5k- check!

Yep, just finished my first 5k ever! OMG it was so amazing! I haven't run competitively since my high school track days, and this was my first distance race.  I successfully finished without walking, which was my main goal.  I also wanted to finish under 35:00, and my running partner and I finished together at 33:18! Not an amazing time, but right where I wanted to be.  Next race, under 30 :)

It was so great to see hoards of people on the sidelines, cheering us on and ringing cowbells.  It was an awesome experience.  My running partner almost gave up a few times, but I convinced her to hang on.  If I was running alone, I don't know if I would have met my goals.  However, I already have a new goal for my next race- breaking 30 minutes.  This is probably do-able if I train more than 2.5 weeks. As of right now, I'm feeling pretty good, but that could also be the post race beers talking.  It's amazing how big of a motivator a nice cold beer and some Olive Garden bread sticks are to running that last kick of the race at a faster clip.  Oh, and you know, that whole stadium full of people cheering for you.

Some photos from the race for your enjoyment.  (Ignore the beet red faces and smeared make up from morning clinicals)

Obligatory post-race cheesing with my medal.

Me and my P-I-C.

Sweaty hugs :)

On Track

Yep, I'm right on track for my 5k on Friday! I did 3.5 miles today in 35 minutes without walking.  Whooo hoooo! Not too shabby for going from 1.5 miles to 3.5 in 2 weeks.  I feel strong, prepared, and ready for friday.  The goal will be to not push myself too hard this week.  Light weights, some abs and lots of stretching along with watching my diet and eating as healthy as possible.

I'll keep you guys posted, but things are looking good.  I just may have to keep up this running stuff through the summer and find a 10k to run in the fall :) I'm working my way through my bucket list, one race at a time.

Now onto making my race day play list- lots of 90's classics and my gangsta rap.  Thank you to Sir Mix-A-Lot for getting me through my last mile today.

R&R coming up!

Still no official arrival date, but I'm hopefully that will change soon.  Compared to previous times, I actually have a beginning of a leave date so I'm practicing careful optimism about an arrival within the next 4-ish weeks.  Fingers and toes are all crossed :)

Checked my donut of misery today- look at that progress! 2/3 done! Just a few months left hopefully.

My semester is flying by, and man am I going to be a busy little gal these next few weeks.  My finals schedule is all mapped out, so let the studying, writing and presentations begin!  If all goes according to plan, my research will also be wrapping up with 20 research subjects completed- whee! I also have a meeting with my research professor to discuss my summer schedule and set out my possible stipend situation for the summer and school year.  Ugh, I am very thankful for funding, but yeesh, my grades are not where I want them to be.  *sigh* Its going to be a very long next few weeks, here is to hoping a certain visitor comes to town shortly, I could use the distraction.

Now comes the fun part of balancing family time for LT and "us time".  His mother is starting to worry me with some of the things she is saying and plans she wants to make, but I'm trying to not get stressed until he actually arrives and decides what he wants to do.  I love his mother, she is such a sweet lady and we have a pretty good relationship, but she is having a tough time with realizing LT and I are young adults now, and not the high school kids we were when we started dating and treating us as such.  I'd love to spend some time with him and his family on R&R, but come on lady- we need some "just us time" to reconnect and get caught up on each others lives, especially after 8+ months apart.  I really want to introduce him to my classmates and show him my life down at school.  I'm trying to be patient and flexible and let LT decide, but I have a feeling his mother is going monopolize his time while he's home.  This could also be the green eyed monster in me that wants to never let go after I get that first hug and kiss.  I'm sure this makes no sense, but I'm just trying to get it all out, and maybe I'll be thinking rationally again.  I'm trying so incredibly hard to not be selfish and take a step back, but I feel like I'm failing miserably.

Any thoughts on balancing the mama situation? Am I being irrational?  I just need some outside perspective and advice.

Good Deeds and the Warm Fuzzies

So, I totally meant to blog about this earlier, and me being in tunnel vision/end of the semester mode it totally fell WAY off my radar... So *sheepish grin* here it goes!

I was waiting in line to mail a care package for LT last week since I knew he was probably getting replaced as a PL soon, and wanted to send him a little something to brighten his spirits.  I also went a little crazy with the baking, so I thought I'd share with him and his guys.  I get to the post office with all my goodies in tow because I forgot I ran out of boxes and customs forms (bad girlfriend, I know).  I also managed to forget the cute note card I always make for the address, I was truly in fine form that evening.

I was standing in line at the on-campus post office when I notice an ROTC cadet walk into the lobby.  He was in his "fuzzy" uniform as LT used to call it, so it was a dead give away- oh and that nifty ROTC patch on the right shoulder.  Anyways, I get called up, and I'm talking to the post office lady who knows me quite well by now.  She asked how LT was doing if I had heard anything new and all the usual questions.  The ROTC guy then interrupts and asks something along the line of, "are you sending that to a deployed soldier" I replied yes I was and he then ever so politely asked if he could pay for the postage. I asked if he was sure and he was, so he stepped on up and paid for it for me!

I was so touched by what he then said next, he said "The soldiers over there are often forgotten after the holidays and I wanted to show my appreciation, just be sure to say thank you and to let him know we still appreciate everything they are doing.  I just hope when I deploy I have someone who would do the same for me."  At this point, I lost it as did the post office lady.  I started getting all misty eyed and gave him a big hug and said thank you.  I was so touched that a college student would show that much gratitude to someone they don't even know.  I mailed the rest of my things and he and I chatted a bit before we both had to go our separate ways.  It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done, and I only wish the box wasn't all sealed up so the ROTC cadet could have slipped a quick note in there.

Doesn't this just give you the warm fuzzies? I made my day, and I'm still waiting on hearing how LT reacted to the news.

Avenue Q and Bestie Time

Oh my goodness, this weekend was a blast! One of my best friends came into town and we did a real "big girl/ grown up dinner" of ordering dessert and wine along with entrees (yay for living it up) then went and saw Avenue Q on campus.  Oh goodness if you get a chance to look up some of the songs on YouTube- they are hilarious! It's like Sesame Street but for adults :D (you have been warned, there is rough language and lots of sexual humor).  My favorite song of the night has to be "I wish I could go back to college" Ha! Yes I know I'm still in school- but man was undergrad a blast!  It went over pretty well for the two of us, we reminisced about our undergraduate days/ senior year and wishing we could go back and live it up a little more.

Unfortunately the bestie wasn't feeling her best, so the entire weekend was spent with a middle school style sleepover.  Complete with popcorn, candy, trashy girly movies, and lots of girl talk.  Along with a long shopping trip where I scored some awesome cropped dress pants and an adorable skirt and shirts.  This weekend was nice and relaxing, and exactly the mental break I needed before these next 3-ish weeks of classes kill me.

Update on the leave sitch- there is a clear date LT will be transferring his PL spot over to a new LT before he takes a headquarters position, then moving to Kuwait and *fingers crossed* stateside within a week or so after that.  Any experience on how fast it takes to make it to the states from Kuwait?

Running Update: The weather is beautiful so I did my first long outdoor run with my classmate, and it is awesome! I ran from the fitness center on campus and did about 2.5 miles then went to the gym and lifted/did abs and I feel like I can take over the world!  Or at least finish up my apartment cleaning and homework that is severely neglected :)

I've Got the Bug...

The running bug that is!  I think the combination of the beautiful weather and my stress levels being through the roof made me want to do something for myself.  I've really been slacking on going to the ARC and taking time for me away from school.  So, long story short, a classmate and I are running a 5K- in 3 weeks.  Yes, you read that correctly- 3 weeks! Eeeep!

Thankfully we're both fairly in shape, but our cardio needs a swift kick in the you-know-what.  We've already paid our registration and have our goal time set.  I ran 3 miles last week in about 35 minutes (ish, and with only walking once-woot), so my goal time is the full race in under 30 minutes.  In a perfect world if I had more time, I'd go for 25 minutes, but I'm anticipating some bumps along the way.  Apparently these long legs I've inherited are good for something other than giving me headaches while shopping ;)

Training plan is set- 2 miles 4 times this week (2 down, 2 to go!).  4 miles 4 times next week and 5 mile runs twice before the race mixed with some light lifting and swimming thrown in the mix.  It's not a perfect plan, but I think we'll get our endurance up and hopefully finish in our goal times :)

On a weird side note, my feet keep falling asleep when I'm riding my bike or running on an elliptical :/ I'm going to try new orthotics in my running shoes, and my running shoes are fairly new and for my pronation, but I'm just stumped.  Any suggestions?

On a good side note, there is a possible leave date, however because I've been told this 3 times before I'm not getting my hopes up yet until I have a flight time.  Is this bad? I feel terrible not getting excited yet, but I've just been through the ringer enough I don't want to get hurt yet again.... silly Army I want him home already!! My donut of misery is already at 64% done.... is it time yet!?!

Send Some Love!

Today I was going to blog about being achy/whiny from my run, the lack of a definitive leave date and a multitude of other complaints.  But today, after reading the note from {Mis}Adventures of an Army Wife, I can’t.  Today, I decided to blog about something much bigger than just my insignificant complaints. 

After reading her post, my heart sank and I got a knot in my stomach.  I was physically ill to read about what caused her to think taking her life was the only option left in her life.  When I scrolled down to the bottom I was overwhelmed with a sense of relief in finding she was alive and had sought treatment.  Upon reading the never ending comments of concern, offering prayers and sincere well wishes, I cried tears of happiness that the blogging community is so supportive and took quick action to help her in her time of great need. 

Because of days like today, I can really see the support that exists through the blogging community, it reminded me why I chose to start a blog in the first place, the support.  While not everyone may feel they can open up during difficult times, this shows how even people you have not met will be there to offer words of encouragement and solidarity. 

I encourage you to send a little love her way because she needs it.  I can only hope that someday soon she will read these comments, messages and other ways people are trying to get in contact with her to see how truly loved and supported she is. 

“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back.” ~Maya Angelou

ABC's of me!

(A) Age: 23

(B) Bed Size: Twin…. Can you tell I live in a tiny 300 square foot studio?

(C) Chore You Really Dislike: Hand washing dishes… blech!

(D) Dogs? Mac Gregor, Mac for short, the family dog.  He’s all sorts of special... and I mean special, I'll have to do a post about him one of these days.

(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: Cup of coffee or chai tea

(F) Favorite Color: I can't pick just one!! Pink, Purple, Green, Teal, Red… really can’t go wrong.

(G) Gold or Silver? White gold or platinum are my favorite!  I’ve never gotten into yellow gold.

(H) Height: 5'10”

(I) Instruments You Play: Used to play clarinet

(J) Job Title: Graduate Student and Research Assistant Extraordinaire!

(K) Kids: No thank you.

(L) Live: Tiny little studio in the heart of campus.

(M) Mom's Name: Valerie, goes by Val

(N) Nicknames: Dani, Dani-long-legs, Dee Dee and “Seester” from my sister

(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? Nada, let’s keep it that way :)

(P) Pet Peeve: So freaking many! People that drag their shoes/scuff their feet when walking, people that don't clean up after themselves, competitive students, slow drivers, and many many more!

(Q) Quote from a Movie: "As you wish!” I’ve been in a Princess Bride mood lately :)

(R) Right or Left Handed? Righty!

(S) Siblings: 1 widdle seester.  She’s 3 years younger.

(T) Time You Wake Up? Whenever I have to be to class, so it varies based upon the day, anywhere from 6-9 am, except on weekends when it becomes a "whenever I feel like it" kind of day.

(U) Underwear: “Cheeker Peekers” as my friends and I call them, or something cutesy and lacy.

(V) Vegetable You Dislike: The only one I hate are Lima Beans… blech! I do love a good balsamic roasted brussel sprout now.

(W) What Makes You Run Late: Hitting the snooze button too many times.

(X) X-Rays: Teeth and my right knee (old track injury).

(Y) Yummy Food You Make: Anything I bake, but I make a mean tuna noodle casserole, chicken parmesan or lemon pepper roasted chicken.

(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: Three way tie between manatees, lemurs or red pandas.

How stinkin' cute are they?

Back to "normal"

Thanks for all the sweet words yesterday/this morning, I really REALLY needed that.  It is amazing what a nice long cry to sleep and a 5 mile run can do to clear my head.  I seriously haven't run that far in a long long time, but once I started I just kept going and going and going.  When I got home, I broke down in the shower again- I guess I'm just having trouble dealing with it all on top of the stress of school.  I got out in the sun a little today too and I'm starting to see a tan develop so hopefully it's not season change related.

I made chocolate chip cookies tonight, so this may placate my mood some more.  And the last time I was home, my mother sent me on my way with 60% Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips... yum :)  Combine that with ACM awards and I'm on my way back to my normal-ish self.

So.... I'm still waiting, wishing, and hoping. Thanks again for all your kind words and for reading.

Hitting the wall.

It's 3 am, I can't sleep and I just feel like I'm at a really rough point right now, I haven't felt this low since Christmas really.  I have so much school work to do, partly my fault with all the procrastinating, and also profs who wait to assign major projects until the last month of classes, grr!

I also just feel like I've had it with deployment at this point.  Seriously, 7 months and not even a leave date in sight.... soooo not fair! I'm also tired of hearing the disappointment in LT's voice whenever he calls and he says "well not this month honey."  His dejected voice gets me down every time, I just wish I could hug him and make him feel better.  I guess I'm in the mood to have a pity party.  I just am ready to have a huge ugly cry, scream and throw really fragile objects around my apartment.  I try so very hard to be thankful and count my blessings, but tonight I've just had it.  I'm ready for this shit to be over already.

I'm going to bed.  Here is to hoping a long cry, lots of sleep and copious amounts of chocolate after a morning run help me to find some inner strength.  I am seriously lacking that big time right now.