25 August 2011

committed.

That's it. I did it. I tool the plunge.

I signed up for my first half marathon. 

In means of timing, I didn't follow the best timing. 
It's less than 4 weeks away. Even with my current training, fitness level and running log, I might fall behind my goal. Putting my expected finish time was a big realization of how fast my goals are versus the reality of my training. It made me think of my running past and how it has changed. 

A funny thing happened since I graduated college, stop competing at a high level in running and became a road racer, I started to care about running differently. Here I am, a college runner loving every minute of competing. Knowing that every race is an opportunity to beat those other women, proving my hard work is paying off.  I could earn all conference status (a title won but taken away by some coach who said his athlete's do what there expected to do, mind you), a academic all-American status or most valuable runner. Now I race a clock, my previous time or the random runner ahead of me. I don't think I care less, just differently. It's become more selfish, I don't have a team, teammates or a coach. I run because I want to beat myself. There is no college team to race or even all the same people from race to race. I miss that. I miss the consistency of knowing everyone around me was training for the same race, each with our own goals.  I miss being coached full time, now I listen to myself (and Jeff Daniels, sometimes). I miss the long runs spent reminiscing about the glory race or that awful workout. Signing up for a race made me think about all this. I signed up because I wanted to, selfishly trying to reach my own goal without anyone's help. It made me think of all the times that my team trained together, making sure that we could all help each other along the way.  Its hard to make a transition some times. I think it makes it harder when I think about all the things I miss, but it keeps running through my head. I am hoping this race will prove to me that doing it by myself, for myself, is the best reality.

I have been looking for more ways to stay organized lately. With the hassle of moving, putting away things and realizing that I don't have room for 50 pairs of shoes I learned that I need to stay on top of that organization thing. I cam across a great blog about crafty things for your home, and thought I would share the great organizational idea I came across.  I found it on Design Sponge, an all around crafty, inspirational website. They have lots of DIY blogs, products and design ideas. Here is the organizational baskets I am going to try and make! I am excited about the possibilities, you could do so many different colors, change them with the seasons or make any size. I am thinking these would be a great desk organization piece as well.

My sister-in-law is coming for the first time to our new home tonight. I can't wait to show here around Erie, give her the run down on all our activities and then take her to JR's Comedy Club. My husband and I are big fans of comedy, and the comedy club here in Erie is a great local business. Every time we go the comedians are great, the service is fast and friendly and the manager comes out to great everyone as they leave. It is really a well run establishment. We have taken all of our guest that come to visit there so far.
Looking forward to 5 o'clock!

Like most summers, wedding season is in full effect. A recent wedder myself, I can't express how excited I get about weddings. My husband will be a part of another wedding this weekend. He is the best man, and looking forward to sharing the day with his friends. It's such a beautiful day for the couple and their love. If I could have a dream job, I think it would be to plan weddings. The couples are always happy, the industry practically never goes away and there is always some new trend to keep up with. I secretly love looking at wedding sites, even as my perfect wedding is past, the fun of seeing the new colors or designs keeps me interested. I love the creativity that can be expressed through weddings. Perhaps some day, when my job dream comes true I can plan until my heart's desire is met. Until then, I keep the happiest day of my life in my memory.

Until the next post,
EAA













17 August 2011

Oh Happy New Couching!

Wasting my time. That is what I must be doing not writing on this blog.
Actually I have been busy. And time flies when you love your life.
Most nights are relaxing, down time with my husband but recently we have been on a
home improvement kick.
You know when you get started thinking about an idea and then just like that you have
to make it come to life? That is how I operate. I get stuck on one home improvement
idea and need to get all the parts for the project, work on it and finish it in one day.
My husband and I started out thinking about what we could do with our unfinished
basement. There was already some wood paneled walls, a la the ‘70s, and concrete floor
but essentially a blank canvas. We ended up in the flooring section of Lowe’s, eying the
perfect floor solution, tiles. These sticky tiles are great for concrete floors and require
little tools or adhesive products. The tiles were boxed with adhesive backings that pulled
off before sticking to the floor. We hurriedly brought the tiles home, scarffed down a
quick dinner and then heading to our workspace. After staying up until 2 am, moving
a couch at 1:30 am and running a broom over the floor we had finished! The basement
looks great and its now a functioning space for my husband to work in. We added an
older couch, a few lamps, a desk and some stereo equipment to complete the space. Such
a small change made a big impact.
Our second big change came in the form of furniture. The first piece of furniture bought
by us a married couple, hopefully not the last piece. We found a bargain of a price on
a leather sectional, only problem now is the space it takes up in our living room.
There is also the problem of what to put on the walls. Oh gosh, this new couch is turning
out to be a pain! I have a rustic looking large clock, which I love, some pictures, which
are small and not really big enough to fill wall space. I am at a designing dead end. Urgh.
I hate when that happens. I usually try to do a little research via the internet but nothing
caught my eye. Any suggestions?

These are issues that matter.  Just kidding. But I glad that these are the problems I face in mu life.

Last weekend I was blessed to have another friend come to visit. One of my best girl friends came all the way from Michigan. We went over to Northeast and explored the vineyards and the wineries, I even found my new favorite wine at a local winery. Delicious! We got to head over to Presque Isle, ride bikes, run and be outside all day on Sunday. It was a great weekend. Luckily the weather was beautiful all weekend. It was great to see someone familiar and show them around our new town. Its fun to discover new places and be able to enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. 
It was also great to spend some time with a girlfriend. I love my husband, but a girl will talk about celebrity gossip, fashion and girly thing! It was nice to share what is going on with another girl. I also loved hearing all about her life and what is going on.

Work is going well. We stay busy every week with our customers need products yesterday. Its demanding at points but that is what makes the days go by faster. Unfortunately I am a temp worker so my full hire status is still unsure. I am working hard to do everything I can extra, try to improve process and make sure I show how worthwhile I can be. Going in with a positive attitude is key some days, there are always time when people or things get you down. 

Alright more tv watching time!