Friendsgiving begins the 7 Day Countdown...

So, last weekend and most of this week I was pretty terrified, but I have to say that thankfully, my fears are starting to turn more into excitement. I spent my last Friday night in to prepare for my last long run this past Saturday morning. I got a little bit later of a start than I had intended, but got out the door around 9am. The weather was a little chilly at first but was soo beautiful by then end. I honestly enjoyed the whole run. So much so that I actually added 2 miles onto it because I didn't have anything else planned. Plus, I have been having a hard time doing my shorter runs during the week so I wanted to make up for it! It felt great!

Today was our Third Annual Friendsgiving. Naturally, it was a success because you can't go wrong with the incredible people in attendance. Most of us have been friends for going on 5 years now with a significant other and a few other friends picked up along the way. Everyone chips in with a side dish and we basically hang around the table telling stories, saying what we are thankful for, and picking on each other. Everyone's food was great, and my turkey turned out okay, even though it's "timer/temp" popped up before I got back at 3:30. I was also worried that we wouldn't have enough, but there was plenty of leftovers.

After dinner, we played "Things that are Totally Awesome," where you mention something small that really makes you happy such as finding money in your coat from last season or having a pet monkey. We also played "Things that are Totally NOT Awesome" like stepping in gum. It is so much fun for me to sit around and watch us interact and the random topics that come up. We drew names for our Secret Santa, with will be at Brad and Nikki's on the 18th of December. What to get, What to get?!?

Since it's getting closer to my race, I really want to take time to thank everyone who has kept up with me these last several (9 to be exact) months. I have really appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, encouragement along the way. I am slow but surely packing (AKA throwing what I may need on my spare bed.) I just borrowed a running belt (not a fanny pack) from Betsy for me to carry a few things. I have decided to take my phone with me because that is my source of tuneage, but also because I'm hoping to snap a few shots of the city. Not when I'm in the zone at the beginning because it's best to go as long as possible without stopping, but once I'm at the "wall" laughing because I'm in so much pain I want to punch a baby elephant, I might as well walk and enjoy my surroundings!



ALSO, a special thanks to Sarah, who mailed me a gift certificate for a 90 minute massage for my ThanksBirthGivingDay and to giving me something to look farward to at the finish line. It is currently taped on the inside of my apartment door so I can see it every time I'm up!

Thank you, thank you, thank you and I love you all. Especially my mom, who is safely back in the states!

Two Weeks Notice...

Holy Crap...
I cannot believe it's almost here! It feels like just yesterday I spent Thanksgiving with the Ferries, threw a high school reunion at my parents house, and snuck into club level at Arrowhead for the MU-KU game.
With the weather getting colder and the day light disappearing by the time I'm home from work, to say that I'm lacking motivation would be an understatement. I'll be headed back to Kansas City a week from tomorrow and there is still so much I need to do. Hopefully in a little bit, I'll run to the mall and get a waterproof running jacket and ear warmer. I still need to get a cheap MP3 player that is somewhat water resistant to keep me company for 5 hours while roaming the streets of Seattle...

Ahh... I ran yesterday and couldn't make it the whole way, and the hot shower afterward threw me into a downward spiral because I got sick and slept from 6pm to 7am. Not sure what caused the flash but I'm still not 100%. I'm trying to eat better and get more sleep this week so hopefully it won't happen again. I've been running on the treadmill the past few weeks because that is really my only option. Having a TV makes it much more bearable, but it's still pretty boring. I'm constantly sore and constantly tired. And I never thought I'd say this, but I'm looking forward to December! That complaining being said, I'm really excited for Seattle, and the race, and the next challenge I sign myself up for.

I'll have to tell about my weekend when I have more time. As for now, I'm looking forward to the Delta Spirit show tomorrow at Mojo's with Melissa!

No Shave November is Finally Here!

This means I have less than a month until my big race. Let's just say, at this point, I'm more scared and ready for it to be over than excited but I'm still chugging along. The last several weekends I have been running a 15 mile course, that I still enjoy. I start and end with roads and hills, but I have grown very fond of Columbia's trails.

Two Saturdays ago was Missouri's Homecoming, which was a bigger deal than usual because ESPN decided to make it the location of their GameDay! We played OU, who was #1 in the BCS polls and I believe Mizzou was #11, but we were still undefeated, so they knew it was going to be a good match. Since Joe, Bess, and her parents always come into town for Homecoming, I decided to take off work on Friday. It was my first paid vacation so I made the most of it by sleeping in until 9, running my 15 miles which takes right around 3 hours. After that, I renewed my plates at the DMV (I'm not sure why everyone complains about it. I've never had any trouble.) and went to AGAVE with Zach. Considering we didn't eat lunch until about 3:30, it was empty, but the fish tacos were incredible as always!

Joe, Bess, Kelly, and Kevin got in about 8:45 and we went out to eat at Stadium Grill before heading downtown to the piano bar. Of course there was a good crowd there and I did run into a few girls I knew from college, but I don't see the thrill in paying $50 to the piano guys to play your fight song over the other teams... save your money for something that is going to last more than 1.5 minutes! However, one of my favorite parts about going out the Friday before game day is that the Mizzou Marching Band goes around to all the bars and plays a few songs for the crowd. I've always wanted to just follow them about one time, but never have!

There was a pretty good storm Friday night, which we got to sleep right through. Mizzou had its fair share of crazy fans (several of my friends) line up at 3 to get up close to the GameDay tent, but we didn't get down to the Quad til about 9:30 and still got the experience! The parade was pushed back to noon, which gave up plenty of time to get over there before it started, grab seats, etc. We cheered for the trumpets, 'boo'ed the Republicans, and drank some beer. It was a great time! After the parade, we wondered over to my friend's tailgate, over to Bess's friend's tailgate, and back to the car. Even though it looked like it most of the day, we never got rained on. We ended up watching the game with all my friends at The Deuce. The game was AWESOME! After our win against Oklahoma, my friends went downtown to get sections of the goal post. Even though I came home with my family after the game and avoided the mayhem that was Harpos downtown, I still have my slice of the post sitting on my end table! Thanks friends :)

This past Saturday was Halloween. We got to dress up for work on Friday and we decided to do an 80s theme because our department was doing a skit, reenacting Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love. The skit won 1st place so we get a catered lunch sometime in the near future!
I pride myself on cute, non-slutty costumes, and I think this year was a hit! As a semi-last minute costume, my California Raisin came together. And I got to stick with my 80s theme I had going on Friday with crimped hair and pink earrings! I decided to DD Saturday night because I'm trying to cut WAY back this month with my run coming up. With the usual, Happy Birthday sung to Matti Mo at midnight, it was a great evening! Sunday, I slept til 12:30! Then got Addison's for lunch and grabbed pumpkin beer at Flat Branch before heading to the Blue Note to see Rocky Horror with Melissa and Kyler. I hadn't seen it before and didn't really know much about it other than what I saw on Glee the Tuesday before :)




My runs are really starting to hurt. It seems like each time I've run my 15 miles, I strain something else and end up walking the last few miles home. This past week, I went into the trainer at Columbia College to have him look at my achilles. Basically he said I need to constantly be stretching, heating, icing it throughout the week, especially before/after my runs. This past Saturday, I got a lot further in the 15, but it hurt pretty bad. And now it's my left ankle instead of the original pain in my right. I'm switching back to my old shoes for awhile longer, though I did go to the gym last night and ran 5 on the treadmill while watching Star Wars. My calf got pretty sore, but other than that, I could go forever. I guess that's a good sign...

Oh... I also want to make a shout out to my friend Jose! When you black out as Mario and say things like "John wants to get a tattoo on his asshole!" in your Mexican accent, you can't help being the favorite!

More Training, Weddings, Tailgates!

If there has been one thing I've changed about my habits throughout this who training process, is that you have to make sacrifices. Since my Saturday morning "long runs" have actually gotten LONG, I've been staying in Friday nights in order to get up early on Saturdays to run before the events of the weekend. I currently have a 5, 8, and 15 mile route starting and ending at my house. Usually my long runs are focusing more on distance instead of speed or hills. These last 2 weeks, I have run my 15 mile route, which is beautiful until the last 3 miles when I hate my life :( Recently, my right leg has been hurting. First in the knee and hip flexor, and now in the hamstring. I actually brought GU along with me, hoping that it'd get me through the last 5 miles, because the first 10 (excluding mile 1 when I'm dreading the next 3 hours) are actually enjoyable. I couldn't have asked for better weather or scenery and I talk/smile to myself most of the way. Mile 12 used to be my stopping point where I could get in my car and drive home... but now that spot means I still have 3 more hilly miles in direct sunlight.


I finally got new shoes! I ordered the same pair, just the newer version and I'm still making up my mind if I like them or not. You are supposed to break them in slowly, so I'm wearing them for my shorter runs mid-week and during intermural volleyball, which has been a blast. I've never really been a big fan of sand, but court volley brings me back to my middle school days. I'm decent, but like most co-ed sports, most of the work gets done by 2 guys on each team. We've won one and lost one so far. Also speaking of intermurals, our kickball team had their last game on Friday. We won, giving us the best record, 5-1, in the league! Not that we win anything, but we have talked about making championship belts! That is now how I rate success!


2 of the tailgates have been interrupted early for weddings in KC Saturday night. The Missouri tigers haven't lost yet and are now ranked #11! However, we play Oklahoma next week for homecoming, so we will see. I'm very much looking forward to opening my doors to Joe, Bess, Kevin, and Kelly! I took off work on Friday so I can get my run (supposed to be 18, but I think I need to get this 15 one down without hating life) in before they get here.

Roots N Blue Half Marathon

Since last time I wrote, I had my half marathon. All of my friends who ran it with me did great and it's soo cool to see volunteers along the route with signs and cheering you on just because they can.

I knew to start out slow because otherwise I'd be dead by the end. The fist few miles were great. I caught up with one of my coworkers who had run the St. Louis marathon last March and I actually told him about this race, which he didn't really train for. So we ran to about mile 4 together until his shoe came untied and I had to leave him behind! Once on my own, I felt great! Kept my breath and set my pace where I was actually passing people. After I got to the MKT, I was at home, if you will, because I had run that leg of the race MANY times before and I knew exactly what to expect. Up until this point, I hadn't stopped at any of the stations for water because that's not how I'd been training and I was a little hesitant to put anything into my body in case it threw me off. But I knew that at mile 6 there was a station at the bottom of our first real hill. I had decided to take a GU (said like goo, which is exactly what it is) packet. (Let me just tell you that I'd heard about GU a few days before and wasn't sure what it was exactly. All I knew was that you're supposed to take it 15 minutes before you start and every 45 minutes after that.) Betsy had given my one of hers and they were passing them out along the way. There is actually a lot of GU per packet so I sucked it up and took it down in several swallows, making sure I could still breathe, then followed it up with a mini cup of water (which was a feat in its own.) Drinking and running is quite difficult. I'm sure I choked a few times, got it up my nose a few times, and threw it on the volunteers. Really, all I wanted was a high-five!

Miles 8-10 were pretty tough. It was actually the only part of the route I hadn't gone on and it was HILLY. This is where I caught up to Jose and we took turns in the lead until the last big hill where I was golden! Speed walking up the hills seemed like the best idea because it took less steps and I had more energy on the other end. At this point, I was just trying to get to Schnuck's, where I knew Teki, Cameron, and Beckett were waiting for me. I saw them before and kinda made a scene because I was really excited to see them. At that point, it was all down hill to the finish line. Also, around that corner, I ran into Betsy's family who had come in for the weekend. This is where my facebook picture was taken. I was still smiling, so that's a good sign. The last mile was back on the trail towards downtown (another stretch I had run SEVERAL times.) It seemed like it was never going to end but once you start seeing the number on the bridges go down, the closer you are. The timer wasn't working, but I still had the energy to actually speed up to cross this finish line! I had done it. They took off my time clip, handed me a water, a meal ticket (who would want pulled pork right after that I have no idea,) and my FINISHER BELT BUCKLE! I stretched, paced, and waited at the finish line for my friends! Never had I ever beaten everyone else I knew, and it was a good feeling. Granted, I was actually training for a full so I was ONLY half way there. I actually laughed at myself on mile 13 because NO WAY could I turn around and do it again. 26.2 is INSANE!

The rest of the day, I made overalls our of bubble wrap for the Anything But Clothing party over at Brad's that night! I have a very creative bunch of friends!

Half Marathon Eve

Well... Since it's been so long and I have so much to share, I'll probably split it up into a few post and put off my update on the last 4 weeks of my life a little longer. Unless I can't sleep tonight, which is a good possibility with the excitement, nerves, etc I'm feeling right about now.

I just got home from what seemed to me like the busiest week of my life. For some reason, I thought getting and 8-5 job would give me more time to hang out and relax. Although I'm not complaining, because I do it to myself by meeting new people and committing myself to, not more than I can handle, but more than I should handle! Several weeks ago, I signed up for 2 intermural leagues: Softball with work, and kickball with friends. The surprising thing was that both teams are actually good! Who knew?! Softball made it to the semi-finals, with is pretty good, considering we hadn't won a game before, or so I'm told. In kickball, we play our 4th game tonight and haven't lost yet...knock on wood!

Monday night I went to the Cardinals game with some people from work. It was actually organized by the college so we had a bus ride to and fro', ticket AND a t-shirt for $30... but our director offered to buy our shirts so it only cost $20... plus over-priced beer and food. Even though we didn't get back until about 12:30, it was a great evening. Tuesday was Softball at 9, then we did a little bar hopping because a friend was in town. Wednesday I ran my 5 mile route before cleaning so I got to bed around 11:45. Then yesterday was the Chubby Carriers concert at The Blue Note. WONDERFUL dace party, even though my dance partner (Who likes to anonymously comment on my posts) couldn't make it.

Currently... I'm sitting at my table carb loading with Shells and Cheese, which aren't as good as I remember, and the saltiest grilled onions I've ever had. I pretty much dread each bite, but eat it anyway. Today at work I had a water off with the guy downstairs, who is also running the half tomorrow. I didn't quite make it to a gallon, but was close... surely I can drink that glass tonight! We also picked up our race packets, numbers, shirt and shoe chip so they can track us. I have NO idea what I'm going to wear tomorrow. It'll probably be in the 40s-50s, which is supposedly what the weather will be in Seattle, but I have my doubts...

No idea what any of this means but:
www.onlineraceresults.com
my chip code is 05800184e16c
my No is 1024

Very very excited... Sorry no pictures. Too many thoughts in my mind to sort out and be clever. I'll write more after the FINISH LINE :)

Start of September

Well, once again it's been awhile since my last post. My runs are getting longer and the weather is getting cooler... However life is has been busy. Since the Chief's game isn't going as I'd hoped, I'll fill you in!

Labor Day weekend was a good one. Shelby was spending the weekend in St. Louis so she stopped in Columbia Friday night so we could hang out. She got in around 8:30 so we grabbed dinner at Broadway Brewery then headed down to McNally's. After getting our ears talked off by a couple of engineers, we stayed up until about 3 only to set the alarm for 5 so she could shower and be on her way. I packed for the weekend, went back to bed for about an hour, and got up to run before I had to head home. On my run, I found an iPhone in the street. It was still in working order so I logged on to his facebook to get a hold of him and returned it to him on Monday when I got back.
*side note: Karma actually came back to me this past Friday, when I left it on the hood of my friend's car and they saw it bounce when they drove away and it remained in 1 piece! Thank goodness :)

Saturday, I got my hair dyed before I had lunch with Megan, a friend from my sonic days. It is always a treat to catch up... even if I drove about 45 minutes in the wrong direction! That night, I got to see Meghan and Jesse in downtown Lees Summit. Meghan organized a surprise birthday party for him since they came in town for the weekend too. It was a great time and always such a treat to see that family. They certainly know how to have a good time!
Sunday after church, the siblings came over for biscuits and gravy followed by Irish Fest down at Crown Center. Mike and I ran into some on my friends and we decided to go out to Power & Light. Always fun to mix my family and friends!

The following week was a short wee and a BUSY one. I had to put in 40 hours in 3 days at work so I came in early and stayed late Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Matt Brand picked me up work on Thursday and we head to St.L for the rehearsal dinner. Since I didn't have anything planned on Friday, I slept in, ready my book until about 1, then went to a park next to the Mississippi where there was a 5 mile loop. I ran around twice while Matt worked on his toast, then came home to shower and read more. I played cards with the boys until about 10:30 and went to bed because they had to be up at the church early for pictures.
The wedding was at 11:30 so the reception and open bar started at 12:30, so let the daytime dancing begin! Oh... did I mention I had the best looking date there?!

Once the reception ended at 5, we went out to dinner at Tequila. The wedding party had a limo so we stayed afterward. My friend Carrie, who I met at the Bachelorette party, stayed there with us. This is a picture of the girls while the boys hung out in the bathroom with a bucket of beers making friends... I'm NOT joking!
We left the Mexican restaurant around 8:30 and went to buy a hookah for the rest of the evening. We played out on the deck, making costumes and head pieces with foil! Once again... I'm NOT joking!

This was a great weekend! It may be impossible not to enjoy a wedding!

August and What Nots!

My apologies for not updating in OVER a month! Thanks to the 3 of you who have brought my lackadaisical blogging habits to my attention... so here goes:
August has been a pretty crazy busy month but I have somehow managed to keep up my running, for the most part (which I'll explain later.)

The last weekend in July, I went to my friend's Bachelorette Party in St. Louis. I had to meet up after dinner, but it was a great time! The party bus picked me up right before we met up with the stripper...In the TARGET Parking Lot! It was so ridiculously trashy, I couldn't stop laughing. The whole time I was just waiting for Target security to come out and tell us to leave. And to make matters worse, the windows on the bus were not tinted AT ALL, so everyone driving by could see EVERYTHING. Bahaha :) After that, we went to a few other bars before we got dropped off at our hotel and after much convincing, walked to the bars downtown. I made some new friends that I can't wait to see again at the wedding in a few weeks! That Saturday, back in Columbia, my friend from high school's band was playing a show so we got to reconnect after about 6 years! Josh, my 6th grade boyfriend and Junior Prom date, seems to be doing great and I'm so glad I went out to see him and his band!



The first weekend of August was my first real long run of training, and the first time I really came to appreciate the MKT trail in the mornings. Since I was house/pet sitting 2 little dogs and 1 GIANT cat...I got up Saturday morning around 6, took my time waking up, preparing myself, and got to the trail around 7. It took me about an hour and a half, but I ran from Scott all the way downtown and back which is a little over 9 miles. After my first long run, I felt great and got ready for the festivities of the day. We had a pool party over at Jim's and had dinner at Flat Branch with my sister, Jessie, who was in town visiting a friend. We had a great night showing them around Columbia. Tin Can had a great live band with a washboard...so of course I found a stranger to dance with :)


I have run that same course the past few weekends on Saturday mornings. For some reason it takes me much longer to get to Providence than it does to get back. I think my body just needs to get through the first 5 miles before it can kick into distance mode. I can actually feel my posture change into that of those water bottle/fannie-pak runners you pass on the road that you can tell mean business! I am always relieved to get back to the parking lot to find my car still there since I leave it unlocked with the keys in it.

The second weekend of August was Lake Weekend. I decided to stay in Columbia Friday night so I would actually make myself run before I played. After my 9 miles, I drove down to Jon's house at the lake. We played at his condo pool for awhile before we grabbed lunch and headed to Lazy Gators. This place has as great of a view as you can get in Mid-Missouri! Cabanas (which no one paid for) and huge white chairs were set up around the zero-entry pool with a walk up bar etc. It's not really my cup of tea because, well... it felt like I was taking a bath with 75 strangers that think they are on Spring Break 99 in Cancun. Yuck! We stayed there most of the day, trying to keep our frozen drinks out of the luke-warm piss water so they might have a chance of staying cold, but everyone else was enjoying themselves, so I couldn't complain too much. At about 6, we went next door to Shady Gators, which was much more my style! Other than the $6 beers (I'm so spoiled by Columbia prices,) it was very chill and the food was decent. Around 9, the band came on and we didn't sit down until it was time to leave. The Chubby Carriers (I think that's how you spell it) played kinda jazzy, bluesy, swing music that was perfect for dancing. And now that I think about it, dancing was pretty dangerous because we were sweating like crazy and I very easily could have been dropped! Once we got back to Jon's we ordered pizza, slept in, grabbed Panera, and drove home to start the week all over again.

Work is going well. I feel like I"m actually contributing to the office because I can work on actual files and cross them off the list. I've been on my own, with our trainer double checking my work the past few weeks and will be until we start to learn about military students in early September. Apparently that is going to be much more difficult than what I've been doing, but bring it on :) Our department is playing intermurals this fall and we just picked our name. Not to brag, but it's one that I came up with. We are the Eval KenEvals!!! Get it?! Not sure when softball starts, but it should be fun. I'm also on a kickball beer league that will play on Friday nights, which I'm really excited about.

The third weekend of August was our 2nd Annual Float Trip. We camped at a place just past Bennett Springs and had 30+ people this year. First night is always more chill which involves just hanging out around the campfire! Oh... and it POURED Friday night. Luckily, our tent stayed dry, but not everyone was so fortunate. I've been in charge of breakfast both times and we had breakfast burritos, which worked out great this years! The other half of the group comes Saturday morning after breakfast. We had 6 rafts this year and decided to take the short float, so we still had time to hang out before dinner. We also played in the river that runs right by our campground. There was a rope swing and deeper section that we played in for hours. Not surprising, this is where most of the injuries came from!

And now... to start my "What Nots." DON'T TAKE AN ENTIRE WEEK OFF THIS FAR INTO TRAINING! Not sure if it is the weather change or what, but I've been sick this past week. Started with head, then throat, then nose and I got really lazy and couldn't make myslef do anything physical this week, even when I started to get better. While running my 10 miles this morning, I realized that all my calluses I've been "building" over the past few months have practically healed, which means my feet and my inner thighs are KILLING me right now. AND it took me 2 hours to run what usually takes me about an hour and a half. Oh, and I want to throw up :(

I'm actually starting to like my lazy Friday night routine. Most of my nights have been pretty lazy, to be honest. I've been working my way through The Office DVDs and my Netflix with a guy I met at work, which is another reason why it's bearable to stare at my screen all day. Things are going pretty well so I won't jinx it with details ;)

And this pictures is because I CANNOT wait for Football Season. One of the many reasons I LOVE Columbia!

Hot Hot Heat Stroke...

Well... Since I'm not running, I guess I should write about it!

July, thus far, has been very chill which is just what I needed after a very eventful/busy June. The day after Summerfest with Betsy, I started my new job on the 1st. I'm still in the training process which will take a few months because there is a lot of stuff I need to know so I don't waste student's time and money. Basically what I do is compare the transfer students previously taken courses to Columbia College's courses, then figure out how many more and what classes they need to take in order to graduate with a certain degree. So far, I really like the people I work with. Since we are in cubes, there isn't too much communication going on but there is definitely the occasional pun or comment from across the room. I really like working close to downtown too because there are lots of lunch choices that I can walk to, even though I can tell it's really going to add up, calorie AND money wise.
For Lindsay's birthday, we had quite the eventful evening. After dinner at Addisons, went to Tin Can for skee ball and live music, then on to Columbia's new Hookah bar! It was a wonderful break from the bar scene for an hour before we headed to Quintons until closing time when we went to the new Mexican place downtown. They have a "dollar menu", if you will, and serve drinks. Then, on Sunday night we had a family style dinner around the table. It was a great time!

This weekend was moving weekend! I finally moved into my very own 2 bedroom apartment. Granted, I am currently sitting on the floor using a box to set my computer on because I have no furniture! It was only the hottest weekend of the year, but luckily I didn't have too much big stuff to move. I'm already on my second trip to Walmart to pick up miscellaneous odds and ends including a bathroom set, curtains, and a good amount of food based around sack lunch intentions. Since I don't have anything in my living room or 2nd bedroom just yet, I can't really plan decorations, placement, etc. I'm hoping I'll have enough man-power and horse-power tomorrow night to get my friends furniture over here. She is moving into a furnished apartment so my place will be much like a storage unit, which I'm fine with :) I also earned a couch and chair as payment for cleaning my listing.
Speaking of my real estate world, I've had 2 closings in the last 2 weeks and another one scheduled for next Thursday! This money couldn't have come at a better time, since I'm dishing it out on random needs/wants for my place, new tires, and other things that I've been putting off until I got a paycheck. Maybe I'll dye my hairs and bleach my teefers!? The possibilities are endless!

Week 10 and the 4th of JULY!

Running has been going great. Still going 3 miles, 3 times a week, then a longer run on Saturday. And now that I get off work at 5, it's been easier to make myself go. Plus the weather is 80s when I catch it between rains! There have been some perfect sleeping storms these past few days and we are supposed to get them all week!

I started my new job on Thursday. Leaving the apartment at 7:30 is MUCH different than leaving in jeans and a ponytail at 8:50. So far, I've been doing alright with mornings. It helps that my roommate is up with me. She usually leaves at 7:15 or so, but I take longer to get ready since I'm a morning showerer. It doesn't take me the whole 30 minutes to get to work, but I better get in the habit because once school starts, it will. plus, I'll be living a few minutes further South in a few weeks.


I have my very own cube within paper-tossing distance from Jennifer. I haven't quite made it my own because I'll need to print out pictures and get the siblings to send me some new ones of my nieces and nephews (hint, hint!) I don't think I've gotten pictures printed since my sophomore year. There is a ton of training I'll need to get so right now I'm just working on course equivalencies and comparing other colleges course schedule to our own. But everyone I've talked to said it only gets better, so I'm looking forward to that. I turned in all my papers for taxes, insurance, direct deposits, etc. today, and finally got my parking pass. I think I'm going to love working close to downtown because I can walk pretty far in an hour. Now, I just wish my friend who works/lives downtown wasn't quitting and moving South!

There is nothing greater than starting a new job for 2 days, followed by a 3 day holiday weekend! I cleaned Friday night so I could run AND watch the soccer game before the festivities began! I finally made it over to the Hall's around 1:30. We brought the TV outside so we could sit in the baby pool in the backyard and watch the Spain-Paraguay game! I always wonder what people think when they drive by, because it's practically a carnival back there, because of course, we had the Slip N Slide, AKA 50ft construction tarp, set up also.
Not that anyone is surprised, but things get out of hand when the Slip N Slide comes out. Actually, out of hand, might not be the right word for it. Chances are, if we were still in our prime, we might not feel so beat up the next few days, but we. are. NOT! I've got scratches all down my back and legs, bruises on most extremities from the ROCKS we had holding down the tarp and from hitting the fence at the bottom, my ear lobe got chomped by the dog protecting Lindsay, and lets just say, the bug bites came in pairs!

For some reason, we always prefer to celebrate the 3rd more than the 4th! Maybe that is just how the holiday has fallen these last few years, but it doesn't bother me at all! For the actual holiday, we all grabbed lunch at HuHot, split up for a few hours, then got back together for more games and family dinner of steak and potatoes! Oh... and did I mention the Sieker came in town!?! And to top it all off, I didn't have to go to work on Monday :)

I Like Giants by Kimya Dawson

Click here for her site to listen along! This songs me really happy so I wanted to share :)

When I go for a drive I like to pull off to the side
Of the road, turn out the lights, get out and look up at the sky
And I do this to remind me that I'm really, really tiny
In the grand scheme of things and sometimes this terrifies me

But it's only really scary cause it makes me feel serene
In a way I never thought I'd be because I've never been
So grounded, and so humbled, and so one with everything
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything

Rock and roll is fun but if you ever hear someone
Say you are huge, look at the moon, look at the stars, look at the sun
Look at the ocean and the desert and the mountains and the sky
Say I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye

When I saw Geneviève I really liked it when she said
What she said about the giant and the lemmings on the cliff
She said 'I like giants
Especially girl giants
Cause all girls feel too big sometimes
Regardless of their size'

When I go for a drive I like to pull off to the side
Of the road and run and jump into the ocean in my clothes
*I'm smaller than a poppyseed inside a great big bowl
And the ocean is a giant that can swallow me whole

So I swim for all salvation and I swim to save my soul
But my soul is just a whisper trapped inside a tornado
So I flip to my back and I float and I sing
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything

So I talked to Geneviève and almost cried when she said
That the giant on the cliff wished that she was dead
And the lemmings on the cliff wished that they were dead
So the giant told the lemmings why they ought to live instead

When she thought up all those reasons that they ought to live instead
It made her reconsider all the sad thoughts in her head
So thank you Geneviève, cause you take what is in your head
you make things that are so beautiful and share them with your friends

We all become important when we realize our goal
Should be to figure out our role within the context of the whole
And yeah, rock and roll is fun, but if you ever hear someone
Say you are huge, look at the moon, look at the stars, look at the sun
Look at the ocean and the desert and the mountains and the sky

Say I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
And I don't wanna make her cry
Cause I like giants

5 Months Left... and it's been a busy busy summer

Lets just say, so much is happening with my life!


Ever notice how everything happens at once? Well, I'm not sure how many times I've sent out my resume but I've always gotten the same response..."We were impressed by the quality of applicants, but you weren't one of them." So finally, I got a call from Columbia College at the beginning of May to come in for an interview! Once I got back from DC, I met with them about the job and did pretty well, but unfortunately was beat out by two internal hires. After that, I found a position online at a local pediatric dentist office so I sent in my resume. They called back for references and a phone interview, then I didn't hear from them for 2 weeks, even though I called several times to get the status on the position. THEN, I get a call from Columbia offering me the Evaluator position. Still no word from the dentist, I call Columbia to accept, only to be called in for an interview at with the dentists the next day!

I put in my 2 weeks with my office, so I start on the 1st, even though I'm still in the running for the dental assistant position. I got called in to shadow and meet the rest of the staff today and get a feel for the office pace/environment. If only I had a long term goal other than family and happiness, it's be a much easier decision to make. I'm still hoping the answer will come to me during one of my runs, but not yet.

While all this job stuff is going down, I've managed to get 2 more properties under contract and 2 rented. I had one closing on the 18th (Happy Birthday Dad) and another one tomorrow morning! I've also had some very exciting weekends! The 11-13 was the Cox Clan reunion in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Family from Texas and Missouri meet in the middle and rent boats, cabins, and play lots of dominoes. Great meals, hot weather, cold drinks, and late nights with my cousins and siblings is always a great time!
The weekend on the 19th was Columbia based but very eventful! The Hall's came to town, which is always a great time. We went to the winery, Agave for dinner, downtown, then the regular sleep-over back at J & L's! I fall more in love with my friends every time we hang out...which is often.

This past weekend took place in KC. It was the Hayles turn to host the MONSTER family reunion this year. Meaning not just my cousins, but my mom's cousins as well. If we were to take a picture of the family this past weekend, it'd be about 3X bigger than the picture above. To top off my family weekend back home, I got to go to the Royals/Cardinals game at Kauffman Stadium with Shelby on Sunday. And what's even better is that we WON 3-10 winning the Series! *Side note: My friends bought a chuck of tickets, drove in Saturday morning at 7:30, tailgated until noon, when they realized the tickets were for SUNDAY'S game! :)

I have been running around Stankowski at nights, when the weather is cooler. I'm up to 3 miles comfortably and still feeling good afterward. Even though I'm covered in bug bites, I can tell I'm improving and am getting really excited!

The Crew Conquers Lake Ozark

To be honest, my last few Mondays have been full of wonderful food and a Bachelorette party on my couch. I have to say, it's a pretty good replacement for HIMYM and 24 being over... or at least it's a good laugh and snuggle with a hometown moment of fame!

Last week was beautiful. Weather was perfect for running, as long as I waited until about 7. I ran Tues, Wed, and even Thursday before meeting Betsy and Corey AT AGAVE! PLUS, it was a short week because of Memorial Day, so Friday came before we knew it! After packing, I hung out at Brydan's then went to bed before our big day at the lake. Saturday started early! Much like tailgating season, it's soo much easier to wake up when there is an adventure waiting for you. We met at the Hall's at 7:45 to load cars, pack drinks, and get on the road as "Couples Retreat" and "Single Island," which we named the cars, based on who was in which! Stopping only twice to take care of important business!

Once we arrived, we took over the pool (sorry kids!) by setting up the table. It was still pretty early, but we let the games begin. We hung out in the pool, ordered a pizza and rented the boat... or so I'm told! I'm not sure who knows the stories about me and the Shull fire extinguisher, but it was kinda like that! I hit the same corner of my forehead on Matt's side mirror, knocking it all the way back! Oops :( We had the boat for several hours. Thank you to Doug, who was our Captain, for driving and putting up with us. We parked at Party Cove and tied up to some other friends.

For dinner, we went to J.B.Hooks because most of us wanted seafood! It had a gorgeous view and we were there for sunset, and a large table on the patio. Sieker and I kinda shared the Grouper Tacos and the Steak Medallions. I'm not quite sure why I wanted the steak, when I was the one fighting for seafood, but oh well!
Sarah B. and I took Jon's bed, which was great, until the boys came in and tackled us, dragging me out of bed. I was a little upset at first, until I realized that I got the join the party which was taking place in the parking lot. I walk out to find the my friends in an blow up kiddie pool inside the bed of Doug's truck! It was a riot...I just wish I had pictures. There wasn't water in it, but we were entertained for hours! I'm not sure what made us finally go inside, but we continued to hang out on the patio until all hours of the morning. After a giant bottle of Riesling and a pretzel fight, we set up a pallet on the patio and slept OUTSIDE! It was perfect weather and a great day at the lake...the ride home, was a different story!

Finger Mustaches and Jello

Like always, I have gone far too long between posts so I'm not quite sure where to start. However, Memorial Weekend seems like a pretty solid time to try!
SHELBY comes to visit:

As always, its soo good to see my friends from home! Shelby got into town Friday afternoon and enjoyed the Trops patio while I finished my last few hours of work, then I met up! We met up with Betsy at Bleu for dinner. I'd never been here before but the food, atmosphere and service were all great. You can't go wrong with the fish tacos, and they proved that, for sure! After dinner, Shelby, Stephanie G. and I went over to Snappers. Once again, this was a first for me but a bar full of regulars! It was a dive bar with tongue dying $1 specials. Brydan and some of his friends joined and I played 2 surprisingly decent games of darts! I must have gotten some practice in my past life;) Rejoined by Betsy, Corey, and Eric, the escapades and picture wars continued until we finally left for Eastside Tavern, which was a totally different dance party experience, yet awesomeness pursued!
Since this is a "running blog," I'd proudly like to share that I was up in the morning to run my miles before breakfast at Bob Evans! Then, Shelby and I hit up the pool with Jose and Jennifer! Also, we went to lunch at the Brewery with Jill and Nathan, then back to their hour to see the puppies!

"Here's how you run a marathon...

Step 1: You start running
...there is no step 2!"

So, it's been about a week since I posted last. This past week was great. Even though I skipped running on Wednesday because of the rain, I ran 2 on Tuesday, 3 on Thursday before lunch at an Indian buffet downtown with Melissa. I don't think I'd ever had Indian food before, but I liked everything that I grabbed. And nothing was too spicy, which I was worried about. Then I cleaned the house and drove straight to Agave to meet he gang for Happy Hour! Betsy and Corey even came! As if margs weren't enough, we went to B12 for Karaoke! I didn't sing til the very end, but I now know my song! Originally, I though "Come to my Window" was the way to go, but after someone else sang "I'm the Only One," I knew it was the better Melissa Ethridge song!

Friday, after my much needed nap after work, Melissa her friends and I went to Tonic for a Videology Party. Music videos on a huge screen, plus smoke machine, laser lights and a dance party! Not really my thing but I'm really glad I went and had fun while I was there. After that I headed to McNally's to catch up with my friends Joe and Jarred.

Instead of sleeping in on Saturday like I tried to do, 8:30 was the best I could do. Once I woke up, I FINALLY finished Kitchen Confidential and headed to the trail! I think it's strange to drive somewhere to run, but it's a nice change of scenery and much needed shade. I went a little over 4 miles, but not all of that was running. Still a good distance though. The rest of the day
I cleaned my room and actually dusted. I HATE dusting! I got dinner at Flat Branch with the Rods and headed to The Deuce for the rest of the night. Not only were my friends there, my favorite people from MRC met up after their company picnic. Talked to Jake and Brandi some more about buying a house and I look forward to working with them. Nothing like mixing a little work with pleasure!

Week 2 and Abbie's Wedding in Fayetteville

Week 2 has the same runs as the first except for Saturday. I ran more than the 1.5 and 3 on Tuesday and Wednesday so I don't feel as bad as I should for skipping Thursday's 1.5 miles. Thursday, Matt and I met a guy from craigslist who had an 06 Jetta that I wanted to check out. To make a long, hectic, and frustrating story short, I FINALLY got my new car on Friday night!!!!!! She's an 06 Jetta, 5-speed, Black, w/ leather seats, power everything, and a pretty rocking sound system! There are a few things I need to get done to it, but I'm still very happy with my decision!

Friday night, I had a little gathering at my house with some great friends! Pizza rolls and drinks and staying up WAY later than we should is always fun. It almost makes me miss living at home, but then I realize that I see them just as often as I see some of my Columbia friends, and once again, am very happy with my decision!

Saturday, it was my mission to run 3.5 miles like my training says too. Before I realized how hard it is raining, I drove to my old stomping grounds to run around the RPHS track, but I didn't have the guts to get close because I think there was a track meet or something! Eventually, I called my brother. Mike met me at 24 HR Fitness in Lees Summit. I ran 3.65 miles before I removed my sweatshirt which was covering my stats! I kept a constant pace at 5.8 and could still breathe and even talk on the phone a little. Then I did a few abs, and legs (which I'm really feeling in my butt) and left for lunch at Chipotle with Marc, Charlotte, and Shelby before I sped home to leave for our road trip!

Katy, Natalie, Sarah and I head South at about 3:30. The drive down was so fun! We have so many memories and so much to catch up on, I don't think there was a quiet minute. Plus, Sarah got her Dilly Bar so all is well in the world! After trying to check in to the wrong hotel, we arrived to our cute little suite, changed out of our riding clothes and headed down to Dickson St. Other than parking, which we eventually found not too far past the bars, it was really cool! It was still pretty early when we got there so we went to Jose's for dinner. Awkward older biker crowd and not good margs or food, but the live band was a good start to the night. From there, we moved to a bar called Stir. Classily keeping to ourselves ;) we eventually got hounded by the tool academy, accepted a few free drinks, then moved on to the next place for some karaoke action! Of course, Sarah picked Spice Girls, which was most def a crowd please! We danced with an old man who looked like Willie Nelson and eventually left, only to get lost on the way home. Seriously.. What is your deal AR?

Sleeping in on Sunday was much needed because we even made it to the last few minutes for breakfast! I haven't had Biscuits & Gravy FOREVER and it definitely hit the spot. After breakfast, we all piled back into the 1 bed and talked until about 11:30, showered, packed and went to lunch. We had to check out of our hotel by 2 so we put our stuff in my car and hung out in the lobby until it was time to put our dresses on. We thought we left with plenty of time to get to the chapel, but after getting lost TWICE (thanks for nothing, MapQuest) we got seated right before it started! Everything was PERFECT. Everyone looked great! Abbie was gorgeous and her dress was so elegant! We couldn't stay for the whole reception because we still had a 3.5 hour drive home, but we got to chat with Abbie and Lauren, take pictures and eat cake!

All in all, it was a phenomenal weekend!