Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Not going as planned...

So, this week was supposed to be the week of starting the 10K adventure, and NOT! Apparently I have the beginnings of a sinus infection and have only exercised one dia this week!

Also, Ben & I are heading out on a "holiday" for the next 5 days, and since our lap top died, I will be without technology (no complaints) and won't be able to blog for 5 days!  But, hopefully I'll have lots of good stuff to blog about when I get home.

Until then....this week (even though only a 3 day week) has turned out to be kinda bananas, but good in other ways.  I was blessed to have allot of down time yesterday with friends, but struggled to get through most of the week with serious allergy problems. But, luckily the NP sent me on "holiday" with a scipt for antibiotics if needed. 

I am looking forward to some down time with the hubs, some good food and exercising on vacation! :)

I hope that everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend. I can't believe that this weekend is all ready here, it means that summer is almost over and fall is here! Where has the time gone?

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Death of the Laptop

So last night I get home from work later than usual and find my trusty old friend of over 7 years the lap top was dead! Its not dead like doesn't work, it still turns on, the poor screen just decided it was tired and laid down on its back for the last time and broke! :( This thing is a huge lap top so I am sure Ben isn't sad to see it go, but I kind of am!

It was a present given to me from mom and dad right after they moved to Northern Cali. I think they gave me the lap top as a bribe to make me feel better for them leaving me in southern cali. :)

The journeys that lap top took with me were numerous...many vacations, many late nights completing grad school and credential classes, countless job applications and music downloads, endless amounts of pictures downloaded to it (I think causing it to crash 2x), more bills paid on it than I could ever count, the journey of moving from Cali to AZ and then half way across country with Ben to KS, the beginning of my blogging adventures and sooo much more!  Good bye my long and trusted friend I will miss you!


On another note, I had a great day today!  I went to the Dr today for lab work, and found out that my A1C was 6.4 last year and today it was only 5.3, which is great news for me! It means that I am no longer pre-diabetic and I am down a few more pounds! Yeah me! :) I then decided to treat myself to coffee, walked 2 miles with Lynne & baby Brian, ate lunch with friends, got mani/pedi and was naughty and indulged in some new stuff from bath and body works and from JcPenneys. 

Today just reaffirms my appreciation for the life that God has given me and for the wonderful people that have been placed in my life.  I am grateful beyond belief for the friends and family that I have.  Yesterday was one of those days that I was feeling a little blue about not having a bambino of my own, and then today He blesses me with a day completely full of great company and a sweet little boy that I got to love on all day (when originally we had just planned for a few hours)! 

Although my heart may ache at times, days like today remind me that God hears all of my wants and desires and that they will happen in His time and not mine...but in the mean time He will continually fill me up with an amazing abundance of love and support from amazing people!

Monday, August 27, 2012

"rejoice, rejoice and again I say rejoice"

Tonight's post is coming pretty late for me...I should be in bed, but have to post really quickly first! :)

Today was a long day, work at first job, small nap, work at second job (which ended up being 2 hrs longer than usual) and then TV time with the hubs. 

I unfortunately didn't make it to complete day 1 of the training for 10K. I have been battling cold/allergies (not sure which) all weekend and it just kicked my fanny today. But, I am off tomorrow, and will get on track asap in the am with some good girlfriends and their cute lil men. 

When I lived in Cali it seems like I used to pamper myself way more than I do living in KS. Not sure if it is just the difference in lack of extra cash or getting older and finding a different use of my dinero. Tomorrow I will Be getting my first mani/pedi in who knows how long.  I honestly can't remember the last time that I had someone else do my feet.  I am very much so looking forward to it! :)

Throughout my entire long day I have had one song stuck in my head..."Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice..."  It is one that I often favored as a kid from church, and not sure how it got stuck in my head today, I haven't heard it in forever.  Perhaps it is one that was put in my head intentionally...so although I am beat, I will head off to be rejoicing in all that I have! Good night all!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Head banging

Today definitely has not been as planned...I woke up with headache and sore throat, bumped head with Benjamin VERY hard (which worsened the headache) and feel extremely exhausted and I a out of commistion for the day. 

Enough whining, I have to say is I am extremely grateful for my hubby who has helped me out in great abundance today..clean kitchen, meals made and lots of other stuff done around the house.  Thank you Ben, I owe you.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday & have a good week!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

10 Weeks to a 10K, who is in?

So I recently read this article in women's health about being ready to run a half marathon in 10 weeks. I thought that is  sure a short about of time to do be ready for a half marathon. So, I have decided to tweak the "plan" a bit and make it ready for me to run a 10 K in 10 weeks.

I've been running/walking/jogging for most of the summer on a pretty regular basis (give or take last week's absence b/c of a sore knee and being too lazy), but on a pretty regular basis.  So, starting Monday I will be following this vigorous plan in an attempt to be ready to run a 10K by approximately Oct 29th.  Anyone wana join me?

Now, I just need to find a 10K for me to run sometime this fall.  Suggestions anyone?

I'm excited for the next 10 weeks...hopefully I'll be sticking this schedule and amping up my running abilities and challenging my body in crazier ways than it has been in the last 10 years, and lots of new possible adventures for Benjamin and I!

Hope everyone has a good weekend! 

Here is the schedule from the article: CT - cross train. Do 30 mins any activity that elevates your HR, ie, biking, swimming, power walking or elliptical. TT - Time trial: warm up for one mile, running at a very easy pace, then time yourself at comfortably fast pace (not all out) for two miles. Note your time and try to beat it at your net TT. R & R Run - Rest and recovery run. Run 3 to 4 miles a an easy pace. Every 4th week will be for recovery, a rejuvenating time to scale back intensity.  INT - Intervals, 3.5 miles. Run one mile easy, then for the next two miles, alternate either one minute of harder effort with one minute of easy recovery jogging or two minuets of harder effort with one minute of jogging. Coll own with half a mile at an easy pace. T - Tempo runs, 3-4 miles.  get ready to pick up the pace (you can talk but not more than a few words at a time) for a portion of your workout. do one mile at your normal pace, then add the tempo somewhere in the middle. Finish at your normal pace.
  • Week 1:
    • Mon: CT
    • Tues: TT
    • Wed: CT
    • Thurs 3 miles w/10-min T
    • Fri: C
    • Sat: 5 miles
  • Week 2:
    • Mon, Wed, Thurs &  Fri are same
    • Tues 1 min INT
    • Sat: 6 miles
  • Week 3:
    • Mon, Wed & Fri same
    • Tues 1 min INT
    • Thurs: 4 miles w/10 min T
    • Sat: 7 miles
  • Week 4:
    • Mon, Wed and Fri same
    • Tues: R & R run
    • Thurs R & R Run
    • Sat 8 miles
  • Week 5:
    • Mon, wed & Fri same
    • Tues: TT
    • Thurs 4 miles w/15 min T
    • Sat 9 miles
  • Week 6:
    • Mon, Wed & Fri same
    • Tues: 2 min INT
    • Thurs 4 miles w/15 min T
    • Sat 6 miles
  • Week 7
    • Mon, wed & Fri same
    • Tues: 2 min INT
    • Thurs: 4 miles w/15min t
    • Sat: 10 miles
  • Week 8:
    • Mon, Wed & Fri same
    • Tues & Thurs: R & R Run
    • Sat: 11 miles
  • Week 9:
    • Mon, Wed, Fri same
    • Tues: TT
    • Thurs 4 miles w/20 min T
    • Sat 6 miles
  • Week 10:
    • Mon & Wed CT
    • Tues 1 min INT
    • Thurs R & R Run
    • Fri 20 min jog
    • Sat rest
    • Sun Race
**I'm gonna try the first week and see how I do, then tweak it as I need to. I am sure that I won't be able to run a full 5 miles by next sat, so I might put that at like 2 or 3 miles.  Any suggestions for running friends?

Friday, August 24, 2012

Dirty 30

Dirty 30...whats the big deal? Why is it such a hard age for many of us to turn? I thought that since I am one of the last ones of my friends to turn 30, it wouldn't be a big deal for me once October starts creeping around, boy was I wrong!

In my crazy little head I keep thinking about turning 30 and I don't like it!  I can't believe that 30 years has almost gone by for me.  Where in the world has the time gone?  Not sure why I am so opposed to the idea, perhaps its because everyone else is...

10 years ago I would of thought by 30 I would have 3.5 kids, a house that I owned, a big career, nice car, a good chunk of change in the bank, and living somewhere way cooler than SW KS. Not starting a new career, 0 kiddos, a part time nursing job, a 1999 acura, a 2000 hyundai elantra and not allot of dinero in the bank.  Almost the complete opposite of where I thought I would be! :) 

Although my life may be completely different than I had planned, I wouldn't change one bit of it! 

To my friends who have already turned 30 this year (and in years past), ha ha ha I still have 6 weeks!

To those who are close to turning 30, better get the rest of the stuff done you wanna accomplish by the time your 30.

And to Stephanie, Happy Birthday my friend. You have been an amazing addition to my life and I couldn't imagine it without you in it! I <3 u!

I think once I turn 30 I'll live by the words of Lucile Ball ~ "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."
            


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Simple Gifts

While journeying (if that's a word) to work today I was thinking allot about communication. I know kind of a weird thing to think about at 630 in the am.  But, I was thinking about what it would be like to be the kiddo that I was taking care of today.  This child cannot verbally communicate, but knows a few sign language words.  The child is old enough to be able to communicate some verbally, so I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to be this child. 

Then it got me thinking that with all of the ways that there is for us to communicate these days, why do people still have such a hard time with it?  This child cannot verbally tell me what they need, but through pointing, crying, making goofy noises, etc, eventually we are able to communicate with one another. But, those of us who do not verbally have a hard time communicating have access to cell phones, land lines, text messages, email, IM, FB, verbally talking, singing, etc. With all of these forms of "communication" you would think that this world would function better than it does. 

For those of you who know other members of my family, besides just Ben and I, I'm sure you have thought from time to time that we over communicate (sorry for that). :)  So then again, I got to further thinking, which is worse, not communicating at all or over communicating?  I mean seriously, if you asked the hubby, I'm sure he'd tell you he knows way more about these crazy thoughts that go through my head than one would ever need to know! :)  

How do you find a healthy middle ground, one where both parties are happy?  Perhaps some of us expect to much from others, or perhaps some of us (me definitely included) are way too noisy...where do you draw the line?

Communicating with God, what is the best way to do this? Prayer, reading the Bible, going to church, fellowship, journaling, etc? I know that this is something that is different for each person, but how do we know that we are efficiently communicating with God?

I like to think of myself as a good communicator. But, one could just ask Ben and God and I'm sure they both would  just laugh! :)  I know that perhaps I over communicate from time to time, and perhaps get a bit grouchy at those who don't communicate the way that I would like them to...but I have the ability to communicate.

On my journey home today I was extremely thankful for something as simple as the gift of communication and the fact that I have the ability in all forms to do so!  

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The week of flies

***If you take the time to read this, I appreciate it. Hopefully I bring some laughter and joy into your day. But, please be aware that this is also an outlet for me to discuss things in my life, things that may not always be happy and full of joy.  I do not mean to offend anyone with anything that I may say.

My journey this week is apparently one including FLIES!!! After nearly swallowing one in my coffee, followed by one landing on my iced tea and then dying, I end up having one fly up my nose today!  It was a small fly, but it scared me, and grossed me out. I was nodding off at work with the child that I care for, and all of the sudden I heard a buzzing and then BAM up my nose it went. Luckily I was able to blow it right out, and the dumb bug was still ALIVE! 

According to one of the guys at work, the flies are acting crazy because we got an inch + of rain this last weekend. I'm not sure what it is, but it is driving me crazy! :)

Writing an entry yesterday was allot easier than it is today. I had originally had an idea about how I wanted to write this, but once I started putting those words down it sounded like I was whining or was sharing information that silly people tweet about each day...

My current primary nursing job is working with pediatrics in home. I am lucky to primarily be with one child, who has a great family.  I thought taking this job would mean picking my own hours, weekends off, no over nights, and easy vacation time off whenever Ben wants to go on vacation.  I never really stopped to think about the emotional parts that would come along with this job.  When I leave work I continually am filled with mixed emotions.  Some days I feel like an over paid babysitter and some days I leave feeling extremely happy that I was there to give the family a few hours of rest. 

Everyday I leave feeling extremely thankful for all my friends and family who have healthy children. The feeling that has surprised me the most is the feeling of emptiness.  Most of you know that God hasn't had it in the cards for us to get pregnant yet. For the most part, this is something that I have dealt with, and I have come to terms with...I guess that is why I am surprised when I do leave feeling a sense of emptiness.  Perhaps this job that I took for allot of the wrong reasons is a blessing in disguise.  Perhaps God has a bigger plan with me taking this job.

On a lighter note, tonight I get to spend some much needed girl time with some classmates from nursing school! This Friday will be the first "big girl check" that I get, and I excited to take Ben out for a nice date on ME!  
 
I hope everyone has a great night!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Silly Hallmark Movies

Hello to all who read this!  This morning I was looking at the calendar and realized that in exactly three weeks from tomorrow I will be turning 30!!! Then I thought where in the world has 30 years gone?   So, I've decided that for my 30th year of life I am going to blog and capture the moments of life that this year will bring. I am going to try and be dedicated to blogging once a day for the next 365 days + the 6 weeks leading up to my birthday.  

I titled this blog "my journey into growing up and loving who God has created me to be" because it purely describes where I am at in life and what I strive to do.

My journey growing up as a child was a blessed one. It was full of amazing amounts of unconditional love and laughter and tons of family and friends.  It was a childhood that I would not trade for anything. 

My journey into adulthood too has also been a blessed one.  I've been blessed with amazing friends and family members who constantly support me in all of my crazy adventures that I take myself on.   

My journey the last couple of years has definitely been one of the hardest and most rewarding journeys I have ever been on.  It has been a journey that has been filled with lots of love, laughter, tears, fears and realizations about who I am and who I want to become. 

Awhile ago, I was watching a silly Hallmark movie, and this older guy (about 45+) in the movie was asked if you could become a father at this point in your life and be the oldest dad on the playground would you do. His reply was yes, in an instant.  This is my life, I will do things in my own time, and who cares what anyone else says or thinks. As lame as it sounds, I was shouting at the TV telling this TV character, "YES, that is right!"  I felt like it was a statement that I could relate to whole heartedly.  We all know that I dance to the beat of my own drum, and I also married someone who does the same, so my life is full of unconventionalness all around. 

I have often felt a sense of disapproval for many of the decisions that I have made or for not being conventional with the timing of many of my choices in life.  Then I got to thinking about that statement a bit further and came to the conclusion that most of the disapproval I was feeling came from myself and not others that mattered in my life! (side note: this is not the only time that I got to thinking about this, but for some odd reason something really hit me when I was watching this silly movie)

 Somewhere along the line I became so consumed with what society says about how we should live our lives, where we should be by a certain age, when we should have kids, when we should buy a house, what kind of a house or car we should buy, etc., and lost so much of who I was as a person and what I truly wanted out of life.  

This summer has been a humbling experience for me. It feels like God is bringing this huge and long life lesson full circle and showing me that if I shut up, stop running at a million miles per minute and just be still, listen and trust in Him it will make this journey into loving and becoming the person God has created me to be so much easier! 

So, with all that said, I'd like to change that statement made from the silly movie that made me think to say, "This is my life, I will do things in God's time, and I am blessed with an amazing husband and amount of friends and family that will support me and love me unconditionally!"

I just want to say thank you to all who are in my life who love and support me no matter what! 

Okay not all posts or in fact not very many posts will be this "girlie or mushy". :)