A New Year

Well, the year has come to an end.

I have had the last 2 weeks off and am ready to start the new job on Monday. Sure, I did work 1 day 2 weeks ago but then I surprisingly got the rest of the time off! It's been great, but I am ready to get back to a schedule and I look forward to the new opportunity in 2011.

Unfortunately, I've been under the weather the last couple of days. Possibly a sinus issue or a bad cold. It's been the regular cough, sore throat, feels like the head in the clouds kind of thing. Kind of a bummer to end my vacation this way but I'm working through it.

Hope you all have a fantastic new years night- be safe!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours-

I hope you have a fabulous, safe, and joyous holiday this year.

-2BuckeyesinCinci

tis the season

We went shopping today for Christmas presents... not much luck for other people. But I finally got some new boots! Love them!

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First Run

So Tuesday I headed back to the gym for my tri-weekly spin class beatdown.

It was absolutely freezing outside and I didn't want to go. But I did.

But holy hell if that spin class wasn't cancelled and the next class was an hour later.

I was not in the mood to wait around for an hour so I decided to go say hello to my old friend- the treadmill.

I walked my .1 mile warmup and then pounded out a mile at the quickest pace I could manage and challenged myself. That pace ended up between a 10 minute mile and 11 minute mile. Not too shabby for my first real run since the half marathon. At that point, however I felt like my lungs were going to explode from my chest and walked about a quarter mile. Ran again only this time at a 10 min pace. Walk a little bit. Ran a few intervals at a 6.5/7.0 pace and then had enough when I got to 2.65 miles I called it quits- I was at 33 minutes at this point. I was bummed that I didn't do a full 5k (and I didn't run the entire time) but I pushed myself and it felt good.

I followed up with a 20 minute session on the elliptical where I acted as if I was climbing a hill- steadily increasing the incline and the resistance as I went.

Starting over is not fun- but it's got to be done.

My goal for 2011 is 2 half marathons. I would like to race in the spring and the fall. It can, let me rephrase that- it WILL be done!

Spill The Beans

I have managed to keep a secret for about a month.

Completely and totally secret except for family.

I got a new job.

And it starts on Monday.

I can't lie, I'm kind of freaking out. It's going to be a change. A BIG CHANGE! But change is good right? I'll be incredibly sad to leave my current job because I do enjoy what I do and who I work with/for. But the more I thought about it and wondered, could I really pass up an amazing opportunity out of fear of the unknown?

I think not.

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

And caused our power to go out twice yesterday.

And yet the roads are completely clear and free from snow today.

And yet the kids still had school cancelled.

Pansies...

I mean, ouch, that was kind of mean. I am really just jealous of their snow day.

In all reality we had a good weekend (save for the power outage) Went to Best Buy and dinner on Friday night, more shopping on Saturday followed by a night on the town with some friends, followed up on Sunday by doing absolutely nothing except laying in PJs all day until 5 when we braved the storm to go get some groceries.

At least the snowblower got it's first round of activity for Winter 2010/2011!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   I wish       I could easily find the motivation that I had during training for the half marathon. (and I those damn spin cycle bikes had softer or larger seats. I forgot how much of a pain in the rear-literally- spinning is!)     .

2.  Yesterday I   actually followed through and went to the gym. Even though I didn't want to with even ounce of my being. But it was good  .

3.  Today I will       ice my bum and eat hershey kisses all night. KIDDING! I may go back to the gym for a quick mile- I terribly WANT to start running again  .

4.  Tomorrow I will  revisit my Christmas list and try to tackle the rest of persons I am in need of buying for. I will also finish decorating the mantle and take the stuffs back to storage   .

5.  Maybe      I will make it over to Lambikins for some quiet knitting time- I haven't had a lot of that recently and it bums me out .

6.  Someday        I will not be a crazy drama queen... actually probably not, maybe that should be for number one- I can wish right?    .

7.  I love       having an amazing husband, family, and group of friends who love me for me in spite of all my crazyness and drama      .

running out of time

Sitting here I just realized that there are only 16 days till Christmas. I have some serious shopping to do!

In other news, I went to the gym for the first real time since the half marathon. I ended up in an hour long spin class and my legs are now wet noodles unable to support my body. I'll be here in the couch for the duration of the night if you need me.

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Happy Birthday

To my bestest friend in the entire world.

I cannot believe it has been an obnoxiously long 15 years that I have known you. Are we really that old? I hate to even think about it. I'm so incredibly thankful that we got past whatever it was that made us not want to be friends in 6th grade. What in the world were we thinking?! I might have been jealous of your bangs... (I kid! I know you so wish you had bangs like me!)

We've been through elementary school, junior high, high school, college, became roomates, and yet we are still friends to this day. I only stop to ask myself once a month now "what in the world is wrong with you for sticking by me that long?"

In all seriousness though, I am so thankful to be a part of your lifeand have you in mine.

Happy Birthday.

2000-2001, yes we rocked those bangs. haha!



2004 - OSU Michigan game



2009 - Steph got married!

Can it be true??

Why yes, I did wear that sweater to work yesterday.

That sweater that should have been knit in a weekend but actually took 13 months because it was lost for 8 is finally complete.

Including not 1 but 2! sleeves!

We will ignore the fact that there are still approximately 8 tails that need to be woven in the body. I don't care. It has been worn and is therefore been marked as an FO! (Finished object)

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Challenge

I may never get this thing done. It was done but I was convinced it was not long enough. So I tore the cast on edge out and added more ribbing. Didn't like that so I took the poms off and tore the top out to make it taller. Trying to fix the cast on that I pulled out I have now run out of yarn. I give up and am tearing the whole damn thing out. Poor Emma's head is probably freezing right now. It will get done eventually.

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Happy Birthday

To my best friend

To my whole world

To the man that makes me laugh uncontrollably and loves me unconditionally

To my husband

Happy 30th Birthday to you.

PS- It's Beat Michigan Week - GO BUCKS!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larsson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being a Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster
19. Dismantled - Jennifer McMahon
20. The Girl Who Played With Fire- Steig Larsson

Currently Reading: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   My Thanksgiving plans this year will include       a scary 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Scary because I've only run a couple of times since the marathon and um, they weren't 5k. But it's up to Britt. If she is game, so am I! Then you know, gorging on tons of great food.

2.  My favorite Thanksgiving was   I'm not quite sure. I love every holiday, though stressful leading up to it, it all turns out fine and they are awesome every year.

3.  My signature Thanksgiving dish is       pumpkin roll. It's been a huge hit in the past, though for the last couple of years we have been in charge of the mashed potatoes. It all started when they asked us to bring potatoes and we brought a HUGE vat of it. complete with lots of butter and milk. Some claimed best potatoes ever so we've had to keep going with it .

4.  My favorite Thanksgiving food is   stuffing. I don't feel right eating it on any other occasion and I just gobble it up on Thanksgiving. oh, and the leftovers. Leftovers are one of the best parts of Turkey Day.

5.  Thanksgiving free association!      food, fun, family, football! (free association AND Alliteration- ha!)

6.  Thansgiving is       A time to stop and reflect on what makes us thankful to be who and where we are. It's a time to reconnect with family and friends, laugh our butts off, eat great food, and take time out to enjoy the company of people we love.

7.  I am thankful for       oh goodness, I need my own post for this... which I will do next week. Check back!

What up Oprah!

You can't accomplish anything worthwhile if you inhibit yourself.

 

If life teaches you nothing else, know this for sure: When you get the chance, go for it.

 

~ Oprah Winfrey

Cat, Hat

In French, chat, chapeau.

in Spanish, el gato in a sombrero
in German she's a Katze in a Hut, and don't you know,
she's a guanka in a bunkaquank in Eskimo

 

Happy Monday!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   The most spontaneous thing I've ever done was       decide to run a half marathon. The decision was spontaneous. The training was grueling and took a loooong time. I'm surprised I made it all the way through but I'm ready for more!

2.  The best gift I've ever received was    from God. I have an awesome (yet full of drama) family that I absolutely love and that loves me back. I wish everyone was able to receive that gift. It's a blessing.

3.  A time that I was truly and genuinely surprised was       when Stephanie told me this morning that 30 minutes before her alarm went off to go to the hospital for her sceduled c-section... Her water broke and she went into LABOR!!! (Hugs and Kisses Steph! Love you! Can't wait to meet William!)

4.  I can't leave the house without        clothes. I might get arrested... just kidding. My cell phone. I literally feel lost without it. And the new smart phones we got are making my need for a cell even worse!

5.  My favorite day of the week is      Saturday    because      we can do anything and everything that we want. There are so many possibilities. Our Saturdays in the fall are meant for football and tailgating, summer is spent at the pool, spring is spent outside planting flowers and enjoying the recovery from winter, where most saturdays are spent indoors with my knitting and staying warm!.

6.  Something that can always make me laugh is      Mr Buckeye. I get to belly laugh each and every day because he really is the most witty person I know.

7.  My perfect day would include      I'm not completely sure but it would involve a little bit of sleeping in, a morning run, lunch, dinner, hanging out with the Mr. maybe a movie, and some knitting or sewing.  

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To My Dad!

Happy Birthday To You!

We will pretend you are still as young as you are in that picture...
I won't remind you how old you are today.

I'll do that tomorrow.

You're welcome.

How I spent my Monday Night...

I multi-tasked.

Sitting at the car dealer for almost 3 hours.

Reading The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Knitting.

Waiting...

At least they took pity on me and didn't charge me for the scanning of my check engine light. (HOLLA! $90 savings!)

Pst- Hey Steph! That hat up there? Yeah, that is for you! Hoping to have it done this week and on it's way!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larsson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being a Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster
19. Dismantled - Jennifer McMahon

On a spur of the moment trip to the library I picked up Dismantled. I saw it on the Books A Million Book Club and since I've had pretty good luck with them I decided to give it a try. Less than a week later and I'm already through it. All I wanted to do was sit down and read this book. I kept thinking about it and wanting to know what was going to happen next. It's a bit supernatural, a bit mystery, some psycological drama. Overall it's awesome.

Here's the description from Book A Million
 
Dismantlement = Freedom
 
Henry, Tess, Winnie, and Suz banded together in college to form a group they called the Compassionate Dismantlers. Following the first rule of their manifesto--"To understand the nature of a thing, it must be taken apart"--these daring misfits spend the summer after graduation in a remote cabin in the Vermont woods committing acts of meaningful vandalism and plotting elaborate, often dangerous, pranks. But everything changes when one particularly twisted experiment ends in Suz's death and the others decide to cover it up.
 
Nearly a decade later, Henry and Tess are living just an hour's drive from the old cabin. Each is desperate to move on from the summer of the Dismantlers, but their guilt isn't ready to let them go. When a victim of their past pranks commits suicide--apparently triggered by a mysterious Dismantler-style postcard--it sets off a chain of eerie events that threatens to engulf Henry, Tess, and their inquisitive nine-year-old daughter, Emma.
 
Is there someone who wants to reveal their secrets? Is it possible that Suz did not really die--or has she somehow found a way back to seek revenge?
 
Full of white-knuckle tension with deeply human characters caught in circumstances beyond their control, Jennifer McMahon's gripping story and spine-tingling plot prove that she is a master at weaving the fear of the supernatural with the stark realities of life.

Positivity

In all the horror and terribleness that was those top 5 incidents on Halloween, I totally almost forgot one of the most postive events of the night.

Towards the end of the night, 3 high school girls came up. They were adorably dressed as princesses and politely came up for trick or treat. Only they threw me a curve ball. Instead of trick or treating for candy, they were asking for canned good for a local food pantry.

Of course we gladly obliged and while Mr Buckeye was collecting some cans from the kitchen I asked what they were doing it for, how old they were, etc.

They were juniors at our local high school and involved in a club at school that focuses on outreach and community service. They all decided that they were too old to trick or treat but could use it as a great opportunity for the club. They had been out collecting cans all night and said they had pretty good response from people. They had collected over 4 wagonfuls of cans between just the 3 of them, AND and they were still out there.

Warms my heart.

* I did ask if they would like candy too. Of course, they said yes. What teenage girl will refuse chocolate and taffy?!

Trick or Treat? Beer or Bomb?

I have to say I am disappointed in Trick or Treat this year.

While I am not the biggest fan of Halloween, I appreciate it for what it is, and I abide by the rules and do my duty by passing out candy for the Trick or Treaters. This year, we failed to carve pumpkins, but I did have my ceramic jack-o-lantern filled with candles so that our house was adorned with a bit of Halloween spirit. We were ready and waiting at 5:59 for the trick o treaters to make their way. And beg us for candy.

This year I was appalled at the lack of creativity, and in most cases, lack of costume in general. I handed out candy to no less than 25% of children who were wearing jeans and t-shirts. (Though I will give props to a girl who was wearing a pink, “smarties” t-shirt and had taped smarties all over her jeans… she was a “smartie-pants”)

Let me break it down in list form. My top 5 ridiculous incidents during Trick or Treat 2010.

5.   Parents- yes, I understand it was football Sunday and you’d probably been indulging in an adult beverage or 2. But to use your children’s wagon as a carry-all out in the open for additional brew-ha-ha’s while trick or treating is just not classy. Seriously, there was an adorable set of children being pulled in a wagon- the one child held her pumpkin and politely asked “Trick or Treat?” and I gladly gave the candy- while the other was a bit shy so I reached over to put some candy in his pumpkin and right there by their little feet were 6 cans of Bud Light. I mean, if you are going to do it, fine, but really? Put it in a bag, a cozy, a cup… not right there in the open!

4.   Again, on the booze. Cans are one thing but to be pushing your sleeping bunny in her stroller while holding a GLASS BOTTLE of beer. (again, no cozy, no cup, nothing, just beer bottle. Out in the open.)  Not to mention there is an open container law in Ohio and we have 2 sheriffs that live on our street.

3.   There was a kid, in his teens I’m sure, that once again was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. But at least he had a chicken hat on his head. I could hear him talking on his cell phone then entire way around the cal-de-sac. As he approached me, still talking, I wondered if he would get off the phone. Nope. He walked up, pulled the phone away, said Trick or Treat, I put candy in his bag and he immediately put the phone back to his ear and said “okay, I’m back- go ahead.” No thank you, no acknowledgement, nothing.  The nerve of some kids just kills me. Would it kill you to turn your phone off and actually act like a kid if you want me to give you candy?

2.   This one ALMOST made my number 1 spot. ALMOST. I kid you not, and I can’t even believe this happened. I had 4, not one, two, or even 3, but FOUR! Grown, adult women. Probably in their early to mid 30’s approach me for candy. They came up (again, jeans and sweatshirts) with their pillowcases. No asking trick or treat, no costumes, and even worse- NO CHILDREN!!! I looked all around and they were just 4 grown women walking around getting candy. I almost couldn’t give it to them but I was not about to get into it and cause a scene. That was pretty much the nail in the coffin for me.

1.   I was witness to the absolute, most inappropriate costume I have ever seen.  Again, male child, most likely early teens. Walking around alone. Wearing a long, thick, scraggly black wig- baggy fatigues- mustache and beard- bandana type thing around the wig. Around his neck is what looks like- from a distance, an etch a sketch. He stops at the bottom of the driveway and stares at me. Creepy. He then starts doing something with his left hand- like he is pushing a buzzer on a game show. He slowly walks up to me, stops, stares, does it again. And again (seriously took him 5 minutes to get up the driveway) He finally throws his hands in the air, starts screaming and running towards me. I didn’t even know what to say. He asked politely for candy, which I gave. And then switches to an accent talking about Al Qaeda and how he doesn’t know how he is supposed to blow people up when he can’t get a bomb that works. (that thing- around his neck? Was supposed to be a homemade explosive.)  I have absolutely no words to describe what was going through my head.

**Please note: we actually live in a really nice neighborhood with great kids and families. I have no idea where these people came from. If they do live in my neighborhood- they hide themselves really well.

Tell me- Am I being ridiculous to think this stuff was inappropriate?

What crazy shenanigans happened during YOUR trick or treat 2010?

BOO!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larrson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Beinga Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster

Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't updated since early September. Since reading Born to Run, I flew through Bree Tanner. Found that enjoyable. It didn't read as well, in my opinion, compared to the other Twilight books, and it was my first novella in I don't know how long. But I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and it was really interesting to read the same story from a different point of view.

Apres ca, came the much anticipated Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I struggled to get into it, but roughly 75 pages in I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of the story and was spellbound through the entire thing. I've already been to the half price bookstore and picked up the third in the series while the 2nd is still on request from the library. I can't wait to read more about Lisbeth Salander and I'm wondering what she is doing playing with Fire.

Just yesterday I finished the newest installment in the memoirs of Jen Lancaster. Yet again she did not dissappoint. I laughed hysterically and out loud on many occassions, and was sad to see it end. I was recently informed as well that she will be releasing her first FICTION novel If You Were Here that is due out in May 2011. I can't wait to see how she transitions from Memoir and Bloggy style to fiction novel, but if her charming and hilarious storytelling ability shines through we should all be in for a real treat!

Up next on my reading list, aside from waiting for Girl Who Played With Fire and The Hunger Games from the library, is Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes. I picked this up last year and never got around to reading it. i think it's high time I picked it up off the shelf and read what it's all about.

PS- I ran for the first time since the marathon. 8 days post marathon and I was able to rock out an 11min mile. Just one. But one more than I ran all week so I'm happy. :)

Blustery Day

Photo from movieposter.com

Owl: This is just a mild spring zephyr compared to the big wind of '67. Or was it, uh, '76? Oh, well, no matter. Oh, I remember the big blow well.
Piglet: I'll remember this one, too.
Owl: It was the year my Aunt Clara went to visit her cousin. Now, her cousin was not only gifted on the glockenspiel, but being a screech owl, also sang soprano in the London Opera.
Winnie the Pooh: [muffled, with a honey pot in his face] Thank you, Piglet.
Owl: You see, her constant practicing so unnerved my aunt, that she laid a seagull egg by mistake. Whoooooooo!
[his dishes crash on him as his house crashes to earth]

Yeah

I'm alive.

But I'm tired.

Bloggy later.

Columbus Marathon: Part 2, The Race

After staying up later than I had wanted, and tossing and turning with nerves all night, my alarm went off at 5:30. Of course I can’t get by without a snooze so I reset but ended up getting up 5 minutes later because I just couldn’t lay there. I had layed out all my gear the night before and triple checked so everything was waiting for me.

Packed up all the stuff, woke the husband up, deflated the air mattress he slept on, and headed down for a bit of breakfast. I didn’t want to eat but knew I had to so I had half an apple with some peanut butter and some Powerade Zero. I’ll know next time to just stick with a piece of toast or bagel. Either the apple didn’t sit well, or I was so nervous I wanted to throw up because the drive to downtown I was nauseous the whole way.

We followed Josh and Brian downtown and Mr. Buckeye dropped me off about a block away from the starting line. We were early- about 6:30 but I left my coat in the car so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. (thank goodness too because the corrals were a mess!) I had butterflies and was giddy the entire walk to the area. Luckily there was a race photog on the corner who took our picture right away. Great shot of the 3 of us- especially considering it was about 40* and 6:30 in the morning!

The starting line was between a bunch of buildings and the corral area was a giant wind tunnel. We huddled near the state building to stay out of the wind and stretched and talked and people watched. Josh and Brian gave me some tips, told me where our crew would be along the race, and kept me calm. A little after 7 we decided to start heading to our corral, number 4, since it had gotten incredibly busy. Unfortunately we waited too long because it literally took us 20 minutes to go half a block. The corrals were fenced in, but there was a small entry point and it was kind of a wreck. We didn’t even make it to the drop off point so the poor guys had to run with their sweatshirts and swooshy pants in their arms until they reached the 3.5 mark to throw them at our crew. (good thing I left my jacket!)

The gun went off at 7:30 sharp and I didn’t cross till 7:38. The fireworks were really neat and I was just in awe the entire time. Just before crossing the start line I looked back at Josh and Brian, fist bumped and said “5 months. For this right here. Good luck!”

And we were off. I hung to the right side and started passing people. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. I told myself to keep it slow and keep my pace. Little did I realize but I was running faster than ever before (which would burn me later). But I passed people, they passed me, and all the while I was watching the spectators and trying to keep from crying. I don’t know what it was, but I literally had a pit in my stomach and teared up for the first 2 miles because I couldn’t believe I was actually doing in. Somewhere along mile 1.5 there were sirens and escorts coming through the right side back up broad… it was the lead hand cyclist! All the runners started cheering and yelling and clapping. It was a cool moment- he was FLYING! 

The first 5k kind of flew by. I almost didn’t go to the first water station since it was backed up but at the last minute ran over to grab Gatorade. BIG MISTAKE! I won’t do that again. For the next 2 miles I was burping and gagging Gatorade and it was highly uncomfortable.  I saw the crew for the first time around mile 3.5. I was so happy to see that they were cheering me on and smiling and waving and yelling. Britt even got up early and came down to cheer me on! It was so awesome seeing her there since I didn’t know if she would make it. Going through the Franklin Conservatory area was really nice, I don’t know I had ever been there while living in CBus. One point of hilarity: Shortly after seeing the crew, There was a huge section of trees along the park next to the porta-pottys and I couldn’t help but laugh at the row of GUYS sporadically placed in the trees using the restroom. I was funny and gross and unfair at the same time.

The 2^nd 5k was still going really well for me. I saw the crew again around mile 6.5 and I was still going strong. I made a point to grab water at the stations, walk quickly so I could drink without throwing it up my nose, and then continue to run. Later, I found out that I had a new PR for both the 5k and 10k. I think that means I can step up my training for the next one.  I saw a sign around mile 8 that made me laugh. It said "13.1 puts the F-U in fun!".

Shortly before mile 10 I started to hit a wall. A big brick wall. I saw one half of the crew and they caught me walking. But when I saw them it picked me back up. I was starting to get side cramps and my left shoulder was aching. I kept trying to stretch it out but it just would let loose. Mile 10 and 11 might have been the longest miles of the entire race. I had my phone and Britt let me know she would be waiting after the park in German Village. I saw the park, and was ecstatic to see that I was coming to the end… until the road turned and I was still running but no Britt. Then I came to the next end… and turned again! I didn’t realize that I was literally running AROUND the park to find her. But there she was smiling and cheering and clapping at the end, and right after her was the 11 mile mark. She let me know I was ALMOST THERE. (Uh…. 2 miles almost there!) I am so thankful that she came, and went above and beyond and saw me in GV. I’m not sure what would have happened had she not been there. It’s amazing what seeing a face you recognize will do to your motivation. I expected to see them the first 2 times, the 2^nd 2 were surprises.

The last 2.1 miles were kind of a blur for me. Somewhere along mile 13 there was a hill I believe. It was a small hill, but a hill nonetheless. And it pretty much looked like a mountain. I made the decision as I was running towards it that I would run till I reached a certain street sign and then power walk. I did that and made it through but it was really an emotional blow to me that I had been walking so much. I made it up to the half/full split and saw the flags and balloons. Adrenaline and joy in it’s purest form took over. As I was running faster and faster to the finish line I saw Mr. Buckeye with the camera. It lifted me even more and I ran as fast as I could to the line.

I did it.

2 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds from when I started, I was a half marathoner.

Columbus Marathon: Part 1, The Pre-Race

I’m a half marathoner!

5 months of training and soreness and joy and sorrow all led up to Sunday. I’m so sad it’s over but I’m so empowered at my ability to have completed my journey that I’m already looking for more!

Pre-race:

I rode up to C-Bus with K to head to the expo so that our husbands could enjoy a round of golf before heading up to meet us. The expo was nice, not terribly large but since I didn’t know what to expect I was satisfied. Though the convention center was SWARMING with teeny bopper cheerleaders. It made me nostalgic and miss my days of competition cheerleading. I do have to say that there were MANY uniforms that I found to be wholly inappropriate for girls that young. And I’m not that conservative when it comes to that stuff!

We walked around, I got a mini massage- the back is still full of knots! I bought 2 BondiBands (Brie always raved so much that I was on the lookout and if I saw them I was definitely getting some!) a Pink 13.1 for race day and another plain black for everyday running and some CEP compression sleeves. I’ll do a product review later on both. I loved them so much! I was a little disappointed in the shirts and gear in the race shop so I decided not to buy any more and to just keep my tec shirt as my souvenir shirt.

We stayed for roughly 2 hours and headed back so that I could be dropped off. The night was spent making signs, watching the terrible Buckeyes loss- that caused me to go to bed late!- and laying out and checking my gear 15 times before satisfied I didn’t forget anything. Dinner consisted of Olive Garden, which we got carry out because it happened to be homecoming night and there was no way that 8 of us would get to eat and be back for the game. A cup of Gnocchi soup and some mushroom ravioli. I didn’t eat too much, just enough to be full. I had been working more carbs into the diet the whole week before because I didn’t want a brick of carbs in my belly the night before.

I tossed and turned most of the night, Nerves definitely were getting the best of me.

Part 2- Race Day coming tomorrow!

ready or not!

Game on. I've got my race bin. My tec tee and some swag from the expo. The last 5 months of my life have built up to tomorrow. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

I can do this.

I believe.

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Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   Blogging is       a way for me to fulfill my childhood dreams of keeping a diary... only I was never good with the pen and paper version after a couple weeks. I think I do alright here.

2.  A current fashion trend I wish I was brave enough to wear is   leggings on a frequent basis. Actually I have 2 pairs but have only worn 1 once and it was on a weekend. I want to embrace the leggings because they are oh so comfortable! And Heelies. But I don't want to break my neck. oh, and I'm 27... might be awkward.

3.  My greatest accomplishment in life thus far is       finding my best friend and marrying him, establishing ourselves in our little corner of the world I'm right where I want to be.

4.  If I had to choose between a mountain or a beach vacation I'd choose    oh that's a tough call. Probably a mountain. It would be something different, I mean we have done the beach before but not really mountains, I don't think Hocking Hills really counts.

5.  A talent I wish I had is      the natural ability to run. Yes, I run. But I have to work for it, and a lot of the time it isn't fun. I have experienced the "joy" of running once but I'm still searching for it again and again.

6.  A talent I do have is        being crafty. I can knit, sew, crochet, etc. It's a talent that I take advantage of daily and it's also my hobby .

7.  This week       is going to be over in less than 9 hours. It's been a roller coaster of emotions but in a good way. I'm anticipating the weekend because, you already know this if you read the blog, I'm running my first Half Marathon on Sunday! .

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I'll be running the Columbus Half Marathon on Sunday morning at 7:30am.

You can follow along with me on Twitter - my times will be tweeted via TweetMyTime.

Words of encouragement are highly appreciated!

Last Run

Well, yesterday I decided to go forward with my plans for a 5k. My last run before the big day.

It was... an experience.

I picked K up after work and we drove to the happy place. Have I shown you the happy place?

Here it is. It really is a happy place. Except for yesterday.

While driving to the happy place, we got a phone call from Mr. Buckeye with a warning that we were going to get wet. Yeah, a little water won't hurt us, so we continued on. Starting off, sure it was sprinkling but we figured we drove all the way out there and come rain or shine we had to do what we needed to do.

The happy place? Not so happy.

This picture was taken approximately .75 miles into running, approximately 10 minutes before the monsoon came. I've never seen so much rain in my life. But we were already out a mile and a half and had no choice but to keep going. That is, until we literally couldn't see. I was guarding my phone, trying to see, and K was trying to hold her pants up that were now soaked to the bone and incredibly heavy. We laughed it off and decided to walk the mile back to the car.

And wouldn't you know... as we got about a quarter mile from the car... it stopped raining. But just long enough for us to drive down the road into the second downpour that was coming our way.

It's a bummer that my last run didn't go so well, but I've got high spirirts and find it rather funny.

Now the leg needs rest. It's slightly worrying me that it doesn't feel better and I feel as though I'm walking with a gimp but the run wasn't too bad. Walking hurts more than running oddly enough.

less than 3 days till go time!

5k and a FO!

I packed my gym bag and had planned to run 5k during lunch. I ALMOST succeeded. I packed everything except my sportband and the treadmill decided to crap out on me 2.5 miles in. Literally. It just stopped working. Luckily it came back on and I was able to finish my 5k though I have no idea the time and can't log it on Nike+. Bummer. I did have to walk about .25 miles. The hip/thigh is still out of whack and I'm hoping that taking it easy this week along with some ice and stretching will set me up for success on Sunday.

Knit night resulted in an FO! (That's finished object for you non-knitter folk) The socks I cast on back in April are now on my feet keeping my toes toasty! Too bad it's still around 70* out right now so wool socks are a bit much. But they are finished and woven in and I'm a happy girl.

Final Countdown

So I am less than a week away from the Columbus Half Marathon and I'm starting to flip out. I went out for my last long run on Saturday- went to the happy place- which was gorgeous as usual and managed to have an absolutely awful time. I managed to run the first 5k but had to stop and stretch at pretty much every half mile. After the run on Thursday where we went to a cross country trail, My right hip has hurt tremendously. Stretching and more stretching but the recovery is very slow. It's feeling a little better now, but not 100%. Of the 7.5 miles on Saturday I walked a solid 2 miles but figured it was better than pushing it and getting hurt worse, or even worse than that- not finishing at all. I've got 2 runs this week on my schedule and I'm determined to just let loose and have fun with it. I'm running this race for me. No one else. Just me.

Luckily, yesterday/this weekend was a big race weekend and I got to see many folks succeed in reaching their goals.

My high school buddy Mike ran the Dayton Half Marathon
Brie over at Brie-Fit is officially a marathoner! She ran the Chicago Marathon- such a rockstar!
Kelly from Rav also ran the Chicago Marathon this weekend!
Toria from Rav ran a 5k Saturday with her adorable dog Craig
Jay from Rav ran the Marine Corps Half in Albany, NY

and I'm sure there are so many more that I missed.

I'm emotional and excited and scared and elated at the idea that this time next week I will be able to say I ran my first half marathon!

incredible!

The husband and I got new cell phones for our anniversary.

We have joined the rest of the world with smartphones. I can blog from my phone now?!? There is a wonderful world of apps I'm discovering!

How did I ever live without you, Droid Incredible?

What are some of your fav apps???

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Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is       hit the sniize roughly 8 times. To actually start? Restroom break and shower!

2.  Today I wish I was   at home with the husband. He's been gone for 5 days and he got back last night.

3.  If I had an extra $100 in my bank account today I'd       probably go by the DSLR camera I've been eyeballing for over 6 months now. I have another gift card and a bunch of rewards at best buy but not enough for me to pull the trigger yet.

4.  Tomorrow    I will be running 7-8 miles in the morning followed up with Buckeye football watching and I'm sure a night out with the husband.

5.  Two things that don't go together are     Uggs and mini skirts. Pick a look and stick with it. Winter? or summer? ONE. Pick. ONE.

6.  Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is        chips. I'm pretty sure I buy at the very least a snack size bag while I'm there. It's an addiction. an illness. I love my chips!

7.  The last time I tried something new was        5 months ago when I decided to embark on a half marathon training schedule. It hasn't been fun every day but knowing that it is all going to pay off in 9 DAYS! makes it all worth it.

Happy Friday!

Three

3 years ago today I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend.

Happy Anniversary!

Randomness

Fall is officially here and I couldn’t be happier! The weather has finally chilled to a crisp 60*, the clouds have come out to stay, and the leaves are falling faster than they can change color. (though I wish they would stay on the trees for at least a little bit so I can marvel at the beauty)

A lot has happened on the running front. I have completed my training and am now in taper mode. I successfully completed my 12 mile run on Saturday. I must say, I did not enjoy it. I’m just hoping and praying that I get a little bit of that joy I felt during my 10 miler. It was absolutely amazing and knowing that I am not feeling the same way during each run is just heartbreaking. I’m officially 12 days away from running my first half marathon . I feel like a manic-depressant… One minute I’m over the roof elated and so excited to know that I am so close, then the next minute I’m in a sweaty panic thinking OMG What the hell am I thinking?! It’s been a journey- that’s for sure. But hopefully in 2 weeks, I’ll be able to give a full race report as a half-marathoner! It will definitely be an experience to never forget.

On the knit front, of course I have started some new projects. The socks I began back in April have returned and I’m now on the foot. Hopefully not too much longer and I can be wearing them officially without needles poking me. There is also a gorgeous set of mittens that I started using the new wool I bought from A Wool Gathering. They are proving to be a challenge with the teeny tiny charts and twisted rib the entire way. But they will be awesome once they are finished.

On the sewing front, I finally completed my first ever quilt. It was washed without issue (ie it didn’t fall apart!) and gifted to it’s rightful new owner. (rather it’s new owners future mommy) I lost my camera the day of the shower so I’m waiting on the pics I took with her DSLR (Totally jealous!) Along with the quilt I whipped up 2 adorable baby bibs using the leftover fabric and some towels. I hope little William gets lots of use out of them! I also managed to dissect and recreate an interchangeable needle case. I found an amazing case that I absolutely loved but didn’t want to spend the $$ on and figured I could try to make a worthy imposter. It turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. Obviously it’s imperfect and I could make a few adjustments, but my KnitPicks Harmonies are loving their new home!

More tomorrow. I’ve got to get back on a blogging schedule. I prefer organized- topic focused posts and lately it’s been a hot mess.

At least I get to go to Ma’s tonight for some spaghetti!

Go Birdie... it's your birthday... we gonna party like...

IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!

To the women who birthed me years and years ago,

You look fabulous!

Your hair is holding up well considering how many times you could have pulled it out over the years. (and the copious amounts of peroxide over the years haven't helped either I'm sure)

You have yet to embrace the old lady fashion sense that I suspect could be right around the corner (I'll have not forgotten the sweatshirt with the ice skating penguins you wore last winter...)  though I will try my hardest to prevent you from ever wearing shoulder pads ever again.

And most importantly, you've managed to raise 2 of the most amazing, good looking, all around rock-star human beings out there.

In all seriousness though- Thanks for being an awesome mom. I know I've driven you crazy more times that I've kept you sane. But I hope you know it's all in love.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your One and Only-

Your sun, moon, and stars-

Your whole wide world-

Wheatie

Cat in the Box

OMG I am in TEARS watching this.

Absolutely hilarious.

It's that time!

Autumn has officially arrived here in the Buckeye State.

Monday was a FABULOUS chilly rainy day.

I have been waiting for sweater weather for weeks now!