About Me

I'm just a girl embarking on life...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Marking a Day in History

This will be my last post before the weekend, so I wanted to make it simple, yet symbolic of the road I've traveled and the exciting paths that are ahead of me... Some of my favorite women-empowering quotes!

"To tell a woman everything she may not do is to tell her what she can do."
~Spanish Proverb

"No one should have to dance backward all of their lives."
~Jill Ruckelshaus

"You don't have to be anti-man to be pro-woman."
~Jane Galvin Lewis

Monday, January 26, 2009

As if I wasn't already motivated and excited for the marathon, Saturday did it for me! We shared stories about why we're involved, etc. during our introductions. One woman who is coaching from the Milwaukee area shared how her and her husband decided to get fit for a cause together and ran the Dublin marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program... and then 8 months later he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has made a full recovery, but I will keep this story in my head and heart as I train... we must always pay it forward...

For the funnier side of things, I can't figure out what this guy at the gym was thinking. I literally roll out of bed, dress and brush my teeth and go to they gym each morning. I look like complete CRAP, and usually am wiping eye goobers out as I walk into the gym. I did my normal workout and was stretching and getting ready to leave (about 6:30 a.m.) and this guy came up and asked me out for a drink or dinner. No small talk, nothing.... just point blank asked me out. Needless to say, I turned him down. Could have been a nice guy, but I'm fairly sure he was crazy knowing what I look like each morning!

Busy week... fun new haircut and color on Tuesday night along with a shoe and clothes fitting clinic for TNT participants. Friday is the BIG day for all those who are curious... and for those who don't know what I'm talking about, you'll either have to ask me personally or figure it out because I'm not posting about it.... but I am quite happy!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Look Alikes?




I had to post about this because 3 people in one week have told me that I resemble these 2 people. One of the women is Susan Siman, a news anchor on Channel 3-CBS in Madison. The other is Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel. So I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Training has been going amazingly well, and I am way ahead of schedule for the June 27 marathon. I'm hoping this is a good sign considering I've been doing it all indoors. Slight chance I may be able to get out on Thursday for a run because the weather is suppose to be sweet - 35 degrees in January in Wisconsin - can't beat that! Last night I took a body sculpting class that I've taken before, but we had a new instructor. She kicked my butt! I really did like her though so I tried to convince her to be my personal trainer once a week, but she has 2 small kids, so it may take more convincing still.... My other fun on Tuesday night was reconnecting with a long-time friend who I haven't seen in years. She is an AMAZING woman and we picked up right where we left off, so I'm looking forward to spending time with her in Madison. Please say an extra prayer for her and her family too, as her husband is headed off to Iraq for the 2nd time, and they have a 5 month old.
Tonight is our rally for Team in Training for the summer events! I can't wait to meet the others who will be joining me for the Seattle marathon!

Friday, January 16, 2009


So my good ol' friend Erin has given me a challenge (see her blog at http://erinandnateupdate.blogspot.com/). I'm suppose to post my 5th picture from my photo files... Well, I'm glad to see it is a funny one to share with everyone. In October I was in Ames for work and as I pulled up to the hotel, this is what I saw! I know I travel a lot, but this was still quite surprising! It was fun to laugh about, and when I checked in I inquired at the desk. They simply pick a Hilton Honors Program guest to feature when they are staying more than one night, and it was me! It was the few days before my birthday, so I assumed it was because of that, but it was really just a random draw. Either way, I felt honored! Go Hilton hotel chain! Glad I can continue to support Paris Hilton and her family!


It is my duty to pass on this challenge... so I'm passing it on to 2 friends who blog - Collin and Lorie, and 3 other friends who may complete this on Facebook - Keli, Tracie, and Julie!

Today's Strategies for Warmth

So, I tried a few fun things from my list to stay warm today. Didn't want to scare off my neighbors since I'm still the new kid on the block, so I ventured to the gym. I felt even better about myself than usual for hitting the gym so early, since my car said -15 and there were only about 5 people at the entire Princeton Club. The rest of the day was fairly typical, but my heart and soul were warmed with the arrival of my best friend, Melea, from Iowa. We ventured to Hilldale Mall for a bit o' shopping, dinner at the Great Dane and a movie. Nothing like buying 2 pairs of Dansko sandals on the clearance rack to put a girl in the mood for the summer.

On another note, anyone been to the Sundance Theatre? It was a fabulous way to stay warm - they even have a gourmet coffee, wine and cocktail bar! We saw Slumdog Millionaire... I'd highly recommend it and despite the dramatic storyline, it had a warm ending.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Keeping Warm

So, my two cents on how to keep warm this week (or all winter)....

1. Do something physical. You don't even have to leave the house - you can run up and down the stairs, stick in a workout video or do jumping jacks in the living room. Just make sure to close your blinds so your neighbors don't make fun of you.

2. Clean. Sure, may not be the most fun, but it will keep you warm and when you are trapped in the house you can admire the absence of dust bunnies.

3. Body heat. Find others. Enough said.

4. Coffee or any other hot drink. Thanks to my friend, Tracy, I have one of those stellar Keurig coffee makers. I'm officially putting my stamp of endorsement on them!

5. Wear layers. They also help if you don't do #1, because they'll cover any extra winter pounds.

6. Grow out your hair. Well, not really recommending this unless you are in to the whole "French" thing, but it is an option if needed.

7. Do nice things for others. They make you feel all warm and good inside.

Other ideas?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

My First Post

Ladies and Gentlemen... I'm proud to announce that I have finally set up my blog. In this day and age, it is so difficult to keep up with everyone. During the past year, I have had so many changes in my life, so I thought this would be a perfect way to document my journey in life.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. You'll learn more about me and my adventures in running, volunteering, creating and gardening.

As always, I would love to hear back from you, so please comment and share as you wish!