goals.

i have never really made resolutions before. i look at it more as goals, rather than resolutions. some goals take time, maybe even more that than a year ahead. sometimes each year in my head i will rattle some off, but this is the first time i have actually made a list. i am looking at them as lifestyle/living/life goals, and hope to improve in some way, over the course of this year and beyond. some of them will be an ongoing process. but anyway, here they are. let's see if i can hold true to them! i may or may not revisit this post, but seeing it in print will help me to remember things.

in 2011, i hope.......

• to make better use of time, but throw in some lazy days here and there (i think i am already pretty good at being lazy!)

• to save $ better and spend less (this is always a goal, but in 2009 and 2010 i really sucked at it)

• to keep up my fitness, and switch it up a bit. More things like yoga and strength training and whatever else i may introduce myself to and enjoy. At home or possibly join a gym.

• to continue to try to make healthier meal and snack choices, but to also remember to enjoy treats.

• to be more empathetic

• to leave the past in the past, and not let it affect me or my attitude. (i am currently "so so" at this)

• to forgive and then move on

• to keep trying new recipes and keeping myself open to cooking.

• to keep my living space more organized and cleaner

• to not judge ( myself or others), and to remember you don't know why someone is making the choice being made, and to hold back judgement over it. sometimes there are reasons unknown to you, as to why a choice is being made.

• to enjoy life, and to sit back and enjoy the little moments, as well as the bigger moments.

• to stop and take deep breaths.....they can be so calming and relaxing, especially when life gets hectic

• to run more longer distance races, and work on speed (i did well trying to do speedwork in the fall...would like to get back into that)

• and most importantly to be a good person.

happy 2011!

2010.

in 2010....

i learned more about myself.

tried to focus on the present. if you are not happy with something, do what you can to fix it. don't focus on the past, it's the past and no changing it. what you can do is make the most of the present. and open your heart to other things.

tried to let go of any bitterness i have toward things in the past. and to reserve judgement...espcially if you don't know the whole story to a situation. all it causes is wrinkles and crankiness. and drives others away. and some gray hair may pop up faster too. i recognize this trait in many people, and it really bothers me. i hope they can achieve this goal too.

i learned you need to let others in, allow them to be there for you.

i found a new love for roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli. the crispier the better!

i learned that i really enjoy my friends, small as that circle is...... i rediscovered my love and appreciation for them and i treasure our times together, limited as it may be. and i learned to relish in our times together. friendship is something different. family is family and a wonderful thing, but friends are a saving grace more than you know. and sometimes the breath of fresh air you need. at least for me.

i learned that i want to live somewhere else. that somewhere else is someplace south. 3 states in mind. and the thought of doing it alone does not intimidate me the way it used to.

i became more independent, even if just a smidgen.

i started a love affair with almond butter and peach jam on toast. if i can make the jars last a week, i am doing good.

i learned that taking care of children, no matter the age, never gets easier.

i gained another angel this year. and know of so many others who have gained an angel this year too.

for the first time, i did some things that intimidated me. i vacationed alone for 3 days in disney. at the time, the thought scared me, and i decided to challenge myself and try it....and i was worried. but in the end, i really enjoyed it. i would do it again tomorrow if i could.

for the first time, i went to a movie by myself. this always freaked me out to go do this on my own. i know lots of people who have done this, but to me, it always was intimidating to do alone. i would do it again in a heartbeat.

for the first time, i really got more into cooking. and look forward to more. simple as it may be.

for the first time i ran 13.1 miles. and did it again months later. 3 times this year, ( 2 times in a race and once on a training run)....and it makes me proud to know i can do it, especially when it hurt (literally) me to run one block just 3 years ago.

for the first time, i also ran 14.5 miles. it makes me realize that maybe you can do anything you put your mind to.

i realized that if you tell me i can't do something, it pushes me to do it more. and to accomplish it.

this year has been a rather stressful year. both personally and professionally.

one of my proudest moments in 2010 was crossing the finish line of not 1, but 2 half marathons. i did it ALL by myself. both the training and the race. my other proud moment was that i stuck to it and did not give up. often times i wanted to. there were tears. and a tantrum or 2.

i realized my biggest enemy is myself.

i discovered a new favorite breakfast of vanilla yogurt, strawberries, grapes and peanut butter puffins (or multigrain cheerios). i had this 99% of the time this summer for breakfast. or lunch. or both.

2010 was full of many ups and downs. and these were just some of the standouts.

here is to 2011, and hopefully a more peaceful year. for one and all.

happy new year!

2010 running stats.

i ran an estimated 548.59 miles in 2010.

according to dailymile.com, when i first started (in april) using the website to track mileage, i have burned 257.17 doughnuts. that's a lot of doughnuts! i have powered 978.86 tvs. i burned 13 pounds. i love how daily mile tracks things! (these stats are only from when i started using this website to track my runs...in april....the above mentioned number includes runs from before april as well..but all these fun facts are only from april onward, which means had i used the site starting in january, there'd be more doughnuts burned!!) :) (this is hypothetically, according to info that you input onto the site....so how real it is (other than the miles logged) i don't know).

anyway.

i ran only one 5k race.

(3.1 miles)

wishbone 5k in november

i ran 2 10k races.

(6.2 miles per race)

cleveland marathon 10k in may

a most excellent race 10k in june

and i ran 2 half marathons.

(13.1 miles per race)

walt disney world half marathon in january...my first half!!!

myrtle beach mini marathon in october

it was a good race year. i even got my first-ever-in-my-life- for-real trophy at that 5k in november. now i can say i have a divisional award (1st in age group back in 2009) and a 3rd overall award (2010 5k). now i proudly own a plaque and trophy for those accomplishments!

interestingly enough, both those awards were at races in my hometown!

i didn't race as much as i did in 2009, but when i did, i went out full force and was happy with the outcomes! hoping 2011 is just as fun with running and racing!

and i am not done yet! could a full (26.2 miles) marathon be ahead for 2011 or even 2012????!!?

guess we'll wait and see! :)

merry, bright.

may the spirit of the season be with you.

merry christmas.

snow days at the ballpark.

today was fun!

i took k. and v. (along with my mom and aunt) to snow days at progressive field (home of the cleveland indians). it was wintery fun!

they have turned the field into a winter playland, including a rink, the "frozen mile" in which you skate around the field, right past the bullpen and the rest of the outfield, a snow play area, a maze, and tubing down the bleachers! it was really fun! (due to privacy reasons, i am the only one pictured, but the girls enjoyed it a lot too!)

it was so fun to be back on the ice! i dusted off my skates and took a whirl around the frozen mile! i miss the ice skating! it's been a good few years since i skated at all!

tubing down the bleachers!

it was fun to watch yourself on the jumbo tron (they showed a 30 second delayed video of your ride down!!!!). only time i have ever been on the jumbo tron!

tubing was fun!

it was fun! i'd go back again and enjoy it some more. maybe they will do this again next year, it's only open for another week!

breakfast with santa, but not really.

my aunt, sister, mom, brother, and myself all joined addison for breakfast with santa at the rainforest, a part of the metro park zoo.

the rainforest was a nice, warm respite out of the bitter cold we have been having!

as we entered the rainforest, we saw santa sitting in his chair...addy was not ready for an up close visit, so we waved and she told him she'd be back later.

we got to touch a hedgehog, and polar bear fur, and a little snake (although i did not, i absolutely can't stand to look at one, let alone touch it. yuck.).

we headed into the actual exhibit area of the building (not the food court area like we assumed it would be), and found our table. we grubbed on a buffet of bagels, eggs, waffles, smoothies, juice, coffe,sausage, and bacon.

we met the rainforest frog, but we ended up never seeing santa. by the time we were ready to visit him, he had to leave.

we still had fun playing in his chair though! addy passed out candy canes for us all.

then we headed into the rest of the exhibit area to say hello to the animals.

our faces as we watched the orangutans.

this serious faced oraguntan suddenly would smile. then stop. then again.

it was so funny.

a nice, warm time was had by all!

snapdragon inn's white christmas.

i love this! i wanna do something fun like this! i especially like the jazz hands and the toddler.

happy christmas!

is it summer yet?

is it summer yet?

i recently posted about just getting back into the running scheme of things. i should be starting a training plan this week if i plan to run the disney princess half marathon.

i have been hampered by knee issues lately, which really occur after the run. stairs have not been a good friend. after talking with my boss who happens to be a doctor, and diagnosing myself via the internet (not a good thing!), and just plain running rest from my gut instinct, and lots of ice, and stretches, this week i started back (using the treadmill) on some slow, easy runs. my knee problems are very common in runners. things were looking up and i was excited to start back into this again (aside from being out in the freezing cold). i have been using the treadmill which is a crapmill b/c the screen is kaput! no numbers so i have no idea how far i am running or how long. i use a stop watch and run for a certain time. which is boring. but better than icy sidewalks this week.

cue in yesterday when a blizzard decided to hit us, it was insane! as i was walking to pick up my charges at their school, i was trying to avoid bigger drifts, and made a small hop and the slushy snow and my boot did not agree and down i went. on the bad leg. i felt my ankle/foot turn inward. i thought "oh $%&*!!! there goes that knee. actually, the knee is ok! it's the foot and ankle that are the problem now! by the time i got home last night, i seriously could have used crutches....i could not walk on it much at all! i was internally freaking out a bit, but there is no swelling or bruising that i can see, which is good, so now i am just kinda hobbling along. it is less painful today than it was last night. so hopefully some more rest and ice will do the trick. again. there goes the weekend run.

i am looking at the bright side. if it was gonnna happen, let it be now. not before the race. and nothing worse that a strain. i hope. if it does not get better, it'll get checked out, but i think it is ok.

oy to the vey.

yes, the snow is pretty. i appreciate that fact. it's when i am in it, that begs the question.

is it summer yet?

oogy.

have you read about oogy? you should.

i think he is the cutest thing ever.

i want to hug him and not let go.

it's a good story. with a good ending.

i am not one to read animal stories, because i usually just can't handle the sad parts.

but this story pulled me in, and really, it is NOT sad.

it's more than a story about a dog.

but i think this dog is amazing.

go read why.

blah blahs.

source

that's how i have been feeling. but keep on keepin on is all i can do or say!

i think sometimes that just happens. life gets blah. especially when it is cold. and dreary. at least for me.

i've been a little absent from blogging. but i am here. not much to report. i am trying to get into the swing of things right now, running has been put on hold, and trying to take it slowly. having some issues, and have really had to start from scratch again. nothing too major, but suddenly random things happening. i still am hoping to do the princess half in disney this winter. i am stressing over getting back into things a little. my body needs to cooperate, and my mind does too. i guess i am in a bit of a slump. physically and mentally. i feel like i have been for a long time, at least mentally, but i have been pressing on. and did you know? it's now winter. snow. wind. and cold. my body is not taking it too well. oy vey. but i am so thankful to be ok, in all ways. it could be worse.

but it's the holiday season, with pretty lights, and yummy foods abound. that makes things bright! need to remember this and the spirit of the season. let's enjoy what is present.

oh and addy did a poop on the potty. yay for progress! so close to no diapers!

some randomness this entry is. :)

if you are reading this, i wish you well, and hope things are bright for you. and warmer than they are here right now! (seriously, this wind could tone it down just a bit!)

mikey.

happy birthday, mikey!

mikey is a great brother....always willing to help out when you need him, and is always there no matter what. he is always good for a fun time, a smile and hug when you need it, and is great to sit and laugh with!

he's a great uncle to addy, one of his proudest roles! and a good brother to me! thank you for all you do for me each year, especially the technological help! you're the best!

happy birthday, mikey, and many more!

enjoy your day!

princess pondering.

i wanna be a princess too!

with my own sparkly run!!!

drumstick dash 5k.

saturday, november 6, 2010 marked my 2 year anniversary of running races!

i attended my 3rd drumstick dash 5k. the first one i ran was back in 2008.

the weather was not so good this year, as it was in the past! it was cold, wet, and we had our first snow of the year, just after the race was over!

thanks to the weather, this already small attended race was even smaller!

the route is a double loop, so you run it twice.

and guess what?! i came in 3rd overall in the female division!

(that means i was the 3rd female to cross the finish line!)

finish time was 26:13, not a pr, but it was my 2nd best 5k to date!

out of all the finishers, both male and female, i came in 13th. not bad!

thank gosh for smaller races!

funny note. this was my first 5k race of 2010!

halloween.....a bit late.

"no. i not.", said addison on halloween in regard to her costume. "no, dog. no, bee."

sigh.

such is life at 2 1/2 years old.

she refused to dress up, or even wear a part of her costume, but she wanted to trick or treat! and that she did.

she went as addison. at least she had on a halloween t-shirt under her jacket.

it was rather a funny night. at first she went up to the house and said, "candy, peeeas." then she figured out you say "tick o teat!!!". after she grabbed the goods at each house, she came running down the driveway saying "maggie, mo' candy!" she was quite pleased with herself! she was cute.

she was also overjoyed to hand out candy back at her house. her and i were on the lookout, and while we waited she told her mom and gramma, "kids. knock knock. candy." and let me tell you she was on the ball.

maybe next year she'll understand the idea of halloween better, at least the costume part.

it was still a fun halloween!

and mommy looked cute in the bee (alternate) costume. ha!

this is the only picture of addy in her costume. her dad took it the day before at a halloween event at the childrens museum. at least she did it once!

williamsburg.

after our stay at the beach was over, we headed north from south carolina up to virginia, to spend a few days back in time at colonial williamsburg.

we learned and saw how life was back in the 1700's.

it was a great time, here are many pictures i took!

max, the resident cat at our motel

i loved the pretty leaves and the brick sidewalks

a look at the palace green from the front of the governors palace

the maze on the governors palace grounds is fun!

mom in the maze

peek a boo in the maze

my clothes made me blend in to the greenary!

in the middle of the maze

love the horses!

fife and drums....loved hearing them!

they and many others were characters who did some

"theater" about the life and times in 18th century williamsburg amongst the crowds...it was considered being in the moment, and they never broke character

the capitol

inside the coffeehouse

you were offered a beverage while listening to the people in character who "work" in the house.

we were offered coffee or chocolate.

i went with the chocolate, and it was bitter! couldn't drink it, even with adding milk and sugar!

we have a photo of me when i was 9 months old in this same window!

it was a great trip to williamsburg. it is boggling and yet neat and amazing to think that we stood in buildings where people like george washington, thomas jefferson, and patrick henry once were in.....amongst many other people of that time, known and not so known.

major information overload and i could not repeat half of what i heard or learned. and the other half totally went over my head at times!

i had a great time, and especially enjoyed being with my mom in her favorite place!

what disney world is to me, williamsburg is to my mom!

i especially enjoyed the time spent with my mom, and have priceless memories of our time together over the last week. i think we need to start an annual girls trip tradition!

and i seriously think i need to move to the south. well, no more south than a carolina, but still, i loved it.