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!!!!