2012 Fast Before the Feast 5k

On Thanksgiving morning, Jason picked me up and we headed to White Bear Lake to run the 2012 Fast Before the Feast 5k.  We ran this one last year, so I knew exactly what to expect for the course.  My knee injury was still nagging (started physical therapy for it on Monday...), but I did it anyway.  Jason had a sore leg, so I figured we could take it nice and easy and keep each other going.  Once we hit the start line, Jason said good luck and took off, so I was at it alone.

No biggie, as I normally end up racing alone, but I knew right off the bat it would be tough to keep it going.  My knee was screaming at me within a quarter mile, but I tried to ignore it and keep going.  I will spare you the boring recap, but I only made it to the 2.5 mile mark before I had to walk.  I started up the huge hill, but had tears in my eyes and knew it was bad, so I forced myself to walk.  This is very difficult for me, as I have never had to walk in a 5k.  It happens.  For the last half mile, I would run until the tears would start and then walk until I could get them to stop.  I finished this one and it was the slowest 5k I have ever run.

33:44

After the Last Sibling Race of the Year

Not exactly how I wanted to end up 2012 running season.  With my knee still acting up, I don't see myself running another one this year.

Injuries happen and there isn't a lot you can do about them.  I'm just hoping with physical therapy, I can get my knee back to where it needs to be so I can actually run again.

XOXO

Thankful - My Parents

11.22.12

I am thankful for great parents.  Jason, Tammy and I somehow managed to luck out and get the two best parents that kids could ever get.  We got parents who support and love us, no matter what we do or what path we choose to follow.  They pick us up when we have been kicked to the ground, but are also there to slap us upside the head if we screw up big time.  We are so very fortunate that we got them and they got stuck with us.  I love you two!!!

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!

XOXO

Thankful - Baking Enjoyment

11.21.12

I am thankful that I enjoy baking.  On an evening like this when I have to bake three big pies and three dozen mini pies, I'm really glad that I enjoy baking...and that I'm pretty good at it.  If I didn't like doing it, even if I was good at it still, having to make all this stuff would be torture.  However, especially with some help from Bean, I really love it.  AND it makes the house smell delicious!!!

XOXO

Thankful - New Job

11.20.12

I am thankful for my new job.  No, it hasn't officially started yet, but I couldn't be more excited about it.  Every interaction I have had with anybody there has been great!  They have all been super nice and greatly helpful.  I had to go for my health screening, HR paperwork, and security clearance yesterday and it was a great experience.  I am super thankful to finally be getting back into the healthcare field and in a hospital setting!  My current position, which I've been in for 4.5 years...these past two weeks have been super stressful.  Since I put my notice in, things have just gotten even...rougher...  I will definitely miss seeing Kali every day, but I've already been promised we will remain friends (and I'm totally holding her to that!!!).  NST @ FV...HERE I COME!!!

XOXO

Thankful - Physical Therapy

11.19.12

I am thankful for physical therapy.  After my appointment this morning, it was confirmed that it is probably just my patella tracking goofy because of my super flat feet.  I got a bunch of exercises to do (and was told I have great quads) and that with maybe some extra shoe inserts (nerd!), I should be good to go!  This made me really happy and so relieved it wasn't something worse!

XOXO

Thankful - Cooking As A Family

11.18.12

I am thankful for making dinner as a family.  The three of us get involved in different ways.  Lee and I do the bulk of the cooking and we find easy things for Bean to do...she LOVES to help!  It is a great time because, not only do we get to spend time together for a little bit during our day, but with everyone helping and splitting up the work, it doesn't seem to be an overwhelming task for anyone.  Have to love those family dinner nights!

XOXO

Thankful - Family Adventure Day

11.17.12

I am thankful for what we like to call Family Adventure Day.  It is basically a day where Lee, Lilly and I go out as a family and do something fun.  Today was Family Adventure Day and we had a doozie!

First, we had breakfast at Al's (and, of course, Lilly still hasn't stopped talking about the Minnie pancake they made her).  Then, we were off to Sea Life at Mall of America where we saw sting rays and sharks and eels (oh, my!).  After a few laps around the mall (including Lindt chocolate and a quick nap from Lilly), we hit up the Amazing Mirror Maze (thank you, Groupon).  It was way more difficult to get through than I thought it would be, but it was worth the $8 I paid for the three of us to go.  Before we left, we shared a Cinnabon (which before we even saw, Lilly exclaimed, "I smell something delicious!").  It was tasty.  After MOA, we hit up IKEA (always an adventure in itself).  We got a few things and then headed down for a quick visit with visit Aunt Tammy and Uncle Tony and Rosie and Chasey.  Soon, we were back on the road headed to visit Grandma and Papa before FINALLY getting home.  We spent about 14 hours out and about today for Family Adventure Day.

Why am I thankful for them?  Because it forces me to be creative with finding things that we will all three enjoy without spending a bunch of money.  Besides, I get to spend ALL DAY with the two people I love the most.  I wouldn't trade these days for anything :)

XOXO

Thankful - Post-Tantrum Hugs

11.16.12

I am thankful for the end of tearful two year old tantrums and the hugs and cuddles that follow.  They make you realize that you can really make it through tough moments raising a child and get the good stuff in the end.  Bean had the worst tantrum she has ever had tonight (including hitting, kicking, scratching AND spitting...which she NEVER DOES), but we made it through it (all three of us!) and things are okay now.  Thank goodness for those hugs and kisses...

XOXO

Thankful - Paying It Forward

11.15.12

I'm thankful for being given the opportunity and ability to do a good deed and pay it forward.  After eating dinner alone at a bar before meeting my family for a football game downtown, I was putting my extras in my car when I was approached by a gentleman saying, "Ma'am," and trying to get my attention.  As he came closer, he said, "I'm not a bad guy" probably assuming I was worried, as I was alone and it was getting dark.  I shut my door and walked toward him.  He told me a story I'd heard a million times...he had "taken a bus from Kansas City" and needed" $22 to get to the shelter" and was there anything I could spare.  Being honest, I told him I had only credit cards and that I was sorry I couldn't help him.  He looked at my car and asked about my leftovers.  I immediately said, "OF COURSE!", opened my car, grabbed them and gave them to him.  He smiled as I apologized for not having more to give him.  He thanked me and I told him good luck in getting where he needed to be.

As I walked away, I was happy that I could actually help someone.  On the other hand, it was probably the first time I had heard "that" story and wished that I had some cash to actually give the man.  Most times, if you don't have money, they don't want anything to do with you.  However, him asking for my extra food...it tugged on my heart strings and made me realize that there are people out there with "those" stories that are actually legit.  I'm so lucky that I am fortunate enough to be able to have leftovers to be able to give someone and I hope that I continue to be that lucky and get to do things like that.

XOXO

Thankful - Cookie Wednesday

11.14.12

I am thankful for Cookie Wednesday.  This blog has Cookie in the title, so obviously, I am a fan of the sweet treat.  At work, a group of us have this rotating "bring-in-cookies" club.  We call it Cookie Wednesday and it is a highlight of the week.  Today was my day to bring in cookies, so I made Chocolate Chip Cookies with an Oreo sandwiched in them.  I also made Samoas Bars, but they didn't taste like Samoas.  Both were delightful.  Sometimes, in the middle of the week, you just need a cookie to perk up your day.  I can really say that when I leave my job in a few weeks, I will miss Cookie Wednesday a whole lot!

XOXO

Thankful - Foot Rubs

11.13.12

I am thankful for foot rubs.  Lee takes good care of me.  He knows I love my feet rubbed.  He is great at giving some great and LONG foot rubs.  I am one lucky gal.  Nothing beats a good foot rubbin' after a really long day.  Wait until I'm on my feet all day at my new job...

XOXO

Thankful - Warm Bathes

11.12.12

I am thankful for warm bathes!  Our tub isn't very deep (and the overflow drain is very slow), so taking bathes hasn't been very great for me.  I couldn't put much water in, so even with hot water, I got cold pretty quickly.  Lee came home today with something called the Bottomless Bath (he was very excited to find it for only $3.86 at Menards this week) and, while I was skeptical, it totally worked!  It was the best bath that I've had in a long time and it was super nice to finally be able to relax...covered in warm water...and not freezing! Thank you, honey, and thank you Bottomless Bath *wink*

XOXO

Thankful - Service Members

11.11.12

I'm going to go holiday typical and say that today, I am thankful for the women and men who serve this country in one of our military branches.  We are very lucky for those that put their lives on the line.  Thank you.  Happy Veterans Day.

XOXO

Thankful - Shopping Trips with Mom

11.10.12

I am thankful for shopping trips with Mom.  Sometimes we get great deals and sometimes, like today, we come home empty-handed.  However, either way, we always have a great time looking and gossiping.  It has to be one of my favorite things...especially this time of year...since Starbucks is often involved in our holiday shopping!

XOXO

Thankful - My Family

11.9.12

I am thankful for my loving, accepting family.  No matter what any of us does, we are always there for each other...backing each other up...picking up the pieces...whatever.  I just realize after the last few days JUST HOW FORTUNATE I am to have been born into the family I was.  *hugs*  Thank you, family!

XOXO

Thankful - Starbucks

11.8.12

This may be shallow, but I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.  Sometimes, a Grande Nonfat Caramel Macchiato picks you right up.  And Verona Roast?  Delicious!  Sometimes you just need to be thankful for something silly and small :)

XOXO

Thankful - MN Voting No

11.7.12

I am thankful for the great State of Minnesota voting down the Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment yesterday.  Baby steps for those out there it truly affects!

XOXO

Thankful - Right to Vote

11.6.12

I am thankful today that I have been given the opportunity to exercise my right as an American citizen to vote.  It is something I take seriously and do each time I am able because I really feel like if you have the ability to vote, but you choose not to exercise that right, you can't complain about how things are going for the next four years (or whatever amount of time).

XOXO

Thankful - Friendly DMV Workers

11.5.12

I am thankful for the friendly people at the DMV.  They always get a bad rap on TV and in the movies (the cranky/mean people at the DMV...), but every time I have to go, they are always pleasant.  The lady today was very cheery, and after a rough day, it was much appreciated.  It may sound silly, but it makes me happy.

XOXO

Thankful - Sunday Football

11.4.12

I am thankful for Sunday football.  I love my Minnesota Vikings and Lee loves his *barf* Green Bay Packers *barf* and Lilly loves whichever team seems to get her what she wants at the time!  Around our house, however, Sunday football comes with resting (for the most part) and hanging with my family.  One of my favorite things during this time of year is chilling on the couch and cheering on the Vikes.  Win or lose, they are still my team and I am thankful for them playing on Sunday (or Monday or Thursday...).
XOXO

Thankful - Lilly

11.3.12

I am so incredibly thankful that I have my Lilly.  She has got to be one of the coolest kids I know and I get to hang out with her every single day.  Yes, she can make me want to pull my hair out, but she is 2.5 years old. She is super amazing and spending all day with her today...just us (for the most part)...it reminds me how special she is and how fortunate I am that I was blessed with her as a daughter.  She is very sweet and smart, but so stubborn and bull-headed, just like her mama.  We had the best day today and sometime you just need those days...with the little moments...with the giggles and the tears...with the sparkle and shine in their eyes for the littlest things...to remind you how great kiddos are.

XOXO

Thankful - Lee

11.2.12

I'm thankful for my great husband.  He is always there for me when I need him (as a husband should be!).  He supports me in all I choose to do, whether it is running races, going back to school, etc.  While we bicker from time to time, we always end up stronger and happier.  So, thank you, Lee.  I love you forever and ever and I am so thankful to have you in my life.

XOXO

Thankful - Not Having Knee Tears

I'm going to try to blog every single day this month.  In an effort to do so, I'm going to share something I am thankful for each day...at least until Thanksgiving.

11.1.12

I'm thankful that the doctor told me my knee issues are probably not MCL/ACL/PCL tears and probably not a torn meniscus!!!  I'm thankful that it is probably just "patellofemoral syndrome with generalized core muscle weakness".  Some PT and I should be good to go!

I also wanted to share one of the coolest things that has been said to me in a while.  The nurse got done taking my pulse, looks at me and says, "You're a runner, aren't you?"  I stopped for a minute, looked at her and said, "I pretend to be...why?"  She said based on pulse, she can tell the people who have better cardiovascular health/endurance than those who don't do anything.  I just kind of smiled and said thanks.

Gave me warm heart.

Have a great night!

XOXO

Monthly Recap: October

1. Run 500 Miles in 2012
• October was not nearly where in needed to be.  I ran a total of about 27.5 miles, therefore bringing my 2012 mileage total to 364/500.  That means I have 136 miles to go...  With only two months left, I need to run 68 miles a month.  Gotta pump up those number of runs/miles each week!
2. Run a 10k
3. Run a Half Marathon
4. Complete a Duathlon
5. Complete (at least) 12 Races
• I did 1 race this month (Monster Dash Half Marathon)...so my 2012 race total moves to 11/12!  Just one left to complete this goal!
6. Hit my Goal Weight of 130
• Not happening
7. Be a Better Mom
• Patience...and making time for my Bean :)
8. Be a Better Wife
• Awww, yeah! :)
9. Be a Better Friend
• I'm trying :)
10. Be a Great Bridesmaid
11. Get Into Nursing School (Failed...)
12.  Get a House
13. Pay Off a Student Loan
• We are still making gains, but probably won't achieve this one
14. Dress Better to Feel Better
• Still doing it...
15. Floss More
• October was perfect!

XOXO

PS...this marks my 200th blog post!!!