TGIF

I went for a short 1.5 mile run last night.  It was a beautiful day and I wanted to get in a short run before tomorrow's 5k.  I did pretty well and felt pretty good, too.  It was just what I needed.

1.5 Miles  17:10  (11:26 pace)

I'm going to pick up the race packets after work today (before going the other direction for dinner with the FIL).  I'm really excited and nervous for my dad!!!  I know he would LOVE to run his first 5k under 40 minutes and I'm really hoping we can pull it off, but a lot of that depends on how fast he flies through his first mile and how humid it is in the morning.  My dad FLIES his first mile and I've been telling him all along that he's using all of the gas in his tank and that's why he is left energy less the last 2 miles.  We'll see if he listens!

I'll take a few pictures tomorrow :)  Promise!

Please remember that today is my sister's scan!  We're hoping for great results. 

Also, I really, really need to find time to finish my paper sometime tomorrow.... let's hope that this doesn't stress me out too much and make me unbearable to be around! ha!

3 Things Thursday

1. I had my presentation for class last night (on Org Change).  Right before leaving work, I decided to open my presentation on my work laptop.  It wouldn't open.  I freaked out and decided to leave work before finishing up my overtime.  On my way home, there was a bad wreck.  So, I get home at 5pm, giving me 30 minutes to cook dinner, make sure my presentation opens, and fix myself up some.  So, I'm kinda flustered.  Being flustered, I forget to add water to the steamer to steam some zucchini.  Then, wonder what the burning smell is and why the water isn't boiling yet.  After about 10 minutes, I realize I forgot to add water.  Good news is that the pot wasn't scorched black... Bad news is the zucchini went down the disposal because I was frustrated.
2. My presentation went really well last night.  The class was very engaged and offered up discussion - which is VERY hard to do.  They even laughed several times, because I added some pictures with conversation bubbles above the people's heads.  Now, I just have a long case study and a final left.
3. I renewed my tags online this morning (they expire this month)!  It was the very first time I've renewed online, but it saved me MAJOR time!  So now, I can work my overtime AND make it to run clinic tonight!  PTL! 

Prayers Needed

Thanks for the prayers sent out for Vilonia yesterday.  We had another round of storms last night, but luckily we didn't have any more tornadoes near by.

I have yet another request from ya'll.  My sister (who is 19) is having some health issues that are kind of scary right now.  If you could, keep her in your prayers.  I don't want to share too much, but she has a scan on Friday that will tell us what we need.  Please pray for good results.

Thanks.  I hope ya'll are having a great, stress free week!

Thankful

Tornadoes ripped through Central Arkansas last night.  The town of Vilonia is devastated.  I was in Vilonia last night, because my parents thought it would be safer to be in Vilonia than in Conway last night.  The storm went through West Conway, but then another popped up in Vilonia.  Luckily, where we were at was about 3 miles away from the damage.

My granddad and aunt's house was much, much closer.  So close that they have HUGE trees down - roots and all.  So close that two mobile homes across the road from them were wiped completely out.

This morning my husband and dad are helping my granddad with the giant tree.  They'll be taking saws and cutting it up, to move off of his fence (and repair the fence) so that his livestock doesn't escape - if they haven't already.

We are all very thankful that our family and friends are okay.  It was a very, very close call and they're calling for more storms and possibility of tornadoes tonight as well.

I'm hoping to take off of work at 11am today to go help with clean up at Vilonia.  The town was hit very hard and that's where my family lives.  Where my sister and brothers graduated from high school - which was hit by the way. 

Mumbo Jumbo

For my own amusement on a boring Saturday at work.....


Where is your cell phone?  On a box that contains a DSL modem and some filters.

Your hair?  Straight and shiny.  I'm having a good hair day.

Your father?  Is turkey hunting in the woods right now.

Your mother?  Getting the Ham ready for her Easter celebration today.

Your favorite thing?   Do I have to pick just one?  Well, my CURRENT favorite is my Diet Mtn Dew that is giving me energy this morning.

Your dream last night?   Insane.  I had a dream that some chick was trying to steal my room at the tanning salon.  Crazy much?

Your favorite drink?   Let's go with Sonic's Vanilla Coke Zero.

Your dream goal?   To have a long, happy marriage and at least one, healthy child.  And to live happily ever after.

The room you are in?  Cubicle heaven at work.

Your fear?  That our house wont sell soon and we'll "lose" the house we have our eye on.

Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Raising a healthy, happy little family.  Running super fast half marathons and have a Master's Degree.

Muffins?  Not unless their blueberry.

One of wish list items?   I kinda want an iPad.  I'm not sure why.

Where did you grow up?   Conway, AR

The last thing you did?   Tried to find some orders to work while at work...

What you are wearing?  5k Race shirt and jeans.

Your t.v.?    Is flat and big.  My husband knows the size; I do not.

Your pets?   Are probably sleeping.  Lucky dogs.

Your computer?   Which one?  We only have like 5 between us....

Your life?   Hectic, but I wouldn't change it.

Your mood?   Good.  That's really all anyone can ask for.  :)

Missing someone? I miss some people during different times.

Your car?   Is currently an 09 Tahoe, but if gas prices get closer to $4/gallon, that tank will be traded in for an Accord.  Mark my words.

Favorite store?   Target?

Your favorite color?   Bright Blue.

When is the last time you laughed?  Last night maybe??

Last time you cried?   I teared up this morning.  My friend had a full term stillbirth 3 years ago today.

Three people who email you?  Are mostly just trying to get me to buy things.

Three of my favorite foods? Chocolate, Mexican, and Pickles.

Three places I would rather be right now?  Home... A warm, sunny beach.... Running in a humidity less, scenic wonderland

5 Things Friday

1. Hectic.  That word pretty much explains my life right now.  My work life has been pretty hectic.  We're so busy that I feel rushed all day.  Plus, almost my entire group as switched desks, myself included.  Then we have school.... I'll be a happy girl when this semester ends!
2. It's rained every single day this week.  I seriously don't know how those Washington people do it.  (Isn't it Washington state that rains more days than not?)  Plus, I'm tired of the threat of tornadoes.  Those things are just scary!
3. I painted my nails.  Ya'll, I haven't painted my nails in at least 2 years.  It feels funny and I'm not used to it, but I like it!  They're Got Style? -Nicole by OPI. 
4. I have no idea what are Easter plans are.  You have to see your husband for more than .25 seconds a day in order to find that out....  Busy, much?
5. I'm so PUMPED about next Saturday and doing a 5k with my dad!

Wordless Wednesday

It's Racing Season Again!!

I found this little gem the other day.  It's from the Toad Suck 5k last year.  I had my 2nd fastest 5k that day.  I love finish line photos.  You can tell I'm breathing HARD through my mouth.  The 5k finished on the track and it had been pouring off and on through the race (which has nothing to do with it finishing on the track.... I know, I know.  Humor me.).

The Roof Is On Fire

Or not.

My hair was in all it's straightened glory this morning.  Straightening serum, flat iron, and humidity spray... then this happened...

The fire alarm went off at work this morning.  A total of 6 fire trucks came and we all waited outside for about 30 minutes.  We had MAJOR storms come through last night, so that left a lot of moisture in the air.  Thus, my hair decided to rebel and become a giant poof ball.  I wish I had those 15 minutes I spent straightening it back...

3 Things Thursday

1. Apparently there were 3 couples that were going to make an offer on our house last week.  We've had zero offers thus far and have given up hope.  I just want to see one of these....



1. We are still doing the Paleo Diet and things are going well.  It's pretty easy to stick to, but we're not taking it 100%.  We like to eat out from time to time and that's really just "our thing."  Basically, we've decided to do it 85/15.  We'll eat Paleo 85% of the time and the other 15% we do our own thing - whatever that might be.  Of course, eating this way has stopped me from seeing any more weight loss, but to be honest, I only have 5lbs to lose to get to my happy-number-on-the-scale.  I really need to be running and biking more to see the results I want in the mirror. 
2. Which brings me to this... It's the end of the semester.  I'm starting to feel the crunch.  I have a case study, presentation, homework, and then a final.  Um, I'm going crazy.  And who talked me into taking a summer course?!?!?      

*And I know my number is off and I can fix it...but my lunch is over in 2 seconds and I have to go to training.... sigh.

3 Years Ago

I married my best friend.  

Track Tuesday

Last night was the running clinic.  We had an awesome speaker and then my group headed out for a run off the track.  Let me start off by saying it was a very windy day.  I started to look at my phone to see what the wind gusts were, but knew that would only put more negative thoughts in my head.  Instead, I decided to just man up and run with the group for 2.5 miles.  Afterwards, I decided to keep running to make it a nice 3.1 miles.  So, I hit up the track.

Unfortunately, my time wasn't where I wanted it to be.  It was 38:53 for the 5k distance.  My PR is currently 34:47.  I'd love to be somewhere close to that right now.  I'm not giving up hope though; I know I run MUCH better in the mornings vs the evenings AND on non-windy days.  :)

What Do Ya'll Do??

I've been using Bare Minerals for about 2 years now.  Before that, I was a Clinique user through and through.  But now, I love how easy, less time consuming, and natural this makeup is.  Going from a regular cream foundation to powder brought one obstacle though - the makeup brush.  I had never used them.  Ya'll, I'm not a girly girl at all.  So the makeup brush was new to me.

Fast forward to now.  I love the brushes but I have one problem.  I have no idea how to clean them.  The thought never even crossed my mind until last week.  I've been using the same makeup brush for 2 years and it's not been cleaned once.  Add to that, I have very oily acne prone skin.  Ew.  I noticed the other day that my makeup brush felt oily and gross.  Then it dawned on me that maybe I'm suppose to clean the stupid thing.  Duh, Shannon.  Duh. 

So, I cleaned it with some hand soap and then some dish soap to remove the oil.  Now, it's like it's brand new and I think my face might be clearing up a little.  Could the oily brush been part of the problem?  Duh.

Now that I know they're suppose to be cleaned every so often my two questions are this: 

How often do you clean yours?  What do you use to clean them?

3 Things Thursday

1. Our house has seen lots of activity the past week.  We've had a couple that looked at it a 2nd time and brought their family members with them.  Their realtor told our realtor that they're getting their mortgage stuff situated before making an offer.  Please let this be the case.  They saw our house for the 2nd time on Tuesday night.  I need an offer to come through today before I go bananas.  Please and thank you.
2. April is a BUSY month for me.  I have a case study, presentation, and a final to prepare for this month.  And no, I've not started any of it.  Plus, we have birthday parties, baby showers, Saturday work rotation, vet appointments, and 5ks to throw in the mix.  Oh, and we're back on mandatory overtime at work.  Throw all of that in a bowl with #1 and you'll make a nice stress pudding.
3. Tonight is our running clinic and I'm uber excited.  I need it as a stress release.  Plus, I think I'll go tanning.  Yes, I know it's bad for you.  Yada yada.  I go once {maybe twice} a week in the spring months.  The end.  :)

Months In Review

I haven't done a month in review all year...

January:  
Miles Biked:  75
Miles Ran:       1

February:
Miles Biked:  24
Miles Ran:      4

March:
Miles Biked:  0
Miles Ran:   27

I have no idea what my paces were for the months as a whole...  I've been getting back into running and I can't wait to see how much I improve in April - both in distance and in pace.  I also need to find time to get back on the bike since our 34 mile race is coming up in June!

Photo Friday

Please forgive the layout on this post.  Blogger has gone crazy.

This was yesterday's breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  Only thing not pictures is my salad I had at lunch.  I had eggs and a banana for breakfast.  An orange for a mid morning snack.  Meat and a salad for lunch.  Strawberries and grapes for snack.  I didn't eat my other orange.  I know it looks like a lot of fruit, not to worry, I eat a ton of veggies with my dinner.  I like to snack on fruit during the day.  :)

Look at how big my strawberries were!  They were huge! 

Remember how I was so excited to get my run in yesterday?  Well, that didn't happen.  It was 46* and rainy when it was time to run.  I'll run in the rain, I'll run when it's chilly, but I will not run in the cold rain.  So, instead, I'll be running tomorrow and maybe even Sunday.  I've gotta get my biking in there too this weekend.  This weekend will be busy with lots of outdoor activities!  It's suppose to be sunny and warm all weekend!  My idea of PERFECT!

Oh and one last thing... Grey's last night SUCKED!!!!  Please, for the love of great tv, do NOT do another one of those singing episodes again!  It was horrible!