So I've really gotten into this "running" thing. And I actually enjoy it! I ran a 5K on May 5th in Peoria IL. It was called "Run to Remember", benefiting C.O.P.S. (concerns of police survivors). And I really didn't do to bad! For me, anyway. I ran it in 42 minutes flat! Not a great time...but it is an improvement and I'm happy with that! So on to the next race. And this one is going to be rather emotional.
In a week and a half I will be running in Springfield IL for the Springfield Memorial Burn Unit 5K fundraiser.This is the 6th year for this run and they've raised over $30,000! The men and women who work in the burn unit are second to none. They not only take care of their patients but they also take care of the family members. And they do it with professionalism and grace and all they care in the world! While my mother in law was there, they went above and beyond their duty to take care of her and look after my father in law. They offered him rides, money, food...anything he needed to stay by his wifes side. In September she succumed to her injuries. This will be the first time back there since then. It will be a very emotional day!
So..on June 23rd I will be running for her. I will run my best and my hardest and I hope I will make her proud. We love you and we miss you dearly!!
ETA: Somehow this did not get posted...so I'll add to it.
I did run in Springfield. It was hot...it was humid...and it was a very tough course! But I did it! I completed it in about 46 minutes. It was definetly not my best time, but I was just happy to complete it.
You know that feeling you get sometimes...when you complete something...and get all emotional and cant talk. Thats how it was for me at the finish line. I knew if I spewed one simple single little word, everything would be over. So I just walked back to the pavilion thinking about her.
While it was not my best race, it was absolutely the most memorable.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
My long time hobby
For a very long time I've loved photography. I love taking pictures, editing them and making them into something beautiful. I haven't done a lot with it for over a year now...partially because I was busy with other things in my life and partially because my camera is broken. Well...mostly broken. It still takes pictures I just can't view them. Apparently a ride in the saddle bag on the motorcycle isnt such a good thing for an LCD screen. Oops! Well my step-son recently joined his first baseball team. He's been talking about playing baseball since we could babble! So of course I had to take some pictures of him. Next step...New camera!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Frustrated....
I never thought I would be "one of those" people. You know...the ones you see in the gym...running on the treadmill...for 3 miles! But...I am. And I'm proud of it! But here is why I'm frustrated. I've been running my *bleep* off. The problem is I'm not improving on my 3 mile time. I'm still in the same place I was when I ran my first 5K in September of last year. I really want to improve on that time! I don't want to take 45 minutes to run 3 miles! My wonderful husband has been a great support for me. He keeps saying "you're looking at it all wrong" but I have no idea who I'm suppose to be looking at it. The other thing I'm frustrated about is, for the first time in my life I have shin splints! Curse you shin splints!! It's not my cardio that is holding me back. It's definately stupid shin splints!! I've bought new shoes..that I don't particularly like. I think they are part of the problem. I can't see buying a new pair though! I spent almost $100 on these shoes! So...I'll wear my old shoes and save my pennies for awhile longer for a new pair. And this time, I'll make sure they feel great before I buy them!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What a trip!
So my last post I said I was going to a work conference in Baltimore. What a trip that was! I had a lot of firsts...first time I had to change planes, first time I rode the Amtrak train, first time I visited Baltimore OR Washington DC, first time I have been without a vehicle to get around (!)... but it was very much an interesting trip!
We boarded the first plane and everything was great! No checked bags so we knew we wouldnt loose our luggage. Got to the next airport where we had to change planes. We had about an hour and a half before our next flight so we decided to grab lunch in ther terminal. Almost the biggest mistake we could have ever made! You know when you fly, there's always at least one person holding everything up by not being there on time? Well...we were that person. We got to the gate, and the gate agent told us "You ladies better hurry. I'm about to close the door!" Whew!! Just made it!!
So we take off and everything is great. Just a quick reminder...I have only flown once before this trip and I was not in the back of the plane. So on this flight, we were 3 rows from the back. The side of the engine was our view. And I was in the middle seat. All of a sudden, just about 3/4 of the way there, I felt sick to my stomach. Really sick to my stomach! Thank goodness there were two restrooms at the back of the plane. I occupied one of them and proceeded to loose my lunch. I know...yuck right! You shoulda been on my end!! So we land in Baltimore and I am feeling much better. We catch a ride to the hotel, freshen up and decide on having dinner at the hotel.
The next day goes pretty much without incident. We attend some great classes and decide on going to the party at the hotel that evening. It was a ton of fun...except for the overpriced drinks! $7 for a domestic bottle of beer is way to pricey for me. So after a little music we retire to our rooms for the evening.
On Thursday we head off to the classes in the morning, and head into DC in the afternoon. What an amazing place! If you have never walked around the monuments and memorials, I highly suggest you take time out of your busy schedule, clear a few days off your calendar, and see what our countrymen and women have given us and pay tribute to those who have given their lives for us. We visited the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The WWII Memorial and the White House. With only a few hours in town, we couldnt see everything so we picked what we thought were the most important sights. Besides that absolute amazment and size of these monuments, there was one thing that struck me. The names on the Vietnam Veterans wall. There are 58,272 men and women listed. Some of which have never been found. This was the one place in all of DC that was quiet. Actually quiet. It was the most eye opening, heart breaking thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I highly recommend as part of any trip to the east coast, take the time to stop in and give your thanks to those men and women who gave their life for you. You will not soon forget it.
For more information about The Wall, go to http://thewall-usa.com/index.asp
We boarded the first plane and everything was great! No checked bags so we knew we wouldnt loose our luggage. Got to the next airport where we had to change planes. We had about an hour and a half before our next flight so we decided to grab lunch in ther terminal. Almost the biggest mistake we could have ever made! You know when you fly, there's always at least one person holding everything up by not being there on time? Well...we were that person. We got to the gate, and the gate agent told us "You ladies better hurry. I'm about to close the door!" Whew!! Just made it!!
So we take off and everything is great. Just a quick reminder...I have only flown once before this trip and I was not in the back of the plane. So on this flight, we were 3 rows from the back. The side of the engine was our view. And I was in the middle seat. All of a sudden, just about 3/4 of the way there, I felt sick to my stomach. Really sick to my stomach! Thank goodness there were two restrooms at the back of the plane. I occupied one of them and proceeded to loose my lunch. I know...yuck right! You shoulda been on my end!! So we land in Baltimore and I am feeling much better. We catch a ride to the hotel, freshen up and decide on having dinner at the hotel.
The next day goes pretty much without incident. We attend some great classes and decide on going to the party at the hotel that evening. It was a ton of fun...except for the overpriced drinks! $7 for a domestic bottle of beer is way to pricey for me. So after a little music we retire to our rooms for the evening.
On Thursday we head off to the classes in the morning, and head into DC in the afternoon. What an amazing place! If you have never walked around the monuments and memorials, I highly suggest you take time out of your busy schedule, clear a few days off your calendar, and see what our countrymen and women have given us and pay tribute to those who have given their lives for us. We visited the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The WWII Memorial and the White House. With only a few hours in town, we couldnt see everything so we picked what we thought were the most important sights. Besides that absolute amazment and size of these monuments, there was one thing that struck me. The names on the Vietnam Veterans wall. There are 58,272 men and women listed. Some of which have never been found. This was the one place in all of DC that was quiet. Actually quiet. It was the most eye opening, heart breaking thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I highly recommend as part of any trip to the east coast, take the time to stop in and give your thanks to those men and women who gave their life for you. You will not soon forget it.
For more information about The Wall, go to http://thewall-usa.com/index.asp
Friday, April 13, 2012
My Crazy Life!
Well...ok...its really not so crazy. But sometimes....it can be a little nutty! Back in the middle of February I was asked if I wanted a free trip to Baltimore. Well yeah!! I'll take a free trip anywhere! And to make it even more sweet, two of the girls I work very well with are going to! But somehow....it is now 4 days before we leave and I just realized it. OK...so the plane tickets and the hotel reservations were made weeks ago. So glad someone else was in charge of that "minor" detail. But as of yesterday we had no ride to the airport...which is a little over an hour from where we live! So I talked real nice to our deputy chief...ok...maybe not that nice...I just said "Hey Rick...we need a ride to the airport on Tuesday. You're not busy, right? Thanks! I knew we could count on you!" How can he say no?? :) So the ride there is arranged. Thank goodness one of the girls who is also going is married to a super nice guy (who happens to be one of our Lts.) that promised to give us a ride home. Travel arrangements...done! Now...to pack. I thought I could get everything I needed in my small suitcase. Now....I'm not sure its gonna fit! We leave Tuesday morning...so I need to pack for Wednesday, Thursday, and the trip home on Friday. Plus a couple extras for "just in case" moments. Maybe I can stuff it all in. Just hope I don't have to open it...cuz I may not get it closed again!
Now for the slightly nerve racking part...we have to change planes in Atlanta. Yes...you heard (er, read) that right. ATLANTA! Bloomington, Illinois to Atlanta, Georgia to Baltimore Maryland. Does that make sense to anyone?? The nerve racking part is #1 I've only flown once in my entire life. #2 I've never had to change planes. #3 What if my suitcase gets lost? Ok...Ok...I know. I have nothing to worry about. These are professionals and they do this kind of thing all the time. But I'm telling you, if something is going to happen...it'll happen to me! I'll be the one whos bag gets lost, misses their connecting flight because I was in the bathroom, or can't find the hotel we are suppose to be staying in! Thank goodness I'm not going alone...I'd be a total freak! And I hate being a freak alone. :) So here goes nothing! Three girls from little ole Central Illinois being turned loose in downtown Baltimore and Washington DC for three days! Holy crap, do they know what they are doing?!
Now for the slightly nerve racking part...we have to change planes in Atlanta. Yes...you heard (er, read) that right. ATLANTA! Bloomington, Illinois to Atlanta, Georgia to Baltimore Maryland. Does that make sense to anyone?? The nerve racking part is #1 I've only flown once in my entire life. #2 I've never had to change planes. #3 What if my suitcase gets lost? Ok...Ok...I know. I have nothing to worry about. These are professionals and they do this kind of thing all the time. But I'm telling you, if something is going to happen...it'll happen to me! I'll be the one whos bag gets lost, misses their connecting flight because I was in the bathroom, or can't find the hotel we are suppose to be staying in! Thank goodness I'm not going alone...I'd be a total freak! And I hate being a freak alone. :) So here goes nothing! Three girls from little ole Central Illinois being turned loose in downtown Baltimore and Washington DC for three days! Holy crap, do they know what they are doing?!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Time for a change
Sass it up has undergone a slight change. Gone is the derby name...here to stay is my name. The pink will stay, of course. That won't change. But that part of me has been put to rest, so it was time to move on.
I will never forget the people I met, the time I spent, or the lessons I learned while participating in that wonderful sport. The people I met gave me both strength and determination. They taught me to believe in myself and fight hard. The time I spent with them was very precious. We did spend a lot of time together! The time I took out of my family life, however, can not be regained. I know I need time for myself, but I will never again put time with my family on hold. The lessons I learned are probably the most eye opening part of the entire process for me. I learned how strong I could really be. I learned that I didn't have to be a pushover and always give in. I learned that just because someone says "you can't do that" doesn't always make it true. I also learned not to trust everyone you see, that some things really are to good to be true, and the people you think are your friends can stab you in the back and not blink an eye. For those people I say HA! It took me awhile, but I figured you out. And thank you. Thank you for an eye opening experience that I will never forget.
With that....I put "Sassy Lil Sweettart" to rest and introduce you to Misty. Me. Just lil ole' me.
I will never forget the people I met, the time I spent, or the lessons I learned while participating in that wonderful sport. The people I met gave me both strength and determination. They taught me to believe in myself and fight hard. The time I spent with them was very precious. We did spend a lot of time together! The time I took out of my family life, however, can not be regained. I know I need time for myself, but I will never again put time with my family on hold. The lessons I learned are probably the most eye opening part of the entire process for me. I learned how strong I could really be. I learned that I didn't have to be a pushover and always give in. I learned that just because someone says "you can't do that" doesn't always make it true. I also learned not to trust everyone you see, that some things really are to good to be true, and the people you think are your friends can stab you in the back and not blink an eye. For those people I say HA! It took me awhile, but I figured you out. And thank you. Thank you for an eye opening experience that I will never forget.
With that....I put "Sassy Lil Sweettart" to rest and introduce you to Misty. Me. Just lil ole' me.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wow! March....Already?!
So I haven't written since DECMEBER?! Really???? Its not that I have nothing to say. I just simply havent taken the time to write it all down. You know how it is..."I should write that down! Yeah...maybe later." Well later never comes and never comes...next thing you know...IT'S MARCH!
My life really hasnt changed much. Well...maybe a little. I dropped my derby career before it really ever got started. Love the sport and the people in it. Well...most of the people in it anyway. I just can't deal with the drama, back stabbing, and pompous arrogant asses who think they know everything there is to know, only to find out they don't know Jack! Ok...lets move on.
I've done something I said I would never do. I joined a gym. A for real gym! The kind that smells like sweat and everyone is there to feel better. Not the kind where you are stuck behind a glass wall like rats with everyone else peeking in on you, with kids running around your feet, and the woman next to you on the treadmill just ran 5 miles and never broke a sweat kind of gym. A for real work your ass off in one big room with everyone else kind of gym! And I absolutely love it! Been going 3 to 4 days a week. I may not look any better...but I sure do feel better. Its amazing how bad you feel and don't even know it until you don't feel that way anymore. Make sense?
I picked up my crochet hooks again. Made a ton of cute little snow flakes for Christmas and some stocking hats. In the middle of making a rug for the girls bedroom. Hands have really been bothering me lately so I havent been able to do that much. Its very soothing so I do it whenever I can.
DJ has applied for a management position at his work. It's on an off shift, but I know eventually he'll be able to move back to days if he gets it. We'll know more about that later this week. Keeping my fingers crossed for him!
Well...the house doesn't clean itself so I guess I should get back to it. So many more things running through my head....but thats all for another day.
My life really hasnt changed much. Well...maybe a little. I dropped my derby career before it really ever got started. Love the sport and the people in it. Well...most of the people in it anyway. I just can't deal with the drama, back stabbing, and pompous arrogant asses who think they know everything there is to know, only to find out they don't know Jack! Ok...lets move on.
I've done something I said I would never do. I joined a gym. A for real gym! The kind that smells like sweat and everyone is there to feel better. Not the kind where you are stuck behind a glass wall like rats with everyone else peeking in on you, with kids running around your feet, and the woman next to you on the treadmill just ran 5 miles and never broke a sweat kind of gym. A for real work your ass off in one big room with everyone else kind of gym! And I absolutely love it! Been going 3 to 4 days a week. I may not look any better...but I sure do feel better. Its amazing how bad you feel and don't even know it until you don't feel that way anymore. Make sense?
I picked up my crochet hooks again. Made a ton of cute little snow flakes for Christmas and some stocking hats. In the middle of making a rug for the girls bedroom. Hands have really been bothering me lately so I havent been able to do that much. Its very soothing so I do it whenever I can.
DJ has applied for a management position at his work. It's on an off shift, but I know eventually he'll be able to move back to days if he gets it. We'll know more about that later this week. Keeping my fingers crossed for him!
Well...the house doesn't clean itself so I guess I should get back to it. So many more things running through my head....but thats all for another day.
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