to therapy twice a week to get me walking normally, what ever that is. It's been way too long I'm not even sure I know how to walk, hence the therapy. It's going well and my calf/ankle and foot are all getting stronger. It's hard some days to not get discouraged of what I can't still do. But I'm stronger than when I started and that's a step in the right direction. I hope in a few weeks time I'll be able to resume my full activities.

We're headed to Arizona very soon. I'm looking forward to a wonderful vacation with the family. We haven't been there (besides a day trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon). I'm really excited and to see the landscape and snap a ton of pictures and get in some relaxation.

Guess that's enough for now...don't want to get all blogged out on my first day back LOL.

We are FREE

That's right, our family has finally moved out and I'm enjoying every moment of it. I don't know how to say this without being rude but I'm happy they are gone. I'm happy to have my own home and my family back. It's just such a good feeling.

My stomach is still out of whack but I'm hoping with the stress lifted I'll begin to start feeling better soon.

GOOD NEWS

That's right...I have GOOD NEWS....my neice and family are MOVING on SATURDAY. That's right, I said SATURDAY.

Now here comes the odd part...as I'm happy they will be moving and I'll be getting my space and peaceful house (well as peaceful as it can get) back I'm not estatic like I thought I would be when this day came. Why is that?? It's odd, perhaps I'm waiting for them to actually be gone? Is it because I'll be sad? I have no idea, it is just very strange I'm not sure what to make of these feelings.

Today officially I kicked off my training. I did a 2 mile run and felt good. My legs felt a little like lead but all in all for not running outside since the 1/2 in May I felt good. Can't wait to kick off this training on a GOOD NOTE.

My stomach

Is still on the fritz. I have on and off stomach aches and pains. There hasn't been a day the past few weeks that I have felt 100%. I know it's stress. Somehow I need to learn how to not let things get to me and build up. I am making myself sick and that can't be a good thing!

I still am frustated with the family living with me. Hopefully the end is near and after that end is here I'm hoping I'll feel better. If I don't then I think it's something else making me sick and I'll have to go into the doctor in that case.

Next week I start training for the second 1/2 marathon of the season. I'm excited about it. It will be good to get back into a routine. Funny how when you go through the routine you can't wait for it to be done and when I'm not in a training schedule I miss it. Funny how that works.

It's been too long....

Since my last blog post. I only have but a couple of readers so to you faithful please accept my apologies. So let's catch up shall we....

I headed for my annual trip to Myrtle Beach. It was filled with some much needed relaxation time. It was good to be at the ocean. The ocean is a place where I truly feel at peace. Walks on the beach were good for my soul.

I still have family living with me and I'm at my breaking point. I'm tired of the messes that they don't clean up. I'm tired of the TV being on all night and I can hear it (they are downstairs and I can hear it upstairs, it's the super power hearing I have). I'm tired of cooking for 2 families. I'm tired of my bills increasing. I'm tired of the lack of respect. What put me over the edge you may ask....well last week we were talking about them moving (July 15th is the deadline, we'll see if they meet that) and a check came in the mail to them for over $100. She asked if I wanted the check or the could pay some bills. There was also mention of her fiance being paid one last week from the temp agency and they had to fill out that paper work because they needed that check for a security deposit.

To back track just a moment, He did get hired on with the company he was working for so that is good news and something they were waiting for so they could move out and feel like their job situations were stable.

So back to the security deposit....I stated I thought you had the money saved for a security deposit, she replies with he spent it on online gaming. WHAT?!?!?! You've got to be kidding me!!!! I was furious and I ended the conversation because I would have said something very bad.

I feel like they have disrespected us. You are in my home because you had financial issues yet you lack the fore thought to save your money so you could move out. And if you get extra money you should be helping us out. But NOOOOOO You spend it on online gaming!! Very frustrating. I think It's making me sick so my stomach has been off for the last week. Today I finally feel somewhat better. It's just the whole thing is getting old and my patience is gone.

On a brighter note, my daughter hit a grand slam during her first softball game...I'm so proud. My son starts football camps this week, he's as excited as ever.

Hope you all are well!!! I hope to not have so much time in between updates going forward! :)

Pure JOY

The weekend was just Pure JOY. Race day was WONDERFUL. I started the run and I didn't think it was going to be a good day, I couldn't get my breath right and felt tired but then I just hit my groove.

The course was hilly (as they warned) but it was funny when we drove the course it didn't seem to be too bad with exception of one big hill. Well actually running it I could feel those hills. It wasn't so much the going up that was the hardest part....coming down was just as hard and I could feel my legs working overtime.

Mile 5 did yield some nice entertainment....the water station was manned by Pirates...Yep everyone was dressed up and it really made me smile. You just couldn't help but laugh and be happy that you were participating in the day's festivities. There was also a person dressed in a gorilla outfit that was at one of the water stations too. Good stuff.

I did finish, I wanted to finish in 2:45 but with the hills I was happy to finish in 2:48. I'll take it!!!

The remainder of the weekend was beautiful and I enjoyed the sites and tastes of Door County. Mother's Day was calm and peaceful and I didn't do much of anything, just the way I like it :)

What's on tap...a trip to Myrtle Beach and then I'll start to focus on some weight loss exercising before training starts up for the September 1/2.

EXCITEMENT

This weekend is the big 1/2 and I'm very excited. I don't care what my time is I'm just happy to be there and to finish.

My outdoor runs have been strong but unfortunately there haven't been that many runs outdoors because of weather. I don't have the clothing for cold weather or rain and I really can't afford to buy any so my long runs have been indoors. We'll see what the day brings, and like I said, I'm just there to finish and enjoy the beautiful setting.

Good Luck to Joy and Joe who are also participating. They're training has been amazing and I hope that one day their dedication and focus rubs off on me. :)

As for all the side things in life....it's stressful. I still have family living with me and each day I grow increasingly more irritated with them and there laziness. I try to be patient but there is only so much I can tolerate and I'm coming to my end.

I just continue to take lots of deep breaths.

Forever and a Day

Since I've been able to blog about anything. With the restrictions at work I can no longer blog or check blogs at work. It was actually part of my morning routine that I would complete so I kind of miss that.

But anyway, The 1/2 is coming up really soon and I'm very excited and feeling strong. I ran yesterday for 2 hours (I'm guessing a 10 mile run or so). I was stuck indoors as I don't have appropriate running gear for cold/snow. I felt strong and I definitely could keep going. My outdoor runs have been strong. I'm around a 10 minute mile (which is good for me). I know that my first miles are stronger than my last miles. At this point I don't care. I'm just there to finish and to believe in myself again. I'm looking forward to that feeling, the feeling that I can conquer anything.

Now off the topic or running....I am possibly looking at a vacation in Colorado....Estes Park area and definitely some time in the Rocky Mountains...any recommendations or information anyone can share.

Thanks!

Irritated

I got my annual increase today and it's 2%. Now I don't want to seem grateful because I am. I'm happy and thankful for my job and I have gone without a raise in the past. But I kicked ass in my performance last year and I'm not the only one and all we get is 2%. The company is making money so it's not for lack of a profit. It just is really disheartening. Why would I want to work so hard if I'm not going to be rewarded.

Well I will work hard, it's my nature. I have a very high work ethic and won't accept anything less than my all.

I just wanted to vent so thanks for listening.

On the running front, I got another new pair of shoes, the other new ones were no good, these new ones are a keeper. I really am excited to see the temps on the rise so I can hit some pavement baby!!!

New Shoes

I finally got myself fitted with some new running shoes. Only trouble is I'm not sure that I like them just yet. When I run they feel like my feet are falling asleep. Not sure if I just need to break them in or what. I've also been trying different pairs of socks incase that's the issue. I have one more pair to try and then I may need to take these back. But I do have to say the extra padding is very nice and refreshing!!

I did book my room for my 1/2 so I'm excited for that. I'm staying the whole weekend which should be very nice. I also booked a trip for Vegas coming up soon as well. Then in May I'll have Myrtle Beach. I'll be a traveling fool this year and I'm very happy about that. I do need some time away from the stresses at home. They continue to build up. I'm trying to stay on top of things and not let the little things bother me but it's frustrating falling over baby toys, the extra clutter that gets left laying around etc.

Tomorrow is weigh in...I'm hoping for another weekly loss so I can increase my speed.

Feeling Good

So for 3 straight weeks, I've been following my training schedule, I've been eating better and the scale is showing that my hard work is paying off. Typically I'd be up and down and would never have 3 weeks of a loss so I'm feeling very optimistic that good things are happening.

Now the weight I'm at (sorry, I'll never share that number)I haven't been able to crack this number now for months and months and months. I'm hoping that next week, I'll move below this number and get past this "hump".

My training has been going good. I've taken it upon myself to run an hour my weekly runs. The training says 4 miles (usually Monday's and Wednesdays) but since I'm trying to get healthy and strong I decided an hour would be a good idea. Saturday I ran 80 min and I felt really good. I still need new shoes and then I'm sure I'd feel GREAT. I don't know why I just won't go and get them. It's the cost that is keeping me from going and I know I shouldn't let that be a factor. I just need to go and do it.

And it's the start of Lent today, I've given up coffee and soda. I've been having too much of each lately. I am also going to try and cut down on my sweet intake as well.

20 years ago.....

Thanks to Joy for today's blog topic.....What was I doing 20 years ago.

The year 1991.....

Let's see, I was a Junior in high school. I was dating my now husband. I was thinking about college and life after high school.

You know it's funny. I was very active in H.S. On Student Council, 2 sports, prom court, planning committee's the whole 9 yards. I thought it was so important and that all revolved around my friends and school. Looking back, I was above the influence of drugs and drinking. I was friends with everyone and left no one out of conversations or activities. I did though didn't fully participate or hang around with kids from H.S. on the weekends. I was so busy taking care of things at home, or volunteering at church or just being with my boyfriend. Honestly, by 1991 I couldn't wait to get on with the rest of my life. I felt "too old" to be in H.S.

Now fast forward to 2011. I have some of the same traits that I did back then, I volunteer at church and teach Sunday school. I am friends with all kinds of people and I'm a better person because I'm open and form my own opinions of people. I put in my time at work, I do have a couple of good friends from the work place that I do hang with outside of work and on the weekends. I continue to be busy and have a lot more to take care of at home.

The differences I have now....I think I'm a funner person (bad grammar I know). What I mean by that is I know things at home need to be taken care of but all work and no play is not fun. As a kid I was so worried about things at home and taking care of everyone and everything that I didn't allow myself to have fun or to take care of myself. I was very reserved then and now I feel I'm more free. Life needs to be lived. It's too short not to enjoy everything life has to offer. There is so much to be learned from others, so many gifts to be shared with all that I really want to live my life and pass down to my kids that life is about hard work but enjoying each and every moment, large and small.

70 minutes of Bliss

Yesterday I completed a 70 min run. It felt so good. I felt strong and energetic, a feeling I haven't had in awhile and certainly a 180 degree turnaround from Wednesday.

I pulled a Biggest Loser moment as well, my last 30 seconds of the run I pushed the speed up and ran at full burst and you know what....I didn't fall over. I did it. Just as the contestants push themselves I did that too and I had such a feeling of satisfaction.

What I really did learn is that I need new shoes big time. I really need to get in. I was waiting for my REI dividend check but I don't think I can wait that long. So I will head out to get my new shoes and spend my dividends on a swanky new running outfit :)

Stressed

I'm officially stressed. I have been ubber busy at work, which is a good thing but when I come home there is just so much going on I'm unable to relax. I stay tense and irritable and I don't like it. Does anyone have any stress relieving techniques they use that help?

I'm just so wound up inside that my stomach isn't well, my neck and shoulders are super tense and I'm getting cranky. I almost started crying yesterday because no one liked dinner. I think I was more frustrated because I had a tough day I really didn't want to cook dinner for 7 and I was telling everyone I didn't want to cook but I did it anyway. And what did I get for it....no one really liked it. Well then YOU MAKE DINNER NEXT TIME THEN.

OK, so as I'm typing this I'm chuckling, it's funny. I shouldn't be stressed over dinner. I mean I don't care that they didn't care for it, it just I would have liked to hear you know thanks for making dinner, even when you didn't want to. That would have helped the "sting" of the meal not being to my normal standards.

Oh well, I will need to figure something out. My family will be staying with me for at least a couple more months so I need to suck it up.

Too Much

So locally there is a lot of political things happening. It's so overwhelming and frustrating. People have their view points and I respect that and I expect that if I have a differing view point that other will respect me for that, but sadly that's not the case. I feel that Facebook has become a political battlefield. With links to articles, comments, pleas to support one side or the other, it's just too much for me to take. Another friend of mine wrote this on her blog too so I know I'm not the only one out there that thinks it's crazy.

I'm glad that people feel passionately about causes, but I think there are ways to have your voices heard without sick outs, without picket signs that are so inappropriate I have to sheild them from my kids, without all this drama. I believe, and am trying to bring my kids up, that you might not like everything that goes on in our city, state or country government but you need to respect the process. Respect those that were voted in as our leaders even if you disagree with them. We are fortunate to live in this country where we have the right to vote and make decisions and if you don't like it there are ways to have your voice heard without disrespecting the process.

It's just sad that so many have forgotten mutal respect for others with differing opinions and people no longer respect our Democratic process.

And that's enough for me on politics, it's typically not a topic I discuss but it has been wieghing heavily on me so I had to get it out.

On another stressful note, I'm getting more stressed with my family that is living with me. They continue to work and pay bills and help when they can, it's just the small stuff. I know you shouldn't sweat the small stuff but after while it just continues to compound itself and becomes too much. My husband and I just booked a trip to Vegas in April and I can't wait!! It will be a chance to just let go and enjoy the quiet. Funny that one can get quiet in Vegas, doesn't seem possible but it will happen and it will be ENJOYED!!

I'm Happy

That's all....I'm just happy. Feeling good, looking forward to a good week of training.

Not too much going on which is nice. I'm stressed with the family living with us as I knew I would be. Sometimes it's just hard to live with all the toys and clutter. Their idea of clean and ours is different but they are learning. I just need to continue to have patience and enjoy a glass of wine every now and again LOL.

VICTORY

Those that know me, know I'm a huge Green Bay Packer fan and to see them win yesterday it was so exciting. I was just so darn happy for this group of guys who played tough all season. With the chips stacked against them they didn't give in or make excuses, the just pushed through.

It really is a way that we should live life. We get thrown curve balls all the time and it's so easy to make excuses for things we do instead of actually stepping up and pushing ourselves forward.

This type of mentality is how I am going to approach my running this season. When I think the chips are stacked against me, I'll push through and be successful.