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