Ten on Tuesday

Random Thoughts

1. I have been in the worst mood for the past few days. And I don't know why either....

2. There was a black cat wandering around work yesterday. I saw him cross the street and thought I would never see him again.

3. This morning, a colleague came in and asked if I saw the black cat against the curb near my car. I said no. Well, the cat was up against the curb in a big mud puddle, barely moving his head and paws. I called Animal Control and they came to pick him up. I checked on him right after Animal Control called to tell me they were on their way and he was struggling to breathe but he as alive. Unfortunately by the time Animal Control arrived, he had died :(

4. The Carolina Hurricanes have their first home game tomorrow night!! Ashley and I are going and I can't wait! Hopefully, it will help me get out of this mood I am in.

5. Since the weather has been cooler in NC, I have been running on a regular basis again!

6. My company sponsored a 5K on Saturday and Ashley and I participated. I am happy to say that I ran my best time ever!!! I finished in exactly 30 minutes with a 9:40 pace and overall, 8th in my age division!! Now I am motivated top break that 30 minute mark!!

7. I have no plans to run a marathon ever again!

8. I might consider a half though sometime in the future.

9. I have been done at Duke for a month, but I still get sporadic emails from people who need my help on something.

10. I LOVE my new job and I know I made the right decision leaving Duke!! :)

Ten on Tuesday

OK, so it has been awhile, a long while! But I have been super busy and thought today would be the day to start blogging again. My Ten on Tuesday will be devoted to ten updates since my last blog!

1. I left Duke!! As most of you know, I was a Research Assistant there. In June, I was told that I was going to be promoted to Clinical Research Coordinator I. I was really excited about this position and knew that I was now 'safe' for a little while at this job. In the meantime, 2 coordinators left and the other research assistant was promoted to Software Engineer. So here I was coordinating 3 projects with no research assistant and a so called Project manager that was no help at all. And to top it all off, I still was officially promoted to a CRC!! My promotion went through on Sept. 1, after 2 months of waiting patiently for it to be approved. Which I am still confused on why it wasn't approved before they offered me the position, but anyway that's another story.

2. So when my old supervisor from Duke told me about a position at her new job, I was all for it. I went in for a 4 hour interview which was more like just making sure I would be a good fit. Four days later, I had my offer and within 20 minutes of the offer, handed in my resignation.

3. I officially started at SciMetrika on 10/1/10 and I couldn't be happier!! Its a small public health consulting firm who works primarily with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). I am a research Associate, which is exactly what I was doing at Duke when I left. Except that I am working in Public Health and Health Education, which is what I went to school for and have a deep passion for.

4. Ash and I just celebrated our first year of dating!! Its hard to believe it has only been a year but it has been a great year!! I am super blessed to have him in my life!

5. I met Cam Ward a couple weeks ago. For those who aren't familiar with hockey, he is the goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes. They do a monthly radio show at a restaurant near me and they give 30 people the opportunity to get autographs/pictures taken with a Hurricane Hockey player. It just happened to be Cam the week Ashley and I went.

6. Falls is here! This is my favorite time of year. Sunny, semi warm days and cool nights. I love being able to have my windows open, the smell of fresh air and with fall arriving, it means Pumpkin Spice lattes from Starbucks!!!

7. This is the first weekend in awhile that we have no plans and I am ecstatic!! Sometimes, its nice not to do anything :)

8. Hockey season has officially started!! The canes do no have their first home game until Oct. 27th due to the State Fair starting this week. Ash and I will be there on opening night and we can't wait!!!

9. State Fair starts this Thursday! Ash and I are going on the 18th! I can't wait for tator tots, fried mac and cheese and candied apples!!!

10. I am going to try my best and blog weekly but we will see how that goes :)

Getting to Know me Sunday

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....? No idea....I usually don't spend much $$ on myself.

2. Have you ever played a team sport? I ran track in high school! I loved it and met 2 great people who I still keep in contact with!

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? A lady bug since they have been know to bring good luck

4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? My shoulders, then my bra strap rubs on it and it hurts. But I am the one who wears 70 SPF and does whatever she can to avoid getting sun burn.

5. Are you happy? Yes, I am. I have awesome family and friends, a boyfriend who has been a blessing in disguise and finally a job I like that is what I went to school for!

6. People are always abbreviating..everything. I need to take a class at work just to learn all the acronyms they use in the research world.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I do love where I live. Its hard to believe that I only have lived in NC for 6 years, it feels like I have lived here forever! The only thing that would make it better would be if my parents moved here!

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? none, but sometimes if I feel I have eaten too much, I try to work out harder and longer the next day.

Parents Visit and 30th birthday!

The last few weeks have been crazy busy but I have loved every minute of it. My parents have been here for 3 weeks! They came for the MS Walk back on April 24th. Even though my sister and niece were stuck in Germany, we had a great weekend. They were missed but definitely there in spirit. My parents were able to get to know Ashley and they love him (I don't know anyone who doesn't love him)! The 4 of us went out to dinner a few times and my parents even came to church with us on 2 Sundays! I loved having my parents only 20 minutes away and they came for dinner one night and stop in surprised me one night! They did look at houses while they were here but didn't find one. Hopefully, they will be moving here very soon! I enjoyed having them so close and I really miss them now that they are gone :(

So, I turned 30 yesterday and it was one of the best birthdays I have had (with the exception of last year when I received my Master's degree on my b-day)!!!! The day started with church with Ashley and his mom. Then his mom took me out for lunch and then we went back to her house. She got me a hanging welcome sign that I can change whenever I want. She told me that she will make me a strawberry cake for next weekend! Then we went back to Ashley's for me to open my gifts. First he had me open his trunk and in there, he had a cat planter that I can put outside and that was only the beginning of the presents! He also got me a flag holder with a zebra print flag with an embroidered 'S' on it, cat pictures holders, a zebra print serving tray to eat my dinner on, a bunny candy jar and an animal print Guess bag!!! I am blessed to have Ashley in my life :)

Then we went to my sister's and hung out with the family until dinner at Daniel's on Main, an Italian restaurant in Fuquay. Dinner was great and my parents had gotten me a Carvel ice cream cake for dessert! I had an awesome 30th birthday thanks to my family and Ashley! 30 is being good to me so far!!!

The welcome sign from Ashley's mom!


My new flag!


My kitty planter!


My new bag! Ashley has awesome taste!


Ashley and I!!

Ten on Tuesday

1. My sister and oldest niece are stuck in Germany :( They went on a 10 day field trip for school and they are now stuck there because of the volcano cloud. Good news is they have reopened the airports and they should be home in 2-3 days.

2. My parents are coming tomorrow and will be here until mid May. We have the MS Walk this weekend, my sister's triathlon next weekend and then my 30th birthday the weekend after that!!

3. I can't believe that I am going to be 30 in 19 days....WOW!! I am looking forward to moving into another decade :)

4. I have gotten Ashley into running! We try to go running together at least 2x a week. Its fun running with him and I love that we have something else in common and like to do together :)

5. I am no longer am employee of my sister's store, Padoodles. With my job at Duke, I no longer have the mornings to run errands like I did when I was a nanny and honestly, I was burned out. It will be nice to have every Saturday and Sunday off!!

6. I love getting to work by 7:30. No one is there and I enjoy the peace and quiet until people get there. Plus I get to leave by 4:30! Its so nice being home by 5, I get so much more done at home :)

7. I have lost 7.5 pounds since starting at Duke 2 months ago and all my work pants are big on me. Its hard finding something to wear everyday. I will definitely be taking my pants to the tailor once I lose 3 more pounds.

8. My goal is to lost by last 3 pounds by my birthday. That's in 19 days, I should be able to do it!

9. My mom is taking me shopping for my birthday on May 7th....CAN'T WAIT!!!!

10. I hope my parents like it here A LOT so they will look for a place to live and move here :)

HAPPY TUESDAY!!

The ABC's of Sara and other stuff

So it has been awhile but honestly, I don't feel like being on the computer after I have been on one ALL day at work. But since its Saturday so I figured I would do some catchin up on my blog. I got the ABC idea from a blog I read regularly but don't actually know the person (she is the friend of a friend though). Here it goes...

A. Area Code: 919-Raleigh, NC

B. Bed Size: full-I don't need much space

C. Chore you hate: Vacuuming but I hate a dirty carpet so I do it.

D. Dog’s Name: I don't have a dog myself but my boyfriend has a lab named Staalzy-he is named after Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes. He is the sweetest dog :)

E. Essential “start of the day” Item: coffee, never liked or needed coffee much until I started working at Duke and am at work by 7:30 am. Its the first thing I do when I get to work-make the coffee.

F. Favorite Color: Red

G. Gold or Silver: mostly silver, some gold

H. Height: 5’1"

I. Instruments you play: used to play the clarinet

J. Job: Research Assistant-sounds fun and exciting but mostly its not

K. Kids: none

L. Living Arrangements: live in a townhouse with my roommate, Jill and my 2 kitties

M. Mom’s name: Carla

N. Nickname: Sar, Sara J, and Sour Jeanie

O. Overnight Hospital Stay: Nope

P. Pet Peeve: People who drive slow in the passing lane! MOVE OVER!

Q. Quote from Movie: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get." Forrest Gump

R. Righty or Lefty: Righty

S. Siblings: Yes...1! I have a big sis:)

T. Time you wake up: 6-6:30. I slept in today though...until 7:30 :(

U. Underwear: boy shorts

V. Veggie’s you dislike: peas, lima beans and beets

W. Ways/reasons you are late: I take too long of a shower or I can't decide what to wear.

X. Xrays you’ve had: abdominal and knee

Y. Yummy food you make: My homemade mac and cheese :)

Z. Zoo animals you like: Polar bears, tigers and lions :)

So not much has been going on. My parents will be here on the 22nd and are staying until mid May! We have the MS Walk on the 24th, my sis and brother in law are doing a Triathlon on May 2nd and then its my big 30th birthday on the 9th!!!! So the next few weeks will be busy and fun :) I have started running again even though it took me at least 3 weeks for my legs to feel normal again after the marathon. My bf, Ashley, has even started running with me and I think we are going to run a half marathon together in November, we'll see :)

5 hours=26.2!

Wow, it still hasn't 'hit' me that I actually ran a marathon! But my body knows I did! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever set out to do. Working full time and going to grad school was a piece of cake compared to this! Not only was it time consuming but super rough on my body! Kudos to those who do it all the time but my body couldn't handle it! Overall, it was a good experience but never one I want to experience again. Standing at the start line was exciting but also nerve racking too! I couldn't wrap it around in my mind that I was actually getting ready to run 26.2 miles! And yes I teared up a little before that gun went off! I honestly felt awesome until about mile 14 and then I went downhill from there. My feet were starting to ache and my legs were definitely getting tired. But I knew I had to go on. By the time I got to mile 16 and saw my dad, mom and Ashley waiting for me, I knew that I could do this. They kept me going the entire time. Every time Ashley saw me he got right next to me and told I could do this and he was proud of me. That was motivation enough to keep going. Once I got to mile 20, I started feeling better and kept thinking only 6.2 to go-which seems like nothing after you have run 20! Then I got to mile 23 and it was uphill and windy-not a good combination for tired legs! I was so happy to see my friends Meda and Susan at mile 24-they were cheering me on and I knew I was almost done. Ashley was waiting for me at mile 24.5 and he was sweet to run the last 1.5 with me. He is the one who kept me going the last few miles, if it wasn't for him, the last mile would have been MUCH harder! Little did I know that when he saw me struggling at mile 16-he told my parents that he could see I was struggling and he said he was going to meet me at mile 25 to run with me to get me through this, isn't he the best? I sure think so!! I have never been so relieved to see the finish line and then the adrenaline kicked in. We got to the last .2 and Ashley left me and I crossed the finish line with my arms high! I have never been so excited to be done with something :)

I crossed the finish line and instantly the pain and stiffness started. I just wanted to sit down but I knew it was better for me to keep moving. Ashley brought me home and I took an ice bath which helped immensely and then I slept for 3 hours! When I woke up, my feet were so swollen! Ashley took such good care of me too! He massaged my legs for me and even picked me up dinner and socks to help with the swelling! Monday was a whole different story-I have never been so sore and exhausted in my life. I slept a total of 14 hours after the marathon and when I woke up on Monday morning, I felt as though I hadn't slept at all! I went for a walk on Monday afternoon and it took me over an hour to walk 3 miles! It was so painful and stairs and walking downhill was nearly impossible! My feet were so swollen that I had to wear flip flops to work all week! I was able to move much better on Tuesday and the swelling finally went down yesterday!! I can finally wear normal shows again! I still can't run though, I attempted to yesterday and my legs just wouldn't do it, hopefully next week!

Crossing the finish line :)

me with my medal!
Trish and I

Ten on Tuesday

1. My big marathon is on Sunday! I am nervous, scared, excited and ready to get it over with. Of course the forecast is calling for scattered showers, a 40% but knowing my luck it will thunder and lightening and it will canceled. What are the chances of having 2 marathons canceled due to adverse weather conditions??

2. My job is going well. I love it. This is my 4th week, time sure has flown by!

3. I am very blessed to have my parents, nieces, Ashley and 4 good friends coming to see me run my first marathon! And my this is a special moment I get to share with my big sis since she is doing it too!

4. My parents will be here tomorrow!!! Hopefully it won't take them 26 hours to get here this time!

5. Its supposed to be 70 on Sunday. I typically love this weather but it is not the best weather to run in, at least for me. My asthma usually starts to act up but I have been trying to run as much as possible in the warmer weather to get used to it. Hopefully, I will be ok.

6. I haven't seen my nieces since Valentines' Day. I am having serious withdrawls but I will see them tomorrow night and all weekend, YEAH! :)

7. I am contemplating running the Raleigh Half Marathon in November. It is a hilly one though so we will see.

8. My 30th birthday party is starting to be planned. I am trying to think of a theme but have yet to come up with anything. Any ideas??

9. My marathon training started in the fall, went through the winter and will commence in the Spring. That is way too long.

10. I finally heard from the Myrtle Beach marathon committee and they decided to give all participants a 50% discount for next year if they sign up before March 31st. Seriously?? That is almost a whole year before, if I decided to do it, I would have to before then an I usually don't decide until about 6 months before. I am still annoyed with them so I am definitely not doing it next year and more than likely, never again.

Ten on Tuesday

Since I have been slacking on my blog lately, I figured I would participate in Ten on Tuesday!

1. I think I have become a morning person. I have been trying and been rather successful at getting to work by 7:30 in the morning. Which means I am up by 6:15. Surprisingly, I have been rather awake by the time anyone comes into work which is unusual for me-I typically don't feel awake until 10 or so...not anymore!

2. I am hardly ever on Facebook anymore. I have no free time during the day at work and I am too tired and have been on the computer all day so its the last thing I want to do at night when I get home. Do I miss it?? Not really...

3. Today is Ashley and mine's 5 month anniversary. It has definitely gone by very fast!! I am so lucky to have him in my life-he always makes me smile and calls me just to say he thinking of me. He knows how to cheer me up when I am sad and he is always making me laugh. Is this what love feels like?

4. As of today, I have lost 5 lbs and I did it without even trying! I haven't weighed myself in at least 6 weeks but I am pretty sure I have lost it within the last 2 weeks since I started at Duke. Since then, I no longer have access to the pantry or refrigerator. Plus, I have been packing my lunch daily with healthy things like salads, fruit, and nuts and have cut down on my portion sizes. I have a mini goal of losing 2 more pounds by marathon day-March 21st!

5. Speaking of marathon day- is it here yet? I feel like these last 3.5 weeks since Myrtle Beach have crawled by. I just want it to be over. I...am...done....with....the...training......! My legs ache constantly, I am stiff if I sit for too long and I have lost 2 toenails. I just want my feet to look pretty again and now that the weather is warm and I can start wearing sandals, I can't because my toenails are scary looking. And if you know me, going out with sandals on and no nail polish is unacceptable!

6. I love soring time but could deal without the allergies/pollen. My asthma always acts up this time of year but I refuse to let it get in my way of being outside and enjoying the fresh sporing air!

7. My new job has gotten me into drinking coffee every morning. Of course, I put in at least 2 tablespoons of sugar and half a cup of milk in it. My mom says that is not coffee but that is the way I like it.

8. Easter is my favorite holiday. I love all the bright, spring colors plus I love bunnies. And who doesn't love the Cadbury Egg commercials?

9. I am loving this 70 degree weather. I love having my windows open. I hope it continues!!! It hasn't been as hard adjusting to the warmer weather while running either.

10. My parents will be here next week for marathon try #2. Hopefully it doesn't snow this time....

One Year

Its hard to believe that is has been one year since a phone call changed my life forever. I miss Chris and think of him everyday and I would give anything just to have one more day with him. Yesterday was a very hard day for me but 2 things made the day more bearable. #1-Ashley came over after work because he knew it was a hard day for me and he just held me. Then he took me to dinner at Red Lobster because he knew that would cheer me up and it worked. I was smiling by the end of the day. It meant so much that he did that for me. #2-I had a dream on Thursday night and Chris was in it. He told me that he was happy and he was ok. Now I feel I can continue to heal because I know he is happy and in a better place. I know eventually the pain will subside but I also know that my heart will never fully heal. But I know I will see him one day again. Chris always lived his life to the fullest. He wouldn't want me crying everyday over him, he wants me to smile and live my life and to honor his memory, I will do just that.

I miss you Chris. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and all the memories we shared. I could not of asked for a better friend during my time in Oswego. You were always there when I needed you and I knew I could count on you. Everything happens for a reason. I am so happy I ran into you on campus that day-we were inseparable from that day on. I will carry those memories with me for always. You were my best friend and my life is so different without you in it. But your short time on Earth touched my life along with many others so deeply and I will forever be blessed to have been your friend. Love and miss you buddy, May you rest eternally in the arms of our Lord.

Lots of new!

Wow, it has been awhile but to my defense, I did start a new job and I am trying to get into a groove! My new job at Duke is awesome! I love it! Everyday is different and new but I am working on some great research projects and learning so much from my new co-workers! Everyone is super nice and helpful and I feel right at home. It has definitely been a big adjustment but it hasn't been bad at all. I am able to make my own hours which I love. The only stipulation is you work at least 80 hours in your pay cycle and your work gets done...no problem for me. I have about a 25-30 commute on a very busy interstate but so far the traffic hasn't been too bad. I am usually at work between 7:30-8 (and the first one there) and I leave between 4-4:30. Most nights I am home by 5 which gives me so much more free time to go running before it gets dark, run errands or just be lazy and chill. Its also nice to using your degree which I have worked so hard for. I feel like I am beginning to make a difference and be useful to someone. I also have to say how nice it is to enjoy going to work and not have to listen the kids whine and cry all day. Don't get me wrong, I love kids and enjoyed being a nanny (most days anyway) but it was my time to move on. I am super blessed to have this opportunity to work for such an awesome organization and I look forward to my future there!

My friend and fellow blogger, Michelle, keeps posting all these cool posts about getting to know you. So once again, I am borrowing this post from her since I don't feel my life is that interesting! Thanks Michelle!!

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?
Every week because I am super anal and OCD about cleanliness and germs!! BUT in college, I changed them about once a semester, gross I know!!

2. When is your birthday?
May 9th. It happens to fall on Mother's Day this year and then it won't fall again on Mother's Day for 6 more years. I share a birthday with Billy Joel, Mike Wallace, and Candace Bergen!

3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?
Most of my blogger friends are people I know in real life. Melissa, Michelle and I all went to high school together and were track buddies! Jill is my friend and roommate!!

4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
I have to agree with Michelle on this answer:
Brad Pitt seems so played out these days. George Clooney will always be classically sexy to me. I'm going with George.

5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?
My stomach. I used to have flat and defined abs but college caught up with me and now I have a little pooch. Running so much has helped but I need to cut back on my portions. It will also help that I finally have a job where I go to the office rather than someones house and I won't be tempted to eat more than I should!!

6. How often do you wash your hair?
I have to wash my hair every day. I get some pretty intense bedhead!

7. Do you have pets?
I sure do. I have 2 kitties and I love them just like children!! Molly is my chubby, Tortie cat who is 5. She can be super moody and mouthy but I love it when she snuggles with me at night :) Twix is almost 4 and is my tiger tabby. He was abandoned as a kitten and I rescued him. He is skiddish around strangers but he is starting to be more friendly. He also loves to cuddle with his momma and big sis at night :)

8. Do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?
I used to be long to Facebook and Myspace but I canceled Myspace a few months ago. Most of my friends on there weere on Facebook too and I never got on Myspace anymore. I don't know what I would do without Facebook though!!!

Its your turn now!!

Ten Indulgences

I got this post from my friend and fellow blogger, Michelle!

1. Starbucks-I absolutely love White Chocolate Mochas from Starbucks! It gives me a boost of energy but also satisfies my sweet tooth. Its the perfect treat on a cold winter day or refreshing treat on a hot summer day! During Christmas, I add peppermint to make it a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha and it is to die for. I highly recommend going out and trying one! You'll get hooked just like me :)

2. Chocolate-I love chocolate in any way. Dark chocolate is my favorite type but when I am craving any chocolate, any will do! I could eat chocolate everyday and even if I am watching what I eat, I always save room for chocolate!

3. Running or exercise in general-I love being active and the days I am not active, I don't feel 100%. Running is my all time favorite exercise which probably explains me training to run a marathon! I could have the most stressful day but it all melts away as soon as I start running. On the days I can't run, I try to go to the gym or sometimes I come home and workout with Jillian Michaels. My workouts make me feel strong and like I can conquer the world! I don't know what I would do if I was unable to run or exercise!

4. Shoes-I love shoes and seriously what girl doesn't? I prefer ballet flats but any cute shoes will do. I am like a kid in a candy store when I walk into a shoe store. I love walking around and looking at all the different types of shoes. A pair of cute shoes can make the whole outfit. Luckily, I can contain myself enough and not go crazy buying every shoe in the store but its good to drool isn't it?

5. Body lotion-For those of who don't know (I hide this pretty well), I am a pampering queen! I love scented body lotions and feel I never have enough. My favorite scents are light and fresh with a subtle scent. I have an entire vanity filled with scented body lotions (most are from Bath and Body Works). I usually get more at Christmas and my birthday every year and yet I never seem to have enough! Ashley knows me well and got me a basket full of Bath and Body Works lotion for Valentines Day and it was the best present I could have asked for, well besides chocolate of course!!

6. Pedicures-I love having my toenails painted. Actually, my toenails are typically painted all year long! My toenails are currently not painted because of my marathon training and this is the longest I have gone without pretty toenails. And I will let you in on another secret...I never go and get my toenails professionally done. I do all my pedicures myself and most are surprised to hear that because they are shiny and neat looking. What can I say-I have all the stuff at home!!!

7. My library card-I love reading and I feel lost if I am not reading a book. Thank goodness for my library card-I never run out of books to read! I always read for about 30-60 minutes before I fall asleep at night. I tend to get picked on for being in bed at 9:30 but I usually read until 10 or 10:30. Its my time to relax and drift off to another world!

8. Reality TV-I absolutely love watching reality TV. It can be any show like real World or Big Brother, as long as it is reality TV. Right now I am currently hooked on The Amazing Race, SURVIVOR, Frank the Entertainer in a Basement Affair and 16 and Pregnant. These shows gives me perspective on how others live their life.

9. True Crime Stories-I love reading or watching TV shows dealing with true crime. It saddens me to think bad things have happened to the people in these stories/TV shows but for some odd reason, it still intrigues me.

10. Taking pictures-I love taking pictures of just about anything. Its a good way to look back and remember different memories made with the people in your life throughout different times in your life :)

New beginnings

Yesterday was my final day of being nanny!!! The past 3 years of my life has consisted of taking care of other peoples' children and that is no longer true. As much as I loved being a nanny, it was my time to move on. I did go to grad school and now I finally get to use all that knowledge. I felt a relief when I walked out the door for the last time yesterday. Finally, I get to put my knowledge to work and help people-something I have always wanted to do and its my time to do it now!! Today I devoted my day to me and nothing else. I went for my run and enjoyed the fresh air. Then lucky me got to go to the DMV and get my license renewed. It wasn't that bad and I was only there for 45 minutes. Then I went shopping for me and it was soooo nice!! The family I worked for gave me a $100 gift card for NY and Company so I used it and got some nice clothes for my new job at Duke :) The rest of the day has been spent laying on the couch and I have loved every minute of it. The only think that would have made it better was getting a pedicure BUT since my feet are in rough shape from all this running, my pedicure is going to have to wait a month or so. All in all it has been a perfect 'ME' day! Here's the beginning of my new career!!!!

Ten on Tuesday

I thought I would participate on Ten on Tuesday again this week, ENJOY! Thanks Melissa!

1. I am still bummed about my marathon being cancelled for a measly inch of snow. It had barely snowed when they cancelled it at 10:30 pm on Friday night. They could have at least waited to call it at 5 am on Saturday morning to actually see if it had snowed and stuck on the roads. They are talking about partial refunds for participants. We will see-they usually give no refunds under any circumstances.

2. The one upside of all this is there is a marathon in Raleigh on March 21st. The registration was full but my sister and I (and some of her friends) emailed them and they are going to let us register for their marathon. I am still waiting to hear about how to register.

3. It has been very hard mentally to get out there and continue running. Its going to be VERY difficult to have to go for long runs again. I have decided to backtrack and go back to week 15 of my training schedule. That means I get to run a 16, 18 and 20 mile run again....yippee.

4. I only have ONE MORE day after today (Thursday) of being a nanny!!! I am very excited!! Someone asked me today if its going to be sad leaving...the answer is no. I know that sounds bad but it is the truth. I am ready for this next step and it has been a long time coming. I prepared myself many months ago so I have already gotten over my sadness of leaving.

5. My bf, Ashley, is going on a ski trip to Salt Lake City. He leaves tomorrow and comes home late Sunday night. Its his yearly guys trip. I am glad he gets to go and I am especially glad that it is specifically a guys trip. I don't enjoy skiing so this is something he can do with the guys and doesn't have to worry about hurting my feelings! I will miss him but I know he will have a blast!!!!

6. I start my job at Duke Monday!!! Super excited and maybe a little nervous. Most importantly-I get to dress up for work again and interact with my peers. No more yelling at children who aren't mine!

7. The Amazing Race started on Sunday night. I have never watched it before but my fave couple from Big Brother 10-Jeff and Jordan- are on it and that is the only reason I am watching it this season.

8. I have been watching the Olympics and have been enjoying them. I watched Curling for the first time today-not very interesting to me but at least I know now what it is!

9. USA Hockey starts playing today at 3 pm. I am bummed I won't be able to watch it but good thing for DVR!!!

10. Today is my cat, Molly's 5th birthday. In cat years she is 40!

Major Dissappointment

My marathon in Myrtle Beach was CANCELLED because of....SNOW! Can you believe that Myrtle Beach got snow and of course it happened the same weekend as my marathon, ugh, just my luck!!!! As of Friday afternoon, it was delayed a half hour to start at 7 instead of 6:30. We were updated all day and told that a later start time than 7 am was being considered but by 10:30 pm, it was cancelled. And it was barely snowing by the. The city of MB was concerned for the runner's safety which I can completely understand but it was barely snowing then and it was 36 degrees. They could have waited until 5 am to make a decision and they would of saw wet roads at that time and barely of inch of snow on the ground. That was what pissed me off the most-they freaked out when they could have waited until morning to check to road conditions especially when the weather forecasters said the beach was not likely to get more than 2 inches of snow or stick to the roads. By noon it was sunny and 50 out. VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! My poor parents drive 26 hours through a snowstorm to get here and all for nothing.

I did sign up for the Wrightsville Beach Marathon on March 21st because I trained long and hard and I want to run my marathon!!! But I found out this morning that the American Tobacco Trail Marathon that is being held in Raleigh on March 21st has opened up more spots for the disappointed marathoners to register and run in. So I am waiting to hear from them. Either way, I am running in a marathon on March 21st! It had better not snow-I can't handle another disappointment.....! So another 5 weeks of training is in my future!!

Ten Things on Tuesday

I borrowed this 'Ten on Tuesday' idea from my friend Melissa. Just some things I've had going on and other random things on my mind this week!

1. This is the big week of my marathon. Has it hit me yet that I am actually running a marathon on Saturday? No, it hasn't hit me but I'm sure it will soon. I have been on edge all week, I'm nervous and afraid of letting my family and myself down. Physically, I know I can do it, mentally, not there yet, hopefully by 6:30 Saturday morning.

2. So because its marathon week, its also carb loading week. This sounds sad but I have been forcing myself to eat more carbs than normal. And all these extra carbs have made me feel yucky and bloated. I am only supposed to run to relieve stress and keep my muscles loose but the 3 miles each night is not taking the bloatedness away, blah!

3. This Northeast snow storm is wrecking havoc in my life. My parents were supposed fly in tomorrow night but Jet Blue called them last night and informed them that their flight out of JFK at 5:30pm was cancelled. They put them on the 9:25 am flight out of JFK in hopes of making it out before the storm, since its not supposed to get bad there until afternoon tomorrow. As of now, their flight is still on time. Please say your prayers, I really want my parents to see my sister and I accomplish this goal.

4. Today marks 4 months since my first date with Ashley. He is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time! I am so blessed to have him in my life :)

5. This marks my first Valentines Day spent with someone special in a very long time. Plans? Driving home from Myrtle Beach but no idea other than that. I know I will be sore from the marathon and hopefully not needing a wheelchair!!

6. I start my new job at Duke on February 22nd. I am very excited but nervous at the same time. I know I will succeed but its a new adventure and its scares me a little. BUT I am so thankful for this opportunity and once I get settled, it will all be worth it.

7. I can't wait until I am no longer a nanny!!! No longer explaining that I just finished grad school and have yet to find a job in my flied. Now I can just say, "I work as a Research Assistant at Duke!"

8. My last 5 days of being nanny consist of picking the kids up at 12, feeding them lunch, nap time and play time. How easy is that?? Of course, I am probably jinxing myself.

9. Everything in my life has been going really well and I am very gracious to God for that but I am also afraid that something might go wrong. I just pray everyday for my continued blessings and I have faith that everything will continue going well because this is part of God's path for me.

10. 3 months from today, I will officially be 30!! I am looking forward to it and I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends!

11 months

Its hard to believe that it has been 11 months since I lost my best friend, Chris :( So much has happened in the past year and I often wonder if he has had a 'hand' in some of this. Ashley came into my life right when I needed someone the most and I had been at my wit's end job wise and all of a sudden, this Duke job came up and everything seemed to fall right into place. I believe in my heart that everything happens for a reason and I am believe more and more everyday that Chris sent Ashley to me. Chris knew more than anyone all the crap I have dealt with in the relationship department.

I think of Chris everyday. I have pictures of him up around my house just so I can see at his smiling face everyday. I no longer cry when I see his face, I feel at peace, finally. I know he is my guardian angel. I still can't erase his number out of my cell phone, though...maybe sometime soon. The next month is going to be extremely hard for me, but I have a great new job to look forward to and I know I can get through this. Chris, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

Lots going on!!

Lots is going on:) Where do I start? Raleigh was under a Winter Storm Warning last weekend. They initially called for up to a foot of snow but we ended up with about 5 inches of snow with some sleet/ice mixed in. Ashley came over Friday night to get snowed in with me and it was great! He brought his lab, Staalzy and we just relaxed all weekend. We went for a short walk on Saturday but it was cold and windy so that was cut short. We sat in front of the fire and played games and snacked. It was a great weekend :)

I received my official offer from Duke on Wednesday and I start on February 22nd. SO instead of being done with work on February 11th, I am working until the 19th instead. But I have the 11th, 12th and 17th off and the rest of time is only in the afternoon so I will have the mornings to get stuff done. I really didn't want to work until the 19th but the way the pay cycle goes, I won't get my first Duke paycheck until March 12th so I needed to work the extra week, bummer but the 19th will be here before I know it!!!

My marathon is next week (picture me freaking out as I type this!!!!)!!!!! I don't feel as prepared as I would like and I that is partly due to me missing my 12 mile run last weekend because it snowed last Friday and I wasn't able to run until Wednesday because I had to wait for all the snow to melt off the sidewalks (for those NY'ers, no one shovels their sidewalks, they wait for it to melt, which in this case took 5 days!!!!). I plan to run 12 miles on Sunday and then 3 on Monday, and 2 on Tuesday and then REST until the marathon. I am sure I will take some walks though, I have a hard time not working out..!!!

I had a 'Bessie' checkup yesterday. I saw a new gynecologist and we talked about Bessie and I will go in for an ultrasound on Feb. 17th to see where Bessie stands. I start a new birth control at the end of the month and I go back in May for a follow-up and another ultrasound. Hopefully this new pill will help and Bessie will go away...for good...I can't take this much longer....

Random Survey

Since I don't have much to talk about, I got this survey from a friend of a friend's blog who I enjoy reading!

Outside My Window
Since I work as a nanny (until February 10th!), I am always able to see outside. I am not sure if I will have a window in my office at Duke but if I don't that's okay.

I Am Thinking
I hope Ashley will bring his dog Staalzy over tonight so we can get snowed in together!!!

I Am Thankful For
a new job, my friends and family, Ashley and so much more

From The Kitchen
I ate leftover meatloaf, roasted red potatoes and asparagus from dinner on Wednesday. I stocked up for the snow storm here and got stuff to make homemade mac and cheese, chili and homemade pizza! Definitely won't starve if we get snowed in!!

I Am Wearing
A purple fleece top and jeans, nothing too exciting. Can't wait to actually wear nice clothes to work!!

I Am Creating
my career in the Health field and it will all start at Duke!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Tonight = chilling out, maybe some cooking and hopefully some snugglin with Ashley :)
Saturday = playing in the snow, taking a walk to Lake Johnson to take snow pictures!
Sunday = depends on how much snow we get on Saturday! Hopefully, I am able to go to church and for my 12 mile run!

February 10th....

will be my LAST day of being a nanny! I FINALLY got a job in my field!!!!! I am super excited! I was offered the Research Assistant position at Duke University Medical Center this morning!!! I have been interviewing for this position since Dec. 18th and have gone in 2x since then for interviews. I feel relieved, excited, nervous, scared and many other emotions right now but I know its finally my time to start my career and live up to my full potential. I have been ready since graduation last May to work in my field but with the economy the way it has been, it has been very hard to find a job. I have been very patient but these past few weeks have been very difficult. Not knowing if I was even in contention for the job was nerve racking but I also kept thinking "what if...I don't get the job...". No other jobs had been coming up and I felt that if I didn't' get the job, my patience with the kiddos was already wearing thin, not getting the job would clearly make me lose my mind. But everything worked out the way it was supposed to, thank goodness. I finally feel as though my life is on track; I have awesome friends and family, a great guy and now a job doing what I have always wanted to do; helping others become healthy.....Thank you God for your many blessings, I am truly blessed.

She's back.....!

Bessie is back!!!! And this time, she brought a friend!! I really thought that she was gone for good. Last January I had an ultrasound and she has gone from 5 cm to 1/2 cm and I had no more symptoms again until this past Thursday. Of course this time around, it happened a lot differently! As I do every Thursday morning, I take the little girl I nanny for to the mall to meet my friend Liza (and sometimes Melissa) and her 2 kiddos to walk, play and eat lunch. The morning started out fine but then I took Claire potty after lunch and all of a sudden, I felt dizzy. I thought at first it was because I was bending over helping her and I came up too quickly. But it kept getting worse as we walked to leave. By the time we got to the car, I felt nauseous and like I was going to pass out and then the pain started. I told Liza and she quickly took my phone and started making phone calls. She even called 911! An ambulance came and took me to Rex. My sister and Ashley both met me there. They sat with me all day while I was hooked up to an IV, had my blood drawn and had a Cat Scan. I was in so much pain especially around my belly button. I really thought it was appendicitis but the Cat Scan showed fluid in my pelvis which signifies a ruptured ovarian cyst and low and behold it also showered 2 more cysts, one on each ovary! The have no idea how many ruptured that day but boy was it painful. I had no warning to this like I have had in the past. Before I had cramping, spotting and nausea and this time around, just pain by my belly button. So I called my regular doctor and I am waiting to see what she wants to do. I am sick of this happening every year or so, go away already!!!!

What was I thinking?!?!

As most of you know, I have been spending the last 16 weeks training for the Bi-Lo Marathon in Myrtle Beach, SC which takes place on February 13, 2010. Yes, that is only a month away! I am FREAKING OUT! Where did I get this crazy idea to run a marathon by the time I turn 30?? I am having serious second thoughts about this but I realize that there is NO turning back now. I ran 16 miles yesterday and it was rough. I kept hitting a wall every mile or 2 once I hit the 8 mile mark. I finally started feeling better at mile 13 and then by mile 14, my feet, legs, lower back started aching.....I stopped quickly to adjust my fuel belt and to start running again KILLED me. I was so stiff and I only stopped for no more than a minute!!! I was in tears when I finished and I seriously don't know how I am going to run 18 or 20 miles for my next 2 long runs. I am going to have a serious talk with myself before and really prepare mentally, otherwise I may never make it. The good news is I only have 2 LONG runs left before the marathon. Everyone keeps telling me the training is harder on you mentally than the actual marathon. I sure hope they are right....One thing is for sure though, this will be my FIRST and LAST marathon ever!! However, I do see many half marathons in my future...:)

Update from earlier post

***UPDATE***
They have 10 days to decide if Claire will go to Montessori, if I don't get the job, they will not be sending her until Fall and no matter what, my hours will not be cut :)

Uncertainity

Wow, I have blogged 2x this week already! What a great way to start the new year! But don't get used to it, it more than likely will not last!! HAHA!! So this week has been up and down for me. I had a job interview at Duke yesterday for a research assistant position. I feel it went well. I had a phone interview the week before Christmas and it went so well that within 30 minutes of ending the phone call, they had already emailed me and asked me to come in for a face to face interview. It was really intense yesterday as I met with 3 different people. I of course answered the questions to the best of my ability and stressed that I am a fast learner and can do anything I put my mind too. I then emailed my thank you's to each person I interviewed with. The girl who I interviewed with on the phone immediately responded to my thank you email yesterday and told me that she felt I would be a significant impact to their division and she would hopefully have more information how how they planned to proceed with me next week. I feel semi-positive about this but I do not want to get my hopes up, just for them to be knocked down :( During my phone interview, she also told me that I was what they were looking for and she felt I would be great in a Coordinator position someday! So please pray for me. The downer with all this is the family I nanny for has decided to put their 2 year old in Montessori since they think it could be possible I only have a few weeks left BUT she needs to be put in next week or she loses her spot so her parents are unsure what to do. They did tell me if I get the job, then my last 2 weeks my hours would be 11:30-5:30 but with my full salary, but they cannot pay me my full salary for an extended period of time. If I do not get the job, my hours will be cut and I will only get paid for 30 hours/week rather than my full salary, something I can not live on. They also told me I could work 11:30-8 but that would not work well for me. I would not be able to have a social life at all during the week and honestly, I have worked those hours before and it did NOT work for me at all. So my ideal situation would be for me to get the job at Duke and work my last few weeks with full salary but reduced hours. I know God has a plan for me and I keep praying that this Duke job is part of His plan. I do not like feeling uncertain about my job security, especially in this economy.

Please continue to pray for me that things work out for me. 2010 is supposed to be a good year but its not starting off in the best of circumstances. But everything happens for a reason and things always have a way of falling into place....

Happy 2010

I'm back! Happy New Year!!! I have faith in God and myself that 2010 is going to be an awesome year!!! 2009 was definitely full of a few ups (internship, graduating with my Master's) and many downs (losing 3 family members and a best friend, lack of job prospects and many more). But this year is already looking promising- a job interview on the horizon, a marathon to be run, a special someone in my life and of course my BIG 30th BIRTHDAY!!!! Looking back, it is hard to believe that 10 years ago I was getting ready to turn 20 and never in a million years would I have thought I would be where I am today. I have accomplished so much but I still have a lifetime ahead of me and I am looking forward to my 30's!! HAPPY 2010!!!! I wish everyone a year filled with joy, hope, health and happiness.