What the day ended up being...

Well I did go visit my parents and boy did I get a lot accomplished but not everything.. typical! There is always so much to do and not enough time. I guess that is life and that is why you must prioritize.
So I drove down on Wednesday evening to spend a few hours talking with my dad. Before I got to the house I dropped by the grocery to get a few things for baking cookies... more on that later.
I got to the house dropped off my stuff and went looking for some dinner. I thought about picking something up on the road but knew that there was plenty of food there. (That is an understatment) My mom stockpiles like the stores are going out of business and no more will open for a year! Anyways after finding soup, cheese stick and some extra meat I cooked up my food and ate it while Dad talked. After eatting, Val called the house and was talking to Dad for a while. I took this opportunity to try out a new recipe. I made these protien balls from bodyrock.tv. They were AMAZING!!!!! I have really come to like her webpage and found some good workouts and food options there. (not getting paid to advertise) My dad made a comment about how what I was making looked good... until I added coconut! He hates coconut. So the protien balls had 1 1/2 cups pb, 1 cup vanilla protien, some nuts, coconut, and a bit of chocolate.
After he got off the phone I proceeded to chat with him while I cleaned out my parents kitchen pantry. I only got 1/5 of the way through. I found items that needed to be thrown out and helped them along into the trash. I hope to go back and do the same thing closer to Christmas. I love to organize other people's stuff. I also like to throw out stuff. I don't find any need for holding onto items for an extended period of time if there is not use.
Anyways... It turned out to be almost midnight! I had to get to bed!
The next day I woke up at 9am! I havnt slept that late in forever!!! Mom got up at 930 and we took the dogs for a walk.
Before the walk I had planned to try out this new recipe for homemade pancakes.... I took out the cottage cheese and guess what... MOLD! Yuck totally gross! I just picked up the cottage cheese last night at the store. ahhhh. Plan B was to use milk. So I made pancakes with milk, whole wheat flour, some protien, egg, etc. They turned out super good. Especially when paired with peanut butter. :) Ill try the new recipe some other time I guess.
My parents just got this one dog, Zoe. She is half beagle half black lab and is very cute. She calms Shadow down a lot. He is half black lab half who knows what (but something very thing) She pulled the whole three miles we were on a walk. I am curious as to how long she will run for. I may try that out during Christmas but I guess we will see how much time I have.
Anyways, after the walk we went to lunch and then to Target, Trader Joes, Harris Teeter, and then ANOTHER Target. By the time we got home, it was already 430 and I had to get back on the road to get home myself. Boooo!!! No time for cookies!
So on the road I went back home. It was a super nice visit and Ill see them in no time.

Parents

Ok.. I have a terrible statement... I havn't seen my parents since it was 90 degrees out.. at the beach! That was in JULY!!!!!!!! Of course I talk to them on the phone but seeing them is totally different. I know that Christmas is just a couple weeks away and I will see them then but that is totally different because I wont have that one on one time with them. It will be multiple people all around and sometimes it is just nice to have on on one time.
When I was younger, none of us kids had a lot of one on one time with each parent. There just was not any time for that sort of thing. I'm not saying I didn't have a great relationship or great childhood because I SURE DID. All the sacrifices that they both did for each of us came straight from the heart. We had loads of fun with our mom going to the zoo weekly, all the museums, home craft projects, etc. With our dad we would travel here and there for swim meets. He would be the one to give me advice when I asked for it and even when I didnt sometimes. He has always been the talker and my mom the listener.
Anyways... back to my point. I havn't seen them in forever so Im going to go visit tonight! I am going to go by myself and have one on one time. Tonight I am going to hang with Dad and make a fire and watch some tv, maybe have some coffee.
Tomorrow my mom already has the day planned.. or so she thinks. :) We are going to go on a nice long walk, then go out for some lunch and bake some cookies. I also plan on going to some stores too. I am in need of some items and I guess we will see if I score any good deals.
Last night I raided my pantry with all my baking stuff. I know my mom should have all the requirements but sometimes things run out in the middle of baking. I am also bringing some special food items like coconut (I know she wont have that) Whole wheat flour, and protien powder (yes for the cookies)
My plan of attack with the cookie are making these ones that require some whole wheat flour, 2 cups vanilla protien powder, crazins, dark chocolate, and some coconut. MMM They are so good and they are great pre or post workout cookies.
Im sooo excited!

Thanksgiving and beyond..

Well.. Thanksgiving now seems like a blur. It was only a week ago but seems so far way already! Daniel and I made our annual trip to Fayetteville to visit Dad and Jean and the puppy dogs. We ended up getting a late start because Daniel had to stay late at work. I guess it all worked out. I was able to get some chores done while waiting on him. We hopped into the car and I snoozed the last half of the way to the house. I had been up in the air if I wanted to go out to the stores at midnight like I had done the past two years but after weighing the options, I chose just to get up early and go at 8am.
So, after unwinding for a bit we all went to bed and I was up bright and early to hit CVS. I got there a bit early but made a game plan. I was in and out in no time from the store along with other shoppers. I got everything I wanted which was so nice. I then went to go to some other stores but they were not going to be open til 9 so I went back to the house for a Thanksgiving day run. My plan was to go between 6 and 10 miles.... The rain stopped me at mile 5.
O well. That was fine. I took what I could get. I decided to get ready for the day and went back out to the stores since it was after 9am.
By the time I got back to the house from the stores, it was time for lunch. Jean's family came as they always do (ever since I have been going) and we had such good food. I was beside myself with this sweet potato dish. I still cant believe how good it was. I am going to make it myself tomorrow and can't wait!! We all stuffed ourselves as usual and then just chatted and looked at the sales ads for a while.
Unfortunatly our stay was short lived and we had to get back because Daniel had to work the following day and I had shopping to get done.
520am came way too early on friday but I was ready to get some shopping done. My first stop was to Target... this is how my day went... target, michaels, bed bath and beyond, another target, riteaid, old navy, halmark, macys, dsw, ice cream, alex's house, honey baked ham, toyota dealership, home, back out to best buys, then to walmart, another target, shoe shopping, pet smart, then i met val at target AGAIN to give her some items.
I must say that NO I did not go and spend money in all of these places. I had free coupons, gift cards, and half the Targets I had to return or just go see if they something there for Daniel (they didnt)
I will say that it was the best black friday I had ever had. I just had the best time shopping by myself and doing whatever I wanted to do. I also ended up being so lucky with the traffic, nice cashiers, etc.
AND When I met up with Alex, we had free ice cream and then a free cookie at lunch!

A week of excitment

So it has been a week since I have been to B2B. It seems like it has already been forever! I had such a great time enjoying the weekend with friends and family.
Val and I went down to the beach on Friday morning. We made a few pit stops on the way. The first one was for gas and then we stopped at the Duplin winery!! It was great. I had been wanting to go there for years. Every time I have the idea to stop there, its a Sunday and they are closed for Sunday. We had a good time learning about all the different wines that they make, etc. We only had time to taste and not take a tour or eat there. So maybe next time we go we can get a tour. We had to be at the beach by a certain time.
Off we went to the beach and checked into our room. We had enough time to relax for a bit and then get going to dinner. Before dinner Alex gave Val and me a little gift. It was a huge picture frame with pictures of her and me or her and Val in it doing various things from the past. LOVED IT!!! (Its at work sitting on my desk as I type) We met everyone at dinner that night and had a great time! Alex's mom kept calling Val's food an appitizer because it was so much smaller than everyone's pasta dish! That was funny.
Since we had dinner so early (530) we got back early too and went to bed at 730pm!! I felt like an old fart but knew that that was the best decision I could make since the following day was going to be so long.
The alarm clock went off at 640 and we were up and out the door to head to get some coffee at McDonalds and then to the transition area. Jan, Val and me went in my car, Ron was with Alex since the start and Mary and Kathy went by themselves. We hung around until about 815am at the transition area and saw Alex run past us and then zoom on the bike past us. Our time was done there and we all made our little groups again and went on our way until the afternoon. Kathy and Mary went downtown, Ron went to bed, and us girls went back to the hotel to grab some things and relax. We then got the briliant idea to go shopping!
We headed out to World Market, Michaels, and eat at Red Robin. At Red Robin, we met up with my old friend Matt. I dont see him but maybe once or twice a year. He hung around with us until Alex finished her bike at Ironman.
After lunch, we all headed to find Kathy and Mary downtown. Matt lead us into town and we found free parking!!! WOO!! We found Mary and Kathy right where we thought they were and then Ron came by. When it was getting close to Alex's transition time, we made the choice to get in line for the ferry. The line was extra long compaired to last year so we had to make sure we were there early. While in line this lady came up to Alex's mom and was huffing and puffing about the ironman and how she came all the way from Califorina to see the battleship and how dare there be a line as long as there was to see the battleship and how no one informed her of the weekend activites! Sheesh louise! Like we liked standing in line as much as she did?!
We found our way to the next transition area after getting off the ferry and waited. While waiting, we found some beer and looked around. It was amazing how many people were in the transition area who shouldnt have been. Alex's mom was getting a bit PO'ed because she felt that these people did not need to be there(they didnt) and that what if they were to make a runner slower.
After a while, Mary called me to tell me that she saw Alex coming in on her bike and to get ready. We were.. Here came Alex out of the tent and off to start running. I think we were all amazed at the good spirit she was in. All smiles! Off she went and so did we. Into the line for the ferry to get back. After standing in the line for the ferry for about 30 minutes someone said that the line for the buses and trolly's were shorter. What they failed to tell us was that the line was about a mile away! So we got out of line and went to find the buses. When we got there... guess what... there was a long line! ahhhh. And Alex's special needs bag was picked up and came with us! EKK!! I voluneteered to go return it knowing that I was the fastest runner in the group. So off I ran back to the special needs area. When I got there I double checked with a voluneteer on where to put the bag and they told me what I did not expect so I called Ron to make sure that what I thought was right and not what the other gal told me. I put the bag where it needed to be and ran back. Thank goodness they were still there. I rejoined the line and proceeded to wait with everyone.
We finally got back to the running area knowning that we had missed Alex on her first go round. We were cheering for all the runners. Some seemed less than thrilled of our peppy spirit but most were excited! When Alex came by at mile 10, she was running so well and faster than what we predicted that we almost missed her! She zoomed by and we cheered really loud. Then it was another wait for a while. We went to the car to get the blankets, jackets, hats, food, etc and returned until she came by at mile 16.
Since last time she came by we were surprised, we tried our best to do better. Josh stood in front of the group and called to let everyone know where he saw her. Then I ran about a mile down the road to marker 16.5 to wait for Alex. I figured with Josh being at 15.5, everyone at 16 and me at 16.5 it would boost her up in case she was feeling tierd. She was super excited to see me and chat with me for a little while. (remember she had been by herself all day!) So I gave her some of the best gossip I could and she went on her way after a while.
I ran back to the group and then we all went to get on the ferry to get back to the finish line. When we got to the finish, it was dark and some of us found a seat. Others had brought some chairs so they took them out and sat. It was cool to see people finish and get off our feet for a bit. Now it was time to just wait and try to figure out when Alex would be coming by. We all knew what she was wearing and she had a head light so it made it so much easier to know it was her.
She came in at 14:18! I couldnt get up as fast as I wanted because I was video taping everything. She of course did AMAZING! Everyone showerd her with love and congrats. She had so much to talk about. I have video of her chatting for about 20 minutes but Im sure it wont upload on this blog. :(
After pictures, talking, etc she started to get cold and was helped to get warmer and get some food. Off to get onto the ferry again!!
Once back on the mainland, people said thier goodbyes and we all headed back to our resting point. Alex, Ron, Val, Jan, and me were all in the same hotel so I got Alex some ice and Val got her some diaper cream. We all called it a night around midnight.
The next morning, Val and I got up and headed out to some early morning stops and then back to get everyone to go on the awards cruise.
They had all sorts of stuff there but by the time we got in line for food, there were no more eggs and the bacon was wimpy. :( We finally got some eggs near the end and after all of the awards everyone was ready to get going back home. We all were not excited about the drive back.
Val and I had to stop three times to stretch and get some food/drinks. I was so excited to get home after a long weekend. We all had so much fun and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! It is such an accomplishment to train and finish Ironman. I have been talking up a storm this whole past week when people asked how my weekend was.... it was amazing, thank you for asking. My best friend completed an Ironman and I went to help support her! :)

excitment

So this month I am pretty excited about a few things... All are in no particular order of excitment.
1. My half marathon
2. Alex's Ironman
3. Thanksgiving
4. Tanger outlet opened in Mebane
5. Day after Thanksgiving free for all
6. Duplin Winery ( I have been wanting to go for YEARS!)

IM BAACCCKKKKK

Ok so I am back.. back from my half marathon that I just finished. This is a recap on the whole race. Mile 0... I met this gal who was nervous and it was her first one and she had never run in the cold. I gave her a pep talk. Mile 1.5... started having cramps. I couldnt figure out why. I had done everything "right". I was hydrated, I had snacks, I was keeping my pace at an even level. I just did not know why. All I could think was (I hope this wont be like the marathon) I would run then walk a bit every .4 miles. By mile 3.5 I thought I had myself under control a bit more. Mile 4...I saw Alex. :) She was helping out at the water station and she knew EXACTLY what I wanted. I needed a refill in my water bottle desperatly. (Super helpful) Mile 4.5... I saw Daniel who took my jacket and gloves and told me I looked good. I shot him a smile. Mile 4.5 also, the cop at the intersection "didn't see me" and I had to WAIT on cars!! Ahhhh. Mile 8... I got my act together. I finally got those pesky cramps under control. I had a system down and I was feeling great. From mile 8-12 it was smooth sailing. I did walk this particually difficult hill but that was ok. Mile 12.. I paused for a second and boy did I feel that lactic acid in my legs. I gave myself a pep talk and finished. I told myself I had two choices. Walk and take 15 minutes or run and take 10. I chose to run.
Afterwards i had a massage from some guy with an English accent. Alex took pics. (she was also a great cheerer) We walked around and got some food. They had great food. Candy, sandwiches, doritos, moonpies, drinks, etc. Even though I was not really hungry as I normally am not after a race, I still forced myself to eat something. I chose half banana, 2 pieces of chocolate, part of a sandwich and then drove to cookout for a milkshake.
My time was what I had expected it to be. I did train for the race but not to the extent that I have in the past and I am happy with finishing with no injuries and no soreness (at the moment).
Now on to Ironman this coming weekend!

The Fair...

So every year (well almost) we go to the state fair. We love going there and it has become a tradition that Daniel and I have shared every year. This year was no exception. We packed our bags and were out the door on Wednesday evening to go visit Grandma and spend the night at her place. As we were driving.. about 30 minutes out, I realized that we forgot the tickets at home! OOO I was so mad. Not mad at myself and definitly not at Daniel but just angry that I had to drive an extra hour that day and that we lost that time. Daniel did lift my spirits and did his very best to be positive. I just wanted to get to Grandma's before dark and not drive with the sun in my rear view mirror. I guess it wasn't my lucky day. O well. We ended up just meeting Grandma for dinner and not at her house because it shaved off a few minutes and it was already getting a bit later than what we had expected.
We had a great dinner and Grandma was very knowledgable about the menu and helped us pick our items from her thoughts. Afterwards we were all stuffed and pretty much called it a night. It was late anyways.
The following morning we had breakfast together. We had the best eggs, ham, and waffles. We had to start off on the right foot because it was going to be a LONG day outside on our feet. We said our goodbyes after a bit and zoomed off to the excitment of the fair.
We realized it was canned food day so we figured it was going to be exceptionally busy but it wasnt to our surprise. We already had a plan for the day. First get ice cream then walk then rides then before we leave more ice cream. We got there a bit before 11 and the ice cream wasnt open yet! Who says ice cream isnt good for breakfast??? So we walked around and finally went back about thirty minutes later to find out that they were about to open up. We got our ice cream but what I was served wasnt what I ordered. It was still good and I didnt complain because that was one of my choices I was deciding about... I guess I would have to go back later for the other flavor. :)
We made our way to the rides, went to the exibits and saw the livestock. My favorite part was the pig races. They are so darn cute! Of course they had pot belly pigs, ducks, goats, and regular pigs racing. Some of the animals didnt want to race and that showed. We went next door to the petting zoo and saw the animals there. The camel tried to eat Daniel's finger. Ha!
Daniel got me to ride 2 scary rides. My stomach was all in a knot after both rides. Thankfully I have learned from the past to bring rolaids. They were a total life saver. Later in the day Daniel rode a super high scary ride that I had no interest in riding. So I took pictures and video as he asked me to. We also did the farris wheel. That is always fun to see the fair from above.
Before we left we did go back for a second helping of ice cream. Daniel got a milkshake. We then went to see the BMX people and headed home later. I zonked out in the car while Daniel drove all the way home.
I still was recovering yesterday but today I feel a lot better. I just needed some good sleep and a few rest days from the gym.

Quiet days...

I must say that August for the most part and the better part of September were not the greatest months in history of blogging. I really did not have much that I wanted to say. They were tough months and no one wants to hear negative things so I kept it out of writting.
Anyways... on to positive stuff... I passed the NC Realtor exam so now I am licensed!
I must say that I had thought of doing this since about 2006 but just never had the push to do it. I learned a lot in my class and I know it has made me a better person. Of course the class doesn't teach you how to sell but it does teach other very important information that I had no idea about.
I also have other positive news... I am now up to 8 miles in running. It has taken some time but last night I was able to crank out that milage and then not even be tierd to go to bed. I had to force myself to at one am! So I am on the search for a race sometime in the near future. My only problem is that I still want to get to work on a Saturday and a lot of the races that I want to attend are in WS and I have no place to shower in that city. It would be quite silly of me to race, then drive back home, only to drive back to WS for work. That is an extra 1.5 hours for the day in driving.
On a side note... Happy Birthday Grandma!

Big week!

Well this week definitely flew by! Lets see... Monday started off with a work meeting which was followed by a birthday lunch and then a call from Roni stating that Charity and Tony were on their way to the hospital! They were scheduled to go in on Thursday but miss Myers didn't want to wait. So after hearing that, I had to quick get someone to work for me so I could go the following day to visit and see how everyone was. That whole night we were left informed and when I woke up at 6 on Tuesday to a text message with Hannah Elizabeth on it and then a voicemail of her crying, it made me cry. What a miracle! I just think life is so amazing! Life can change so fast. Two became three in the Myers house officially.

So I went to visit Tuesday after breakfast time and held her. WOW she was tiny and I smelt like baby for the rest of the day. I spent a few hours at the hospital and brought snacks and other food. When I was driving home I called Daniel and told him I smelt like baby. He took that as I smelt like baby powder! (he hates that smell) Then the cats sniffed me and thought something was funny. It was a good chuckle.

Yesterday was followed up with another visit to Durham to see everyone. It started off with just Daniel and me with Tony, Charity, and Hannah. Then Randy and Jean came to visit. Randy had only a limited amount of time to stay because of work but looked very good in the Grandpa role when holding her.

The four of us scooted out to lunch. I got lasagna. It was so darn good. I brought some home to Tony who also just raved about it. I think he might have a new favorite lasagna. :)

Daniel and I went back over to the house to see his mom, grandma, Stephen, and everyone else. We spent a good deal of time there and Daniel finally held Hannah. I think he was a bit nervous because of how small she was and his lack of knowledge with newborns. She took to him well and even held her eyes open for a long time (like 2 minutes). I think she was in awe of his head of hair. After eating pizza for dinner, we headed out and got back pretty late to Greensboro. It was an overall great day and I'm glad we were able to spend time with all the family that we saw.

Extreem stress with a hint of relaxation

Well... These past two weeks as my sister Valerie would call it, I was a hermit. Not seen, not heard from, nothing. I was in super exam mode. I had three tests within a week period for my Real Estate class. Granted one was for practice but I still took it seriously. So since the 17th it was nothing but my head in the book and notes. I did very well on my test on the 19th, then my test on the 24th (which was practice) was accompanied by no study due to a water leak situation. Then it was super study mode from then on til the 26th.
I went into the class saying a little prayer for everyone and received the exam. I was on question 16 out of 100 and just wanted to give up and cry. I have never taken such a hard test for the amount of studying I did. I sucked up the tears multiple times and finished. I re-read my test to make sure I wasn't making a silly mistake and then turned it in. I left feeling like I was defeated. I called Daniel and told him not to expect me to have passed. I would know later that day. So I went out to get my hair cut and forget about it for a while. When I was getting my hair cut, the phone rang and I figured it was Alex since I had just texted her about 5 times. It wasn't. I later figured out it was my teacher to tell me I passed!! WOW!! I did not expect that at all! I then of course called Daniel asap and was soooo excited! I talked his ear off and then had to get to packing. That afternoon, Alex and I were to go to Durham and then to the beach!
I got to packing and then had to go get my test. From a class that started with 11 people, then went down to 6 by the end, with three of the people that were in the class (being their 3rd time) I was so stoked that almost everyone passed. We all took the class seriously and studied hard for it. We made friends and had a good time learning everything. So when I was able to review my test, I realized I made a couple silly mistakes but will learn from it for sure.
So off to go get Alex I went later that day. We first went to Qdoba (no comment) then were on the road to Durham. We stayed at Daniel's Grandma's place for the night and I was surprised with a little congrats gift. So SWEET!! We all chatted til I couldn't keep my eyes open (1015pm) then went to bed in anticipation for a big day tomorrow.
Woke up WAYYYY too early (615) to get going on the road by 630. Packed up the cold things, said our goodbyes and were off to the beach. We stopped at Bojangles on the way for breakfast. We were supposed to eat healthy for breakfast.. but those bo rounds were too tempting. :) After a trip to ht and the coffee shop we landed at the beach. It was time for relaxation. Alex knows all about Wrightsville and where to park and everything so she was my navigator. We had a good time and just soaked up the sun.
After our quarters ran out, we grabbed burgers at PT's grill. Apparently we went to that place years ago with Evan and his former girlfriend but I don't remember. O well.. it was back in January of 2003.
So off on the road again back home. It was a short trip but when I got back, I felt like I got a nice vacation. :)
Until the next slumber party....

Week at the beach

Well last week Daniel and I made our way to the beach. We got out of Greensboro around 1 and headed straight there. We were met by Roni, Stephen, Tony, Charity, Grandma, Jane, and Gabe. What a full house! But it did not seem that way. I grew up with 7 people in one house so I thought nothing of it. Everyone had a great time. There were so many great moments there. A lot of good food, MANY dairy queen trips and a lot of sun and sand.
All of my days started off with a nice run. I aimed for 5 miles every day. My first run was the worst. By the end of the week, I was back to the "old me" running. It felt effortless by Saturday! Of course Im sure I did not look that way coming into the beach house all red faced and sweaty. :)
On Wednesday I took Roni and Stephen out to Harris Teeter for a super doubles trip! We got some great steals there. My favorite deal was the ziploc and the crasins. MMM.
Most nights people were playing board games or watching some tv together.We had two small parties while we were there. The first being Daniel's birthday. We had pie for his birthday and ice cream. On the last night there we had a little party for Charity and the soon to be new addition to the family.
I really did not want to head back. Daniel put it very well when saying "It feels like we just got here". Anyways our trip back was long and exhausting. I hate unpacking things so I only did half of it. The rest was left til later.

screws

Well.. last night my low tire preasure light came on again! AHH! Last time this happened I was on my way to Tanglewood Park to do an event for work. I did stop before I got there to check and did not see anything wrong so proceeded. Well if not but 2 months later here comes the light again. I was on my way to night workout at the gym and called Daniel to tell him I might not be there. I stopped at Val's and she helped me try to find the problem. We both couldnt so I proceeded to the gym. I got home and checked again. Still I couldnt tell much of a difference at all. I was really hoping that I would not wake up and just have a totally flat tire.
Score! I woke up and it was still very much drivable. BUT, I could tell that something was wrong and checked the different stores as to when they opened. I did not want to miss my morning workout since it has been going so well lately. So I decided on the shop that is just across the road. I dropped off everything at the gym, stayed for 15 minutes then drove the car over to get fixed and then walked back to finish the workout and get ready for work. I got the call that I really didnt want. My tire could not be patched. It had to be replaced! AHH! The screw was on the side of the tire much like the time when I was in Myrtle beach a few years ago and the same thing happened there. So I had to decided while at the gym on what to do. I hate making expensive decisions without Daniel because sometimes he has a better resource but after doing some quick thinking, I chose just to get it taken care of today. There are my reasons.... it wouldnt take too long, the cost was not too terrible, if I waited I would have to get it done Monday morning sometime and there is no guarentee that would have happened, and lastly, we are headed to the beach and Im not going with the backup tire on.
So as I was getting ready to get going, I had a lightbulb moment.. I believed I had a coupon in my car for Goodyear. And I DID!! I really felt like I was drawn to goodyear and since I went there I was able to use the coupon. Way to not second guess!
So now I have one brand new tire with lifetime balancing. :)

To finish up...

So the end of the beach trip was just as fun as the begining minus any key problems. :) We did end up having pizza and watching some seasons of taped shows on Friday night. It was a nice quiet night in and we avoided all the crowds. When Daniel was picking up the pizza, I went for a nice run during sunset. It was so pretty out. Earlier when Daniel went fishing, he caught a scate and some whiting. Nothing good enough to keep. We were hoping to catch some shark like we have before. :) We found this really great recipe and are dying to try it out. Its a fish stew with tomatos. We of course LOVE LOVE LOVE tomatos and the fish would be an added bonus.
Saturday we got up and went to the beach. Before heading to the beach though, Daniel and I went for a quick run up to the pier where Randy and Jean were fishing. It was a quiet day there since the water was warm but we did see this HUGE band of fish that came across. They were on the small side but some were caught and let go.
It was our longest day outside. Both of us got a little toasted. We think it was the spray sunscrean. It happened to be windy and maybe it was user error due to the wind. Regardless.. it wasn't unbearable, just a bit pink. At night, we went to a new resturant (one we havnt been to) and had a nice time outside on the waterway eatting until it started to rain. We brought the food in and then left for barefoot landing to feed the ducks and fish bread. When we first got there, we found some fish but they were only about 8 inchs long. I was wondering what happened to all the other fish. After some walking around, we found the huge catfish. They were at least 2-3 feet long and boy did they like the bread. The turtles of course also got some bread. We didnt want to exclude them!
Sunday was a nice day as well. Daniel got up really early to go fishing and I went to get a newspaper and then for a run. Unfortunatly Daniel only caught some pin fish and some eel. We then laid out for a bit and packed lunch. My parents came down to the beach on Sunday morning and met us at the beach for a lunch there. But it was short lived, we had to get back in and clean up and head out. So off we were and they were off to thier condo down the road.
On our way back home, we stopped at cookout for a couple milkshakes... the last of the junk food.... Now back to the grind. :) I must say, I did miss work and the cats.

Beach Days....

So like every year in the past, we are at the beach having a great time. Of course there were a few hick-ups along the way. The first started on the day we went down. Val called and said she couldnt get into the house. The key wouldnt work! O no! how were the kitties going to get fed? I was really sweating it but then just thought to overnight my key to her. Thankfully she just had the wrong one and went back and got in. Phew! Then when we got to the condo, the key to get in, just broke on us when we were turning it to get in! O me... I thankfully had my fingernail clipper kit with an assortment of items and were able to get the rest of the key out and go get a new one made that works awesome.
Our first full day at the beach was great. Everything was perfect, the weather, all the great deals in the outlet mall, the food service, the food, everything! Daniel and I have really been enjoying our time together away from home. We went to Carolina Roadhouse Wednesday night and had amazing food.
Yesterday we got up, went to the beach, then went out to broadway and then to rios. Of course the food was awesome. Daniel had 12 lamb chops, along with an assortment of other meat. I just had the salad bar with sushi and pineapple... mmmm. Last night, we were so tierd from lack of sleep and so much sun that I crashed before 10pm. O yes and yesterday we fed the ducks bread at broadway and they loved it. We even saw a bunch of baby ducks. TO CUTE!
Both of us were woken up early today at 630 with a thunderstorm tha was right over us. After it was over, we went back to bed and then off to the beach again. We are getting ready to head out to the other outlet mall and then to the regular mall, then dunkin donuts, fishing, running, pizza, and more fun!!!

Relaxation

I definitly needed a day of relaxation and Friday was my day. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Last night, after a few hours at the pool, a 4+ mile run and weights, I zonked out like nobody's business. Some people wouldn't call running and weight lifting a day of relaxation but the pool was the main part of relaxing and having a good time. Alex and I shared some sushi, chips and guac, and fun in the sun.
Today, I woke up to more dirty stuff.... I walked outside my house on my way to work and a bird decided to do a little business and I walked into it. THANKFULLY it was just on my shirt a tad and mostly on my gym shoe. Phew! A close call if you can call it that.

Practice for being an aunt

Well... if last night was any idea of what it is going to be like to be an aunt and for Daniel to be an uncle, I think we are pretty much going to be a ok. Here is the story behind my thinking.. note... if you are squemish.. dont read further.
So last night I was praising 8 piece for being good and not but 10 minutes later I smelled this horrible smell. I knew that something was wrong. The culpret.. 8 piece.
He had went to the restroom and then wiped it all over my drier, then the carpet, and of course still on himself. Daniel and I tag teamed him and I had to give him a bath it was so bad. It was major teamwork, stinky, but poor kitty.
This I feel will help us with tag teaming little Ms. Myers when the time comes.

Update....

Isla June Jenks was born at 9:06 this morning. Everyone is healthy and happy.

Life Changes

So... yesterday I went out to dinner with Alex and had some really good girl time. We had a good time chatting and when I surprised her with her bday gift, she about died of excitement over the straws. She loooovvveesss straws. It was so cute to see her excitement over something that others take for granite.
On another note, today I got super nervous. You see... this summer is packed with so many people having babies and today was the day that the first of the many went into labor. What a life changing experience. I just got butterflies for the couple, along with being nervous, and excited at the same time for them. I know they will be exceptional parents and I am very happy for them. No word on if its a boy or a girl but either way, it doesn't matter.

patience

I have learned a lot since April. I thought I was a patient person and I am most days but in all reality, sometimes I just wish things would go faster. Since April 10th, my right leg has "let me down" when it comes to running. I completed the sprint triathlon the following month only to know the pain that my leg would be in following the event. Since May 2nd, there has be absolutly zero running. Not eve a tenth of a mile. I have been icing, foam rolling, and pt to my body. This week was my starter week. I felt much better and wanted to test the waters. I started with a mile run on wednesday and felt so great. I think I was the happiest person in the gym that day. I know my smile showed it. It was slow and I made sure my form was very good. Then yesterday I ran a bit more. I wanted to keep going but I am learning to be patient with myself and not do too much of one thing. I am really excited to start to now look for races in the late summer. I feel like I have turned the corner and now Im ready to start bumping up the workouts.
On another note, this past week has been very busy for me. I thought it was just monday yesterday? Of course it wasnt. Daniel and I spent most of Thursday together and went to this new place to eat for lunch. It is a small shack in gboro and my bbq sandwich was amazing. The french fries were super hot and good and Daniel liked his food too. Then we went to Mexico for dinner. It was the first time we went there. We normally go to another mexican place but decided to try this one out. Note to self... dont mess with a good thing.
Then yesterday I went to Durham to visit Grandma, Tony, and Charity. Grandma made us lunch and also amazing strawberry shortcake. Time flew there! Before I knew it, it was 4pm! Ekk! The traffic is never any good in the evening so I had to scoot out of there. I then headed over to Val's to get some work done and spend some time there before they had dinner.

working, wine tasting, and a flat tire

So yesterday my work had set us up to work the wine festival at Tanglewood Park in Winston. Last year there were over 5000 people or something like that so we thought it would be a great way to advertise, etc. Peggy and I got there early in the morning to set up and were done by 930am. The festival did not open til 1130. We had a couple hours to kill so we walked around to all the other booths for a while and chatted and relaxed. Well.... 1130 hit and the flood gates opened. I have never in my life seen so many people all organized and rushing in to get a good spot for the event. Earlier in the week I had thought that our booth would be a great location. My thoughts changed very quickly once people came in. They all blocked us and you really could not distinguish our tent from the crowd. All of these people brought thier own huge tents and chairs along with food and wine. It was like a day of partying for them. I couldnt believe it! Lets just say that our day of working did not end up productive in our tent. We had to go out and talk to people around the place. By the time it was 3ish, people were hot, tierd, and had a few too many drinks. Around that time Brandon and Jeremy came to let me and Peggy go home. First they went around and tasted a few wines and when they came back Peggy and I were packing up to go.
Peggy went first to her car and then I did. When I got to my car, I had a flat tire! EK! Not exactly what I wanted to do after I was already hot, sweaty, and wearing a white shirt. I had to get Jeremy to help me because the lugnuts were on so tight I couldnt get them off. We fixed it with the spare and I was so grateful that I had put a pack of babywipes in my car about a year ago just in case. This was one of those just in case moments that it was needed for. Phew! We all parted ways and were off for the day.
By the time I got home, I was so tierd all I could do was take a nap. This morning I dropped my car off at the mechanics for a few hours so they could fix it. Thank goodness they were open today.

The First

Well... it was the first day of class on Thursday. I made sure to leave early from home because of trying to find the classroom and trying to find a parking spot. I decided on summer school rather than in the fall for a reason called parking spaces. When I arrived, there were no spaces where I thought there should/would be. I ended up parking in overflow. Imagine trying to do that in the fall when the students are tripple the population! I learned that there are just shy of 15000 students in the fall semester last year! I couldnt believe how many people attened the campus. I felt like I made the right choice. Class was good. We have a small one of just 10 people. They vary from teenagers (yes a 19 year old is in it) to grandparents. We did get out a bit early and Daniel went to go pick up lunch for us to eat at home.
Afterwards, I had been meaning to replant my tomato bushes for the past 3 weeks and finally made it a priority. It took all of 10 mintutes to do but still I just didnt get around to it til then. After that since I was on a roll with planting things, I ended up planting some bulbs. I really dont like doing that and I realized it yesterday. I like the fact that the flowers come back every year but it just seems like the biggest waste of time digging a hole in the hardest clay possible to hope that this flower will show up. I guess I really shouldnt ever be a gardener. Thats ok... some things are for other people.
It was off to the gym and then a quick walk with the ladies and off to bed.
Today is a new day filled with gym, lunch, laying out, and having a good time!

A new begining

This past week I have been very hesitant to sign up for my real estate class. I have known that I wanted to take it for years and since I have been with Eastwood, its pretty much mandatory after a certain date. So a little over a month ago I did a lot of research to find what school to go to and how to take the test. Should I do it for 5 weeks straight and not have a weekend off for those weeks or should I spread it out over the whole summer? I decided to sign up on Sunday. Well... the computer wouldnt let me so on Monday I drove to GTCC campus to sign up after my morning meeting. I found the building and somehow found my way to registration without having to ask anyone and when I got there, the line was so long! I asked how long it would take and I was told about 20 minutes. I had a gut feeling it would take longer so I left with intentions of coming back the following morning. I did return on Tuesday to sign up and pay. Walking on campus I was thinking that I felt like I did so long ago as a freshman in college. Im a business woman now but feel ity bitty walking around a strange place. I never thought I would be back in college. I mean, I liked it while it lasted but I would never make it as a professional student. EVER. So tomorrow is my first class and Im scared. I know I really shouldnt be. I have been in the real estate business for a few years now so I figure maybe I have the upper hand, but there are so many different words to use and remember.
On another note, yesterday morning I saw my first tomato! Im so excited. Last year I had one tomato plant and this year I have 2. Well... I take it back, last year I did have two but one died on me from the start. I think Im starting to have a green thumb. Fingers crossed!

a week off and some giggles

This past week I took the week off. I was able to sleep many hours a day and spend time snuggling with the cats. I only went to the gym once this past week and just relaxed and let my body relax and re coop. It has been a very long time since I have taken a lot of time off. It was nice but today was back to the grind and that was nice.
This past week I made a very quick choice to go down to Charlotte to visit my parents. I spoke to my dad the nigh previous and he said that both of them were off work so I asked if they wanted to do lunch. We had a good time at Concord Mills mall. My mom had never been there before and it is only about 30 minutes away! She was not that impressed. There were a lot of upscale store that my mom called hoochie momma stores because of the attire that was in the window. She was so funny. Then my dad made some comment about Victoria's secret! No way would I go in there with my dad! Talk about embarrassing! So we did find a few good deals and some grub and ended up parting ways early because I had a work meeting to go to.

Today I met Valerie and Diane for a walk after work. It has been raining on and off all week and we decided to bring umbrellas just in case. Well... we were glad we did. We got about a third of a mile down and it just started down pouring. I'm talking so hard that the water was rushing everywhere. We found a tree that we went under with our umbrellas and just laughed and laughed. It was fun but very wet. Then cars were passing us by but didn't stop. Diane made a comment about how if we had our phones we could have called Philip. Thankfully, he was so thoughtful that he came to find us and pick us up. It was that stormy. Since I didn't get a walk in I headed to the gym to see Daniel and just walk on the treadmill for a bit.

ahhhh RELAXATION

Well.... sort of. Today was filled with some good food and sun shared with Alex. :) We had lunch at 5 guys and then later went to lay out at the pool. As it seems to go, everytime we do something, the weather doesnt seem to want to cooperate with us. O well... we still had fun and Adam hung out with us for a little while. Now its a night of watching survivor and all the other thursday night shows that Daniel and I love so much.

The weekend

Well... White lake has come and gone. It was a bunch of fun and a lot of exercise. Saturday was Alex's and Kathy's race of the half ironman. As Ron puts it the weekend was filled with hurry up and wait. You hurry to get to some place by a certain time and then you wait around for a good long while and then the same thing over and over again. We happened to score some awesome seats right by the lake and close to the transition area too. So we had some chairs to sit in for part of the day. Alex went out first in the water, and then Kathy. Kathy could only complete the swim due to a thumb problem. Both of them had good times. Close to the end of the race, I was getting really nervous about Alex. She wasn't there by the time Ron had thought and then it passed my time that I thought. I knew something wasn't right. Kathy went walking to find Alex on the course and did. Walking was in the cards for Alex on that day. Still less than 8 hours for half ironman is amazing and just a huge accomplishment to even finish it.

That night we went to dinner. It was Kathy and JT's anniversary. We had a good time but we were all starving and tired. Racing and spectating is hard work. That night Mary road the bike course and claimed it to be kind of iffy in places. There were some places where the road had major cracks in it and bumps too. I was so thankful that she warned me of this. It gave me some peace. My parents and Daniel came in late that night after Val, Mary, and I went to pick up our race packets. We all ended up going to be halfway early. We were all a bit sunburned and tired.

Race day..... 530 rolls around and I don't want to get up. I'm so tired but I know that I have to hurry up and then wait. We got packed, ate something and all of us out the door by 550. We had to get to the gates by 6am so we could be ensured a parking spot. We did make it and were all thankful for that. We unloaded our stuff and Alex was so nice to help me set up. I believe that this was crucial in my transition time from swim to bike and bike to run. Mary, Val and I went and got all marked up and got our chip and waited til 750ish. We all got to the deck and I would say that most people were wearing a wet suit. Mary and I were not. The water was a bit chilly at only 75 degrees but we managed to get through it. Val's and my wave went out at 817 and Marys a few minutes after. I was a bit nervous at the start. I didn't know how I would handle open water swimming. I'm a pro in the pool where there are lane lines and walls but I know that in the ocean I have freaked out in the past. I kept telling myself to stay cool and calm. I knew there were no sharks or jelly fish so I was relieved by that. Alex had told me that she did not see any fish the day before. The swim was a good one in my eyes. I had times for myself to hold onto and I definitely kept them or beat them for the swim and run. My first transition was the hardest as I felt so winded and out of breath. I managed to finish the bike part but not without a few tough love words to myself and the road below me. Off the bike, I ran to transition and was in and out within just over a minute. I started running and just felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. I had a watch on me so I just kept telling myself only so many more minutes now and you will be done. The course down to the halfway point there was some sand. I got a bit freaked out because Alex and Kathy both had to take off their socks during their races because of gravel and stuff in their socks and shoes so I did walk across it the first time. After starting back up I told myself I wasn't going to walk anymore. I knew I could do it.... heck... I have run a lot longer distances without stopping. I got past the halfway point and saw Val. I told her it wasn't too much longer til turn around then I got close to the finish line and all I could hear were people cheering for me. I didn't see anyone. I was focused on the finish line and crossing it. I didn't even know what my time was because I was so focused. (I found my time late last night at one hour and fifty one or two minutes) I felt as I gave it the best shot I had and I was proud of my time. I knew I couldn't have done any better and I was proud of every decision I made.

After finishing I got a drink and took some pictures and waited on Val and Mary. They both gave it their best shot too and I am very proud of them.

My plan was to stay at the lake after the race but everyone just wanted to go home including me. I took a shower and packed it up. I was wiped out along with everyone else.

Ready to go

T minus less than 24 hours and Im at white lake. Im super excited and nervous for this event.
Everything is coming together. Im finally packed and have gotten directions. I have given information to Daniel about what Ill be wearing.
My event isnt until Sunday morning but I feel like there is so much to do before that. Of course Alex has her big race on saturday and poor her... its going to be 90 degrees! Ekk! But im sure she will do great! She has so much drive and determination.
Not much else... Im wiped and going to bed. I need my sleep.

RIP Mazda 3i RIP

As I write this I know the inevitable is about to happen. I must go clean out my car in preparation of sending it away to hopefully a really nice person who will love it and take care of it for some time to come. No, there was no car accident, just a finacial decision that Daniel and I had to make on my car. As much as I love my car, the amount of work that needs to be put into it and with no guarentee that it will last a lot longer since its creaping up to 150000 it is with much sadness that I must retire it. I find this type of letting go much like getting a new home. In fact thats really the only other time I have felt this way. I love my mazda more than any car ever. (but on that account i did have some pretty pathetic previous cars like the rust bucket lebaron with the leaky roof and then the white mazda protege that every time I had service done to it there needed more.)

To start off my journey with my mazda.... back in 2003 Valerie was dating or just friends with this guy named Brock. He rolled up to my parents house with his brand new black mazda 3 and I was WOWED by it! I did not even sit in the car but knew that that car HAD to be mine. I was determined that that was the only one for me and there wasnt anything that could out do it ever. When my white mazda protege did not pass inspection in the fall of 05, and then I was told that my engine was going to blow any time along with a laundry list of things, I knew that I needed to make a finacial decision about purchasing a new car. After talking to Daniel (since he worked and works and the car dealership) I saw my mazda 3i on the internet. It was a bit more than what I wanted to spend but we were able to get the payment that I could work with. Since I didnt have to save up for paying for any more semesters in college I knew that I could afford the payment on the car and the more expensive insurance. So I met Daniel at the dealership and he told me to go find my car. Of course I didnt know what I was supposed to be looking for but was hoping that it was the mazda 3 that I told him about. IT WAS! I was so excited. I got in and hugged the stearing wheel. I was thrilled that this was MY new car. I was a grown up and making those payments on it and loving it and taking care of it. I drove that car everywhere. If you asked my mom about 9 years ago if I would ever put the sentance of me driving everywhere in a car together she would have laughed. I hated driving as a teenager. I refused to even get my license until I had to at age 18 and a few days old. That car has been to the beach so many times, to Charlotte, Durham, and Fayetteville too. I have gone to Atlanta with it and many more places. It was good. Recently I have been driving it 90 + miles every day to and from work.

Back to the decision on why I have chosen another route now. To be frank, my car is work X amount of dollars. Its needs about half of X amount of dollars to keep it running for about a year and that is to say if nothing else creeps up. I could name out the laundry list of things that it needs but that would be a whole other blog.

The new car that I test drove on Saturday night was a mistubishi lancer es sport. Honestly its almost identical in looks from the inside and outside. Its the same size minus a couple inches and has about the same gas milage. There are a few pluses with it. For starters it has what I have always dreamed of... a SUNROOF!!!!! I think that might be the most excited I am about the car. It drives like im floating on clouds and the lights are AMAZING!!! I can actually see at night and in the rain. Thank goodness. My mazda was the worst on lights. I would be driving like an old grandma in her 90's in my mazda when it was dark and rainy. I was terrified.

The seats and inside are black (nice!) the sound system is AMAZING! It tells me hello and goodbye like my mazda does. Same car, different color plus added bonuses really.

So in every way its just like getting a new house. You hate to see the other one go, you know you will never have it again, but you are so excited about where you are going in life. You cant wait to start memories in your new one and are so proud of what you have gotten. My mazda will always have a very very special place in my heart just like that piece of rust chrysler lebaron with the leaky roof. There will always be great stories about the past like the time when Granddaddy was picking Val and me up from the airport and couldnt figure out why the door wouldnt open... he needed to push the key fob. hehe.

Im really excited about the future and what it entails. I have already taken picutures of my car but the camera isnt around... ill have to do that later. I cant wait to start new memories and have a long life with my new car.

Lots of great news and preparing

Ok so some great news... think pink! My sister in law is going to have a girl and one of my friends as well. They found out a day apart from eachother! I am super excited for them and hope all goes well from here on out.
Also... I have started packing for White Lake. I have so many different components that I can not leave out. For one, its not just a running race.... there is swimming and biking too. I have to remember my goggles, swimsuit, bike shorts, camelbak, etc. O and of course my bike! A few years ago Val did a sprint tri at the beach and we were on the road for a while when we realized we didnt have her bike! EK!! Hopefully this time since we are driving together and I am going to make a list and check it twice that we wont forget anything at all.
Im a snack packer so of course that was the first thing I packed. I made some trail mix for everyone and have protien bars, gu, etc. Im getting pretty excited to spend the weekend with everyone and have a great time.
Yesterday Alex, Val and me were in the pool and had a great time. After chatting in the hot tub off I was to do a quick hard set of weights with Val. Then I had to make my way around town for the good deals of the week. By the time I turned around it was already 7pm! Wow the day went by fast.

waste of money

Ok... call it lazy, call it being frugal, I dont care what way you cut it but baking cookies minus the eggs is a bad idea. I dont care what vegan webpage says that they taste awesome, dont believe a word they say. No offence but I just wasted almost a whole jar of precious pb, splenda, flour, etc but most of all im disapointed over the pb and splenda! That stuff is too good to waste.
So now I have two batches of cookes. One was sugar cookies and that was even worse than the pb one. I tried to doctor the pb cookies up with some cocoa powder but that didnt work. I think Im just going to go to the store now to pick up some chips ahoy for my cookie function at work tomorrow... so much for being a baking queen today..... sigh

bad start.... great outcome!

Well my day started with me taking a few things out to the recycle bin and then getting bird poop on my hands! AHH Totally GROSS!
Fast forward to jetting around town before swim practice. I headed to target to mossie around and found 3 shirts and a sports bra all for the grand total of 1.34 dollars! Yippie! Then I went to Bed bath and beyond to pick up more lighting for the front of the house. It just looks so good but not complete yet.
Swim practice was good. Poor Alex was sick from all the drugs that the doc put her on. I had no IDEA she was so sick! She is a good actor for sure! She got sick in the pool and not one person asked if she was ok. Both of us thought that was really strange. Someone make a comment while she was out for a second about how hard she was swimming and pushing herself. If they only knew it was the drugs.
We headed off to Chickfila and had lunch then I jetted around the town and found some killer steals for my future homeowners and some baby gifts Im putting together.
I of course went and got my starbucks because it was free and went to get more free lunch with Daniel.
My day ended with me running 7 miles on really hilly course and I was catching myself going a little over 8 min mile. I thought... this cant be right right???
Apparently so because I went to the gym to do some weights and I had nothing left in me. I just couldnt. I did 55 pushups and some ab work and called it a day.
Today we have swim practice, followed by riding our bikes on the open road, then a run with Val.

Part 2

So for the second half of my birthday, Daniel and I took a stroll to target and then to the mall. Since I had already gotten a bunch of birthday goodies already, I continued with this trend. We went to Ruby Tuesdays and got takeout burger and then went and had a "date" in the mall and ate our burger and fries. (I shared) UNFORTUNATLY it was contaminated with mayo. Sigh. We then walked around. Daniel started shooting video with my new video camera and then we went into the animal store. Daniel and I have been playing with the idea of getting a dog now for a while. On one hand we would like one and on the other hand we know how much hard work it will be... sort of sounds like kids if you ask me. Anyways he said if we did get a dog he would like for it to be a wolf dog, ie husky or something of that nature. (I have that conversation on video) So we left and got some free icecream (i shared once again) and then the bottom fell out of the sky and Daniel was so nice to pull the car up for me so I wouldnt get wet and my icecream too.
We came home.... cant remember what the heck we did for the rest of the day. I know I made my banana chocolate icecream. I think I went to the gym but who knows..... It is a good posibility.
Anyways, today I went and did my race event at Tanglewood Park. Man that was a hilly course. I was booking it down those hills and struggling to get back up them. I did make it under 30 minutes for a 5k. Not what I wanted but I would take it considering I did stop for about 10 seconds to help someone and all the hills. I then had to make a quick stop into work where I had to fix a situation that wasnt broken.
I got home and the whole car ride back my eyes just wanted to shut on me. I decided it would be best for a nap and then the gym. So thats exactly what I did. After all I did have big plans for the night.
I met Alex, Ron, Mary, Kathy, Ellen, Dave, and Daniel at a mexican resturant for dinner/birthday celebration. We were there for almost 3 hours! It didnt seem like that but o well. We had such a great time. We laughed so hard and thankfully I did not recieve any birthday songs or pies in my face. PHEW!!
Tomorrow is a new day and a busy one as well. Work all day and a little hard work at the gym is lined up already.

Just the bestest

So my birthday started out with me going to bed early the night before. 930 to be exact. I woke up to Daniel smashing his foot into one of his weights and seeing a really bad cut, etc. on his foot. I proceeded to tell Sweet Tea happy birthday (she is 20 years younger than me) and gave the cats food and went to bed.
I woke up at 7am on my own and headed to the gym. I was only there for a little bit to get some weights in and then went to breakfast with Alex. We went to IHOP and then afterwards she went to her car and wrote happy birthday shannon on her car from all the pollon. We then went to caribou coffee to get a free birthday drink and then to starbucks to get my free drink there. Alex and I split the drinks and were high on caffeene and spring weather. We had a great time running around getting breakfast stuff everywhere.
Not much else planned for the rest of today. I just dont have any ideas on what to do. I could go back to the gym or I could just lay around the house. Im not sure.

The good and the bad

Well... I must say that I have kept a secret from a lot of people for a few weeks. My secret is that my foot has been bothering me. It would cramp up for no reason and it didnt feel good wearing high heels. So after much internal discussion, I sucked it up and headed to the doc hoping and praying that I did not break anything. Well the good news is that nothing is broken! Phew.. the bad is that I do have tendinitus or however you spell that darn medical term. I dont know how I got it, it doesnt hurt when I excercise but when I put the heels on for work... ekk! Its one of those things where you are fine and then all of a sudden you think... that didnt feel too good. Anyways I am just very very happy nothing is broken, not like I thought it was even though some people did. (not mentioning any names) I guess this is a good excuse to wear flats to work and get some downtime.
Another good thing that happened yesterday (besides Easter) was my dad turned 60! It was the first year his birthday has fallen on Easter and he was really excited it was on his 60th. Family came in and we had an easter egg hunt for the little ones. I got to use my new video camera that Daniel got for me. I roasted him along Evan, and most of his siblings. We had cake and an overall good time.
Now the drive back was another story....the traffic was horrible! Stop and go for a good while. There were accidents all over the place and the sun was setting in our eyes. I tried to take a nap going home but got nothing but a stomach ach and dry eyes.
Anyways... today is another day and a good one for no specific reason.

cha-ching!

Well.... yesterday was a bad day at work. Highs and lows but mostly lows. Im not even going to explain because its in the past. I still love my job and who I work for. With that said, today sure has felt like the opposite so far.
Lets rewind... So it was closing time yesterday and one of my friends found out she didnt get the house she put an offer on, then I was invited to the gym but had no time so I decided to go shoe shopping. I have come to the realization that my taste is extreemly picky in certain areas. One of them being shoes and another watches. I know what I want and I know when I see it and find what Im looking for I wont second guess myself. It will just be a quick decision. I have been looking for a new watch since my last one died and also a pair of black dress shoes for work. The black shoes that I have are worn into the ground. I have had then for over 4 years and they need to be retired. I am always wishing I would have bought more than one pair years ago but who would have thought? All my other shoes never made it past a year and I didnt even wear them every day. So the Kenneth Cole shoes that I bought were a great investment and a steal at the time. I am now faced with really wanting an needing another pair but all the ones I like are about 80-120 bucks. I just cant reason that! Im also very picky on what I want them to look like and how they feel. So last night I went to 5 stores and did find one that I halfway liked but didnt LOVE. All the other places either didnt have what I wanted or what they did have wasnt my size. I thought some shopping would help me relax and it did but I left empty handed. No shoes, no watch.
I got home a bit late and Lost was about to start, I hadnt had dinner, I was emotionally exhausted, but Daniel was there with a hug. :)
So off to today. So... I had to go to the dentist today for my semi annual cleaning. I found out that I got a new hygenist! YIPPIE! I liked my old one but she was super rough on my mouth where there was no need to be. I have never had a cavity and always floss, brush, etc multiple times a day. You can call it an obsession but Im terrified of getting a cavity. Needles, drilling, etc NO THANKS! So I was on my way to work and did my weekly shop to stop for produce and found strawberries for 99cents! Cha-ching! Super excited about this one for sure!

traffic, beer, more traffic, and sodium

So off we went on Thursday night to go find the brewery in Atlanta. We didnt think much of it but we got directions from the internet and had our map with us and ready to have a good time. The directions said 7.4 miles then take a right. WELL.... first off the directions were wrong which only proves my point once again on how bad I need a garmin for my car. Regardless, we were in the car for 30 minutes already when the directions said it would take less than that to get there. So off we went on the side of the road to figure things out. I felt so uneasy not knowing where we were. Figured out that we had not passed the turn point yet and still had a way to go. (even though we had already gone over 7.4 miles) Regardless, we did finally find where we were going and it only took an hour to get there. By this time we were ready for a drink. Atlanta traffic isn't the best at all. We walked in and of course I forgot our voucher in the car and had to go back and get it. We got ourselves our glasses and started pouring away. We were able to try 4 BIG glasses of beer. Me being the driver, I had half glasses and didnt even finish some of them because the taste got to me and the last one I just took a sip to see what it tasted like. YES I AM A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER! Alex on the other hand didn't have to worry about being responsible so she could drink what and however much she wanted. Still, 8 oclock came too fast and last call did as well. While we were there we had some pictures taken and they all turned out funny and we couldnt figure it out until at last, it was the reflextion of my running jacket that the flash got a hold of! I looked like something out of some scary movie. It was soo funny! (picture to come later)
So off we went to get some dinner. We had decided to get chinese food from Mama Fu's. I got mongoian beef and Alex got Chicken lo mein. I liked her better but thats ok. (I think its because mine had fungus in it ... mushrooms) We got back to the hotel, watched greys annat. and called it a night.
The next morning came with car alarms going off and me not knowing what time it was. It ended up being 8am so we slept for 10 hours! I guess we needed it. Both of us felt so bloated. All that sodium we had the day before and stuffing ourselves with food just made us both feel horrible. I think between all the coke we drank, the chinese food, snacks, and junk food we felt icky.
We got ready, packed everything up and off we went to breakfast. We decided on IHOP. Normally this would not even be on the list of choices but we figured they had a menu that we can pick from that said how bad the food was for you so we chose there, plus we figured a big breakfast would then lead us to a late lunch and less money spent in the long run.
We found IHOP, ate and went on our way to the subway to get into the city. Our plan of attack for the day was to go to the underground but not before I introduced Alex to Trader Joe's. We walked around there and found amazing prices on sushi, wine, and flowers. So thats what we got. We had a cooler in the car so we kept the sushi in there for lunch and I called my mom because I found some flowers that were so pretty and only 5 bucks! She said it was a steal and then the wine wasnt even 3 bucks. Alex got a bunch of that.
So the car was stocked with everything and we got into the city about midday. We found the underground after freezing our tooshies off walking there only to be halfway disapointed. In a nice way you could say we felt pretty unsafe and we were definitly the minority there. There wasnt any store that was taylored to white people (except the candy store).
We made the executive decision to leave and get back on the train to get to our car.
So we made it to the car and then found a mcdonalds for a bathroom and then ate our sushi in the car. It was super yummy and off we were to get back home. The traffic wasnt that bad until we got to Charlotte. UGGG. Can you say horrible?! I think we were stuck for about an hour in bumper to bumper traffic. Then after getting Alex's car from my parents, it rained most of the way back to Greensboro. I wish the trip was a bit longer but Ill take what I can get.
I already miss my best friend and want to go traveling again but need to get my game face on for this sprint triathlon which will be another road trip on the first weekend of May!! HEHE!!
So back to good nutrition, hardcore training, and work.
I cant wait for another trip! It was so much fun having girl time even though it was extreemly nice to come home to a loving family who missed me as much as I missed them.

Atlanta

Well last night I was Atlanta bound. I left work and headed straight to my parent's house in charlotte to spend the night. Traffic endedup being a bit difficult. I saw an accident happen right next to me but finally made it there. Phew! Alex met me there a short time after and we chatted with my dad til we called it an early night. (10pm) I am still getting over this cold thing or allergies or whatever you want to call it and have had a very difficult time sleeping, falling asleep and staying a sleep. It was no exception last night. I didnt get to bed til 11 then got up at 230 then again at 555.
We got on the road a little later than expected and ended up stopping because it didnt seem like we were going the right way. We were but it still made us feel better. Off again we went. We stopped 2 more times, once to eat, and once to stretch our legs and get a little bit of fresh air. We did finally make it to the city and stopped to ask about how to get to the train station.
We were off to go and see the World of Coca cola. We were like kids in the candy store we were so excited!! We stopped to eat at Corner Street Bakery before going and filling our stomachs with drink and walking around everywhere. We finally made it to the inside of Coke and bummed a private vip tour. We didnt really realize it until near the end but o well. We learned a lot and got our picture taked with a really funny and scary looking polar bear. Its eyes were freeky. If I was a kid, im not sure I would get my picture taken with it.
Off we went and finally made it to the tasting room where Alex had no idea that we got free drinks. I told her they had over 60 different kinds there and it was all free. We walked around and tried almost everyone. Most were yummy but some were flat out gross.
We finished up at the gift shop and then went out where it started raining. We walked around the Olympic park area and then back to the train. We are relaxing here at the hotel and about to go back out to a brewery. It is called the Red Brick Brewery and we got half price ticket on this webpage earlier in the week. SCORE! We get to try 5 different kinds and get a free glass.
Off we go! Pics to come later.

Off on the wrong foot

So today started with me waking up 2 hours after my alarm was to go off. Go figure. It didnt even make a beep or anything. So with that happening, I got no workout in. I really wanted to run today since I feel so much better and then afterwards do some weights. That got pushed to the side. I was on my way out the door with five million things in my hands when all of a sudden CB starts making these really weird meow noises. I was sure he didnt feel good so I dropped everything and encouranged him to come to me in the kitchen, where he did. He then proceeded to "get rid of everything he just ate plus some hair". I praised him so much because he didnt do it on the carpet. Phew! I of course then gave him more to eat because he just lost his breakfast. When I did this, ST then did the same thing as CB. O goodness. You could say not my morning. I finally got out of the house, forgot to drop off some stuff at Vals and off to run some errands and get my day started. There was an accident on my way to work so I was stopped there for a bit. These are just the few things that really kind of got me today. But on some positive notes, my car got washed inside and out (thank goodness) and I was treated to mexican food at work! Yippie! I normally would have let most of these things bother for just a bit before getting over them but I just believe that there was a reason for all of them today (not that there is never a reason) and just brushed all of it off... After all Alex and I are going on vaca together later today!! HEHEHEHE!

Marathon part 2

Left the house to go and meet Alex at the Rush to carpool to HP. Thank goodness because that is just stressful enough trying to find a parking place in some place you dont know very well. So I hopped into Ron's car with Alex and Ron's friend Josh. Off we went. We got to the race and went to go find Kathy and Mary. After hanging out and getting ready for the event, Alex and Mary went out for a warmup run. I stayed put. We got to the race a hour early but that hour flew by! We took some pics (which I look like death in) and then finished up getting ready. (music on, water in bottle, shoes tied, etc) It wasn't until the national anthem that I felt nervous. GRR why couldnt that have happend some other time. I frankly didnt care at all about even finishing the race at this point. I had already given up on doing the whole marathon due to my tight chest and was secretly cursing the doc I went to for not giving me something for this on Wednesday but what are you going to do?
Alex and I started at the same place but once the race started off she went much faster than me. I knew that was going to happen even if I had done the full marathon. She had trained for a faster time than me because of the shorter distance. I went out with a sour stomach and everything was so crowded. I have gotten used to the crowds though so that was ok with me. All from the start to mile marker 4 I felt horrible. I did go under pace but my stomach. I had to stop for a bit at mile 4 to get my act together and then went on my way again. The whole first 4 miles I kept telling myself, its ok to drop out when you see your family. Its just a race, who cares! Then the compeditor came out of me saying... "dont you want that metal, beer, and pizza??" Well of course I did! So I saw my parents at mile 5 with a cow bell and a home made sign! How nice! I told them at that point I would see them at the end of the half on the finish line. Then I saw Kathy, Mary, Ron, and Josh at mile 6.2 and then at mile 6.5 Daniel was there. He ran with me for about .1 miles and I told him I was just going to do the half. He told me that if I hadnt told him that, he would have insisted that I only do the half. (he was woken up when I got up this morning from my coughing attacks in the hall bath)
Off I went to go finish up my race. When I got to the 7 mile marker the marathoners and half marathonser split. Everyone was telling me I was going the wrong way. I had to tell EVERYONE that I didnt feel good and that I was only going to do the half. I felt really good from mile 7.5-11 and every other mile was a struggle. I kept looking at my watch only to get frustrated at my pace. I felt like I was pushing so hard only to see such a slow number... errrr!
I will say that this Garmin is like THE BEST thing EVER for runners. I knew exactly how much longer I had at the end of the race and just bolted it as hard as I could go the last .2 miles. I knew I could physically give it my all and not hurt myself with the cough, etc. So off I went!
I saw everyone near the end and they were all cheering and that was so wonderful.
After the race, as my day would have it, I was given a wet towel only for it to fall on the ground. O well.... who cares! I then had a nice long coughing fit for about 10 minutes. After conversing with everyone, Alex and I were off to go find the pizza and beer only to find out that there was no pizza this year. WHAT?! That was my motivation. I ended up choosing the wrong beer and it was gross so I gave it to Daniel. We all hung out for a bit more and then left. I met Alex at the gym to hang out in the hot tub. We had fun conversing over the race and what we thought about it, what we saw, out likes and dislikes, etc. We then made more of a plan for later this year of shorter races. (because they are so much fun and we can train shorter in the hotter weather)
Later in the day, I visited with my parents at Val's and then went to Red Robin to have a super late lunch with everyone. From there, I was called by a coworker telling me that she signed me up for a race in April. Its only 3 miles so no big deal and its for a homeowners church. Eastwood Homes is going to sponser me and deck me out with a snazzy tshirt and stuff. Im excited!
As for the remainder of the day, it was spent on the front porch reading a magazine and then spending time with Daniel and telling him of my plans for extending out back deck. Yeah for warm weather!!!

Marathon day and before

So as most people know, I have been fighting a cold... (doc told me it was allergies but I highly disagree with him) anyways.. thats not the point. I have lost my voice, coughing, nose stuff, the whole nine yards. I have been training for this marathon since December. I took a few weeks off after my half marathon and then geared up for this. Lets just stay that I dont feel like the stars are alligning for me. I couldn't sleep last night because I was snoring so loud and coughing, not because I was nervous of oversleeping. This has been the least nervous I have ever been for a race in my life. I am normally so nervous I dont want to eat, and I can sleep. Frankly, today, I just want to be able to start the race.
You could say that I feel unmotivated and maybe I am. I did feel pretty ok yesterday but today my chest is tight. My goal today is not to beat any time that I previously had for myself. It is just to finish. I know I will be way behind many people but thats ok. If I walk, thats ok. I am just thankful that I can walk and run and who knows.... there is always next year or another race to do my very best at.

Just a few days and...

Just a few days to go and what happens to me? I get sick. Thats right, yucky body feel, lost voice, sore mouth, runny nose sick! I understand that things happen for a reason but I am not sure why this of all things has happened to me right before race day. I have worked so hard for this moment, hours and months of prep work, cross training, weight lifting, etc.
I guess I will be taking it day by day and of course listen to my body. In no way shape or form if I have a fever would I ever run like that so I am going to just wait it out..... fingers crossed!
O and of course since I wasnt feeling good, my day was so busy! I had a realtor fuction at 930am today and then after that I was go go go at my model. I had one person after another and then have a home that is on hold, another one that has an offer on it and another one that will be sold in just a bit. What a DAY!

o bananas!

So I went to the store the other day and got way too many bananas to know what to do with. I already made banana bread and had 5-6 bananas left. ERR. I do NOT eat over ripe bananas so whats a girl to do? I searched the internet for some ideas and came up with banana icecream. Im sure some of you first think eww gross, but keep an open mind. It was so darn good and easy and fast to make. This is what I did....
Pealed 5-6 bananas and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces and placed them in my blender. Then set it on puree for 5 minutes. About halfway through, I added a tablespoon of cocoa poweder per banana and 2 tablespoons of splenda. Then finished mixing. At the very end I added one cup of peanuts. Mixed for another minute and then poured it into a pyrex container and put in the freezer. In no time you have a yummy frozen treat that tastes like you really shouldnt be eatting it. But with bananas being so good for you and naturally sweet and only about 70-90 cals per one, you cant go wrong. I put mine in the freezer, forgot about it, went to work and then came home so had to use a fork to eat it. Still.... so good! It will definitly be a keeper in my healthy recipe book and something that I know no one else will eat in the household except Country Biscuit will try to sneak some but no worries... its no treat for a cat.

baking skills

Well today was a day at ht and hanging out with Val. I found some bananas on clearance and I had a coupon of course and then the idea happened. I'll make banana bread! I then stopped in lowes and got some greek yogurt and milk. So off to the house I went. I pulled up my handy dandy computer and got on the oxygen magazine website and found a healthy banana bread recipe. It included 12 oz greek yogurt, 5 eggs, some wheat germ, steal cut oats, a tad of baking powder, a bit of lemmon zest, a bit of vanilla, three bananas, and I added some peanut butter.
It is so yummy. I put peanut butter on top of the bread when it was complete and I will freeze some of it since I will be the only one eatting it. Daniel doesnt do bananas.

This past week I have been really focusing on organic and clean eatting. I really can tell a difference in the pep in my step. I feel so much cleaner and I have been doing a lot of research on organic and natural products along with all the toxins that we use when cooking.
SO.... today I went out and got a cast iron skillet because I learned that the nonstick pans actually put toxins in your food after they are heated up for so long. Who knew!??!

Also, I have been having some great luck finding organic coupons and natural coupons and some great deals with this. And for all of those wondering, no Im not about to go and do extreem things like dreadlocks or anything. Just thinking more about positive changes.

The joys of being a mother....

Some wouldnt consider a mother but I do. With three children in the house (all of them having 4 legs) it is hard work. Today I woke up at 640am and not having to go to work because Country Biscuit was meowing at the door. Knowing that Daniel isn't feeling well, I got up to run them off. Well that worked but now I was awake for the day. Some days life is easy and others, I am tested in many ways. Someone might be sick so I have to clean that up, or I have to spank one for thier actions that they knew better about. Sometimes its just a little love that needs to be given and of course the usual playing/eatting/drinking that goes on daily. As much as I can't stand being woken up so early on my day off, I can't help but love them all. I always know I can take a nap later in the day and just get my day started early. So that is what I plan on doing today... getting started early and making the most of this rainy weather that we have today.

not much

Well.... not much has happened in the world of mine recently. Well.. not much that is super interesting. I do have to say that I am enjoying this super nice warm weather and it was so nice to walk around the community today and get some work done. Earlier today Alex met me at the pool for a workout. This is the last one with her til at least Sunday or so. She is on her way to Boston and NYC! I got to the pool a bit early which isnt much like me, Im normally the last in the water getting my hair in my cap and goggles situated. We started doing our workout and after our warmup, we had 18 100's with no rest and all super fast. About halfway through, my foot decided that it wanted to cramp up super bad. Of course it did!I had to stop for a sec, and just pull for the last of the 100's.
Off to work it was after practice. It was a very busy day there. We have a ride tomorrow with the owner and everything had to look picture perfect. Not that it didnt but I wanted to spruce up the place just a tad more. So I got out my lysol wipes and started cleaning the signs outside. The landscapers got them a bit dirty yesterday but thankfully the grass was cut and the bushes trimmed.
On another note, these two weeks leading up to marathon day are becoming super hard. I have been taking naps because I know that a few days leading up to the race, my nerves get the best of me and I cant sleep. Also, I have been really focusing on my eatting. Limit soft drinks or eliminate them, drink tons of water, veggies, fruits, whole grains, etc. Thankfully I have had a great deal of help from Aldi and get some really great prices on some produce. I also got a few coupons for greek yogurt and have been having that to curb my sweet tooth.
I hate this time of training. I halfway wish the race was already over. I don't like to not do anything. I want to go go go in the gym and outside and eat whatever I want including cheeseburgers and french fries. Then the days after the race, my body is tierd from lack of sleep and pushing so hard.
O and today I got the worst phone message. Daniel wasnt feeling good! AHH! I cant have any germs right now! No sickness! That would be the worst.
Off to peacefull dreaming..............

hmmm

Well... I guess all I have to say is that I cant wait for spring. Hopefully March 20th will be non snowing/non raining. Thats my marathon day and its only 19 days away! I really cant wait for the spring to come and all the flowers to come up. I love waking up and going outside and it feeling like spring. Right now it feels like Dec 28th!
Not much has gone on in the wide world of the Myers house. 8 piece has been getting into a lot of trouble recently. He has been getting on the counters, stealing sweet tea's food, and a lot more! Sweet tea has been really sweet and all over me. Right now she is laying on my foot and waiting for me to rub her.
Last week was my most difficult run at 22 miles. I am now starting to taper and go down a bit for the next few weeks. I cant wait til race day. Red Robin here I come afterwards!! O and all are invited. The race starts at 8am.

arch enemy

I would have to say few things bring me to my knees and make me loose all control. I try to keep all of those temptations out of the house. I talk of ice cream. I am a big pig when it comes to ice cream and will eat a whole carton in less than a week and If i could I would eat a whole carton in a day. (I don't because I would totally feel guilty) Well last week the grocery had ice cream for 88 cents. I haven't had any in my house in I cant tell you how long. I bought 3. I'm already down to 2. I normally get yogurt and freeze it and there is my "frozen yogurt". Its is portion control ed and when its gone, its gone. Today I got the brilliant idea that since I ran so long, I could eat all the ice cream that I wanted. So I did. It was wonderful and I don't feel that guilty. Although I am trying really had starting tomorrow til race day to eat more clean. Fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, etc. I have found that Aldi has become my friend in this quest. They have some fruit and veggies for super super cheap. So It looks like good old ht will be on the back burner for a bit. (unless they have awesome sales)

struggle

Well... I guess you can call this week my "recovery week". I just havnt been able to put 100% into my workouts and just life in general. I havnt been sleeping but about 6 hours each night. I cant go to bed and I cant stay asleep. This was never really a problem at all. Well today I had to get up at 6am and didnt want to. GO FIGURE! We had a garage sale and then afterwards I was to run 16 miles. Well... that didnt happen at all. Alex emailed me and said she wasnt going to make it and then I did about 4 miles but couldnt even keep a decent pace. I just felt so lethargic. I went to the gym thinking I would get motivated... didnt happen and then went back home for a 4 hour nap! Yes 4 hours! I guess the whole week caught up with me.
I would also like to contribute my exhaustion and lack of sleep to my new job situation. Its not a bad one at all. I love my job. I guess you can say I was just taken by surprise and have had to have my ears open and mind on at all times. I was supposed to go and rove this week to 3 communities but at the last minute I was asked to take charge in a neighborhood. So I have been with Tracy all week listening to everything she has to say about marketing, comps, ideas, etc. So starting this coming week I will have my own community called Old Towne Village... in case anyone knows of someone who wants a house in 27040 zip.
Anyways... tomorrow is a new day. It will start with swimming for an hour followed by a nice long run. :)