Fear of racing

I have been running for a couple years and still hesitate to call myself a runner.  I'm not a great runner, I just go out and pound the pavement or hit the treadmill 4 or 5 days a week in order to stay somewhat sane fit.  My typical run is anywhere between 3 and 5 miles in length at about a 9:30 mile pace.  Sometimes my run is longer, sometimes it's shorter, depending on how much time I have.  I have logged many miles in the past two and a half years, but one thing I have never done is a race.

There is something about the thought of running a race that terrifies me.  Something in my head tells me maybe I can't do it.  I know I am capable of doing the miles for a 5K, but for some reason it's stuck in my head that only runners compete in races, and I'm not completely sure I'm a runner.  

That's all about to change... I am signed up to run my first ever 5K on December 1st.  I am doing the Jingle Bell Run with some teacher friends from school.  I'm nervous, but excited at the same time.  Maybe this is just he push I need to consider myself a runner.  I have high hopes of completing the Indianapolis Mini Marathon in May and the Fort For Fitness Half Marathon here next September.  First, I must get through my first 5K.  

I can do this, right?  I think I can!!

One Year

Twenty-two months ago, May 4, 2012, my life changed.  There I sat in the airport in Indianapolis as R got on a plane to begin his military journey.  I had no idea what the next 17 months would hold while he was away.  I just knew I wasn't ready to be on my own.  

Flash forward to October 26, 2011 - the day R came home.  

I was thrilled to have him back, but nervous at the same time.  For 17 months I had done everything around the house (except mow the lawn, thanks to my awesome neighbor) by myself.  I had become so independent.  I have always been an independent person, but this was complete independence.  I didn't need anyone to take the trash out, help carry in the groceries, fold the laundry, or do the grilling.  I was in control of the remote.  

That was a major year of growth for me.  I had been so used to living as "R and I" that in a way I had to learn to live as just me.  I have a fabulous group of friends, who are mostly military people or spouses (shout out to Brooke, Lee, Matt and Andy -- holla!)  and my family rocks my world.

Once he got back it was a learning process to have him home again.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the fact that we were under the same roof and I didn't have to talk to him through phone calls or Skype.  However, the challenge was having him know I was doing everything by myself while he was gone, but letting him know I need his help, now that he's home. 

Now... flash forward to today, October 26, 2012.  This past year has been amazing.  We have traveled, gone on dates again, and enjoyed every most minute of being reunited.  Here's the hard part...  Since R was gone for so long, he had to be home for a calendar year before he was deployable again.  That year has hit.  While we don't know what the future homes as fas as him deploying (which won't happen until December at the earliest) we know this is what we signed up for.  And we completely trust that God has a plan for R and his military career.  

For now, we'll continue enjoying the time we have with him here at home.  Perhaps tonight should be a date night to celebrate his one year homecoming.  

Happy Friday, everyone (or no one, I don't know who reads this)! 

  

Life

Hey! 

I'm still here.  It's been a BUSY week and I haven't had a lot of time to stop and write.  I'll get there, I promise.  Tomorrow is a big day.  Be looking for a post (hopefully).

WWII and DIY

Random post name, I know... but stick with me.  It's what I've been up to.  Well, and going to the dentist for the first time in three years.  The hygienist was really nice and complimented my lack of plaque build up considering the length of time that had passed.  Uhh... thanks, I think.  The bad news, homegirl has two cavities.  One I was sure of, the other I'm not totally surprised about since the last time I was at the dentist they mentioned two dark spots on my teeth that had potential to become cavities.  I'll give you three guesses on where my cavities have developed... Yup, on those two dark sport.  Bummer.

On to better events......

Wednesday morning my mom and I went to the Air Guard base here and saw 70 World War II Veterans take off on an honor flight to Washington DC. It was such an awesome experience.  I have so much respect for theses brave men and women!  It was an early (and cold) morning, but TOTALLY worth it!!

Tuesday night after school I channeled my inner Megan and started a couple DIY projects.  If you haven't met Megan, go read her blog.  She's an awesome DIYer who is also into working out and being fit.  Pretty sure she's my long lost running buddy!

First up was this chalk board.  I've had the pieces to it and the paint for a while, I just hadn't gotten around to painting it.  I'm not sure why, because now that it's done, I love it!!  I hung it in the kitchen.  It's hard to tell from the picture how big it is.  It's not huge, but it's the perfect size to make a grocery list (or write little notes to R) on.  

Next up were these letters.  I ordered them from Woodland Manufacturing for a really good price.  I chose the letters I wanted, along with the font and size.  My inspiration for this was from Megan's post about her fall mantle.  I loved the idea of the big letters to spell something so this is what I did.  The 'O' is supposed to be slightly crooked.  It symbolizes that our love is not perfect.  The only perfect love comes from God. 

In between coats of paint on my projects I DIY'ed my nails.  I know in a previous post I mentioned my that my nails are always shellacked, but I decided to try something new.... doing they myself!  They look okay, but it's not shellac.  The color is called Gunmetal.  It's by Sally Hansen.  Not bad for a $2 find.  

So that's what I've been up to the last two nights.  It was all fun.  Now I'm looking for more DIY projects.  Perhaps painting a chevron accent wall somewhere.... hmm.  

Let's Talk Tattoos - My first Link Up!

Welcome to my first link up!!  I've always wanted to do it, but never knew how.  Thanks to the fabulous Melanie for the step-by-step directions on linking up!

So, let's talk tattoos.... Growing up I was the kid who didn't understand why anyone would want to put something on their body that would never go away.  As I got older, I became intrigued by them and began viewing tattoos as what they are - works of art.  Not being artistic at. all. I was very impressed with the tattoo artists and their ability to turn a body into a human canvas. 

I think my first desire to have a tattoo came around the age of 21.  I was not being rebellious, I was just intrigued by it.  I held off on the urge to get inked out of respect for my parents.  I knew their views on it, and also knew their rule that "getting a tattoo was a sign that I was financially independent" and let me tell you - at the ripe age of 21, that was not the case.  So I waited... thankfully!!

Over the next 7 year my tattoo design and location changed.  I knew I was not ready to get a tattoo until I was sure of what it was and where it would be.  Once it's there, it's there forever.  I certainly did not want to be one to regret a tattoo later in life.  

I was not certain about what my tattoo would be and where it would be until May of 2010.  That was the time the military took R away for 18 months.  There was no way I would have gotten through that time without my family and friends (whom to me are family).  My family was my shoulder to cry on in the weeks shortly after R left.  They were there to keep me busy so I wouldn't sit home by myself thinking about R being gone.  They were my rock, and they own my heart.  

That October I had the chance to go visit R in Mississippi.  Before leaving I mentioned to my parents that I would probably have tattoo upon my return.  They weren't thrilled, but appreciated the fact that I respected them enough to tell them first - instead of just showing up with it.  

So down to Mississippi I went and on Sunday, October 24, 2010, I got my first tattoo.  I went to Gulfport, Mississippi to Jack and Diane's and got my only (for now) tattoo.  It's on my left wrist.  It says "family" with a small heart below the 'y' representing my Uncle, whom at the time was the only family member I have that had passed away.  

I do not regret this tattoo at all.  It does not change who I am.  I love my family.  They mean the world to me.  I will proudly wear that love on my wrist for the rest of my life.

Will I get more?  Absolutely!  My next tattoo is going to be on my right food.  It will say, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am."  1 Cor. 15:10   

Why?  Because that's the absolute truth.  I am what I am only because of God's grace.  I will PROUDLY wear that on my body for the rest of my life.

I would love to get this "To infinity and beyond" tattoo with my best mate, but she doesn't have the desire to get a tattoo.  That's okay.  We have our bond that cannot be broken. 

Thanks for reading!  I'm can't wait to read about all of your tattoos!!

TGIF

All I've got to say is TGIF... 'cause homegirl is feeling like this today......

 

Favorites and Not-so-much

Let's take a minute and talk favorites.  We all have them... favorite people, favorite places, favorites things.   Because you're here to creep snoop into my life, here are some of my favorite things.

Youngblood Mineral Primer - This is a recent find - I'm talking as recent as 6 days ago.  When I got my make-up done for my cousin's wedding the miracle worker esthetician used this before applying foundation and it was love at first pump (that's what she said).  This stuff makes my skin feel so silky and it does the fabulous job of masking the huge pores around my nose that I was blessed with.

Sponge - I'm not completely sure what this gem is called, but I triple heart love it!  It's fabulous for applying my mask concealer and foundation.  The shape is great for getting in all the dips and cures around facial features. - You can get it at Ulta... you're welcome.  

FitBit - This little device is my technology bestie.  It is a pedometer, calorie burning counter, milage counter, and tracks how many flights of stairs I've climbed.  All this information is then wirelessly downloaded to my computer.  You can link up and be friends with other FitBit junkies and see their daily stats.  My sister-in-law and I used to have weekly contests to see who logged the most miles each week.  

Lantern and Candles - I'm a sucker for lanterns. There are several around my house.  I love the look of them (if anyone wants to send me one, I'll gladly accept).  Then there is my obsession with candles.  R would probably tell you I have a problem.  The entire area under the sink on our half bathroom is full of candles.  This ensemble comes to you from Crate and Barrel.  LOVE that place!!

Neutrogena Make-up Remover cloths - I always have a pack of these in the car.  They come in handy when on road trips and are amazing for pre-workout face washes. 

Hamilton Beach single serving blender - I love this for my morning AdvoCare meal replacement shakes - yes, I am continuing these from my 24 day challenge.  This blender is amazing for breakfast on the go.

Kettle Bell - We've been having an on-again-off-again love for a while, but since reading Megan's post on how she went all squat happy and developed fabulous legs, we've been regular with our love for each other.  It's a love that hurts so good.

 American Flag - This is a huge piece of my family.  My husband and a lot of our friends fight for the freedom this flag symbolizes.  I am forever grateful to them for what they do.

Now.... let's talk about some of my not-so-favorite-things (without pictures... I don't photograph things I loathe).

Alarm Clock - I despise being told what time to get up.  Nine times out of ten I wake up, before my alarm goes off, on my own.  If I trusted my internal alarm clock more I wouldn't set an external alarm, but not a chance am I going to trust that bish to get me up on time everyday.  She's let me down a time or two.  I'll stick with the annoyance that wakes me up on that off one out of ten mornings.

The History Channel - CONFESSION TIME: This possibly tops my list of least favorite things.  R triple heart loves it and watches at every opportunity.  I don't (usually) complain.  I use it as a chance to read the blogs I stalk follow, and check out Pinterest.  

Cavities - enough said.  And I'm pretty sure I have one right now. Big bummer - my dentist's office is closed until Monday so I can't make an appointment to get it fixed until then.  

Rude People - Everyone has their bad days, we're entitled to them.  However, if I'm not the cause of that bad day, don't take your frustration and anger out on me.  Period.

Shaving my legs - If it was socially acceptable for me not to, you can bet your hairless left leg I would boycott the whole process.  I hate the time it takes for the hour of baby-smoothness it provides.  If I was rich I would have laser hair removal so I would never have to shave again.

So, there you have it.  What are your favorite things?  Anything your loathe? Spill it ladies!

Eat, Drink, and be Married

This past weekend I had the honor of standing in my cousin's wedding.  He and I have always been very close growing up.  I was completely floored and thrilled when he asked me to be in his wedding.  He married an incredible gal with an amazing daughter.  I am so geeked to have them as part of our family!  

We had the rehearsal on Friday, followed by a lovely dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  It was a fabulous evening catching up with the wedding party and meeting my cousin's other side of the family.  

Saturday morning started bright and early for the girls as we had hair appointments at 8am.  The salon was awesome providing us with breakfast foods and beverages.  They also allowed us to bring champagne in for mimosas (after all, what early morning celebration is complete without them!).  

We arrived at the church at 10:30ish and got our lovely bride into her GORGEOUS dress.  Then it was time for pictures with the bride and pictures with the groom.  Now, let me tell you at the risk of sounding strange... my cousin cleaned up pretty well!  He looked handsome in his tux.  After several pictures it was go time.  We all lined up and walked down the aisle.  

Seeing the bride's daughter cry as her mom walked down the aisle was very touching.  Also seeing my cousin tear up as his bride walked was sweet.  

It was an early wedding (12:30) with a later reception (5pm).  So that left time for the wedding party to go have some fun in between.  We went to a place called Perrin Brewery in Grand Rapids.  This place was a blast!  I ate the best fries smothered in beer cheese and had a couple adult beverages.  We also played shuffle board.  Around 5 we left for the reception to be introduced at 5:30.  

It was a great evening celebrating an amazing couple.  It was the kind of awesome weekend where you leave with more facebook friends than you had upon arrival.  I really hope we can keep in touch with the wedding party.  They are a fantastically fun group!  

And just because no post is complete without a few pictures.... here you go!!!

This sign sign greeted us with goodies at the salon.  

In the process of getting my hair did.  This chick ROCKED at up-do's!!!

Finished product.  all of my hair was swept to the side with TONS of curl.  I triple heart loved it!

Between the wedding and pre-reception celebration.  Did I mention how much I triple heart loved my hair?

Love this kid!  The groom and me celebrating at Perrin Brewery.

Dancing the night away with his daughter (in the black and white dress with her back to us).  They were One Direction dancing fools.

That's all for now.  Hitting the gym tonight to shed the lbs's I packed on from the awesome food and beverages from the weekend!

Hunting

I'm going hunting today after school and I cannot wait!

No, that's not hunting as in "shoot and butcher an animal" that's hunting as in "looking for fall boots and perhaps a cute sweater"....  don't pretend to be shocked at my lack of desire to kill animals.

Friday R and I are headed up to Grand Rapids, Michigan for my cousin's wedding weekend.  The gal he is marrying is amazing and totally rocks.  They asked me to be one of the bridesmaids and I could not be more honored.  I am pumped to spend the weekend celebrating this awesome couple.  The attire for the rehearsal Friday night is casual, so I see that as a fabulous opportunity to rock some new fall fashions.  Thus, my need to go hunting tonight. Don't be too jealous.  

As promised, a while ago, here is a picture of my darker hair. Also, there are a few pictures below from the weekend. If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably already seen these.  If you don't follow me on Instagram... what are you waiting for?!?!?

This was the best view I could get of the dark.  Don't mind the bit I apparently didn't brush prior to taking the picture.  

My shirt says "In support of our troops, I'll wear Red on Friday's until they all come home" -- Yes... I proudly wear a red shirt EVERY. Friday.  

Headed out with friends Friday night.

It was a sassy pants and shoes kind of night.  

Happy Tuesday!