confessions

These are my confessions in the form of whatever pops into my head... 

// I went for a 3 mile run this morning.  I almost didn't make it.  It was humid as hell.  And I promise I am not complaining.  Just not used to it.  

// You know what really ruffles my feathers?  When you pass someone on the sidewalk and they don't even look up or acknowledge your presence.  All I wanted to say was good morning.  Jeesh. 

// I am addicted to lemon fizzy water.  #cantstopwontstop

// If I was in a band it would be called The Trapper Keepers. 

// I'm over facebook.  The only reason I still have an account is to share my photos on my fanpage.  Otherwise I would have deleted it months ago. 

// Mmmmm coffee.  I cannot believe it took me over 30 years to discover you. 

// I hate to shave.  I get razor burn so easily that I am not really able to shave more than once a week.  

// On par with my last confession, I have thought about laser hair removal but I am terrified.  Have you ever done it before?  Thoughts?

// Today is my first confession session but I kinda like it.  Feels so good to get all of that off my chest;)

What are your confessions?

Linking up with Kat, Shanna, and Julie today!

until next time

warmth

I spent last night hanging out with my favorite ginger boys while their parents went out.  This was the view from the backyard as I sipped on my water and they played in the sandbox.  I have been dreaming of warm afternoons and sun for what seems like years.  I am just so happy longer days are finally here.  Happy Friday!

What's your favorite thing about Summer?

What were your favorite moments of the week?

Linking up with Aimee and Jess today!

until next time

may wishes

So yesterday I completed my third half marathon.  Our goal was to finish under 3 hours.  And we did.  We made three hours our bitch, coming in at 2:31:56!  Since we are both getting back into running we kept our runs slow and easy throughout our training.  Our goals for our next 13.1 is to finish faster and hopefully get to the point where we (and by we I mean me because I know Barb can run much faster) can run a 10 minute mile comfortably.  We did end up walking a little, mainly up the hills, but probably ran a total of 11 miles.  Not bad for a Sunday morning.  Pittsburgh is such a cool city and it was so fun to experience the different neighborhoods and personalities of the city on foot.  

MAY WISHES:

I will... stick to a low carb and sugar diet.  Since we are starting over again in our training, our bodies should have enough time to adjust so we can complete those long training runs when we get to that point. 

I will... keep running. I may still be on a bit of a runner's high from yesterday still but I look forward to continuing training and hope to complete a couple more 13.1s before the winter. 

I will... continue to blog on a regular basis.  

I will... get out more.  I need to spend less time watching shows on Amazon and more time reading or walking outside.  

I will... read more.  I have a lot to catch-up in regards to my 2014 reading list. 

I will... upload more photos to Society6.  I have loads to add from last year's 365 photo a day. 

What are your goals for the month of May?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

  

short

Like I mentioned in my last Weekly Wishes post, I would like to share more photos from last year's 365 photos.  I added the one above to my Society6 shop last week.  I think my favorite way to display this specific photo is framed or on a stretched canvas.  Although, I do think it would be kinda cool as a laptop skin as well.  What do you think?

I had such a wonderful weekend.  My one goal for the weekend was to sleep in on Saturday and stay in bed to read for a little.  And I did just that.  I am currently reading A Time To Kill, and although I have seen the movie a bunch of times, I am loving the book even more.  Obviously there are parts that are hard to get through but once you do it is hard to put down.  

My goals for this week are pretty short;

I will... finish the Pittsburgh 13.1 on Sunday.  I might be crawling across the finish line, but I will cross it.  If we can finish under 3 hours, I will be happy.  What do you think Barb?

I will... organize 3 months worth of photos and videos of my girlfriends for a project I am working on for their family.  I went through June of 2013 and am blown away by how fast they have grown up.  Sometimes I wish time would just stand still for a little while. 

Are you reading anything good these days?

Something you would recommend?

What about your goals for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

until next time

it band

One of my favorite bloggers, Amanda, has been having a Runners Tell All link-up the 21st of every month.  Since getting back into running and training for my first 13.1 in a few years, it has been a perfect motivator and great place to share running related topics that I wouldn't normally share.  Today's prompt is: Share a bad race or training experience and what you learned from it. 

A few years ago I had this grand idea on attempting one half marathon a month, for 12 months.  I even blogged about my attempt at said challenge (which I seemed to have deleted) in 2010.  Since getting into running, the only thing that seemed to motivate me to run on a consistent basis was to train for a race.  So, in an attempt to keep me motivated and running consistently, I decided it would be a good idea to run 12 half marathons in as many months.

However, what I thought would be motivating, was not.  I wasn't training like I should have been and had taken some time off before I started this asinine idea so when I attempted a few long-ish runs I got injured pretty quickly.  Around mile 3.5/4, the outside of my right knee would start to hurt.  Like really hurt.  Felt like if I took one more step it would just break in two.  Being somewhat of a novice to running and never before really having any type of serious sports related injury, I feared the worse and thought my running "career" was over.

I explained to the husband where it was hurting and that is when he told me it was my IT Band, or the Iliotibial Band for those of you who are are more technical.  The IT Band is a band that extends from the outside of your hip/butt stretching all the way down to the side of your knee.  The pain can present itself anywhere between those two connecting points.

And this is when I was first introduced to what has become my running BFF, the foam roller.  The foam roller is a firm  cylindrical foam noodle-type thing that helps to massage those parts of your body that are hard to massage yourself.  To work out your IT Band, lay the foam roller on the floor then lay down on your side on top of the roller, rolling up and down, making sure to only target between your hip and the outside of your knee.  Then repeat on the otherside.  If my explanation is hard to get (I am not great at explaining things), here is a video that shows you how.

When I hoped to continue with the 12 half marathons in one year plan, I rolled out twice a day and on each side for 2 minutes.  Unfortunately, that didn't help me at the time so I had to accept that I wouldn't be able to complete the challenge at the time.  I have, however, discovered a trick that works for me now.  If I am going for a run that calls for 4 or more miles, I roll out each knee before the run. Knock on wood, I haven't had any serious pain since.

What is your worse training or race experience?

What type of running related injuries have you experienced?

Has your IT Band ever been an issue?

Have you heard of foam rolling before?  If so, do you make time for it when training?

Linking up with Amanda, Leeanne, and Molly today!

until next time

when pinterest comes to life

A little over a week ago I posted about my must-haves for a run.  I got a lot of compliments on my wrapped headset so I thought today's Creative Collective's prompt When Pinterest Comes to Life would be the perfect opportunity show y'all how.  

First, grab a pair of earplugs then hit up your favorite craft store, Michaels or JoAnn's, then buy as many of your favorite colors of string that your little heart desires.  Second, only if you didn't grow up making your Dad Chinese Staircase Friendship bracelets (I didn't know it had a name either), watch the video below (I am really bad at explaining things).
Third, instead of tying around your other pieces of string, you tie around the cord.  Then..
Voila!

These have held up for about 3 years and I use them every time I go out for a run or walk by myself.  This was actually my first (of only three) Pinterest projects I have ever completed.  It's easy-peasy, just a little time consuming.  I suggest putting on your favorite TV show or movie and grab yourself a large adult beverage while working on it.  It helps.

What Pinterest projects have you completed?

Do you have any favorites?

Do you think these are something you would want to try?

Linking up with Melyssa, Rekita, and Nicole today! 

until next time

april wishes

I will... do some type of exercise for 30 hours this month.  Have y'all heard of the #1800MinuteChallenge from Erin?  If not, check it out. 

I will... Blog 4x per week throughout the month of April.  I would like to get on a schedule of getting posts ready ahead of time. 

I will... stick to my 13.1 training. Pretty hard to believe it is only a month away. 

I will... not allow myself more than 30 grams of sugar and 60 grams of carbs a day.  If I really want to see a difference after Erin's challenge at the end of May, I need to limit my sugar and carbohydrate intake.
I will... keep my photo a day project organized. 

I will... upload 20 photos to Society 6. 

What are your goals for the month of April?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Carly today!

until next time

exercise. journal. correspondence.

The last 2 weeks

run. run. actually run.  i will run. I was pretty good week 1 but did no running while in CO.  I blame it on the altitude. 

blog. i will blog 3 x this week.  i will also journal a little and be better about writing my ideas down.  i would really like to start to get a bit more organized when it comes to blogging. I did blog 3x before I left.  However, I didn't journal like I hoped while I was away but I do have some ideas. 

be present. we are meeting my family in co for a week of skiing.  i am going to be spending a week in the mountains with some of my favorite people so instead of worrying about this here blog, i am going to be present and just enjoy myself while i am there.  accomplished. 

This week:

exercise.  After a week of no physical activity, besides skiing, I need to get back into it (again!).   I would like to run or walk at least 2 miles every day this week but would be just fine if I stuck to my 13.1 training.  So happy it's March and the weather is already starting to let us know she's here.  50s and sun predicted today and tomorrow. 

journal. I will write in my journal at least 4x this week.  Doesn't matter if I have anything in particular to write about.  Maybe, just maybe, it will spark something. 

correspondence.  I will write the many Thank Yous to those who were so helpful and welcoming last week. 

How was your week?

What goals have you made for this week?

Linking up with Melyssa and Leann today!

until next time

from where i stand

Monday mornings were never my thing.  Shocking, I know.  When I worked at my old job, come Sunday morning, and sometimes Saturday nights, I would begin dreading Monday and the start of yet another work week.  

The same is no longer true.  I spend Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays hanging out with the most adorable 20 month old and 5 year old.  I laugh every single day.  Come Monday morning, I miss them so much that I actually wake up excited for my day.  

I mean, with views like this, how could I ever hate Mondays anymore?

I am beyond grateful to a supportive husband who encouraged me to just quit and the opportunity to get the chance to be a part of these little girls' lives on a weekly basis.  I cannot imagine doing anything else.  

What do you do for a living?

Are Mondays hard for you?

What moments did you capture this week?

and because i am feeling nostalgic... 

Linking up with Jess, Aimee, and Whitney today!

until next time

run. blog. be present.

A few weeks ago:

run.  keep to my 13.1 training.   horrible. 

crochet. finish my infinity scarf. zilch

social.  make plans with girlfriends and old co-workers. nope

society6.  add at least 5 photos at a time to my society6 page.   I have added a few new ones.  Check them out if you are interested. 

health. eat healthy, up the vitamin c, and get good sleep.  I have been keeping up with my vitamin c.  lemon water all day every day. 

The next two weeks:

run. run. actually run.  i will run. 

blog. i will blog 3 x this week.  i will also journal a little and be better about writing my ideas down.  i would really like to start to get a bit more organized when it comes to blogging. 

be present. we are meeting my family in co for a week of skiing.  i am going to be spending a week in the mountains with some of my favorite people so instead of worrying about this here blog, i am going to be present and just enjoy myself while i am there. 

What are your goals for the week?

Anything exciting going on?

Linking up with Melyssa, Carly, and Leeann today!

until next time

runnin' {in my best forest gump}

Today's post is inspired by Amanda's "Runner's Tell All" monthly link-up.  Today's topic is My Running Story in 250 Words.  For more information go here for the monthly topics and possible sponsorship opportunities. 

Me with my first race number. 

My running story begins like most love stories, girl meets boy. 

 Boy is a runner, Girl is not.  Girl wants to lose those extra few pounds she gained in college, Boy suggests running.  

I was once told that if I wanted to get in good running shape, I would have to run fast.  This idea lead to my strong dislike for the sport so I never considered it as an option.  Boy convinced me the opposite was true so I started from the very beginning; running for a minute or 2 then walking a minute or 2. So on and so on.  As I noticed the lbs coming off and how good it made me feel, I decided to tackle my first race, a 5k.  I was just happy to not finish in last place.  

Thanks to the runner's high from the 5k, I decided to train for a half marathon - Chicago in 2008.  I spent that Summer training and surprising myself I actually enjoyed running.  Boy and I completed the half marathon together.  I was ecstatic even though I could barely walk for the next few days. 

I completed another half marathon and a handful of 5ks over the last 6 years.  While Boy and my relationship has remained strong, unfortunately the same cannot be said for Running and me.  However, I am beginning to rebuild that relationship again.  Slowly but surely.

Are you a runner?

How did get you started?

What is the longest distance you have ever ran?

and because this song never gets old... 

Linking up with Amanda and Whitney today!

until next time

scenes from the weekend

We ventured to Cleveland, OH in hopes of a buying me a used car.  The used car didn't work out but luckily I have family who live in the area so we stayed the night with them.  Went spent Saturday night catching up, eating Mexican, and drinking a few glasses of wine.  Wouldn't ask for a better way to spend my Saturday night.

We woke up to a familiar site, snow.  Even though I am awfully sick of snow, it sure is beautiful.  After an amazing breakfast (with grits) and lunch, the husband and I headed down to the very frozen Lake Erie for a few photos.  Unfortunately, neither one of us were appropriately dressed for more than 10 minutes of walking on the frozen lake.  It sure was incredible though. 

view from my aunt and uncle's screened-in porch window

lake erie. completely frozen for as far as the eye can see. 

panorama from my phone

see, inappropriately dressed. 

you can't even tell where the lake stops and the sky begins. 

these steps were much easier to get up than they were to get down. 

lighthouse overlooking the lake 

a welcomed indication we are about to cross into PA. 

It was such a nice night to be with family.  I am very lucky to have family so close by. 

How was your weekend?

What's your weather like?

Getting a lot of snow?

Linking up with Tiffany today!

until next time

short & sweet

I keeping it short and sweet today, y'all!  I have had quite the unproductive week.  Lack of sleep because of this silly cold has really had me pretty exhausted at the end of the day.  

However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this beauty with you.  I actually got up when my alarm went off this morning (mainly because it was plugged in across the room) so I was able to spend some time with the husband before he left for yoga.  I happened to look outside to see this gorgeous sky.  As sick of the snow as I am, I couldn't help but keep the snow covered rooftops in the shot.  Adds a little extra something to the story, don't you think?

It's sights like this that make getting up at 7am so worth it. 

How has your week been?

Are you a morning person?

What moments did you capture this week?

Linking up with Aimee and Jess today!

until next time

2014 playlist (so far)

Melyssa from The Nectar Collective has come up with 23 prompts to encourage bloggers to get creative and to share with each other.  Today's prompt is to create a playlist of new music.  You can read my first prompt here. 

{all images from Google Images}

I love music.  My tastes ranges from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake to The Decemberists and Death Cab to Bloc Party and Phoenix.  And discovering new favorites makes my heart sing.  To say I am excited for this prompt is such an understatement.  So, without further adieu, below are links to some of my new-to-me favorites of 2014 (so far).  

1 // Pumpin' Blood by NoNoNo

2 // Congo by Bear Mountain

3 // Muse by The Wood Brothers

4 // Seconds by Ghost Loft

5 // Leaves Fall by Mansions on the Moon

6 // Oceans by Coasts

7 // So Close by Kidnap Kid

8 // Under by Aosoon

9 // Dark Star by Jaymes Young

10 // Dance Yrself Clean by MSMR

11 // Hope by Kopecky Family Band

12 // Let Go by RAC ft Kele, MNDR

12 // Julian by Say Lou Lou

I have loads more on my playlist but I didn't want to overwhelm you with it all.  Hope you enjoy:)

What's your favorite music?

Any recent discoveries you would like to share?

Linking up with Melyssa and Shanna today!

until next time

run. crochet. social. society6. health.

Last week:

run. keep to my 13.1 training. besides running 5 miles yesterday, I didn't run once last week.  

organize. upload my 365 photos and photos to Society.  accomplished. 

This week:

run.  keep to my 13.1 training.  third time's a charm, right?!  (hopefully)

crochet. finish my infinity scarf.

social.  make plans with girlfriends and old co-workers.

society6.  add at least 5 photos a time to my society6 page.  have you seen the new clocks they added?  LOVE. 

health. I didn't sleep well last night and feel a hint of a cold coming on.  I think the 5 miles in the cold and wet, and on top of not running for 2 weeks, really did it to me.  I need to make sure I eat healthy, up the vitamin c, and get good sleep. 

What goals have you set for yourself?

How did you do last week?

Linking up with Melyssa and Bre today!

until next time

a day in the life

The other day I spent the day taking a photo an hour for the day.  Why you may ask.  Well, besides that you care so much, Meg from Meg O on the Go thought it would be fun for everyone to share the exciting lives we lead through photos.   Below is what a typical snow day looks like around these parts.
 9:30 am

a bit of a late start to my day but a majority of it was spent in bed, which has become quite the habit of mine, reading.  at least I was productive, right?

10:30 am

daily vitamins laid out for photography purposes.  normally I don't take them until the end of the day but decided to get them out of the way early. 

11:30 am

salad prep.  I make a mean salad.  just sayin'. 

12:30 pm

caught up on downton while I enjoyed my delicious salad.  do you watch the show?  what do you think of this season so far (if you live in the US and are just now seeing them)?  I don't know about you, but I really hope Ethel finds love this season but I am starting to not trust this guy. 

1:30 pm

read my book in the tub for a little. 

2:30 pm

read more of my book.  i am finding it incredibly hard to put this book down.  if you like historical fiction and find the two world wars as interesting as I do, I recommend Follet's The Century Triology. 

3:30 pm

finally made my way downstairs and popped in The Goblet of Fire while enjoying Angie's Kettle Corn popcorn.  i finally found a legal form of crack, and it's come in the form of that popcorn.  

4:30 pm

after indulging in some popcorn, I worked on my infinity scarf.  it's coming along quite nicely.  

5:30 pm

finally the socially acceptable time to pour myself a glass of pinot (and yes, harry potter is still on). 

6:30 pm

my mess. 

7:30 pm

I went from Downton, to Harry Potter, to more Downton then to Sherlock.  what can i say, i just love a good british accent:)  #sherlocklives

8:30

thawed chicken chili for dinner.

9:30 pm

chraly selfie after watching 24 and before heading up to bed. 

Judging by the photos above, I watch a lot of TV.  And I am okay with that.  When it's sub zero temps outside, there is no other way I'd rather spend my day off (I work for a teacher so when she has off, I have off.  not complaining). 

Have you ever done a photo an hour for a day before?

What would a typical day look like for you?

(Or do you just watch a lot of TV;)?)

Linking up with Meg and Nicole today!

until next time