National Flute Convention

YEAH!! Finally another blog post. I feel a lot comfortable typing my blog post on my own computer, plus I have access to my pictures. I have had internet this past week, but on another person's computer.

So, this post will be a recount of the quick trip down to Charlotte, NC for the National Flute Convention. It really was a quick trip. We headed out on Friday morning after a quick trip to the Pentagon and were back on Sunday afternoon. That Friday evening, we actually tried to find a darker spot in the city to watch the ISS pass overhead and see if there were any meteor showers that were going to show. We did see the ISS, but no meteors. :-( Saturday morning was an early morning after a late night. After getting dressed up in my business attire, you never know who you are going to meet, I headed out to the Charlotte Convention Center in downtown Charlotte. What a great city!! Once arriving, I went and registered as a one day individual and started studying the huge book that they gave me of all the events and music programs that were to be performed.

First on the agenda, listening to an old instructor of mine from camp. I met Claudia 10 years ago and we have stayed in contact throughout the years. I would encourage everyone to listen to a CD called ZAWA! Great CD and great performers. Unfortunately, Claudia had to go back to Colorado so we could not catch up for very long. The next event of the day was to explore the different exhibits that filled up a huge room downstairs. Powell Flutes, Haynes Flutes, Carolyn Nussbaum Company, and many other great music companies were there. I got to look and play on some very shiny and pricey flutes. ;-) My favorite! After wandering around for a while, it was time to head back upstairs to hear Cady Coleman speak.

While in Baltimore, I was thrilled when Col. Coleman told me she would be going to the convention. There were a lot of questions I wanted to ask in Baltimore, but knew that the chances of a 3rd flute player being in the crowd was slim. She spoke about her time on the ISS and the different people she was able to "play" with. She had a lesson from James Galway and played a tribute with Ian Anderson to Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin. She also spoke about the differences in playing on the ISS and when she got back to Earth. It was wonderful because again, it was space geek meet music geek for me! :-) After she spoke, she went down to the Powell booth, she plays a Powell flute, and signed things and took pictures. Two highlights were her remembering me from Baltimore, no, I do not stalk astronauts, chatting with her for a few minutes, her signing my own flute case, AND getting to play on the headjoint she took with her to the ISS. How cool is that last highlight?!?!?! Okay, that was more than two. . . Oops! ;-)

On the way back on Sunday, we stopped off and were able to meet my best friend who was driving back to AR from NC. We had not seen each other all summer, so it was a wonderful way to end an already great weekend. With that, I will close this post with a few pictures from that weekend. Hopefully, it will not take me so long next time to post. Hope everyone is doing well!

My flute with the headjoint that FLEW in SPACE!!!

Cady Coleman

Downtown Charlotte

Meeting Astronauts

While, some of my fellow space tweeps were down at KSC for the Juno launch, I had the wonderful opportunity to head up to Johns Hopkins University to hear some of the crew of STS-134 and Expedition 26/27 speak. WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! So, here goes a rundown of the evening.

My wonderful father took off work early so that I would not have to go by myself. We left the DC area around 3ish and were up there around 4:15. After making a few turnarounds on the JHU campus, we eventually found the building where the presentation was going to be held. We got there about 2 hours early, but I did not care and it actually gave us time to explore their astronomy building. We also got there plenty early to scope out the good seats and sit down. They had the entire left side of the auditorium marked off for NASA people and then the first three rows of the middle section marked off. I got nosy and started looking to see who had a reserved seat. I see none other than a seat reserved for Cady Coleman!! Now, for those of you who know me you have probably heard me speak of her. She took a few different instruments into space, namely flute instruments, and also played a space-earth duet with Ian Anderson. (I play flute, for those of you who did not know this.) Side note-- I am getting all smiley just thinking about the evening! :-) It was an amazing evening! Back to it. . .

The auditorium started to feel up and then, a lady came and ripped off Cady Coleman's reserved sign. :-( I got super sad at this point, but knew there could still be a chance of seeing her because she was at the DC event earlier in the day. They had also not taken off her guest reserved seats that they had just put up since we had been there. About 10 minutes before the presentation began, this lady walks down to the front of the room with two people. Another lady points to the Cady Coleman guests seats and tells them that is where the people would be seating. Now, I hate to admit this but it took me a moment to realize that it was. . . CADY COLEMAN!!! I started hitting my dad and was like OMG there she is!! Yes, I acted like a 5 year old in a candy store. I was just over the moon, no pun intended. Hehe! ;-)

The presentation itself was AMAZING!! Mark Kelly was an amazing speaker and seeing/hearing all the other astronauts speak was amazing!! They also showed an amazing video at the end before they took questions from the audience. At the end, we all made our way up to a reception. We stopped one of the professor's and asked if they would be out speaking to people and he said they were supposed to be. When we walked back out to the rotunda, we noticed different crowds gathering. I got so excited knowing that I was more than likely fixing to meet these astronauts. The first astronaut was Mark Kelly. He was incredibly friendly and more than willing to chit chat for just a moment. What an amazing person! I totally forgot to bring something with me to sign and he ended up just signing a piece of paper that we had printed out about the event. I did not even care at that moment. Next, was finding Cady Coleman. She was also incredibly nice and friendly!! I introduced myself and told her I played flute as well. We briefly talked and I asked if she was going to the National Flute Convention next weekend and she said she was. I hope to get time to ask questions and my fingers are crossed. By this time they were ushering the astronauts out, but I did manage to get Paolo Nespoli to sign my paper and pose for a picture.

Mark Kelly

Cady Coleman

Paolo Nespoli

Even though I was not at the Juno NASA Tweetup, I must admit this is going to be very hard to top. I had an amazing and once in a lifetime evening! Every time I think about what all I got to do and the people I got to meet, a huge smile comes on my face. :-) So, to end this post here are some pictures from the evening. Enjoy!! :-) 

Greetings from Virginia

You read correctly, I have finally made it to Virginia. I started the trek this way last Friday after taking my last University of Arkansas test and an exit interview with my boss from the past summer. I arrived late afternoon on Saturday. It was slow moving in and I have not quite finished putting up everything, but all the clothes are put away and you can at least see most of the floor. The drive up was not too bad, just really long! I made it to Knoxville the first evening and then got up early and headed out the next morning. After finally getting here we unpacked the way too filled car and headed out to my favorite Alexandria pub, Pat Troy's. Yummy!!

I have not done much in the way of getting out to see things. I honestly have not even made it into DC yet. Surprising, huh? It is a funny feeling knowing that for now, I am up here until something job wise happens. I do not think it has hit me yet that I am not going to go back to AR in a few days. Ask me in a few weeks how I feel. I am truly loving being here though. Sunday night, on the way to dinner, we passed the mall on the outskirts of DC and I was like, "No big, I live here now." I could have gone down to the mall anytime this week, but I have just stayed around the house. Tomorrow night, the STS-134 crew will be giving a presentation in Baltimore and we are planning on going. Friday, dad is giving a lecture up at Mount Vernon and I am going to go watch him and then head to VA Beach for the weekend. I would definitely not be able to do all this stuff back in OK/AR. The opportunities are just endless.

Workouts: I have restarted my jogging program. Started on Monday and will do the second day as soon as I get back to the house here in a bit. Yesterday, I took the bike out and rode while Dad ran. Should have made sure the seat was risen high enough and that back tire was full enough because my rear end is sore today. TMI? Oh well. ;-) I would love to find a YMCA around here to get back into weights. Side note: should have gone jogging/walking earlier. It is starting to ran heavier. Boo! :-/ I guess that means no concert on the Capitol steps tonight either.

Alright, out for now. Not the most engaging post, but a post none the less. More details next week when I actually will be doing stuff. Pray that the ran stops or it will be in the morning before I get a jog/walk in.

S.

Reflections on a Birthday Post

Catchy title, huh? I think it kind of has a poetic/musical sound to it. Hehe, music geek. ;-) In this post, I am going to reflect back on the past year. Why? Because I can and because today is my birthday. :-) Gosh, that almost sounds weird saying. I cannot believe another year has gone by. I can only imagine how I will feel another 22 years from now. So, here are some highlights from this past year and some valuable life lessons I have learned.

In no particular order:

1) Graduation- After 4 years at the University of Arkansas, I made the walk across the stage on May 14th to finally receive that empty degree holder. I eventually will get my actual degree sent to me as soon as I finish the online Ethics class I am taking. I cannot believe that 4 years have gone by! Honestly, I still feel too young to be graduated and looking for a job or going on to get a Masters. I loved my time at the U of A and I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to go there. Go Razorbacks!!

2) Space Camp- This is probably the most recent highlight for me of this past year. I had the wonderful opportunity to be 1 of 16 people selected to go down to Huntsville, AL for a Space Camp tweetup during the last Space Shuttle launch. I learned a great deal and I am still learning more everyday. I actually just stepped away to go watch the International Space Station pass over here in AR. It was a beautiful site and a wonderful birthday present. I wish I had grown up learning to love science and math. I believe it is never too late to learn something so maybe this next year sometime I will take a math course or science course and really work on those things. I think about the shuttle program that is coming to an end. I also look at the math. Meaning, the shuttle program began in 1981 and a lot of the current astronauts were still in college at the beginning of the shuttle program. Currently, we do not have a "replacement" program for the shuttle. There is still time for me to potential pursue that path. Yes, it would take a lot of work and more schooling, but if given the opportunity I would take it. One of my favorite movie quotes is from Contact: "If it really is just us, it would be an awful waste of space." I do believe that! How amazing and beautiful is the world and universe that we live in??

3) St. Paul's Episcopal Church: For the first three years of college, I really did not attend church anywhere here in F. The beauty and the sense of awe led me to try out St. Paul's. Yes, this is way different than what I grew up in, Baptist. I feel like I have found a place that I belong in and that I can always ask questions in. The questions part is important to me because I do tend to ask questions. They were more than willing to talk about those questions and the answers. The warmth and love from this church has amazed me and I will miss it a great deal.

4) Life lessons: I have always been living in my own little world and have been oblivious to what others can see. I, as far as I know, did not know of anyone smoking illegal substances in high school. Same thing with alcohol. This continued throughout college, even though I know it goes on everyday, maybe I just choose to ignore it. But, in the past few months my eyes have really been opened to this thing called life. It is messy! People do things and say things that I, again, knew went on, but could not bring myself to actually see. Sounds funny coming from me. I guess, maybe I am just a simple minded person. This point is honestly hard to articulate in a post so I will leave it at this. Life is messy. Things happen. People are not always what you believe them to be. That is okay. Everything will work out in the end.

5) I have an "old" soul: Hehe, this may make since to only a few people, but here goes it anyway. I believe I do not look at life the same as any other 22 year old. I think I have always looked at life differently around kids my own age. I prefer to hang around the "older" crowd-no, I do not think you are old ;-)-because I tend to get along with them better. I have no problem sitting around on a Friday night watching a movie by myself, but I also like to go out and have a drink with friends. I like the idea of a set schedule and something that is familiar to me. If that makes me old for my age, I am perfectly fine with that! :-)

6) True friends are not the friends that tell you you have no friends and that no one likes you. True friends are the ones you can always count on and not be afraid to be yourself around. If you are afraid to speak up in a friendship because you are afraid of losing that person, then maybe that person is not as good of a friend, if even a friend, as you thought.

Those are just a few of the highlights from this past year. I hope you all enjoyed an insight into my life. Stay tuned for the next blog post because it will more than likely be from VA! Thank you all and have a BEAUTIFUL day!

S.

Dreams

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Now that I have officially talked to my mother I can post that in a few weeks I will be moving to Virginia. I will begin working on my Master's until I hear anything about the Navy or the other job that I have started the process with. I am feeling so very many different emotions right now. I feel too young to be graduated with an undergraduate degree (okay, almost) and already pursuing a graduate degree. I can remember when I was younger and I could not wait to grow up. I definitely do not want to slow down the process and I am not saying that growing up is hard. In this moment, even though my future the next few months is really uncertain, I am so excited!! I want to do something great with my life and at the end know that I have made a difference. Does that sound kind of egotistical?? In a weird sort of way, I honestly do not know exactly where I want to go in the future, as far as a career goes. I would love being selected to become a Naval Officer and serve my country like my father, grandfathers, and many special friends have. I would also love becoming a federal agent for a government agency. Both career paths offer many great things and I am in a wonderful position right now because I am young, single, and willing to go anywhere. Even though I do not have the same dream each evening or day, I still believe in the beauty of whatever and whichever dream of mine comes true.

6 miles tomorrow. I will let you all know how it goes. I am planning on getting up early again and going to do Lake Fayetteville again. I know this post had very little to do with training, but I hope you all enjoyed seeing another side of me. You all have a fantastic evening and wonderful Saturday. BTW, the crochet cowl I have been working on looks great!! I am so excited to see it turning out. :-)

S.

7 Weeks, 4 Days

That, my friends, is how long until the VA Beach Half Marathon!!! I am super duper excited. Training has been going great! I was going to start a different training program on the off days and only have Sunday off, but I have decided to just stick with my old cross train. So, this is what weeks will look like from now on.

Sunday: Rest Day
Monday: 45 minutes on the elliptical; full body weight training
Tuesday: allotted training miles; ab work
Wednesday: 45 minutes on the elliptical; full body weight training
Thursday: allotted training miles; ab work
Friday: 45 minutes on the elliptical; full body weight training
Saturday: allotted training miles; ab work

The food realm has pretty much sucked lately, to be very honest. Got to get back on the wagon. I did almost reach a nice goal on Monday. I have been trying to break 4 miles in 45 minutes, but I have not been able to. And before anyone calls that slow, I have the elliptical on an interval training program. I begin with the crosstrain on 4 and the resistance at 1, then it ramps up to a 10 on crosstrain and an 8 on resistance. I was with 7 seconds of reaching the goal. It is amazing how much more effective a workout can be while not reading a magazine. Not sure if I will hit that goal tomorrow. I sometimes feel the harder I push on the elliptical, the worse the top of my left knee right above the knee cap feels. No pain, no gain! Right?? :-)

Today has been a rather exciting and long day all wrapped into one. Some short term decisions have been made regarding the next few months and I am both thrilled and apprehensive about it all. I am excited about growing up and I cannot wait for this journey called life to continue. I also bought new knitting needles today for a new project and I have I think finally gotten the hang of the crochet project I have started. (After pulling out the yarn 3 different times.) Going to sign off here as I am fixing to be off work. Yeah!!

You all have a great few days and until next time! Much love!!

S.

Back to the 1/2 training :-)

PHEW!!! Boy am I glad that I got up early this morning and knocked those 8 mile walk training out of the way. It is H-O-T-T HOTT here this afternoon. I was tired after I got down, but could not have imagined if I had waited any longer. Currently weather.com is reporting it is 97 degrees, but it feels like 104 degrees. Humidity is only at 42% though.

This morning's walk was around Lake Fayetteville. There is an 4.25 mile paved path and then an 5.0 mile nature trail. I opted for the paved path. I somehow managed to miss the beginning of the path so ended up starting out at the mile 1 marker. Fastest mile ever! Haha, just kidding. This walk was different from others for a few reasons. This walk was only the second walk outside and this was the first walk with any type of elevation change, even if it was slight. Last weekend was walking along the boardwalk, so no real elevation change. I am finding out, slowly, how important it is to just get away from the treadmill and do the walking outside. Overall time. . . 2:18:38 for 8.03 miles. Not the best, but I am going to be spending more time outside from now on. overall, feeling pretty good. Went back after getting some groceries and a new scale (AWWW!!!) to take a shower and quick nap before work. Back to work after a wonderful vacation. Definitely time to get to busy with finishing up a few school things and getting to it with training. Just under 2 months now. Yeah!

Short, sweet, and to the point. Next blog, hopefully soon. Check out the other blogs from my vacation and Space Camp!! :-) Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!!

S.

Space Camp!!

Second leg of my vacation

After a short recharging recess, I am back to typing up on the plane about the second part of my vacation. I do this while flying over beautiful land and listening to U2's "Beautiful Day." :-) I love love love this song and it is probably my all-time favorite song. Okay, now back to the second leg, but a little explaining at first. 

I have a twitter account and on that twitter account I follow NASA and Space Camp. Each group had an opportunity for their followers to register and possibly be selected to go to their respective sights for the last shuttle launch. I was fortunate enough to be 1 of 16 to Space Camp. This was a very exciting thought for me because I love the movie. (If you have not seen, go watch it NOW.) I arrived in Huntsville Wednesday evening ready to meet my fellow tweeters. We all met the next morning and it was amazing to know that everyone of us had a love for space! The first stop was to get a badges at security and then begin our tour of Redstone Arsenal. This facility is on an army base and we were told we were the first group allowed in like this since before 9/11, talk about amazing. I learned about test firings on huge stands, the payload operation center, astronaut pee, and friction welding. All was incredibly interesting and educational. After the tour we headed back to each a delicious lunch of BBQ and listen to Ed Huckbee talk about his amazing time at NASA and the real space cowboys (the original seven astronauts.) We were all given books written by him and he also autographed them. The rest of the afternoon was filled with a mission overview, mission practice, and the incredibly fun Multi Axis Trainer and 1/6 gravity chair. The MAT chair was my favorite. Also a quick note on the mission, the crew I was with was the Discovery crew. I sat Pilot and had a blast. (No pun intended.) Later on that day, we were told that the whichever crew was practicing in Discovery (my group) was using the same mission orbiter that they filmed in the movie Space Camp. So in essence, I was sitting where Lea Thompson and Kate Capshaw sat for the movie. How cool is that?!?!?! 

Alright, that evening we were told we were having dinner that in the event we would be going to Mars would be prepared with only those items of food.  It was okay. Astronaut Don Thomas spoke with us during dinner and we all had the chance to get an autograph and picture. Day two, mission and launch day!! We started the day by talking with a few members of the Space Camp leadership team. Great people! They gave us their cards and I hope there will be cause to use them in the future. The mission was a great deal of fun! I still think a pilot I missed some switches that were suppose to be switched, but it was a ton of fun to do and I would love to have more time to actually play around with everything. After our mission we headed over to the IMAX to watch the launch. Space Camp even let us keep on our orange flight suits we wore to the mission over to watch the launch. I must admit, I felt pretty cool! ;-) It was packed when we got over there and we actually almost had it out with some teachers about our seats, but we eventually got to sit. Astro Don was answering questions and giving us the 411 on what exactly was going down. We has a brief scare at t-00:31 when they thought the tower had not cleared fully. Once it was determined it had, the countdown continued. It was amazing seeing the shuttle launch with so many people. You could just feel the excitement! After we got out of our flight suits we kind of wandered around the museums and spent money at the gift shops before I headed back to the airport to catch my flights home. 

I am once again back on a plane, my final plane ride for this vacation at least. This ride is not nearly as cool as what STS-135 (Atlantis) experienced today, but such is life. I look out my plane window and can look up at the moon and only wander right now where the shuttle is at in their orbit and how amazing it must be to be where they are. I have been truly inspired in this leg of my vacation. I know that I will probably personally never go to space, but I am encouraged to follow my own dreams and to keep persevering. Maybe I am a bit naive, but is there a huge problem with just a little bit? I do not think so. I like to think by having just a little bit that the sky is not the limit to any dream. Questions? Comments? :-) 

By the time I post this I will be back in my room and getting ready to return to a regular schedule, something I am actually kind of looking forward to. Tomorrow, 8 miles for the half training schedule and work in the afternoon. 

It has been a wonderful trip and I am so thankful I got to experience EVERYTHING I did on this trip!! I hope I have not bored you all too much! Have a great weekend!!!


S. 

First leg of my trip :-)

First leg of my vacation

I type this while I am sitting on my first plane back home knowing that eventually I will copy this over to my blog, but I wanted to get it down while I am thinking about it all. 

This vacation overall has been probably the best one I have had in my 21 (almost 22) years of life. I first started the vacation flying out of my home base to Washington DC. For those of you who know, you know that this is honestly my favorite place to visit and now the rest of you know this too. This trip up was a bit different because we actually spent a good portion of the trip down in Virginia Beach. Up until now, I have never spent more than 24 hours in VA Beach and both other visits were during cold months and so i was not able to enjoy the beach, which was very disappointing. This leg of my vacation was only made better by the company I got to share it with. I love going out and doing many things during vacation, but honestly sometimes it is just nice to relax during vacation. There was plenty of downtime and I LOVED it!! The girls I am doing the half-marathon with in September and myself went down to the boardwalk bright and early Saturday morning and got in our 7 mile walk before it got too hot. It was wonderful having walking buddies and it was awesome walking along next to the ocean. :-) Sunday, we headed over to church and then I actually got a Sunday afternoon nap in for the first time since I cannot remember. (Yes, I am a mapper on Sunday afternoon, at least when I can.) Monday was another relaxing day filled with grocery shopping for grilling later that night and trying to cook on my part. ;-) Unfortunately, we headed back up to the DC area on Tuesday, but we did get to see a wonderful concert by the Navy Commodores at the Navy Memorial. I also was taught how to crochet on this trip. I am slowly working on a cowl at the moment. (Someone correct me if I am wrong on what I am trying to make.) I for the life of me cannot remember how to slip stitch the two together so I am stuck until I can get instruction. I also received an absolutely BEAUTIFUL blue flower quilt for graduation. There were also other gifts as well. :-) I love them all!!! I am one lucky girl!! After a very long drive up to Baltimore, only because there was a fugitive on the loose, and a great dinner and a little shopping with my wonderful dad I got on yet another plane to fly to the next leg of my vacation, SPACE CAMP!!!

This may need to be two post. Yes, in fact that is what I will do. I will finish out this post/note and write about Space Camp in the next. :-) Besides, my thumbs are getting tired as I am typing this on my 4G phone. ;-) 

S.

1/2 Marathon Week #1

Work, work, work! I actually really like my summer job. I do, however, want a real job. So, onto workout updates!! Yeah!!!

This week started week #1 of the 1/2 marathon training schedule. No, this is not to run a 1/2. (I will leave that one up to my crazy father.) The 1/2 is Labor Day weekend in VA. Super exciting!

So, normal training schedule consists of three walking days, two cross train days, and two days resting. I ended up tweaking the schedule a bit to adjust work schedule. Sue me. I was only able to get two days of walking in, but it was good walking. Thursday, a co-worker and myself went down to our campus work-out facility. Put in my time on the tread and she hit up the elliptical. Afterward, we went over to the weight machines. (This is more of a funny story than anything.) I actually made her go over there because I wanted to try this ab machine, but did not want to look like an idiot. So, I tried this ab machine. Felt great yesterday! Today? OH MY GOODNESS!! I feel like someone who may have had some type of surgery on my stomach. I have to roll out of bed because it hurts to much to use my stomach muscles. 6 pack here I come! Well, maybe. ;-) I did do the ab machine this evening, just not that particular one.

I will stop this here. I will not be able to hit up the gym tomorrow. Working 12 hours. . . But, I look forward to my Monday gym adventure and feeling really good about myself on vacation here in a few weeks. Amen, because I need to get away. Oh, yes, please say a small prayer. I have had an initial interview with a potential place of employment and I am hoping to get positive feedback sometime this week. Off to bed!

S.

Updates. . .

Hey everyone!!

My my how things have been crazy! A lot has happened since the last blog post, so here goes the updating.

The biggest thing was of course GRADUATION!!! Yeah!!!! Graduation was an amazing experience. It was also very hot. The had all of us from my college squeezed underneath the seating in the basketball arena and there was very little air. I also thought I would be lucky and walk near the beginning of graduation, but because the Criminal Justice department is actually the Sociology/Criminal Justice department I was in one of the last degree groups to walk. Woo pig!! Anyway, lots of fun and I am thrilled to be done!

I have also moved out of the apartment I was living in and am back in the dorms for the summer. No complaints. No rent or utilities to pay for the next three months! It is nice to be back in environment like this. not crazy about the twin size bed and community showers, but such is life. Training has begun for the summer job and so far so good. Looking forward to the summer to start and to make some money!

Okay, on to workouts. I feel bad to say not much has happened since Race for the Cure. :-/ I have however decided to start training for walking the VA Beach half marathon. I am super excited!! I say walk because I have decided I am just not a runner. I have been given a walking training plan and will start it up next week. I also have started to lift again. Going to keep after it this time! :-)

Well, I am going to be signing off for now. I have some people hanging out in my room watching "Twister." How appropriate for a night of thunderstorms, right?? You all have a great weekend and I look forward to blogging again to let you all know how the new training plan is going next week.

S.

Race for the Cure :-)

Good morning all!! Race for the Cure was this morning!!! It was a very exciting and nervous morning.

Thankfully, I had last night off. I went to judge some colorguard tryouts and then came back to relax. I knitted a little, did laundry, and overall tried to prepare myself for today.  I was up around 5:30. I had all my clothes out last night so all I would have to do is change and pull back my hair. I picked my friend up around 6:15 and we headed to where Race for the Cure was being held. I started to get super nervous when I saw all the competitive looking runners. Yikes!! Was my first thought. My second thought was, someone has to come in last place, right? I also started thinking about the shorts I was running in. I know, stupid. Stupid me decided to wear a different pair of shorts. Bad move!!

So, the race started and I knew right away it was going to be a "long" journey. I am no outdoor runner, as I think you all know by now. I decided it was going to be a jog/brisk walk type of journey, but no matter what I did I was going to finish. The most encouraging part was seeing the volunteers throughout the course cheering on everyone that was coming through. It really touched my heart. I also had to turn of the Pandora "Stevie Ray Vaughn" station I had going because it kept coming in and out, but when I turned on my playlist "Beautiful Day" came on a few songs later. :-)

The coolest part of all this is that the fundraising goal that was set was made!!! Thank you all so so much!! There was actually more than $250.00 given. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. The second coolest thing, at least for me personally, is that I finished. :-) Here are a few pictures from the race. I kind of like blogging and keeping you all updated on the fitness portion and just the everyday happenings in my life, so I will probably keep posting if there are no objections. :-) You all have a fantastic day and thank you all again!!

Kirstie and Me before

Kirstie and Me after

Just me after

DONE!!! At least with this one. :-)

S.

So close!

Hey everyone!

This post will not be as long as the last one, promise!! This is just another way for me to procrastinate on my homework for the evening, but when you combine crime and serial killer statistics for my math class. . .Who would not want to do the homework? ;-) I also want to get some more knitting in tonight. I actually had a dream about knitting last night!! Hehe! :-)

Monday's workout and today's workout were very similar. Took a little faster today on the treadmill and "covered" more mileage. I mean, technically, you are covering the same black revolving belt, which is actually kind of weird to think about. Maybe I am just tired. Okay, no more tangents. Weight lifting is going great too! I am so glad to be back to lifting. I feel better and I feel like my body is responding well to the changes that have been made to the workout routines.

By the way, the SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR flies THIS FRIDAY!!! Who is excited??? I think it is time to get out Space Camp again and watch it. I think it is no coincidence that the last shuttle launch in June is with the Shuttle Atlantis. That is the Shuttle in the movie!! I HAVE TO BE THERE!!!!! :-)

Alright, time to get some "math" *cough, cough* done before bed. (Court was super interesting today, by the way. Not mine, of course!!) More very very soon, since Saturday is the day!! :-)

S.

Warning: Kind of long, but I encourage you to read it all the way. :-)

Hey ya'll!! I am sorry there have been no new updates for a few weeks. The last few weeks have been such a whirlwind and I have a feeling these last three weeks until graduation will be no different. I will try and do a brief plot summary of what has been going on in my world. :-)

Workouts the past few weeks have been happening. Yeah! But, not as often as I want them to be. Boo!! I ditched C25K last week. Probably not the best idea two weeks before Race for the Cure, but I was bored with it and needed something new. So, I started something new and something that I think will be more beneficial to me in the long haul. Speed intervals. . . Yep! I feel like I can get over the hump quicker by switching between a moderate running pace and a pretty good power walk pace as opposed to a slower jogging speed. So far, so good! I am also going to start incorporating weight lifting again. I miss it and I feel better about myself when I am lifting weights. I am going to search for a lifting cycle that will target areas and that will be the most beneficial. Will let you know how it goes.

Race for the Cure is THIS SATURDAY!!! Honestly, I am starting to get a little concerned. I think I just need to remind myself why I am doing this and to have a good time with it. Unfortunately, my family will be visiting a college with my baby sister and will not be able to be there, but my best friend is suppose to be there. No hard feelings at all towards my family. I actually wish I could be there with them and share in this exciting time with my baby sister. :-) I will finish the race regardless of how or the time. ;-)

Now, for something a bit more personal. :-) I applied for a job ( Sorry, no more details.) about a month ago and got the wonderful opportunity to go in and test for this job on Thursday. Now, this is just the very beginning of a very long process, but to even get the opportunity was an amazing experience. I cannot help but to thank God!! While I would be definitely upset if I did not make it past the test, to have the experience and opportunity was more than I could ever ask for. Hopefully, I will hear something this week on the test and I am hoping it will be good news. Originally, when this opportunity presented itself I was excited of course but still very wanting the military to work. I still want the military to work out, but I can feel a change within letting me know that if this is the only thing that happens, it will be a good thing. God has a plan. I know this. Now, I must hang on to that.

One last thing before signing off. I, for whatever reason, am intrigued (if that is the right word) with certain things, usually devastating, that have happened in history. The Challenger (Yes, I know I was not born), OKC Bombing, 9/11, and most recently the Tucson Tragedy. As more information came out on the news about who Gabrielle Giffords is as a person, I began reading more about her too. I hope to one day meet this wonderful woman and my continued thoughts and prayers are with her, her family, and every life change that day. I found a speech she gave to the 2009 Scripps College graduating class. I will leave you all with a little bit from her speech. It sounds funny, but the words truly touched me and reminded me of certain things in life. Here you go:

"You cannot authentically live anyone's life but your own. That is the deal life offers us. We as women have fought too hard and for too long against the narrowing confines of social expectations to have anything less. Here at this wonderful point in your lives today, this hatching into you future, it is now time for you to embrace what was denied those who came before--it is now time to follow the passion inside your heart and listen to its voice above all others. And what it says to you in the years may surprise you and invert the notions of how you thought your life would turn out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being confounded like this, especially in your early twenties. That is part of the adventure of growing older-- and growing deeper into your old skin as women, or as the wonderful poem go: WARNING, when I am an old woman, I shall wear purple. So yes, I am saying being happy is more than just something to hope for. It's something to expect. When you do this, when you tune out the critical voices in your head and embrace what your heart is saying, you don't just make your own life better. You make the world better."

21 Days!!

It was an absolutely fantastic Saturday!! I was invited to a baby shower today back in FTG, but I unfortunately could not go because I was scheduled to work. I was however able to go play some softball today. The Criminal Justice/Sociology department played the FPD. I had an absolute blast besides being dirty afterward and sunburned. Yep, first sunburn of the season folks! I did not make it to the gym today, but between the ball game and working 6 hours I feel I got my share of exercise today. Thankfully, there were no sprained ankles (I forgot my brace) and hopefully I will not feel to sore in the morning. A bad shoulder and ankle could make for a sore morning. I am feeling muscles ache that I have not felt since I played ball. It was an awesome workout. Maybe I should start playing every weekend. We lost, but it was an awesome time.

So, future plans. . . I am about 70% sure of what path I want to take. I have, however, made the decision to wait until at least graduation to totally make up my mind. For now, it will be a lot of praytience. Yes, I totally made up that word and it describes exactly what I need right now. :-)

Well, I am totally wiped and body is already starting to ache. I am feeling some Tylenol and laying on the couch watching Twister (I am getting in the right frame of mind for tornado season. I am after all from OK and I love this time of year and we are suppose to get some weather tomorrow) in my very near future.Goodnight all!!

S.

23 DAYS!!!

Confession time: I cheated today. No, not what kind of cheating you are thinking. I could not help myself. The gym was right there and the treadmill looked so good. Yes, you heard me. Haha, I used the treadmill today. It was a beautiful day out, but I felt the treadmill calling my name. :-) It was a good workout. Physically, I felt a bit off today. My stomach did not feel all that great, but I went and did the workout anyway. For the first jogging segment, I did speed intervals. Second segment, I took it a little easier. I did get my marathon walk on though. It was a good segment. Not quite a jog pace, but a get your heart pumping pace. Overall, it was a pretty good workout. I am looking forward to more elliptical time tomorrow.

Not much else new going on. I have not heard anything from facebook about my blog yet, but I hope it gets fixed soon. I have tomorrow evening off and I am actually looking forward to being home on a Friday evening. Nothing new on Navy or any other job possibilities. Just keep praying praying praying. Just keep praying praying yeah! ;-) Much love to everyone and more soon!

S.

24 Days!

Hey!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday! The weather was beautiful outside and finally got announcements done and mailed. Amen!! I am so glad that is done. So, I am not big into asking people for prayer, but if you do send one up for me please. Mainly, a pray for patience. Some more disappointing news has come in the past few days about the Navy. I know there is a plan. I know that with all my heart, but sometimes there is a disconnect between what my heart feels and what my head thinks. So, not to get all mushy and such, but thank you in advance for the prayer. Instead of Dora from Nemo saying "Just keep swimming swimming. Just keep swimming swimming." My new saying is "Just keep praying praying praying praying. Just keep praying. :-) Another side note: The inquires class I have been going to at St. Paul's was a wonderful and very fulfilling/educational class last night. :-)

Now, WORKOUTS!!! Short and sweet. Another day on the elliptical. :-))) Today was supposed to be a jog day, but all the treadmills were taken at the gym and I was short on time. Tomorrow will be a jogging day. Promise!! I also get to play softball this weekend with my department against the PD here in town. I think I am playing catcher and I am slightly nervous, but super excited! :-)

That is all for now folks. Much love!
S.

27 Days!!

It was a great weekend!! I was able to see some of my family and to see my baby sister's performance. :-) Alright, time for work-out update! Yay!!!!

Since the last time I posted, workouts have been going great. Thursday I spent 45 minutes on the elliptical at school. 45 minutes, 4 miles, and 550 calories!! Wooo Pig!! Friday, I switched up what I did on Wednesday. Are you ready?? I went backwards on the trail. Take that! No, I did not run backwards. That would be extremely difficult. Hehe. It was a bit easier going the opposite way. Today, I got my happy rear end out of bed around 6 and went to the treadmill. Yes, I know I should be running outside, but the sun was not even awake yet and I could not see anything. It was a good reunion between the treadmill and me. :-) I also want to try to be under 40 minutes on the 5K. First 5K and race. It is a bit slow, but I think a good goal for myself.

Short and sweet today. I am going to sip my loose leaf tea in my new cup that has a strainer and enjoy the beautiful day! :-) Have a wonderful day and do not forget to click on the "Race for the Cure" banner at the top of the page.

Sierra

30 DAYS!!!

30 Days from today!! I am excited, but also kind of nervous. Okay, a lot nervous. I must remember this is not all about me. The fundraising part is to help the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I have decreased the amount I am hoping to raise. I have taken it down to $250.00. If we go over, we go over and that would be awesome, but just making $250.00 would be wonderful too. If you do choose to donate, please make sure you hit "Donate to Sierra" and not the regular donate button. By clicking on "Donate to Sierra," it makes sure your donation goes towards my personal fundraising goal for Race for the Cure. Small and kind of selfish thing, but thank you. :-) Now onto how the workout went today.

From my previous post, I briefly talked about my little "jog" session with my father. Today, I got back outside instead of on the treadmill. My thought? I MISS THE TREADMILL!!! It is crazy how much of a difference it is for me to go from the treadmill to outside. True, I do live by some small hills and stuff, but goodness!! Tomorrow will be another day. Not exactly sure what kind of workout will be taking place tomorrow. Maybe a long walk or repeat today's C25K workout. It went okay with that work out today. Not spectacular, just okay. I did get on the scale when I got back and pleasantly surprised to be down 5 lbs. I definitely did not miss a meal last week on vacation! ;-)

Quick update on the Navy before I go shower and go to class/court. Bottom line is that there is nothing new. We are all still waiting to see when the boards will meet and when my completed packet will go before the boards. Hurry up and wait is the name of the game. Patience is also the name of the game. I know I am covered until August as far as living and job arrangements. Thank goodness!! Please send a quick pray up for my patience and me. I know that there is a plan in here somewhere. I just need to have faith and keep on truckin' along. :-)

Off to the shower!! It was wonderful posting again and I hope these are not just super boring or whiny. I greatly appreciate all of you who follow and read my blog. More soon!

Sierra

Oh my lands!!

Eureka!! It has been too long!! I apologize for taking awhile off. I assure you my absence does not come full circle for my workouts. I have been pretty much keeping up with those. I have not done my normal workout in the past few weeks, but I have been working out. To keep the post relatively short, I will just post about workouts this past week.

As most know, my loving father is in the military. I had convinced myself that going for a jog with him would not bad. HAHAHA!!! For a treadmill lover, it was kind of torture. I need to start running outside once I am back to get me better prepared for Race for the Cure in just a little over a month. It was some adventure! While jogging the entire way did not happen, just finishing it out and enjoying a little father/daughter time was great. I plan on coming back, plotting out a course around my area and hitting it on the streets. It kind of terrifies me, but I am also super excited. The next two mornings was spent on the elliptical at the gym in my dad's work building. I found it funny that the elliptical version of the Navy PRT was on the National Guard's new workout equipment. ;-) No other gym workout since being here. We did do the Zoo and we got out today and walked just a little in downtown DC.

As you can probably tell, I am on Spring Break right now in Washington DC and, as usual, loving every minute of it! I flew out last Friday and will being flying back on Sunday. :-( I have met some incredible people while I am here. It seems like each time I am here I am meeting new people and catching up with the "old" people. Do not get me wrong, I love you guys back home, but I feel as if I am finally forging my own path and that is just beyond exciting for me. I absolutely adore the wonderful people I have met here that have accepted me with open arms and talk with me like they have known me for years and accept me for me. I feel for me that many life lessons have been learned this week. Not just one thing, but many including. . . knitting!! Yes, get excited. ;-)

Well, I do not want to go to much further into life lesson details. I realize I am constantly talking about life lessons I have learned. Blah Blah Blah. Don't judge! :-) I am thoroughly enjoying lessons God is teaching me through others. I did get some rather disappointing Navy news this week, but I know that things will be okay and I need to trust and have patience that everything will work out and be fine. One more thing and the most important reason for this blog currently. . . Raising money for Race for the Cure. Get on and donate if you have not. The deadline is nearing and I would love to meet my pledge goal to help. Even if it is only $1. :-) Thanks everyone and I look forward to 1) Seeing my email flooded telling me people have donated and 2) updating you all again soon.

Loves!!

W4D1. . . DONE!!!

First, to everyone that celebrates Happy Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent! I went to service tonight after my work-out and court. It was a beautiful service! I wish I could have grown-up participating in church traditions such as Ash Wednesday and Lent, but alas I did not and I can choose to participate now. Anyway!! ;-) One more thing. . . We are getting into the middle of March. Race for the Cure is getting closer. Please donate by clicking the banner at the top and choosing to "Support Sierra." Please help me make my goal of $500. Tell your friends!! :-))

I do not remember if I posted on Monday and it would probably be a no since I had my second to last band concert ever!! Monday's workout consisted of getting up earlier than usual and making it into the gym before class. I finished up W3 on Monday and started W4 today. While I am no speed demon, I am proud to say today's treadmill time was successful!! Another step closer. Yay!!!! It feels great to becoming right along. I have not lifted yet this week, but hopefully will get back on that Friday. I have also decided to just keep trucking along with days. I am the type of person who likes to begin things such as this at the beginning of the week, but I think it will be beneficial to just do the one day of rest and continue the next day even if it is Saturday and time for me to begin a new running week for C25K. So, that is the plan.

I have also done fairly well with WW this week. No fast food, although for whatever reason pizza has been sounding awesome recently and for those of you who know me well you know that that is total opposite for me. I am signing off for now. I was in court all day, kind of, instead of my usual just afternoon court. Between that, class, and math homework I need to get some sleep. After all, sleep is vital and very important to our health. Have a wonderful Thursday and I look forward to updating you all on Friday. Much love!

Sierra

Health Topic: BMI

Diabetes, Stroke, Hypertension OH MY!!!!! Are you at risk for these things plus some other health risks? What is your BMI number?? Do you know??? If you do not, how come???? Now, a person's BMI or Body Mass Index is one tool that a person or doctor can use to determine body fatness. If you have a BMI above a 25 you are consider overweight and a BMI over 30 is obese. Ouch!! I know I have a ways to go, but I am determined to get into that healthy range.

Somethings can have an impact on your BMI. Your age, sex, and race can also have an impact on your BMI. Women tend to have more fat than men and athletes may have a slightly higher BMI due their muscle. So, while this post is not too long, I think it is important. The main gist. . . Know your BMI number! If you are not happy with it, come up with a plan to change it. Plan the Work. Work the Plan!!! My personal BMI is not where I want it to be or where it needs to be for me to be considered in a healthy range. What have I started to do to change that number? I am getting even more serious about working out and I got back on Weight Watchers. This is a lifestyle change and something that can impact the rest of my life and your life if you let it. Impact for the positive, of course!!

Promise, the health topics will get better from here on out. :-) Have a great Monday and I look forward to sharing with you all!! Goal for the week: No eating fast food!!! This can and will be done!! :-)

Sierra

Health

Hello All!!!

I hope your week went fantastic! Mine was as usual very busy, full of work, school, rehearsal, and other things. I did get to enjoy a wonderful girls night last night and pretty enjoyable shifts at work this week. So, to up my approach to this blog, I have decided Sunday blog post will be about health issues. After all, this blog was created to update people on my goal to raise money for Race for the Cure and my progress on C25K. I am planning to do a wide range of different issues on Sundays. Some days, it will be geared toward females and some days the general public. I will forewarn the gentlemen by putting "Girl Talk" as the title. I am very excited about where this could go. I have always been a big believer in female health and I want to take it to a whole new level. I will start today, but with a new post.

C25K was rather slow this week. I got two days down last week, but will be hitting it hard this week! Promise!! I cannot wait to update you all. Look for my next post today on the first health issue I will be talking about.

Hey!!

Hey All!!

I finally got a new pair of running shoes!! Very exciting!! I would post a picture, but that would require a lot of steps and I am not quite willing to take the time right now. Sorry. They are lime green and purple. No, color was not the deciding factor in my choice of shoes. My favorite color is blue. They work nicely. I finally got to test them out this evening. Consider W4D1 down!! Woot woot! It was a bit tough, especially not running since last week, but it was mission accomplished! It was also a good day for lifting as well.

While the gym was a happy accomplish, my OAR (Naval Officer Test) was not quite as happy. I did bring my test score and line scores up, but I missed the cut off for Naval Flight Officer by 1 point. :-( Disappointing, but there are many opportunities that are available out there for me and the Navy is not over yet. I am still able to apply for Supply. Life could be a lot worse. I am blessed beyond believe. I had a great dinner and talk with a friend tonight and then had a great talk with my roommate when she made it home. I am not watching one of my all time favorite movies. . . SPACE CAMP!!!!!

A little bit more for the serious. . . A lot has changed for me over the past year. I feel like I have really grown as a person and I can say that I am happy how things are turning out, but my emotions and outlook are still swayed by the people I am close to. It is not that I do not care about what other people are feeling because I definitely care about how other people feel. If I could take away pain from other people and feel it for them I would in a heartbeat. I hate seeing people hurt, but. . . I have really learned that I cannot help people that do not want to help themselves. For me, in this moment, I am making the change to become a more positive person and to make things work for me. I know things will not always work out and things will get tough, but how I deal will build me as a person. So, in the words of Samuel Lover "Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise."

I hope you all are having a great week so far!! Sorry for the kind of serious post. Going to clean, watch SPACE CAMP, and go to bed! After all, tomorrow is another day. ;-)

Love!
S.

Hey Hey Hey (Said in the Fresh Prince voice)

I hope this post finds everyone having a wonderful Wednesday. It was a great day!! I went to bed by 11 last night and did not wake up until after 7. It was awesome!! Class was not too bad. So, that leaves two other things that usually occur for me on Wednesday's. . . C25K and COURT!!!!!

Court: I know what you are thinking, but no, I am not the one on trial. Usually by the time I make it to my internship I miss all the fun action in court where my internship takes place. But, last week and this week I have had the great opportunity to sit in on a few cases. Last week, there was an appeals case that went to Circuit Court and was tried by jury. Very interesting case and it was great to watch my bosses in action. Today's cases were interesting again and we did not get out until 5:45. It has been a long long day, but very interesting and I have learned a lot. Now, onto C25K.

C25K: W3D2 was a success!!! Yay!! AND. . . There was very little pain and I increased speed. I am now wondering if it was because I was going slow that caused so much pain. I am not quite sure, but I need new running shoes anyway. Those are still on the schedule for this weekend. I also met a cute boy in the gym today. I have seen him around and he actually showed me how to adjust the incline on one of the benches about a month ago. :-) I went over to lift weights and he was over there. I decided I would just come back and he was like no no you can come lift. We chit chatted for a bit. He is in the Guard with two deployments under his belt. He is now in the ROTC working on his degree. I would guess he is about my age. Even better!! He asked me if I was in the guard because he saw the bag Dad gave me that I carry my gym stuff in. I told him no, but that my dad was in. He then of course asked what rank he was and when I told him I got the funny look. Thanks, Dad! I will not share your rank with any potential boy anymore. But, no seriously, I am super proud of all that my dad has done. Very proud Army Guard brat! :-)

Alright, peeps! Have a wonderful Thursday. It has been a great day! I also had yummy Frito Chili Pie for dinner! Not the best for a diet, but I have been very good the past few days. :-) Again, have a great Thursday!!

Sierra

Failure?!?!

Week 4. . . Did not happen. . . Failure?? NO!!! Slight set back? Yes!! As I have recently posted, I have had some pain on the outside of my lower legs. Nothing major, but enough to really bother me during work-outs. I did not even think about my shoes. Duh!! I realized that the pain I am experiencing is similar to the pain I felt about a year ago before I got my running shoes. It was really starting to irritate considering not long ago I could go pound out at least a mile (I know. . .Wimpy for all you runners) without feeling anything major. Now, barely two minutes and I hurt. NOT COOL!!!! So, my goal this week is to redo week three and keep it nice and slow until I can get to Runners World to replace my running shoes. I expect that to be the cure all. I am also hoping to find a slimmer shoe. I am running in a Brooks GTS (I think it is GTS) and they are a bit bulky for me. I already have big feet. I do not need help. :-)

Overall, everything else is going well. School is school. :-/ Spring Break is very soon! I cannot wait! I will be heading back up to DC. My favorite place ever! I could never get tired of DC. I plan on going to oral arguments at the Supreme Court while I am there and possibly VA Beach! Yay Navy ships!!!

There was another donation towards the Ozark Race for the Cure. 29% down!! Yay!! Keep donating! It is a wonderful cause!

Signing off for now! I will end with a quote. . .I love quotes!!

“There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them.” -Tom Krause


Sierra

School? What?!?!?

Another $10.00 donation! 29% down, 71% to go!! 

W3D1,2,&3 are down!! Yay!!! School has been very busy as I am sure everyone else has been. Test, Navy meeting, class, jury trial, work. . . Blah Blah Blah. It has been an absolutely beautiful week outside!! Nice cool weather. No complaints at all. This coming week is going to be busy, but relaxed. After meeting with my recruiter, we are going to go for another specialty that we have not looked at. The only thing is I will need to resit for the ASTB test and bring up a few line scores. I was also shooting to get my gpa pushed above the 3.0 mark, but there have been a very set backs. I am still working towards bringing them up though. So close!!

Onto the healthy stuff. . . :-) There has been quite a bit of eating out this week. Not the best for my waist or bank account. So, I went to the store a few days ago and stocked up on some yummy healthy for you foods. Fruit and things full of whole grains. I think my favorite thing I got was Quakers Oatmeal Square Cereal. They look like Mini Wheat bites, but they have 46 grams of whole grains per serving, it is packed with flavor, and while it is a bit higher in calorie count it really feels you up and sustains you until the next time you eat. You can also measure out a serving and put it in a little baggie to go if you are on the run. Awesome!!

C25K went okay this week. A touch of pain at the beginning of the week, but I invested in some more athletic tape and taped for shinsplints. All is well. No pain, no gain!! ;-) I also lifted some weights, mainly focusing on arms and abs, and felt good.

That is all for now peeps. Off to do some homework on a Saturday night. Fun, right?? ;-) More soon!

S.

W2D3 Down!

Hey Peeps!!

I know I am a bit behind the times, but better late than never I suppose. I completed W2D3 on Friday. I had to alternate between a faster and slower speed to help with the outer lower leg pain. Again, I think time running is better than distance for now. Feel free to disagree with me on this. I feel once I get the time down I can work on speed. Tomorrow begins W3D1. . . I took a look at it and it looks like fun! ;-)


Now, on to happy news! The weather was beautiful today. I love sitting on my bed listening to Mumford and Sons with the window open! Amazing!!! AND. . . The weather is suppose to be in the upper 50s and 60s this week! Yay!!! Love it! It was also a productive/relaxed weekend. I saw a great play with my "adoptive" little sister, filed my own taxes, ordered graduation announcements (I am kind of freaked by that), and took off work Sunday night to come back from home later and just enjoy time with family. Life is good. No complaints! I will update again to let everyone know how W3D1 goes tomorrow morning. Everyone have a wonderful Monday!! And check out my pictures below!!

S.

My Very Pink Flier that has info on it for donating and this blog! :-)

My Pink Paper Chain of Donors-If you donate I will put your name on one and keep it in my car as a reminder. :-)

Snow-Round 2 Part 2

Well Peeps,

Regardless of how much snow we got/still are getting, I made a trek to the gym today to do W2D2. (BTW, I think the snow finally stopped as I type. I also would not mind another snow day.) It was a very successful trip. No pain in the lower legs!! How awesome! I have noticed going slower and slowly increasing speed has definitely helped. For now, I figure that length of jogging/running is better than distance. Once I get up in length, then speed can be increased. This makes me sound so out of shape. I am not that out of shape. Promise! I also added some weights today. Yay!!

Just a short post today. Have to go hop in the shower and then back out into the snow covered wilderness to go over to a friends apartment to eat some chili. Yum!! I hope you all enjoy the pictures I posted. Until next time.

Sierra

Snow-Round 2

Someone got creative. . .

Snow up to my knees

Stella, my friend's dog The snow is over her head!!

Looking down and taking a picture

Me after I rolled around in the snow after trekking back from the gym

Wanted: A Catchy Witty Post Title

Did you hear the joke about the snow? Ha! I did not either. While I enjoyed the snow days last week and not going to class, I am for sure over how cold it is. Actually, I am not complaining per se. It just gets old having to layer so much. I also kind of hate how cold my hands get when I am at my job riding a golf cart until 12:30am. Such is life.

On to C25K. W2D1 yesterday=Success I did not have time to do the 5 minute cool down or stretch before and after. Needless to say, I will make time to stretch next time. Outer lower legs hurt just a bit. Thankfully, it is only while jogging. I just need to build those muscles back up. Yesterday was just busier than usual. I guess it was to be expected after being out of school for a week. I am just really really ready to have a "normal" schedule back again. I hope this happens soon, but it is doubtful considering we are suppose to get more snow to night. I will somehow make it to the gym tomorrow regardless of the weather to keep up C25K.

Now, I am just rambling. I am at my internship and there is nothing to do at the moment. Life is good. Crazy, but good. In the words of U2 "It's a Beautiful Day. Don't let it get away." Off to do something. Until next time!

Sierra

WAIT!!!! Do not forget to donate to Race for the Cure. My goal is $500.00 by April. Click on the Race for the Cure banner on the top and it will take you directly to the page. :-)

First Post! Yay!!

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to start a blog about my adventures and getting ready to do my first race. I am signing up for the Ozark Race for the Cure in April. For those that know me, you will know I am not a runner even though I am going through the process of joining the military. I also wanted to use this blog to keep family and friends updated on what is going on in my life and to also raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

I downloaded the Couch 2 5K on my iPhone and I begin Week2Day1 tomorrow. I would be on Week 3, but we will blame that on the snow storm. :-) I am looking forward to sharing this adventure and others with you all.

Much love,

Sierra