O Friday... how I normally LOVE you! Today.... I have to work, no little fun and lots of housework all crammed into little time. Thankfully Daniel did the dishes. That was a real relief!
I have been out of town most of the week in Charlotte doing training for work. I left Monday and went to visit my parents. I spent the night there and then got up super early to get ready for my conference. Tuesday was Soooooo long! It started at 8:15 and I got out of there close to 6. I had zero time to talk to Daniel. Went to the wrong hotel (thanks manager) and finally arrived at the correct one at 630. I had to get a quick dinner at the hotel (it was free) and then off to the festivities that were provided and pretty much mandatory to go to. The only thing I did not like about going out was the expensive parking! 10 bucks an hour. The place was Strike City and it was very nice. I liked it way more than the cowboy bar we went to the year previous. It was more laid back and more active. (you could bowl and play pool)
I stayed until about 8:30 and then had to get to the car so I did not go over the hour. Peggy and Toni came with me back to the hotel and we all went to our rooms and relaxed. Apparently Caitlyn knew this guy in college who facebooked her to say that I was at his hotel eating. I cant escape the O'Donnell-ness!
Lights out for Tuesday and early am for Wednesday. Our class started at 8 and we had to get breakfast and drive there! Once again, it was an all day event. 5:15 came and I bolted out of there. I was so ready to get home to see the kitties and Daniel. 8 piece acted like I did not live there anymore. He normally is the best greeter but he ignored me. He finally came around a bit later... when food was in front of him. :)
So on to the rest of the week. Lots of errands and cleaning and now its Friday.... uggggg.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
after....
Well... after the race was done the first thing I wanted was a beer. I hadn't had one in ages and it just sounded like a good idea. So I found my beer, chocolate milk and potato chips. Recovery for athletes! HA!
I had half of all the items. I just wasn't in the mood. My parents were lucky enough to get late checkout so after the race I walked over to their car and went to the hotel and got a good quick shower. It was super short but just good to get the salt off my body and out of my eyes.
We did have plans to go eat bbq after but apparently there was a sandwich shop that was pretty close so we went there for lunch instead. I still wasn't hungry but made myself eat a grilled cheese sandwich. (kids meal)
So all of us sat down and enjoyed lunch. Unfortunately my parents had to leave pretty early but that gave me time to get back to the condo and drop everything and then get a pedicure. My feet were looking really bad. In fact, the week previous, I went into the salon with flip flops and I apologized for my nasty toes that were just pathetic. So Randy, Jean, and myself went to the salon and got a little pampering. I should have taken a before picture because the after picture looks fantastic! I now am the proud owner of pretty pink toe nails.
Later that afternoon, I slept for an hour to relax and then got up to go to dinner. We all went to this seafood hut and grill. Daniel and I had gone before and it was good. This time... same thing.. good. But no one wanted to share the fried cheesecake so I will just have to wait until the summer when someone will share it with me. Instead, Daniel and I went to get free frozen yogurt. I had a coupon for free food if I showed my bib number. Fortunately I kept it so free food for us! We then went out to Target and then back to the condo to crash.
That night I had a terrible night sleep. I just could not stay asleep past about 4am. So I woke up with puffy eyes and had to place a cold water bottle on my eyes.
Jean had to get to work again that morning and I waited for Randy so we could go out looking at homes and get breakfast to bring back. We splurged and got donuts and coffee. :) The breakfast of champions!
After Daniel got up, we cleaned up the condo and then made our way to the outlet malls. Val had texted me to let me know snow was coming. So we had to book it to get to the shops that Daniel and I wanted to go to. Daniel found some killer deals and I did as well. We also said our goodbyes at the outlet and then made out way back home.
We were lucky enough for the snow to hold off until the very end of our trip. PHEW!
I had half of all the items. I just wasn't in the mood. My parents were lucky enough to get late checkout so after the race I walked over to their car and went to the hotel and got a good quick shower. It was super short but just good to get the salt off my body and out of my eyes.
We did have plans to go eat bbq after but apparently there was a sandwich shop that was pretty close so we went there for lunch instead. I still wasn't hungry but made myself eat a grilled cheese sandwich. (kids meal)
So all of us sat down and enjoyed lunch. Unfortunately my parents had to leave pretty early but that gave me time to get back to the condo and drop everything and then get a pedicure. My feet were looking really bad. In fact, the week previous, I went into the salon with flip flops and I apologized for my nasty toes that were just pathetic. So Randy, Jean, and myself went to the salon and got a little pampering. I should have taken a before picture because the after picture looks fantastic! I now am the proud owner of pretty pink toe nails.
Later that afternoon, I slept for an hour to relax and then got up to go to dinner. We all went to this seafood hut and grill. Daniel and I had gone before and it was good. This time... same thing.. good. But no one wanted to share the fried cheesecake so I will just have to wait until the summer when someone will share it with me. Instead, Daniel and I went to get free frozen yogurt. I had a coupon for free food if I showed my bib number. Fortunately I kept it so free food for us! We then went out to Target and then back to the condo to crash.
That night I had a terrible night sleep. I just could not stay asleep past about 4am. So I woke up with puffy eyes and had to place a cold water bottle on my eyes.
Jean had to get to work again that morning and I waited for Randy so we could go out looking at homes and get breakfast to bring back. We splurged and got donuts and coffee. :) The breakfast of champions!
After Daniel got up, we cleaned up the condo and then made our way to the outlet malls. Val had texted me to let me know snow was coming. So we had to book it to get to the shops that Daniel and I wanted to go to. Daniel found some killer deals and I did as well. We also said our goodbyes at the outlet and then made out way back home.
We were lucky enough for the snow to hold off until the very end of our trip. PHEW!
The BEST orange ever!
This weekend.... I ate the best orange ever.... Ill get to that in a minute but FIRST!!!!
This past weekend was my marathon weekend. After that day in December when I just threw my hands up about my medical stuff, I decided to sign up for the marathon. It was the 31st of December. Talk about goal setting for 2012. I researched a doable training program for my marathon and came up with one. I already had run a 10 mile run so I was OK to have a shorter training schedule.
Lets just say that this past week went by so fast, that I still am having a hard time knowing that today is Monday. Tuesday I sold a home and Wednesday was countering back and forth. Thursday am I had to get into the office at 7ish to get some paperwork printed out to then go to the corporate office to hand in the contract that I never thought would actually come together. (no comment)
I drove to Fayetteville to drop off my car and then to drive with Randy the rest of the way down. I was on the phone almost the whole way. The first half I was calling and taking calls and the last half (since I was not driving) I was emailing, texting, sighing a lot, etc.
I felt pretty bad about the lack of conversation but work had to get done and I was hopeful that it would be done and then like clockwork, I got an email or a phone call and then I was back working again. Thankfully, I have understanding in laws.
On our way to the beach we stopped at Smithfield's to get food. I had been eating Paleo for the whole month but was starting to transition over to processed foods for the race. That Brunswick stew was SO good! I always get it.
After we got to the condo and unpacked and did MORE work, Jean showed up. We then got ready to go to the expo. I always like a good expo before a race. But this time, I got super nervous. Butterfly city in my stomach. There were quite a few vendors there but here is the recap. Chickfila was the main sponsor but was no where to be seen the whole weekend. :(
A rescue dog took my dollar and put it in a can and then got a dog treat, I got some pretty neat ear warmer things made out of bathing suits, and I picked up my race bag and stuffed it with lemonade packets, pita chips, and sunscreen.
That evening, we went to a Mongolian grill for dinner. It was very good.
The next day we got up and went to breakfast and had amazing french toast. Jean and I went to the outlets and Randy went to visit with some people. Gap was my fav store at the outlet. I was a big spender and got 4 shirts for less than 11 bucks.
After retail therapy, we went back to rest up for the race that evening. Randy and Jean ran the 5k along with 1100 other people. Randy took 2 minutes off his time thanks to Doug. (Thats another story) We went to 5 guys for dinner and met Daniel there. He had to come later due to work. I brought my own food just in case there would be food poisoning. (Considering I did not do the full marathon last time I tried because of a terrible cold, I was not going to take any chances). Anyways, we called it an early night since the next morning was going to be SO early!
I set my alarm clock for 5am. As always, I did not sleep until my alarm went off. I got up at 315, 330, 345, 4, 420, 430, 440, 455 and then just thought that the last 5 minutes didnt matter.
I packed my breakfast for the road and had all of my stuff together. The night before, we had mapped out where I was going to meet Randy and Daniel for my food. My parents were going to meet me at 4 and 9. Randy and Daniel were to meet me at 11.5, 14.5, 21.5 and 23.
Our drive to the race was distracted by internet on the telephone. Anything to get gitters out!
We found a parking spot amongst the other 7000-8000 people there at Broadway at the Beach. I ran to use the restroom and then came back to get my stuff. I took a picture of before hand and then said my goodbyes. I walked away and started crying! I was nervous, scared, excited, happy, sad, etc etc. People DIE doing these things and I signed up for it! I was hopeful that I would find someone I knew at the start line. I knew of about 5-10 people who were running. Thankfully I dried up my tears in time and happened to find my old coworker Jeremy. He didn't really train for the race so he said he would run with me.
First off, the race started 2 minutes late because a fuse blew.hahaha. figures.
Anyways, I started, along with the other 7-8000 people there. Just like clockwork, I saw my parents at mile 4 and my Mom handed me granola bars. Then at mile 9 I gave away my jacket for an exchange of skittles and starburst. There was a TON of candy and I was thinking to myself, how in the world would I ever eat all this candy.... (just wait)...
Then at mile 11.5 I saw Randy and Daniel and actually turned down the food that I asked them to give to me. I was having to force myself to eat what I already had. I just was not hungry. I did swallow a few powerbar things that I had brought from the beginning and also some skittles. (because who doesn't like skittles). I then saw them again the next time and was SO excited for my shot blocks. It was margarita flavor with extra salt and boy was it yummy.
About mile 16, Jeremy and I split up and I put my tunes on and kept running. I could tell my pace was getting slower which I expected and still was pushing through it. I was so excited because food station was supposed to be soon. I ran by the food station.... and NO FOOD! They only had water. (every 2 miles was supposed to be water and powerade and then mile 16 and 22 food) I was so disappointed! By this point I really wanted some food.
I met the guys at mile 21.5 and got my baby food and bread. I tried to eat the baby food but just couldnt. I then tried to eat the powerbar stuff and about threw up. So bread it was. I was so excited about the food station that was about to be coming up only to be disappointed again. FINALLY mile 23ish was water, powerade, and the BEST oranges ever! I ran past and ate my orange only to wish I had another piece. I was actually thinking about yelling to the volunteers to throw me another one at the turn around point. (I passed them again just .2 miles later)
THANKFULLY there was more!!!!! That orange really gave me a bit of happiness. You see... around mile 22 my calves got so tight. I was loosing too much salt and so I had to do the whole walk a little and then run as much as I could until I had to walk some more. This went on until mile 26. At mile 26 I saw Randy. Then I was coming down the cattle corral (that is what it looked like) and saw my parents. Then Daniel and then Jean (she had to work). I finished in 4 hours 49 minutes and just a couple seconds. I started crying. (again). I was just so happy I completed what I set out to complete. To know that all the hours, miles, early mornings, cold weather... it all paid off. I had a goal that I could control (mostly) and was able to complete it. And.... I slashed my old marathon time by about 45 minutes.
I contribute my faster time with these things....
1. better training plan 2. experience 3. support along the course that gave me food 4. a flat course and 5. more determination than ever to prove I could do it again.
This past weekend was my marathon weekend. After that day in December when I just threw my hands up about my medical stuff, I decided to sign up for the marathon. It was the 31st of December. Talk about goal setting for 2012. I researched a doable training program for my marathon and came up with one. I already had run a 10 mile run so I was OK to have a shorter training schedule.
Lets just say that this past week went by so fast, that I still am having a hard time knowing that today is Monday. Tuesday I sold a home and Wednesday was countering back and forth. Thursday am I had to get into the office at 7ish to get some paperwork printed out to then go to the corporate office to hand in the contract that I never thought would actually come together. (no comment)
I drove to Fayetteville to drop off my car and then to drive with Randy the rest of the way down. I was on the phone almost the whole way. The first half I was calling and taking calls and the last half (since I was not driving) I was emailing, texting, sighing a lot, etc.
I felt pretty bad about the lack of conversation but work had to get done and I was hopeful that it would be done and then like clockwork, I got an email or a phone call and then I was back working again. Thankfully, I have understanding in laws.
On our way to the beach we stopped at Smithfield's to get food. I had been eating Paleo for the whole month but was starting to transition over to processed foods for the race. That Brunswick stew was SO good! I always get it.
After we got to the condo and unpacked and did MORE work, Jean showed up. We then got ready to go to the expo. I always like a good expo before a race. But this time, I got super nervous. Butterfly city in my stomach. There were quite a few vendors there but here is the recap. Chickfila was the main sponsor but was no where to be seen the whole weekend. :(
A rescue dog took my dollar and put it in a can and then got a dog treat, I got some pretty neat ear warmer things made out of bathing suits, and I picked up my race bag and stuffed it with lemonade packets, pita chips, and sunscreen.
That evening, we went to a Mongolian grill for dinner. It was very good.
The next day we got up and went to breakfast and had amazing french toast. Jean and I went to the outlets and Randy went to visit with some people. Gap was my fav store at the outlet. I was a big spender and got 4 shirts for less than 11 bucks.
After retail therapy, we went back to rest up for the race that evening. Randy and Jean ran the 5k along with 1100 other people. Randy took 2 minutes off his time thanks to Doug. (Thats another story) We went to 5 guys for dinner and met Daniel there. He had to come later due to work. I brought my own food just in case there would be food poisoning. (Considering I did not do the full marathon last time I tried because of a terrible cold, I was not going to take any chances). Anyways, we called it an early night since the next morning was going to be SO early!
I set my alarm clock for 5am. As always, I did not sleep until my alarm went off. I got up at 315, 330, 345, 4, 420, 430, 440, 455 and then just thought that the last 5 minutes didnt matter.
I packed my breakfast for the road and had all of my stuff together. The night before, we had mapped out where I was going to meet Randy and Daniel for my food. My parents were going to meet me at 4 and 9. Randy and Daniel were to meet me at 11.5, 14.5, 21.5 and 23.
Our drive to the race was distracted by internet on the telephone. Anything to get gitters out!
We found a parking spot amongst the other 7000-8000 people there at Broadway at the Beach. I ran to use the restroom and then came back to get my stuff. I took a picture of before hand and then said my goodbyes. I walked away and started crying! I was nervous, scared, excited, happy, sad, etc etc. People DIE doing these things and I signed up for it! I was hopeful that I would find someone I knew at the start line. I knew of about 5-10 people who were running. Thankfully I dried up my tears in time and happened to find my old coworker Jeremy. He didn't really train for the race so he said he would run with me.
First off, the race started 2 minutes late because a fuse blew.hahaha. figures.
Anyways, I started, along with the other 7-8000 people there. Just like clockwork, I saw my parents at mile 4 and my Mom handed me granola bars. Then at mile 9 I gave away my jacket for an exchange of skittles and starburst. There was a TON of candy and I was thinking to myself, how in the world would I ever eat all this candy.... (just wait)...
Then at mile 11.5 I saw Randy and Daniel and actually turned down the food that I asked them to give to me. I was having to force myself to eat what I already had. I just was not hungry. I did swallow a few powerbar things that I had brought from the beginning and also some skittles. (because who doesn't like skittles). I then saw them again the next time and was SO excited for my shot blocks. It was margarita flavor with extra salt and boy was it yummy.
About mile 16, Jeremy and I split up and I put my tunes on and kept running. I could tell my pace was getting slower which I expected and still was pushing through it. I was so excited because food station was supposed to be soon. I ran by the food station.... and NO FOOD! They only had water. (every 2 miles was supposed to be water and powerade and then mile 16 and 22 food) I was so disappointed! By this point I really wanted some food.
I met the guys at mile 21.5 and got my baby food and bread. I tried to eat the baby food but just couldnt. I then tried to eat the powerbar stuff and about threw up. So bread it was. I was so excited about the food station that was about to be coming up only to be disappointed again. FINALLY mile 23ish was water, powerade, and the BEST oranges ever! I ran past and ate my orange only to wish I had another piece. I was actually thinking about yelling to the volunteers to throw me another one at the turn around point. (I passed them again just .2 miles later)
THANKFULLY there was more!!!!! That orange really gave me a bit of happiness. You see... around mile 22 my calves got so tight. I was loosing too much salt and so I had to do the whole walk a little and then run as much as I could until I had to walk some more. This went on until mile 26. At mile 26 I saw Randy. Then I was coming down the cattle corral (that is what it looked like) and saw my parents. Then Daniel and then Jean (she had to work). I finished in 4 hours 49 minutes and just a couple seconds. I started crying. (again). I was just so happy I completed what I set out to complete. To know that all the hours, miles, early mornings, cold weather... it all paid off. I had a goal that I could control (mostly) and was able to complete it. And.... I slashed my old marathon time by about 45 minutes.
I contribute my faster time with these things....
1. better training plan 2. experience 3. support along the course that gave me food 4. a flat course and 5. more determination than ever to prove I could do it again.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
excuse me... where have you been?
Hello taste buds! Where have you been? Maybe it is the countless times I have burned my tongue on coffee but recently my taste in food has been surprisingly and positively different.
This past week.... I have decided I like grape fruit (like really really like it), dates (??), cabbage (I know gasp!) and Turnip greens (SUPER gasp!)
I am not so sure when my taste buds decided to change but Daniel said he had the same revelation when he was about my age. Anyways... I'm embracing it.
So this week I have made.....
pot roast with cabbage and other veggies, home made lara bars (coconut macaroon), more coconut pancakes, coconut ice cream, tilapia, pork shoulder with home made hot sauce, baked potato bar with chicken, bacon, and sauteed veggies.
I have also stolen (I mean borrowed) Daniel's Christmas gift. It is a book about coconut oil and how it differs from other oils. Its pretty interesting. I brought it to the doctor's office when I went to get an xray on my arm.
Which leads me to my arm. My arm is getting better. Monday I had enough of the shooting pains from my wrist to my elbow so decided that things were not getting better. I went to get an xray. They said no break (wahoo!) and gave me a prescription for extra strength motrin. I decided to make sure there was no difference at the pharmacy except for the amount of pills I would have to take and saved myself some dough. I already had motrin, etc at home. So I am now feeling much better and no motrin today! I am still holding off on weight lifting right now since I am not 100%. Hopefully by Monday or Tuesday I can get back to that.
This past week.... I have decided I like grape fruit (like really really like it), dates (??), cabbage (I know gasp!) and Turnip greens (SUPER gasp!)
I am not so sure when my taste buds decided to change but Daniel said he had the same revelation when he was about my age. Anyways... I'm embracing it.
So this week I have made.....
pot roast with cabbage and other veggies, home made lara bars (coconut macaroon), more coconut pancakes, coconut ice cream, tilapia, pork shoulder with home made hot sauce, baked potato bar with chicken, bacon, and sauteed veggies.
I have also stolen (I mean borrowed) Daniel's Christmas gift. It is a book about coconut oil and how it differs from other oils. Its pretty interesting. I brought it to the doctor's office when I went to get an xray on my arm.
Which leads me to my arm. My arm is getting better. Monday I had enough of the shooting pains from my wrist to my elbow so decided that things were not getting better. I went to get an xray. They said no break (wahoo!) and gave me a prescription for extra strength motrin. I decided to make sure there was no difference at the pharmacy except for the amount of pills I would have to take and saved myself some dough. I already had motrin, etc at home. So I am now feeling much better and no motrin today! I am still holding off on weight lifting right now since I am not 100%. Hopefully by Monday or Tuesday I can get back to that.
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