Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things encountered during the week. **************************************************************************************

1) We became dog foster FAILURES. Well, it's not our fault really, it's Milo's fault...our poor 12yo cat wanted NOTHING to do with the dog...and well, the dog did chase after him as well, which didn't help things much. I just could not subject Milo to that stress when he is 12yo. *sigh* Add to that...the water dripping everywhere after he drinks from the bowl...how do people deal with that??? Constantly running after the dog with a towel is just something I can't imagine doing. He was sooo cute too!! :(

2) Had a phone interview yesterday for a job I really, really, really, really want. I typically do not get nervous before interviews but maybe I was a bit for this one...though I felt like I did my best, was honest and had good answers, when I hung up I just didn't have that "yeah, I nailed it" feeling. Ugh. Sure hope I get a call to interview with the hiring manager. Please!!!


3) Bought this shirt! Couldn't resist.

4) This week is book fair at school and I want to BUY ALL THE BOOKS! Actually, not really, I haven't really seen any that I HAVE to have and that makes me sad. :(

5) I am running a 5k this Saturday and super excited about it. Not sure why, but I'll take the positive feelings considering I felt the complete opposite over last weekend's half marathon...oh yeah, didn't tell you about that....it's the one where I was on track to get a 6 minute PR and then the course ended more than a half mile short so now my time is irrelevant. SOOOOOOOOOO upset. 


6) I was upset about the race (above) for a while but I moved on when I realized it opened the door for me to PR at HOME in DETROIT on a FLAT course. Oh yeah. Can't wait!

7) So glad Monday is a  holiday and I can (1) sleep in and (2) stay home. We have ZERO plans and I'm looking very much forward to them. 

8) The job search stress continues. I am learning to "let go" to expectations that there will be closure or at least communication regarding interviews and such. Meh. Whatever. I'm happy to report however that an awesome position came through my email today and I couldn't apply fast enough. This one would be completely AAAA-mazing!!! Times 10!!! 

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things encountered during the week. **************************************************************************************

1) Commence the emotional eating - oh who am I kidding...I should say CONTINUE the emotional eating since it's been the way of my world for the past few weeks. Ugh!! To add to the drama around me, today is the last day of school for public schools in our area and next Friday is the last day for all of the schools in our diocese, except us. Yep - we will be in school until June 10 (June 14 for teachers)....and while we had a long summer last year because we started after Labor Day, now begins the not-so-fun part of being the ONLY people in school in our immediate area. 

2) The only "good" thing in not getting out of school today is that it's been unseasonably cold and it doesn't feel at all like summer. Of course, next week we will be in the high 80s so that feeling will come to a quick end. *sigh*


3) On the bright side, next week begins our school Book Fair! Yahoo!! I love the book fair, even though I rarely read "real" books...I'm an e-book junkie....but I do love seeing and feeling all those wonderful new books. Now if only my fully-capable-awesome-reading-ability-kid would be motivated to read books other than the Guinness World Records - Video Game Edition. #OhHelpMe

4) We are fostering a Golden Retriever beginning tomorrow. While it should be fun, I am also quite nervous about it. I am also mad at myself about it because a friend suggested that we become a foster family and in the moment, it sounded like a great idea, but now it doesn't seem so. Why do I say "yes" to things so easily?!?! (One of my many faults) It's too late to back out without embarrassment or shining a negative light on my friend, who is very involved with the organization, so I am hoping and praying that this adorable 6.5 yo golden loves (and doesn't torture) Milo and that Milo feels the same way (doubtful). Originally we were going to foster over the summer, which again now in hindsight is also a bad idea because we travel quite a bit then...so I'm hoping this sweet pup finds a forever home by June 23, as we are traveling on the 24th!! 

5) One of my coworkers is leaving after this year because her husband got a job in Lakeland, FL! She also landed a job at the Catholic school in the area with a Facetime interview. OMGoodness....I am dying!! Seriously, how many years have I been working on moving there and it just doesn't happen for me and then for others it happens so easily. I am really happy for her though...even if I am frustrated with my own world.

6) I'm really trying to remain subscribed to the whole idea of "You are where you are meant to be right now" blah, blah, blah,....but some days that is just really hard and also seems ridiculous to even believe.

Funky Days

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That's what I'm calling this time period I am in...funky days. Ugh!

So while this may not be the most happy and upbeat post, I think we are all entitled to some moaning & groaning (or bitching) every once in a while...so if that's not your thing, by all means, you don't have to read this, but ugh I'm ready for some brighter days....I know they are coming.

*I was planning to apply to be a race ambassador for a big race nearby and when the application came out, it said they only consider past participants or past ambassadors. Boo! I probably won't bother even signing up to run it now since I'm cutting back on racing next year (or sooner).

*Speaking of cutting back on racing, my knee is so unhappy lately. I probably need to at least put KT tape on it for running, but I am not confident enough that I can do it correctly, so instead I just don't bother. I'm convinced that if someone set up at races to apply KT tape for $10-20pp, they would make a killing. Hey race directors - do you hear that?!?!?!

*Drama and stress continue in the workplace. It's become a standard of living at this point. #sadbuttrue

*Ran 3.1 last night. It wasn't easy, in fact it felt like I hadn't run in years. What gives? I'm so frustrated by the inconsistency in running...maybe that's normal, but it's also discouraging.

*Ethan and I are volunteering this Saturday for packet pickup for a Triathalon on Sunday. It's supposed to rain (A LOT) on Saturday. I want to back out, but the volunteering is tied to a fundraiser. Ack!

*Saturday is also the Children's Reading Festival...right near the packet pickup (good news)....but again, it's going to rain cats and dogs. Festivals are not fun in the pouring rain. 

*I am running a half marathon on Sunday. There is still a bit of rain in the forecast. Ugh. #whatnext

*While I love doing activities and such with Ethan...I DO NOT love school assignments that are not age appropriate, meaning that the parent has to do 80% of the work...yep and we have one of those coming up next week. Maybe they need a reminder that not all moms are Stay-At-Home-Moms...just saying!

*OK - I think I'll stop there...that's probably enough. I'm sure there are more things contributing to my funky days but no need to go on and on I suppose.

*I hope none of you are suffering in some funky days!

Saturday is for camping.

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We went camping with my dad this weekend...I'm not much of a "camper-girl" but I did have a good time. I was pleased with the timing of the trip as it also falls during Ali Edwards "Week in The Life" project...this is my 6th year taking part in it and here are a few images from Saturday. 

Of course, I had to start the day with a short run...so I could eat a S'more later!

Ethan and I set out for firewood - pretty good haul!

Hauling the wood back to our campsite.

Finally some relaxation...camping is hard work...seriously!

Making lunch - hot dogs rolled in crescent rolls - yum! Thank you Pinterest!

Silly camping selfie with grandpa/dad.

Oh yeah - the boys went fishing and I sat by the fire and read my book...
then I got too cold and had to go in the camper to read.

Beautiful campgrounds.

I'm loving this priceless photo - grandpa and grandson fishing together.
They caught 8 (small) fish!

Freezing again...there just wasn't enough sun and a bit too much wind.

Family camping picture.

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things encountered during the week. **************************************************************************************

1) I don't have enough goals in a month to justify a whole post on them, so I thought I could include a couple of them here. Hopefully writing them down will help them come to fruition, right? Here goes: the #1 absolute most important goal for me in May is to find a new job. I am a bit too paranoid to elaborate but I am pretty sure I mentioned the toxic environment. I sure wish the job-searching process was an easier process.  I would also LOVE to read 4 books in the month of May...especially since I probably only read 2 during April. 

 

2) Hipster or not - these beards are awful IMO. They just look sloppy, lazy and dirty to me. This is where I am thankful that my husband is so NOT a hipster. 

3) Considering reading this book next...after Americanah I will need something a bit lighter, shorter and easier.

4) I'm really wanting to do an Orange Theory workout class. I know the first one is free, but there are so many reasons why it just won't work for me....it's not conveniently located to me at all, no child care, which means I'd have be there and back to school by 6pm and with the distance, it simply would not work, or it would stress me out so much that I'd be a hot mess. Then there's the cost...I've heard it's pricey and I already pay for the YMCA so it wouldn't make sense from that perspective either. I'm frustrated though because my weight is at a standstill (hello, plateau!) and I need to try/do something different to jump start things. After reading about OT, it sure seems like a great way to shock the body into changing. Ugh!!

5) So now 3 of my friends from work will not be here next year. I suspect there are more coming. I'm super sad and frustrated. And happy for them...and a bit jealous too...though that can be scary...I do need a job, but one in a healthier environment sure would be my preference at this point.

6) Ran 3.1 last night. First run since Saturday and I felt pretty good. Picked up the pace even. I'm trying to be creative with my training, so I not only ran faster, but I put the incline at 1.0 and will do that from now on. They say 1.0 is a better simulation to running outdoors...maybe it will help me better prepare for upcoming races, especially since I never have time to fit in long runs. 

7) Though I have more than 10 books on my iPad that I could read next, I'm feeling like I really need to buy Glory Over Everything and read it first. I SO loved The Kitchen House and I'm certain this too will be fabulous, but my practical self is telling me not to spend the money. Someone should tell her to shut up. I need this book.

8) We have had crummy weather this week, rain and hail. Ugh. I haven't been able to get my errands done because of it. Our baseball game was rained out on Monday and now today looks like rain too so we could be rained out again. Argh. I SO enjoy watching Ethan play baseball and we haven't played for over a week since he missed a game last week for the Spring concert. On the upside, if he's rained out, we are heading to the Y where I will completely enjoy my much-missed yoga class. #BrightSide

9) This weekend will be crazy busy...Ethan will make his 1st Communion on Saturday morning. We will enjoy lunch and some cake and then hopefully have some down time in the afternoon. Sunday, of course, is Mother's Day....Oscar is going to grill some carne asada for tacos for my mom and I....at my mom's request. Haha! He's a good son-in-law. I'm not much of a red meat eater, but I'll make an exception for these.

10) 24 days of school left for us. 10 days left for students in the county. Oh it's gonna be a long (and painful) 14 days.

Take 5

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I saw this awesome "Take 5" post on Christine's blog a while back and wanted to do my own list here...I love this idea and am simply not creative enough to come up with these things myself. 

5 Things that I Wish I'd Do But Am Not

30 squats per day

Save more money

Enforce "no tech" time at home (at least a couple hours/day)

Cook great dinners.

Advocate for myself more

5 Bad Foods for You that I Not-So-Secretly Love

OREO cookies -original only!!

French Fries

Reeses Puffs Cereal

Birthday Cake Ice Cream

Milk Duds

5 Things that Make Me Irrationally Angry

"Good 'Ol Boy" attitude and behavior

Having to call AT&T or other service provider to argue about billing

Being "forced" to do something I don't want to. 

Passive-Aggressive behavior

Bad drivers

5 Splurges I've Made 

Signed up for the 2017 RNR Nashville 5k
1 pair NIKE Tempo running shorts 
Sport coat for Ethan's 1st Communion

Haircut

Drum Lessons for Ethan

5 Things I'm Looking Forward To

A 1/2 day on Friday - Thank Goodness!!

Going camping with grandpa next weekend...and I'm so NOT a camper!

Summer break
Trip to Michigan this summer
Trip to Panama City Beach, FL this summer

5 Things I Need to Do... Like Yesterday

Find a new job.

Stop at AT&T and have them re-bundle my services...ugh!

Go to Staples to buy toner.

Go to Bed Bath & Beyond to buy hand soap for dispenser.

Pay off my credit card.

5 Places I Wish I Could Go Right This Damn Second

Walt Disney World

Walt Disneyland

London

Paris

NYC

Rock N Roll Nashville 1/2 Marathon Recap

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Last weekend, the 3 of us drove to Nashville so I could run (and walk) the RNR Nashville 1/2 Marathon. I was super excited and had plans to PR. Yeah, those plans...did not happen. I have been reading about so many different races lately, I didn't remember that this course is fairly hilly so that killed the chances of a PR...especially when mile 12 (!!!) is a hill....yeah, mile 12, when you have NO gas left in your tank. Oh well....

As I arrived at the start line...now to trek the bazillion miles to my starting corral.

As with most half marathons, I did not sleep so well the night before and so I was awake at 4:30am but didn't start getting ready until 6am. Turns out I could have slept another hour or so because no sooner did I arrive at the start line and the rain commenced. Hard. The race was scheduled to start at 7:15am, but was postponed to 7:50am - which doesn't seem like much of a delay, but I was also in corral 30 (!!) so I didn't start until 8:37am. Total drag. I had NO idea the size of the RNR races but turns out there were 36k people there. Too big for my taste really. With regards to their corrals...what a joke, no one checks to see if you are in the right one, so I could have moved up to 20 if I wanted to (and I should have), but I followed the rules at the Expo and got approval to move from 34 to 30. 

A ton of people...and this is after some corrals had already started.

As usual, I started off strong (and too fast) but it seemed like the hills were in the latter part of the course- that's always fun. One thing I noticed during (and after) this race, I no longer get out of breath with running. That used to be the problem for me for years, so I guess I've done enough running that my lungs have adjusted...now the problem is my thighs and hips. They were so sore and that is what forced me to take my walking breaks. 

I went into the race hoping to do 45:45 intervals, but it's usually impossible to start walking early in the race, so I ran almost the entire first mile before taking a walk break. And then, because of the hills, I really couldn't stick to my interval plan well as I chose to walk most of the hills so I could pick up the pace on the flat or downhill portions. 

The "standard" finisher picture....so glad someone took one with my phone for me...
that will save me paying $30 to marathonfoto....total rip off. 

I did not have "warm fuzzies" about this race experience and yet RNR did nothing wrong. Do I wish I got a PR? Of course. But that's not why I don't feel great about this race. Will I do this particular race again? Probably not - simply because of the hills. It's hard to avoid them in TN, but I can find other (flatter) courses to run (Detroit, here I come!). 

I've also been struggling with a fussy knee lately...the one that has had 5 procedures done on it. It's been swollen and sore but not awful. I definitely notice a difference though between running on concrete vs. the treadmill. Treadmill=Happy Knee. And with that, I have made the decision that this will be the year I run the half marathons that I'm already signed up for, but after that, I will be going down to running 5ks only...maybe 8-10ks if they show up, but that's it. Neither my body nor my knees are cut out for 13.1 miles. Of course, I am signed up for 6 halves still this year, so let's hope I am able to complete them. I had set a goal of running 10 this year and by doing the remaining 6, I will be at 9 for the year, so you know me, I will probably have to sign up for 1 more, which will hopefully be the Santa Hustle...it was a super flat course and it was a fun family weekend, so what a great way to finish out the year. 

This is my favorite picture from the race!
My #1 fan!

I already took advantage of the "discount" pricing for the RNR 5k next year. All weekend Oscar kept saying "Nashville is awesome, we need to come here more often" and so with that, we will at least go back next April and once again it falls on our Anniversary weekend...oh, oops...it will be our 10th anniversary....not the most exciting trip but at least it's something! Hah! Oh and it's a 5k WITH a medal!! #AllAboutTheBling

So thankful for the bike taxi we found after the race, I had thought I could walk the 2 miles back to the hotel,
 but it would not have been fun and Ethan is always game for a ride in the bike taxi. 

The one thing that will keep me coming back to RNR (for 5ks only) is their Expos. Not only was it super fun and had fun photo spots, the clothing options were excellent. I love the Brooks  long sleeve blue shirt I got. It's so comfortable. I also picked up (finally) some running sunglasses for a steal at $20! Didn't use them during the race since it was overcast all day, but they came in handy afterwards when the sun tried to peak out.