Three Things Thursday: Thankful Edition

Short and sweet because I only have a few minutes:

1.  I'm thankful for friends who send awesome surprise packages my way.  My friend and fellow Michigan BAMR Betsy saw something at Disney when she was there for Wine and Dine and thought of me (how incredible sweet is that?).  She said she'd send it to me and then yesterday a whole package of awesome stuff showed up at my door!  She sent me this little Disney trinket (which will be very loved by someone SHHH it's a gift) but also included some cool makeup and a bunch of Picky Bars!  Betsy is definitely one of a kind and I love that she did this.  It made my night when I was otherwise not having a great evening.

2.  I'm thankful for PT.  Yesterday I ran 3 nearly pain-free miles on the TM before my PT session and then Terence cut me loose!  I'm not officially cleared to train for the DONNA :)  I'm planning a 4 mile run for Saturday morning - wish me luck!

3.  I'm thankful for dear friends who invited me out for a girls' night tonight.  We are going to the Uptown Holiday Shop Hop - a walking/trolly/shopping extravaganza.  If you are local to Grand Rapids, MI, you should definitely check it out.  I've never gone so I'm excited to see what it's all about. Let's just hope I don't blow 4 weeks of Weight Watchers in one night because I also hear there are snacks and boozy specials.  The best part will be hanging with Jenn, Andi and Susan.

What are you thankful for today?

Three Things Thursday: Currently

This week my friend, Carla, wrote a blog post imagining we could be sitting down with a cup of coffee and chatting about what is currently going on with our lives.  I only wish I could be as transparent and open as is.  Too many people I know read this blog and I've been burned in the past about stupid stuff like swearing (for real - someone from church told my husband he should talk to me about the language I use on MY blog, because a - like it was their fucking business and b - it's M's job to police my behavior), so I can't really open my heart like I'd like.

So here is my somewhat edited "currently" in TTT format.

1.  I went to yoga today and was so frustrated by my lack of ability that it took everything I had to not leave the studio 15 minutes into class.  I fought back tears but could not leave with my daughter on the mat next to me.  I sucked out loud and it only served to reinforce what I already feel. I'd been feeling pretty good about the yoga sessions but today really took me down.

2.  My daughter leaves for college in less than 3 weeks and my son in about 4 weeks. I'm not ready.  I keep putting on a brave face but I really fear for what fall is going to bring.  I know they are ready and I'm so blessed to have two strong, smart, independent young adults, but yes, I'm scared.

3.  Because money is tight (hello 2 kids starting college and a $700 repair on my POS van last week), I've been donating plasma twice a week since early June to earn my "play" money.  I haven't said much on social media but I'm treating it like a job - scheduled days/hours and I take it seriously.  I think I eat well (except the 161 fucking pounds currently showing on the scale may say otherwise) and I've done really well with it other than some nausea, up until this week.  I had a scare on Monday.  I went in not feeling 100% and when they took my temp, it was 99*.  Not high enough to deny me but high for me.  I still donated because they didn't say I couldn't, then I came home and 2 hours later almost passed out while getting ready to go to yoga.  Needless to say, I skipped yoga that day and didn't go to my group run the next day either.  I donated again on Wednesday (because it's my job) and my protein level was the lowest it can possibly be to donate.  Now I'm afraid I'm going to lose this source of income and I won't be able to plan any visits to friends anymore.  It really sucks.

There you go.  Three things currently on my mind.  Anything you'd like to share over a cup of coffee with me?

#TTT Three Things Thursday: random thoughts

1.  I'm having a very hard focusing lately.  Chalk it up to taper crazies or just having too much going on in my life or sleeping like poop.  Speaking of poop - I think my stomach already thinks it's race day. Sorry, TMI and keeping it real.

2.  Saw a video on Facebook from the Detroit Marathon page this morning and had a mini freakout.  I can't get the video to post but you can watch it here. Then I went searching youtube for more course videos and I found this one.



It's long, like a marathon, but shows the entire course.

3.  I'm wearing heels today, because what else would someone with foot problems do 10 days before her goal marathon?

At least I look cute :)  Also - I really need to clean that mirror.

Happy Thursday, people!

#TTT: crazy week

It's been a very random & crazy start to the school year. I got this lovely spam comment...



I've been in so many meetings that I haven't even started to play Tetris.



And my run yesterday reminded me of this cartoon because Journey came on, along with a few other songs that usually motivate, and I thought my playlist was fucking with me.


I really hope next week is better.

How is your August winding up?

Thankful Thursday Randoms

Giving thanks today before the day gets away from me.  

First off, I'm thankful for my crazy Screaming Thunderboxes teammates.  

Secondly, I'd like to give thanks for the home gym of sorts I have in my basement.  I didn't want to work out this morning, but I went down there and at least got some arms and abs done.  

I'm also thankful for this funny birthday card from my sister.  

What are you thankful for today?

Three Things Thursday: Up Schitt Creek

I have a confession to make.  I often write my Training Tuesday posts on Sunday night and schedule them for Tuesday.  Since they reflect the previous Monday through Sunday, I figure, what's the big deal?  

Well, sometimes things happen on Monday that throw everything off.  This Monday was one of those days. I went out for my scheduled 6 mile easy run and 1.5 in I knew something wasn't right with my ass.  (I know, my ass is both a hot mess and hot, so work with me here people.)  Instead of doing the smart thing and turning around to walk home, I kept running.  I finished my 6 miles and now I'm here....

source

Wouldn't you know it, I also forgot to bring my paddles.  My ass is seriously fraked up and so is my opposite ankle.  The chiro I saw yesterday thinks they are related.  My ankle has been bugging me literally for over a year but I just deal with it.  It gets locked up and tight but usually a mile into my runs, it's fine.  Monday it wasn't fine and I think I changed my gait enough to deal with it that it made the issue with my hass flair back up.  So now....

I've been resting, rolling, icing, heating and stretching.  I didn't lift Tuesday and I didn't run on Wednesday.  I probably won't lift today either.  You see, I have this little 200 mile relay to start running tomorrow and there's no way in hell I'm letting my team down.  I just hope I can suck it up and complete my 18 miles.

At the very least, I'll be colorful as I tread water down Schitt Creek.  Just pray I don't hear banjos.

Thankful Thursday: blessings

Just a quickie today because I have house cleaners coming in 10 minutes and I need to clean my house first (don't laugh).

1.  I'm thankful for mid-50s mornings on days I have speedwork.  This morning's run would not have gone nearly as well had it been in the 70s.

2.  I'm thankful for sprinklers at mile 5.5 of a 6 mile run, even when it's in the 50s.  Yes, I ran through some random dude's sprinklers this morning and it was AWESOME.  Then I stuck my head in my own sprinklers when I got home.  I'm sure the neighbors think I'm nuts and I'm totally cool with that.

3.  I'm thankful I get to write for The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  Today I'm posting over there on my experience of using the Run/Walk/Run method during Rock n Roll Chicago Half and some of the pros and cons of run/walk/run.  Check it out if you are interested.

What are you thankful for today?

#TTT: 3 Take-aways from #fitbloggin

I could go on and on about how incredible the FitBloggin sessions were, how great Roni is, about the camaraderie and support from hanging out with like-minded people.  But I won't.  You can find tons of FitBloggin14 recaps here and they all rock.  When I attended FitBloggin11, I attended as a relatively knew blogger and felt like I needed to attend all the sessions, eat all the food, take all the fitness classes, and party until all hours.  This year, I was much more relaxed.  I was still exhausted by the time I returned home, but I was more selective in what I chose to do and my head wasn't spinning quite as much.

Instead, here are 3 little take-aways from FitBloggin14.

1.  You MUST #takealltheselfies (or recruit people to take your pic).

Melissa, Monica (Bang), Arian Foster
Thea, The Tribe, Thea/Heather/Christy/Me
Dubyawife, Alan, Jeff Galloway

There are so many other people that I wanted to see or I saw but didn't take a picture with.  I sat in sessions with bloggers ("pros" and newbies, some who don't even blog yet) who are at every point in their own journeys.  Each and every one of them inspire me on some level.  

2.  Savannah is incredibly beautiful.

Some of my favorite FitBloggin14 memories took place outside of the conference rooms: walking through the squares on my way to the conference from my hotel, strolling along River Street on it's historic cobblestones, watching the water and the enormous ships, discussing running and blogging while out at dinner or in the lounge with old and new friends.  All of those events are also FitBloggin.

3.  If you are going to run 14 miles while at FitBloggin, it's best with a support crew and incredible scenery.

10k, bridge-running, rockstars. Yah, that's Jeff Galloway in the middle.

I seriously had NO IDEA how hard it was going to be to run my weekend long run in Savannah.  I have heat and humidity in Michigan, but nothing like that.  Running through the squares, on the bridge route with the 10k group, and then the River Walk added enough different scenery that it helped break up the run.  But those weren't the biggest keys to making it through my long run.  If I didn't have friends encouraging me - especially going up and over that bridge TWICE - I don't think I would have finished.  Encouraging and supporting others is what really makes the FitBloggin community so special.  

I may write another recap, but in all likelihood, this will be it.  Instead, I'm enjoying reading everyone else's posts while I miss them all deeply.

I'm hoping against hope to make it to FitBloggin15 in Denver.  Will you be there?

  

#TBT - my babies are growing up!

This post is a bit of 

Three Things Thursday, Thankful Thursday and Throwback Thursday

all rolled into one.

Almost 17 years ago, these two made me a mom.

In 2009 they headed off to middle school, but
not before a trip to Washington, DC.

In 2 days they finish their Junior year.
Academic honors, AP classes, marching band,
theater, athletic varsity letters, NHS.

I am so incredibly blessed to call David and Kaylee my kids 

and I couldn't be more proud of them.

In a couple days, they will officially be Seniors in HS.

Where did the time go?

#TBT timehopping

Have you heard of the timehop app?  It's a fun little way to be reminded of what you were doing and posted 1, 2, 3 or more years ago.  

Some days the hops are really funny and honestly, some of the posts are probably ones I would rather have forgotten about.  These three posts occurred exactly one year ago yesterday.

This is one I'd like to forget.
Trying to come back from my stress reaction/fx 2 years ago.
 I feel like I'm going through this all over again.

3 years ago I was coming home from Fitbloggin!
That was one of the best weekends ever and I can't wait
to get to Savannah this year.

This one cracked me up. That's my girl in the tiedye passed out
in a hotel hallway with 3 of her gymnastic teammates after a meet.
I miss her competing in gymnatics and can't believe it's been 4 years since she quit
to pursue high school sports.

So, a bit of nostalgia thanks to timehop.  Do you have timehop?  What's been your favorite "hop"?

TTT: burgers, speed and Grease?

Three randoms for Thursday

Burgers are best on a bun and with fries,
2 things my kids had last night
that I didn't.

I woke up at 5:45 this morning to bust out 2 miles.
Bust out I did.  Can't remember the last time I saw 9:30s.

I'm getting my hair colored tonight at a beauty school. I'd received
a free service for attending a GNO event and could choose btwn
color, cut or facial.  No way I'd let them cut my hair and facials make
me break out, so color it is. Just please, God, don't let me end up
looking like Frenchy.

I've had the "Beauty School Dropout" song in my head for days now.  Have you ever had your hair done at a beauty school?  

TTT: giving thanks x 3

Just a few fun things to be thankful for today.

Some days, my job really stresses me out, especially at this time of the year.
Having one of the HS special education students draw me yesterday
made my day.  I really love the eyelashes :)

My boy might have a job this summer!  Really hoping his interview goes well
and I'm proud of him for going for it.

My girl PRd in discus at her meet last night by almost another foot,
throwing 72'11".  She ended up taking 3rd in the event with
 G'ville going 1-2-3 out of 12 varsity throwers!

I'm also giving thanks for the restraint I had this morning in our staff breakfast.  I stuck to my eating plan and didn't eat anything that was off limits.  What I did eat, I logged into MFP.  Hopefully those 3 strips of bacon don't undo the 6.4 pounds I've already lost this week.

Three Things Thursday: randoms that made me smile

Three things this week that have helped make a rough week better.

Sometimes after a rough day, you just need beer and pizza.
Sucks that 2 pieces = +2 pounds on the scale, but it is what it is.

So proud of my girl. After a rough season last year, she's jumping again.
In her first meet back, she jumped 14'4" and beat her next closest teammate by a foot.

I went back to yoga yesterday.  It was a much needed 75 minutes.
This studio is amazing.  If you live near me, you must go.

What's made you smile this week?

Three Things Thursday: giving thanks

Giving thanks for three randoms today!

1.  A super fun blogger run date with Corey on Sunday.  We ran a virtual 5k (Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas in the hopes to win a t-shirt) and then finished for a total of 5 chilly miles.  There was lots of cheesy picture taking around town and I got puppy snuggles from her sister's puppy Molly (and mistaken for a chew toy).

2.  Both of my kids ROCKED on their ACT tests (their scores came out yesterday).  They each improved by 2 points over their first try and their scores are pretty freaking impressive.  To top that off, my girl got her first collegiate recruitment letter yesterday for diving!  It's not a school that will work for what she's planning as her major but what a cool honor to be recruited.

3.  I started lifting again yesterday and I didn't die.  I used a few of the machines and dumbbells and I can even sorta move today (which probably means I didn't lift heavy enough).  Shameless gym selfie showing I totally forgot a headband and hair ties, so my hair was in my face the whole time. 

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Three Things Thursday

Combining because I couldn't decide which post to write, so 3 things I'm thankful for:

1.  Running stores and online retailers that let you return shoes after wearing them.  If this wasn't the case, I'd have about 10 or 15 pairs of shoes in my closet that meet the "most expensive shoes I own" description but also cannot be worn. Granted, this also means I'm going to have a ton of credit at Road Runner Sports because they don't do returns, only exchanges.  Anyone need shoes?

2.  I love people who are afraid of the Pillsbury Dough Boy and his exploding cans of biscuits.  Whenever I see a posting to that effect, it makes me smile.


3.  I get to see Corey on Sunday for some running and outlet shopping.  SQUEEEE!!! Can't. Freaking. Wait!  I'm hoping my legs have recovered from this week's lifting to actually keep up with her because as of right now, I'm rocking the Frankenstein walk.  (Note to self, only arms and abs tonight after running.)


What about you?  What are you thankful for this week?

Three Things Thursday

Three completely random thoughts for Three Things Thursday:

God, I hope so!

One of the teachers brought in a big bag of fortune cookies.  I might have had one for breakfast. Don't judge, it's been a really rough day so far.

epic fail on the packaging since I cut my thumb 

The Advil Cold and Sinus is no longer working.  Sucks that I have conferences again tonight and I'll be at work until 7 pm.

so cute

Playing with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head with a 3 year old is always fun.  Playing with Baby Spud is even better.  Remembering Disney every day when I have my coffee is the best.

Did you know there was a Baby Potato Head?

Thankful Thursday: progress?

I feel like I haven't done a "giving thanks" post in a while, so I was due.  

I'm giving thanks that the arch support my podiatrist made is starting to make my foot feel better and I won't need to dress for work like this forever.  I was actually *thisclose* to wearing dress shoes today but decided not to press my luck.

Damn, that's a sexy look!

I'm giving huge thanks for a great run Tuesday afternoon.  I haven't seen a sub-10 minute mile in a very long time, much less had a run that didn't leave me limping and in pain for days afterwards.  I'm only allowed to run twice a week right now, so hopefully Saturday's 3 miles will go as well or better.  It's supposed to be downright balmy at 18* but the doc says no outside runs until the streets are clear, so I'll be doing loops on the indoor track again while my kids take the ACT (say a prayer for them, and me).

Boom!

Today I'm also giving thanks for my Starbucks Gold Card and free drink rewards.  That triple shot might help me make progress on all the reports I have due.

Nectar of the Gods

What are you giving thanks for this week?  If you want, you can give thanks that the snow isn't taller than you and your van (unless it is and in that case, come join me for coffee and we'll bitch about how this winter is never going to end).  I guess I should also give thanks that we still have a mailbox.

3 Things Thursday: track team motivation

My HS junior daughter is a diver & runs track. She has these tags hanging from her swim/track bag & I love that the captains gave these out before each meet.



Here are 3 of my favorites:










That last one. Yah, that. That POS voice has been yelling at me for weeks and really needs to STFU.

What about you? Any other great motivating quotes from your kid's gym bag?

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#TTT - mini thanks

Gonna be brief on this one. You're welcome.

1. I'm thankful that these Mizunos have potential.



2. I'm thankful for the advice of a really good friend.

3. I'm thankful Squirt has a sense of humor and no front claws. She says "Meowy Christmas".



What are you thankful for this week?

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Three Things Thursday: irritations

Totally random thoughts this morning.

1. Athleta keeps sending catelogs and I want it all. Seriously, how awesome is this running outfit? I've always wanted to try a vest and I'm a sucker for any shirt with thumbholes.



Also, I want the model's legs and ass but I'm too lazy to work that hard.

2. A guy was here yesterday replacing our electric meter.  I remembered to reset all the clocks...except the one on my Keurig.  Morning coffee fail.  Luckily it heats up pretty quickly.

3.  Training for a race at an odd time of year makes it really hard to have social runs with friends.  Who wants to run 14 miles in 17 degree weather when everyone else is only running 5?  No one.  Not even me.  I'm really struggling with how to get my long run in this weekend.  Any suggestions?

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