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Friday, November 30, 2012

What goes up...

Must come down...

Last night we went to the kiddos first winter orchestra concert.  It was great!  I may be a bit of a classical music lover now.  They performed based on grade, so our son went first with the 6th grade, then 7th, and 8th performed.  Then they had the high school students do a few songs, they had the "strings orchestra" then the "concert orchestra".  It was obvious the concert orchestra was the best, they were amazing.  Ten of the students made "All State" which is where they actually audition for a spot, she said it was the most they've ever had from their school in one year.  Pretty freaking amazing.  I was in awe of these talented kids ranging from 6th-12th grade.  I hope the kiddo keeps it up so I can keep going to concerts!!

So then there is the subject of my blog I'd like to share.  I usually don't like to be laughed at, but this is pretty dang funny if you ask me.  It was NOT at the time, but funny now, the next morning.

After the concert the hubby and I was getting up to meet the kid at a designated spot by the flag pole since there were so many kids we thought that would be our best bet to find him.  We intentionally sat by the door of the auditorium so we could get out quickly.  After the final songs from the Nutcracker (AWESOME by the way!!!!) we got up.  I headed out first, you know, "ladies first" and little did I know that the floor sloped down.  We did not go out on the same side we came in on (think huge theaters, where you have three different sections of seats).  Well on that side the floor sloped down.  A lot.  I had heels on.  I came tumbling down, like humpty dumpty.  Seriously.  I feel so quick the hubby didn't get to react in time to catch me.  I couldn't control the fall.  I fell into the wall, hard.  I hit the left side of my mouth/chin on the wall.  I sat on my knees for a second then realized I was bleeding.  A lot more than you want to be bleeding.  I had it all over my hands.  The first thing I did was ask the hubby if all my teeth were there.  I couldn't understand where the blood was coming from, yeah, I hit it hard, but it was a bloody mess!!!  After I stood up, I sat in a chair close to the exit and didn't know what to do with all the blood.  Then the cutest little old lady came over to check on me and said, "Honey, are you alright?  Do you need some tissue?  I stole these from McDonalds tonight, I know they're from McDonalds, but they will work"  I was so happy she had something so I wouldn't have blood all over my dress or scarf.  I asked if she had a mirror and she didn't.  I knew by then it was my lip that was bleeding.  But I since I still had all of my teeth, I could deal with the lip.  The little lady came back to check on me and asked if I wanted her to call the rescue squad.  I told her no, but thanks for asking.

After we found the kiddo (thank GOODNESS he was at the spot and we didn't have to wait).  We loaded up in the car to come home.  I looked at my face.  YIKES!!  I had this HUGE knot on the bottom of my chin and my lip was gigantic!!!  The boys were hungry so we hit the McDonalds (funny, right?).  I told the hubby you better hope those peeps don't think you punched me in the face!  So we came home, I went upstairs to wash up and realized I actually had paint chips embedded in my lip.  Seriously.  Paint chips.  In my lip.  Not small ones either.  I pulled a huge one out and almost passed out.  The hubby tried to help but he was afraid he'd hurt me, so I did it myself.  I'm a nurse and I almost passed out, how embarrassing.  I've seen some horrible stuff in my time, but when it is actually on me, it freaked me out a little (I've pulled rocks out of my kids elbow on several occasions, and it didn't bother me one bit!!)  So then I went downstairs to ice it.  And to text Pam about my incident.  I think she was a little shocked, and thought it was funny too, I mean who falls in public and does a face plant into the wall at her kiddos concert?  Oh, that'd be me!

So now I have a busted lip and a knot on my chin.  The knot isn't too noticeable, it's in a good spot, if there is one.  I have a bruise on my chin too, but makeup does wonders!

I had to take a pic, remember the one I took yesterday of my new do?  Well I'll let you see the comparison, about 24 hours later..





Before the "incident"

After, I tried to smile the same, but it hurts too much!




So I'm headed to school in a few.  Thank goodness we aren't having any type of group work today!!  I wonder if anyone will notice?  If they do I bet they don't say anything.  They'll just assume my husband beat the shit out of me last night.  And my lip keeps seeping some sort of fluid too, so I'll be dabbing it as well.  I'm sure I'll get some strange looks, and I have a ton of errands to do today!  Can't wait!

Have any of you ever fell in public and had a bloody mess?







Thursday, November 29, 2012

Three Things Thursday

1.)  Tonight is my son's first orchestra concert.  He plays the violin, and is amazing, especially considering he has only been playing for three months.  I asked him the other day what I should wear, it went a little something like this:

Me:  J, what should I wear to your concert Thursday?
J:  Well not what you have on (it was Sunday and I had been cooped up in the office studying all day, seriously, a sweatshirt and yoga pants are totally appropriate for that!!)  
Me:  Do I need to dress up?  
J:  Umm, yeah mom, like a dress 
Me: A dress?  Seriously?
J:  Mom, you're so pretty when you dress up.
Me:  Well a dress it is!!

LOVE that kid!!!  So I went out and bought pantyhose for the first time in I don't remember.  I absolutely hate them, but with the freezing temps and the short sleeve dress, I'll need something to keep me warm and I'll do just about anything to make that kid happy.  I sure don't want to embarrass him in front of his peers!!

2.)  I took a Chemistry test on Monday, an important one.  It will pretty much determine what sort of "letter grade" I'll end up with.  The grades still aren't posted because someone was sick and hasn't taken the test.  She has them graded, but won't post them online!!!!  I don't have to see the test, I just need to know what I made!!!  I'm literally about to go insane!!!!!!!

3.)  I got my hair done, and I feel so much better.  I seriously feel more like me, if that makes any sense whatsoever.  It is a bit shorter than I anticipated, but it'll grow and I can still get it in a ponytail, which is super important to me.  Oscar (the boxer) didn't recognize me when I came home, he greeted me at the back door like he always does, then barked when he didn't know who I was!!  My husband had to come get him to calm him down, he wasn't going to let me past the kitchen!!
Before, au naturale

Trying to pick up radio frequencies



After!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I've lost it...

I've lost lots of things lately... 
 
- I've lost my running mojo.  I'm just not feeling it.  It doesn't give me the "high" it used to.

- I've lost my mind, it's so jumbled and crazy right now.  I literally don't know sometimes if I'm coming or going.

- I've lost me.  I feel like because of the above two, I've lost myself.  I'm not depressed, I'm just not who I used to be.  

- I've lost a year of my life.  I literally thought to myself yesterday while driving to school that I will turn     33 next year, but no, I'll be 34.  Wow, I honestly don't know when that happened.

- I've lost some connections to people I used to know.  That makes me sad.  

- I thought I lost my running gloves the other day.  Thank goodness I found them.

So what do women do in this situation?  I don't know, but I know what I do, I'm going to get my hair done this evening.  I can't wait.  I've been looking forward to it for a week now.  In an attempt to be more "me" I'm getting my hair done the way I see myself and the way I want others to see me. 

We'll see tomorrow if I have new hairstyle remorse...





Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits

- Today was the last day of school for Thanksgiving break!  YAY!!  Of course I have a Chemistry test on Monday, so I'll spend most of that time off studying.  NOT YAY.

- I went to five different stores last night on a quest to find a six pack of Green Apple Smirnoff.  What can I say, I had a craving!!  Oh and I had my kid with me.  I am a horrible mother.  

- I've been slacking on the running.  I ran 3 miles last week.  I'm just not feeling it.  But I have been doing a lot of this:

Her name is White Lightning, she's a beauty, and fast!
And a little of this:


He doesn't have a name, but he's killer

- I am making three dessert for Thanksgiving.  I am making them all tomorrow, I cannot promise they will make it to Thursday.  I'm not one for tooting my own horn, but  I'm a super awesome dessert maker.

- I bought some ribbon today, some for the bows I'm going to attempt to make for the presents under the tree, and some for the tutus I'm making for this race:

The hubby's gonna love finding me in this race!!

The besty and I are running a half marathon next month and the dress code is a santa shirt.  She's agreed to wear a tutu.  I cannot believe she agreed, that's a huge deal.  We have socks too.  We are gonna be super cute.









Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm not going to list several things I'm thankful for, today I'm going to list the most important thing that I'm thankful for today.

I GOT ACCEPTED!!!!

I was accepted into the LPN-RN transition class.

You have no idea the amount of weight that was lifted off my shoulders this morning at approximately 7:00am.  I've been working so hard since summer to make the grade and get accepted.

If you're not familiar with nursing, I'm an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), I like to also call myself the Low Paid Nurse (get it?).  Anyway, I've been a nurse for a little over 10 years now.  I started nursing school when my son was just four months old.  I knew I needed to do something with my life, just in case things didn't work out between his dad and I (I'm happy to report they did).  I honestly don't know where the idea to become a nurse came from, I was 21 years old, and a complete idiot.  I learned a lot in that year of school.  I learned I was a lot smarter than I gave myself credit for, I also learned that anything worth having is worth fighting for.  I fought hard, I worked hard, and without the support of my family, I don't think I would have made it.  I found out that I have a knack for taking care of people, and I'll be honest, I'm damn good at it too.

So what happens now?  I start nursing school in the spring, and I'll graduate the following spring in 2014.  After I graduate, I'll sit for boards and take the state exam to become an RN.  I already have all of my prerequisites for nursing, so I'll be basically doing nursing classes as well as the not so easy classes that I'll need in order to apply for med school.

I guess a good question is, "why get your nursing degree if you want to be a doctor?"  Well let me tell you, I'm not getting any younger.  I need some reassurance in case things don't go as planned and life has definitely thrown me some curve balls in my time.  I'm the queen of back up plans.  I already know how to be a nurse, and I'll have a job, no matter where my husbands job takes us.  If I apply to med school and I don't get in the first time, that's okay, I can work as a nurse until med school realizes how awesome I am.

So until then, I'll just sit back and enjoy the chaotic ride of nursing school!  I've done this before, I can do it again, no biggie, right?

Was there ever something you wanted to do, but didn't tell anyone because you feared you'd be laughed at?












Sunday, November 11, 2012

Richmond Recap

I ran the Richmond Half Marathon on Saturday.  It was awesome!!  I ran it last year as well, and they changed the route a little this year.  The end was an amazing water front view that was downhill for the last .1 of the race.  How awesome is that?  Pretty freaking awesome if you ask me!  Who doesn't love a downhill on the last leg of the race?!?!

But there is only one pic of me.

Why you ask is there only one pic of me?  Well all week long I highly underestimated myself for this half.  Coming off of MCM just 13 days prior, I had no high expectations of finishing well.  Every run I had after MCM I felt sluggish and awkward.  Ask the besty and hubby, I had told them both for days I was going to do horrible.  Before my corral took off the hubby asked what time he should start looking for me.  I said anywhere between 2:00-2:15.  I highly doubted that I would be later than 2:15.  I knew I could run at least that fast.  The pic is taken before that time frame, about 1:58 or so...that's why he missed me...

So lets start from the beginning, shall we?

We left our house around noon on Friday.  Having a Saturday race can be a little tricky since you have to pick up your packet on Friday, so if you work or go to school, or if you have school age children, it can be difficult.  Well I got out of class at 11am, I picked up the kid, and met the hubby at home around noon.  We left soon after, stopped at Chick-Fil-A before the headed out and arrived in Richmond about an hour later.  First stop was the Expo.  Packet pick up was super easy, I walked right up and got my number.  Easy Peasy.  The expo was small, and not as crowded as MCM was.  We didn't stay long, just long enough really to take a quick look around and pick up my shirt.  Then we headed to the hotel.

At the hotel there was a long line to check in.  I didn't get to stay in the same hotel I stayed in last time.  The Marriot (where I stayed last time) wanted you to stay two nights, and with it only being an hour away, I thought that was a waste.  I ended up choosing a Holiday Inn off I-64.  It was horrible.  The room was okay, but the service sucked balls.  I checked in and the guy asked me if I bought the runners package, it included the room rate plus a shuttle to the start line.  I told him no, that although I was there for the race, we were driving to the start line since we had to leaving right after (we had to pick our doggies up by 12:30).  On the Richmond Marathon Facebook page they had the door hangers that were super cute (they had them last year).  They said, eat, sleep, run, I'm running Richmond tomorrow.  I asked if I could have one, they guy told me no.  Why?  Because I didn't want to pay and extra $20 for their shuttle.  I said, "Are you kidding me?  I'm running just like everyone else in line, and because I didn't get the shuttle you're not gonna give me one?"  The guys reply was, "Ma'am these are strict orders."  I threw my hands up and said, "Yeah, whatever, that's bullshit."  I got on the facebook page and told them, and can you believe they actually called and told them to hand them out to EVERYBODY!!!!!!!  So HA man at the desk!! HAHAHAHA!!  I'll show you!!!

So after that we went to a local Italian place and I had spaghetti with mushrooms.  It was okay.  The best part about the meal?  They had tv's at every table, and you can watch whatever you want.  We were watching Dr. Oz.  He was talking about poop and pee and what it should look like and what it means.  Well as a nurse that didn't bother me in the slightest.  I mean I deal with poop and pee all the time, hell I've been peed on by babies, no biggie.  Well the hubby had to ask the waitress if we could change it before we got our food.  I think he thought it was a bit disgusting.  Oh well.  He's not in the poop business, he's in the waste disposal business, but that's a whole other story....  :)

The boys went to a concert that night at The National downtown.  It was my son's first one.  He met the band, got a pic with one of the lead singers, an autographed poster, and guitar pics.  Needless to say he wants to be a rockstar now when he grows up.  I went to bed at 8pm, and barely woke up when they rolled in around midnight.  I'm so boring.

I got up at around 5:45am, showered and we were out the door.  We found a parking lot pretty easily, the road closures did make it a bit of a challenge, but it wasn't too bad.  A little more than half way to the start line, I realized I didn't have my iPod.  I thought about going back to get it, but we were close to the start time, and I knew I didn't have much time.  I'm okay with running without music, it doesn't bother me much.  I prefer music for long runs, but I knew I'd be okay.  At the start of the run it was a cool 37 degrees...Brrrr!!!!!  I knew the temp was going to rise quite a bit between my start time and finish time.  (I'm some what of a weather stalker).  I decided to wear my race outfit from MCM since it brought me good luck that time, but I got some new shoes, I needed them desperately, and ended up picking them up Thursday night at UPS.  Therefore I did not get the chance to run in them.  I know I've read it a million times NOT to wear new shoes on race day.  Yes, they were new, but not a new style for me.  I've worn them before, so I knew they'd be fine.  I did wear them to the Expo and stuff, so I could at least walk around in them and I brought the old ones just in case.

I took off shortly after 7:30, I was the third corral to be let loose.  I think we started at about 7:35 or so.  I like the way they do the corrals there.  They let you go every minute or so, that way it's not too crazy the first several miles until people figure out they were a bit too optimistic about their time.  I've been there, done that and I'm much more of a realist now.

Running a half marathon without music wasn't so bad.  I listened to people beside me.  Let me tell you, you can hear some interesting conversations when you're running without music.  Early on I saw two women running.  Not to sound rude, but I think they were a bit optimistic in their times.  Although I've learned on countless occasions NOT to judge a book by it's cover...
Anyway, their conversation went something like this:

I...don't...think...I...can...go...this...fast...for...long  (we were at mile two)
Do we need to slow down?
Yes, unless you want me to die.

I laughed.  I thought it was funny, sorry if that offends anyone.  I remember a three mile run back in '09 I had with my hubby shortly after I started running.  It kinda went like that conversation, just with more cuss words.  (He reminds me of this run when I've had a crappy one, or when he just wants to laugh at me)

I ended up running as fast as I could in the beginning.  (I know, another no no)  I wanted to run well, and I knew the temp was going to rise quickly so I took advantage.  I thought to myself that if I have to slow down, then that's okay, I'll just go as hard as I can and see how I feel, I tried to keep it around a 9:00 pace.  At my 10K split I was at 57:06, I knew that was a new PR for the distance.  I didn't know how much I had left, so I kept pushing, but honestly I felt fine.  At about mile 10 or so I caught up to the 2:00 pacers.  I've never ran with a pacer, but let me tell you, this lady was amazing!!!  I ran with her the rest of the way.  She was so motivational, kept telling us how awesome we were, how to listen to the crowd, let them bring you in, feed off of their energy.  She was my little running angel.  After we turned the corner on the last .1, I left her, but before I did, I told her that she did an amazing job.  She said thanks, then told me to go on, and finish strong!  So I did.  The only way I can come up with a way to explain the downhill is it's like a "hang on to your ass" type hill, like if you aren't careful, you will literally roll down the hill.

After I made the turn, I had no idea but the hubby and kiddo were at that corner.  Later I found out that the hubby was standing there and had just told our son to watch out for me, that I'd be coming soon.  As soon as those words left his mouth, there I was, he had the camera in his hand, but it wasn't on (it takes like 2 seconds).  He missed getting a front pic of me, but I think the one he got was perfect.  It's probably one of the best pics of me.  I LOOK like I'm running!!!  Usually my race pics look like I'm just shuffling along, or speed walking.  And if I look closely I see my legs, they are actually muscular, and toned.  I had no idea!!!  I think he did a fine job!  I ran down the hill to finish in 2:00:54, a new PR!! As much as I wanted a sub 2, I cannot complain about my time.  Maybe next year Richmond.


That's me in the pinkish/orangish shorts

Richmond is a great run.  The crowds are great, the water stops are efficient, and the people really are friendly, and really, isn't that all a runner wants?  Richmond is called "Americas Friendliest Marathon", for a reason, and they really do live up to their nickname.
















Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful Thursday


Here is my second installment of my Thankful Thursday.  I'll give you seven this week, because I know deep down you are so excited to know what I'M thankful for...

1.  My husband (I know, everyone puts that).  He's sacrificed so much to give us a life we never knew possible.  He's like a super hero too, and lets face it, who doesn't want to get laid by a super hero?

Not my husbands real chest, but it's something like that...


2.  My mom and dad (I know, another cliche).  They have been there to support me no matter what.  Even when I thought they were stupid, they supported me.  I know I've not always been the perfect child (I am now of course!), but to know their love is unconditional makes me feel secure.  I try to relate this to my son, who is almost 12 because I know someday soon, I too will turn into the stupid parent.

Totally NOT my parents, I try to respect their privacy...


3.  Sunday.  I've made it tradition in my house that I cook breakfast and the three of us sit down at the table and discuss important issues, like what we are having for dinner that week.  I also call my mom that day and we usually talk for an hour.  Living so far from her is difficult sometimes and I only get to see her about three times a year.



4.  The Army.  My husband served his country for nearly five years (he was honorably discharged after his second deployment).  Although Army life is tough, we can thank the Army for all that we have today.  Some people thought we were crazy, but we knew we were doing the right thing.  Not only did it open great job opportunities for my husband, it also brought us closer together as a family.


My hubby will seriously find this hilarious!  

5.  Technology.  I can keep up with people I've known all my life, even when life gets crazy.  I text my besties almost every day.  I have three of them and not one of them live close to me!!  Texting is all I have!!!  And Facebook.  Although Facebook can be the devil.

Totally lame pic, but I had to find one since I had six already.



6.  Hot Chocolate.  I've recently started drinking hot chocolate in the evenings, thanks to the hubby.  He's drank a cup of hot chocolate almost every night since he came home in February.  He told me while he was deployed that hot chocolate was the only thing he had to make him feel "normal".  He makes it super awesome too with Cool Whip and everything.  I read on the box last night that it has calcium in it and Dr. Q said I need more calcium!  So I drink up almost every night, doctors orders!!

I've never seen a clear glass coffee cup!  


7.  Fortune Cookies.  I love getting a fortune cookie!  I usually order General Tso's Tofu at least twice a week from a local take out place.  I swear their fortune cookies know what I need to hear.  The one I got last week said, "Your intelligence is something to be admired".  How do I know it word for word?  I keep 'em.  Just to remind me that I'm awesome!

My favorite dessert after General Tso's Tofu!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

What I've Learned

Three things I've learned about people in the past 12 hours...

1.  Some people think our country is saved.

2.  Some think the world has just ended. 

3.  Some are moving to Colorado.



So what you're saying is we are moving, right?

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits

I've seen many bloggers do a "Tuesday Tidbit" post.  I often wondered why.  Well now I know.  It's easy peasy lemon squeezy.


  • I voted today.  I feel as though it is my given right as an American to do so.  Those who don't suck.
  • I thought my legs would be all super duper by now since the marathon was nine days ago.  Boy am I wrong.  I ran a sluggish 3 last Thursday, a slow and steady 6 Sunday, and another slow and steady 3 today.  I still feel awkward if that makes any sense.  
  • I'm stressing about the above tidbit due to the fact I have a half marathon in Richmond Saturday. Last year I did a 2:06:48, and I was really hoping for a sub 2.  I don't think that's gonna happen, but I'll run it anyway since I need to do a long run, and why not do it with a bunch of people?
  • My new shoes will be in tomorrow.  Hopefully they will give me my speed back and put a little bounce in my step for Richmond!
  • I have approximately 5 weeks of school left for this semester, and I've busted balls to get where I am.  It's paid off, and I currently have all A's and B's (with an A in Chemistry and World Literature, never thought I'd see an A in either of those classes).  I just hope school can hold my attention for a little longer. 
  • Speaking of school, I'll know November 15th if I got into the transition nursing program.  I'm currently an LPN, hoping to get into the RN program.  If you don't already know, nursing is HIGHLY competitive. **crosses fingers**
  • I put my tree up this past weekend.  Some people think I'm weird.  I put it up for my husband.  He loves this time of year, especially Christmas.  Since he is only home about every other holiday season he asked if we could put it up earlier than usual.  Who am I to say we can't?  I LOVE my tree.  It stays in a box all year only to be put on display for a month.  Not our tree!  She'll be on display for two months!
  • Oh and I'm overly excited about our new movie theater opening up this weekend!!!  We have some shit-tastic theaters here, and we deserved a new one.  Our 14 screen IMAX opens this weekend, and we'll be there to watch Skyfall.  Can't. Freaking. Wait.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thankful Thursday

In preparation for Thanksgiving, I've decided I'm going to dedicate every Thursday this month to tell you what I'm thankful for.  I'll give you something I'm thankful for for each day of the week that has passed.  Today, since it is November 1st, I'll only have one, but no worries, I'll have seven next week.

I love this time of year, I love the change in the seasons, and people seem to be a little more courteous.  I know myself I'm a little more reflective the last two months of the year.  I think about what the year has given me, but mostly, I like to look back and think about how far my little family has come in a year.

So today I'm thankful for my son giving me a hug and kiss each morning before school.  He's nearly 12 years old now, but every day before school, he gives me a hug, a kiss, and tells me he loves me.  I know there will come a time he may not want to do that anymore, so until then, I'll embrace every hug and kiss.