i ran my butt off and then some...

i know, i know... i've been gone, gone, gone!  that big race we've been training for...well, it's finally OVER and i feel like i can get my life back a bit!  the mister and i did it!  15.5 miles and we lived to tell about it!  i have the greatest friends, cheeky green and unusual girl studios came on downtown to cheer us on... and drink beer in the party tent after the race.  cheeky green had her camera in hand and captured some pictures:

3947, that's me!  can you tell what i'm thinking?  if you guessed "where the heck is the potty?", you would be correct.  i tend to give TMI, so let's just say.... 15.5 miles can kinda shake the ___ outta ya!  but let's focus on my cute pink outfit!!

here's the mister and i after the race, let's just say he was smellin' a little RIPE, i'm sure i smelled lovely (cause i'm a girl)!

cheeky green, me, the mister, and unusual girl studios!  did i mention the MEDAL?? you know how i love my medals :)

during the race i kept thinking "i will NEVER, EVER do this again, this is the most horrible thing i've done to myself in years" after the race i started planning for next year!  you know why?  runners are insane, it's the only logical answer!  as a matter of fact, i'm already signed up for a half marathon in the fall, but after a 25k that will be a piece of cake,  it's ONLY 13.1 miles!

Oh wait, before i go i'd like to leave you with just 1 more lovely photo

the blister on my big toe!  

1 of 4 blisters (2 were UNDER my toenails...).  because i knew you needed more proof i was nuts! and for the record, that's wool fuzz, not hair on my toe!

i'm taking this week off of running, although  i am running with my darling saturday for her girls on the run 5k, but that should be an easy breezy run.  if you've never heard of girls on the run and have a 3rd-5th grader, look them up, it's an incredible group for girls!!

can i brag?

of course i can, it's my blog!  

i turned 43 on friday and on saturday the mister and i ran in the 3rd annual Winter Blast 5k.  

 no, that is not an optical illusion, i really am that much shorter than the mister!

ok, here comes the bragging....

I GOT FIRST PLACE IN MY AGE GROUP!!!

yep, i even beat the lady on my left, the one that is 2foot taller than me!

i ran a 24:31!

when the gun went off i thought "oh man, i'm running FAST" and as i came around the corner towards the first mile marker i could see that it said 6 something.  holy cow!!!  by the time i got to the 1 mile mark myself, i was running a 7:20 (beating my fastest mile by 4 sec!).  i knew that when i got to mile 2 i wanted to have a 14:40 but it was 15 something so i said to myself "there is no way you're going to keep slowing down. you're running fast and nothing is hurting so get your butt moving you little twit"  i'm a real motivational speaker on the course let me tell you!

if you run and haven't ever done a race, i'd really encourage you to!  the runner's high is real and the feeling of accomplishment isn't bad either, plus the free snacks and medals-it's a win~win!

the bad part of my story, i had gum surgery tuesday and can't run for the next 10 days...

i'm off to snuggle with my medal on the couch!

Running Club

i've had this on my mind for over a year, does that mean i'm suppose to do it? me thinks so!

  i want to start a running club! 

i love to run, but not alone.  anyone that watches as much true life crime as i do couldn't possibly be comfortable running alone, even when one is armed with their pink can of pepper spray!

plus i look cra-cra talking to myself and i just bore myself to death!

source

i want a running club that is:  full of other chicks that want to run, and a club full of girls that don't mind listening to my chatter for 3-10 miles!  i ran with 3 chickies this morning, i told them my idea and... they were kinda excited!  one of them even suggested we get together after my VACATION (Ooooooo, Soooooo excited about this one, more on that later, i promise!!) and brainstorm!   we definitely need a name for our group, but we are nice girls  so no names like "skanky sneaker sluts"! but what else goes with sneaker...??? swanky...!?!  if you have any ideas, leave it in the comments!!! 

So there is my idea, now i just have to act on it!

Random Friday...

1. it's day #7 of the Shabby Apple "12 Days of Christmas" discount codes!  look what you can save 25% on today....

click HERE and then type in "day7" to get 25% off this gorgeous holiday dress!!

2. i just got back from running 4.2 miles. my running buddy is still not back at it so i did it alone... well, i did have biggie and Sir-Mix-a-Lot to keep me company... the music i listen to while running is just plain embarrassing and seriously, some of the things those rappers say....lord, wash their mouths out with bleach!

3. it's cold here ane when you are a wimp like me, you need to have the right gear. so i made arm warmers. asics arm warmers run around $25!  Mine... $1.50!  Want to make some of your own?  Come back next week and i'll show you how!

4. speaking of cold, look what my yard looked like on November 10th!

that's our (outside) kitty: Petunia Cakes

5. darlings new hat

much cuter on HER!

6. loving this new nail polish

sally hansen insta-dri in "coco a-go-go".  don't judge it based on my shabby looking nails... i've been wrist deep in paint and glitter

7. this is my dining room table this week

it's making me crazy!! i've been painting ornaments like a mad woman and since today is sunny, i have got to get pictures taken!!!

8. how cute is this bunny we saw at a local farmer's pumpkin patch?!

9. i bought these boots

i got black, but black was hard to see... they're minnetonka on zappos:HERE

10.  are these cute, or what??

hop over to her shop HERE!

i use to work with deb and she is SO talented.  if you need something custom, she'll hook ya up!

happy weekend friends!

53 Riverbank Run 2011 Re-cap

Last week blogger was acting up, my reading list was gone, i couldn't post, it was horrible!  But we seem to be back to normal around here... 

"normal"- hahahahahaha!!  Let's pray that never really happens!

Soooooo, Saturday was the big race that I've been training for: The 53 Riverbank Run in Grand Rapids, MI.

I started my day with this, because if it helps you climb a cliff surely it was going to help me run fast, right?

I was awake at 3AM, 4AM, 5AM and....got up at 6AM.  I'm the girl that (when I was about 10) threw up my OJ on the blue shag carpet in my parents "BLUE JEANS" van**if you don't know about "Blue Jeans" you need to read back!** as we headed into Disney... I tend to get a little nervous about stuff.  We met running buddy and followed her downtown, I'm SO thankful for her because she knew where to go, where to park, and where to pee...

In the ally behind this fence- there were great tall grasses and it was a 2 seater (actually about 40 of us could have peed back there).  

We then posed for a pre-race, post-pee picture

I love this gal!! She's a running STUD! 

Did you notice the puddles in the road?  It poured!!!  They started the 5k at 7AM and it was POURING, we started at 8 and by that time it was only misting, but that didn't mean I didn't have to swim across some giant puddles!

My running buddy totally set the pace for us, I can't tell you how thankful I am for her.  I knew if I could stick with her I'd be happy with my time.  Let me give you a play-by-play of my "self-talk" mile by mile

Mile 1 "Oh dear God, why did I do this?"

Mile 2 "OMG I hate this, why in &$*% did I want to do this?

Mile 3 "good grief I'm only 1/2 way done, 6.1 miles, what in the WORLD?!"

Mile 4 "OMG I feel awesome, my lungs feel great, my legs feel awesome, get movin' PSYCHO!" (as I'm running up a HILL, which is a nice touch 4 miles in, don't you think?

Mile 5 "Only 1 mile left, this is AWESOME"

at this point I'm coming back into the downtown and people are yelling and cheering and shouting "you're almost there, the finish line is around the corner"

Mile 6 "WHERE THE HECK IS THAT FINISH LINE??"

Finish Line: "that was AWESOME, I can't wait to do this again!!!!"

The blur in the pink hat, pink skirt and black top.... that's ME!  I finished # 918 out of over 2, 200 runners and was #21 in my age group. My time was 54:24. I wanted to turn around to some of the younger guys I was passing and yell "you're letting a 42 year old woman pass you- HAHA!"

After the race we got in line...

For all my friends that say they'll never run.... doesn't this tempt you just a little bit??

Yes, this is at 9 in the morning, don't judge! My other friend "Weed Lady" who also ran the 10k.

My Big supporter and photo journalist of the day: my Mister.

The Mister was so inspired he's running the 5k next year!  The energy and camaraderie of a race is VERY inspiring... so much so I'm SERIOUSLY thinking of the 25k next year, yep, that's over 15 miles!!

obligatory goof-ball shot

Now this next shot in NOT for the faint of heart, it's gross... I'm warning you....

This is what your foot (actually MY foot) looks like after running 6.1 miles in the rain and then hanging out in wet socks and shoes for over 2 hours...

Somebody get a toe tag!!

Hope you had a great weekend!!  Did you do anything fun?

The verdict is in...I really CAN'T draw!

So I have a BA in Fine Art and I can't draw.... shut up, it's true!  Ok, maybe I can draw better than that 104 year old man that drools in the nursing home and wears a diaper, but whatever! I want to draw, I really do! I'd be willing to give my left breast and although that's not a huge sacrifice (have you seen me?) it would be painful and strange.

My BFF, my mental twin, my partner in crime... the fabulous Chris of: Unusual Girl Studios  realized I need something to do besides blogging, pinterest, and color coding every one's closet so she pushed me to TAKE A CLASS at the local college of art and design.  

(you never know when drawing is gonna give you an asthma attack, hence the rescue inhaler!)

There were several options, but i WANNA draw so I stupidly obviously, signed up for "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".  It's based on a book by that one lady whose name escapes me at this moment...google it if you want, I'm too lazy right now!  I loved the prof, she is going to be SOOOOOOOOO much better/nicer than that cheese hole I had in college.  The room was approx 90 degrees, but hey, I'm comin off a 10 month long Michigan winter, I was good except for my contacts.  The heat dried every bit of moisture out of my eyes which is never pleasant. Back to the class: The class was painful, horrible, and terrible.  I can't draw, i mean, I CAN'T DRAW and so it's hard and painful and not 1 bit fun. At the very beginning the prof told us there was no magic pixie dust and that it was going to be a lot of hard work! WHAT?! Crap, I thought this class WAS magic... Don't think I'm getting all negative and whiny (which I totally am) I know it's going to be a lot of work and I'm willing to do it because I really want to draw, but that does not in any way mean I'm not going to whine my way to the end!!

We started with a self portrait and let me just say this is hard for me to post, it's THAT BAD (and although I am not begging you to tell me it's not that bad, feel free, but I know you'll be lying!).  You may also be saying to yourself "hard for her to post? the dork that posts pictures of herself sans makeup, brushed hair and cute outfits?  It's true... I hate how I draw and the overwhelming feelings of stupidity and self loathing that pop up when I draw (thanks cheese hole college prof!).  Don't get all Dr. Phil on me, I'm ok... seriously, I'm not that deep!

Ok, here it goes...

For the love of all that is HOLY tell me this does NOT look like me because if it does I'm going to go wash my face with battery acid! Although, I think I was pretty accurate with the dark circles under my eyes!

Yikes!

Did I mention the Mister thinks he's hot stuff 'cause he's got it goin' on with a college chick?  I reminded him 1 class did not really make me a college chick, but hey....whatever!

To justify why I look so bad in the above photo.... I ran this morning! I then iced my knee and am happy to report the swelling is down.  I'm taking tomorrow off and am ready to run my toenails off on Saturday morning!  That's how you know you're a REAL runner, you run so hard you crap your pants and tear your toenails off!!  Sounds fun, right!

What's that? You want a close up of my super sexy Victoria Secret model slippers?

Don't hate...appreciate!

Good Morning!! I just ran 4 miles with my running pal.  We're both running the 10k this Saturday.  I told the Mister the other day I never in my life have considered doing a marathon, now it's not out of the realm of possibility.  Here's the problem, it's not that I don't think I could do it, it's more the problem of me getting bored 1/2 way through and taking a side route over to Hobby Lobby!  I'm going to start with the 10k and see how bored I am after 6 miles and then we'll see if I even want to consider a 1/2 or not... I just don't want to say "I'm training for a marathon" and then never do it and then again, I don't want to say I am, start training and realize there is NO way I'm doing it and have to be a failure.  So, I guess what I'm saying is: "I'm running at 10k on Saturday and I'll see ya at the beer tent when it's over!!".

Let's be honest, I run for the fashion...

 Don't worry, these went to Goodwill! If you're lucky you'll see your 90 year old neighbor wearing them while gardening this summer! Mmmmm, terry cloth!

 and the fame!!!

On a side note: blogger says I'm "not following" any other blogs.... my entire reading list is GONE! Let's hope they fix it because I follow a lot of you! If you notice your views are down by 1 person, it's ME!

10 Random Things Friday...

Random Friday... it's HERE!!

1. When you go on vacation and leave your mom a note saying "Please feed: Darling, the dog, the cats (outside cats), the rabbit (also outside in the man shed),  and the fish", then the plants do NOT get fed/watered...

 Oh, wait... there are 2 stems still alive... one on the "trunk" and the one in my hand.  Don't worry, I won't give up on you little plant... Unless Meijer gets more of you, then you'll be replaced, sorry!

2. Because my tiny little boobs deserve only the best, look what Victoria's Secret "gave" me (for spending some $$$).

it will look smashing with these

3. I didn't run yesterday, I didn't run today...

apparently I've done something to my IT band...These jeans are PERFECT for a knee injury!  Ice pack held on with a knee sock, MacGyver who?

My friend Sherry over at: Life, from my Perspective told me I needed a foam roller

I figured she meant this

she said only an artist would think that!  I need THIS:

4. I found this carrot while snacking (eat enough and you get a fake tan!)

I don't think I'll make further comments...I'll leave that to "Funny" and Mel

5. This is in my flower bed!!! Michiganders LIVE for this moment...

6.  I HATE this... HATE HATE HATE!!

Here's my problem, the light color is venetian plaster but once I got the 1st layer on I freaked and left it.  I NEVER meant it to look like a faux finish or a 90's sponge paint effect, but...by leaving it alone I've allowed it to taunt me daily!  My big dilemma has been: sand or add the next 2 layers and pick a new color to paint over the texture.  I WANT to sand it, but...I don't want to sand it, so... I'm going to pick a small area, add the next 2 layers of plaster and see what I think...Oh geesh, wish me luck!  

7.  Have you caught the CAKE POP CRAZE??

This is TOTALLY the type of book I would HAVE to have or this one

or better yet...BOTH!

BUT, with age comes wisdom, right?  I knew I would NEVER use them, or use it once and hate how tedious it was and then NEVER do it again, so... I thought Darling and I could just make some plain ones.  I've seen them on blogs, and at Starbucks- I get it, how hard can it be?...

I am SO glad I didn't buy the book!

8.  This was painted on the side of a building in Nassau...it was SO pretty!

Notice the building is PINK!!  Their National bird is the Flamingo, so pink buildings are EVERYWHERE in the Bahamas! Loved it!!

9. What I'm wearing today 'cause I know ya wanna know... I removed the bags from under my eyes for your viewing pleasure!

1. Long sleeve: GAP

2. Hello Kitty tee: Old Navy

3. Jeans: Aeropostale

Hahaha, like someone wants to know where each piece came from...

who copies a look like this? Duh!

10.  Found these ADORABLE crochet rings...

(do you even THINK I can get the picture to load...Grrr!)

Go here to see these

allfreecrochet

wanna make one yourself?

Materials:

• AUNT LYDIA’S Fashion Crochet Thread, Size 5, each ball approx 0.9oz/26g 100yd/91m (cotton)- 1 ball #410 Silver/Silver (One ball of thread will make many rings)
• Crochet hook- Size D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook or any size to obtain correct gauge
• Stitch marker
• Thread needle
• Stitch Diagrams- Pick one or make all three!

Skill: Intermediate

Special Abbreviations:

Cl (cluster) Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st or sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; [yarn over, insert hook in same st or sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

picot Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

Finished Measurements + Gauge:

ring #1 Approx 11⁄2"/4cm across (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference

ring #2 Approx 13⁄4"/4.5cm across face (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference

ring #3 Approx 11⁄2"/4cm across face (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference

Remember to check gauge for best results! Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Tip: Make it just your size! Work more or fewer chains in the ring band for your perfect fit.

Instructions:

RING #1

Ch 5; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 3, dc in ring (beginning ch-3 and next dc count as one cluster), ch 3, [Cl in ring, ch 3] 7 times; join with sl st in top of beginning ch—8 clusters and 8 ch-3 sps.

Round 2 Ch 3, sl st in top of next dc, ch 4, (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl; ch 9 (first half of ring band made); (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl, [ch 4, (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl] 3 times; ch 4, sl st in 5th ch of first half of ring band, ch 4 (ring band completed); [(sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl, ch 4] twice; join with sl st in first sl st. Fasten off.

RING #2

Ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 1, [sc in ring, picot, ch 1] 6 times; join with sl st in first sc—6 sc, 6 picots, and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 2 Ch 8 (counts as dc, ch 5), [dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 5] 5 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch— 6 dc and 6 ch-5 sps.

Round 3 Ch 1, sc in same st as join, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 7, sl st in 7th ch from hook (first half of ring band made); [ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot] 2 times, ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 3, place marker in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in 4th ch of first half of ring band, ch 3, sl st in marked ch (ring band completed), ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3; join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

RING #3

Ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 1, [sc in ring, picot, ch 1] 6 times; join with sl st in first sc—6 sc, 6 picots, and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 2 (Sl st, ch 3, dc) in first ch-1 sp (counts as first cluster), ch 5, [Cl in next ch-1 sp, ch 5] 5 times; join with sl st in first dc—6 clusters and 6 ch-5 sps.

Round 3 Ch 1, sc in same st as join, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch

3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 7, sl st in 7th ch from hook (first half of ring band made); [ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot] 2 times, ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 3, place a marker in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in 4th ch of first half of ring band, ch 3, sl st in marked ch (ring band completed); ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3; join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

finishing

Weave in all ends.

HAppy WeeKenD my fRieNds!!!