The Post You've Been Waiting (Forever) For

As you may or may not have noticed, I haven't blogged in
forever. We got super busy doing all sorts of blog worthy stuff, and
the more blog worthy stuff we did, the longer the next post had to
be. And the longer the next post had to be, the less I wanted to do it,
and the more excuses I came up with for not doing it. It has gotten
ridiculous. I haven't even blogged about my amazeballs Christmas party
yet. So, because it's been so long, and I'm rather lazy, here is a
semi-condensed version of life since my last blog post. Hopefully, catching
up will get me back on track.

December:

Our 2nd Annual Christmas Brunch was awesome, although the child to adult
ratio was seriously off. Next year I may put that kids are welcome to
come in a smaller font than the one that says the mimosas will be flowing.

Just in time for the party, Derek spruced up our guest bathroom. He repaired the holes in the wall, sanded and retextured the walls, painted, put in a new light fixture, a new medicine cabinet, and built a new cabinet complete with a new sink, counter top and faucet! The plan is to sand down and stain the original doors, but that project is still in the works.

Before- Don't you just love those
hand painted cabinets?

After

Christmas was great. We celebrated with family early, and got to see my
sister graduate from UM. I am ridiculously proud. It goes to show you
that as long as you believe in yourself, everyone else can shove it.

Christmas with Derek's family was especially special this year because
it was our niece's first Christmas. She's too young to get it all this
year, but having a child around for Christmas makes everything more
magical and special. Because we celebrated early, we were home for
Christmas, and decided to take our Christmas present to each other out
for a test ride. It was awesome!

 

 

January: 

My sister in law and brother in law went to Vegas and left me with my niece for 5 days. It was epically fabulous. 

While I was gone, Derek put up heavy duty shelves in the garage and got a good 70% of the junk off of the floor. We're no where near being able to fit a car in the garage yet, but I can now get through the garage while holding a load of groceries without knocking anything over, so I consider this major progress.

Before

After

I ran my second (and my last)  marathon with my best friend. It was such
an incredible experience to do such a difficult thing with such
a great friend. Unfortunately, I unknowingly pushed it a bit too far,
and that I'm combination with the fact that I slacked on strength
training and lost important core muscles, led to a pinched nerve that
causes my foot to go numb. Joy!

February: 

My sister visited in February, and she got a puppy while she
was up here. It was then that I decided that (1) I  would never get a
puppy-they're a ridiculous amount of work, and (2) I would never get
anything other than a shelter dog. Don't get me wrong, my sister's dog
is super cute, but I just couldn't dump that much money on a dog, when I
could save the life of a dog for way cheaper.

This was her puppy's 4th bath in the same day.
FYI- Puppies poop all over themselves.

In February I also took the sweet little boy I mentor to
Chuckie Cheese. I hadn't been there since I was an excited child, and I
knew it would suck, but damn, that place is hell. As you look around,
you see kids with looks of pure joy on their face. They're so excited
and so happy. And the you look up. There was not a single smiling adult
in the place. I'm pretty sure Chuckie was even frowning under his big
costume head. Even the adults there celebrating their child's birthday
looked like all the life and joy had been sucked out of them. I'm pretty
sure Chuckie Cheese is the 7th layer of hell. In the end, a day of pure
misery was worth it because my little love muffin exclaimed, "This was
the bestest day of my whole life!"

You're not fooling me Chuck

March:

March is always a busy and awesome month, and it started out with
the most important day of the year... my birthday! As is to be expected, I
wore a glittery dress and got hammered. Some things never change.

My birthday was, however, only the appetizer for the awesomeness to come in March.

In March I also got my first ever raise, and my first ever bonus! There
is no comparison to the awesomeness of corporate life. To top it all
off, they sent me to Boston for a week for training. It was the best
trip ever. Why you ask? Was it the free flight, room, food and corporate
card? Was it the fact that you got to visit a place you've never been?
Was it the in-freaking-credble training facility where you learned just
how awesome your company is? Nope. The best part of my trip was SNOW!!!
It was my first snow ever and I literally squealed with joy every time I
saw it. Everyone else saw it and groaned in disgust, as I stared out
the window, wide-eyed like a fat kid at an all you can eat buffet. From what I'm told,
none of what I played with was "real snow," it was just icy slush. But
that icy slush made me the happiest girl in the world. I made a snow
man, a snow angel, and had a snowball fight. The only snow related items
on my bucket list are to go sledding/tubing, and to see snow as it
falls.

When I got back from Boston, I missed my love muffin tons, so I took him
to the zoo. He's an animal expert and lover, so it was an awesome time.

 

After being home 6 days, I was off again! Derek and I went to Louisiana
to visit one of my best friends. It was awesome. I always love going
there. Louisiana is so laid back and not at all pretentious. While
there, I ran the Zydeco half marathon. Since my injuries from the full,
I've barely run at all, so I was scared that it wouldn't be pretty. I
half considered starting it with my friend, and a mile in having the
boys pick me up and then drop me off at mile 12. But I did it, and
shockingly enough, I didn't have to walk at all, and I felt pretty good
after.

 
After a few care free days in Louisiana we celebrated our anniversary
early at my favorite place in the world, Seaside, Florida.

If you've never been, put it on your list. It's a beautiful little beach town in the panhandle where they shot the movie The Truman Show. It was a relaxing little get away for us, which we enjoyed greatly. If you do go; however, I wouldn't suggest March. Apparently that's when the Spring Breakers take over. September-November, and May (with the exception of the last week) it is beautiful and quaint (and much cheaper).

April:

After only 2 days home, we were off again! Our niece Aliyah turned 1, and had the best party ever! We were so excited to celebrate with her, especially since her mom lifted the dreadful "No Hair, No Hair Accessories," ban for the day. ;)

It's been a great few months chock full of blog-worthynes, and, as always, there is more blog-worthyness to come! It's officially been 2 years since we became foreclosure homeowners, and, while I can't say we loved every minute of it, I can surely say it's been an adventure.

TWENTY SIX POINT FREAKING TWO

It's hard for me to completely comprehend the fact that it's true, but it is. I completed my first marathon. Here's how it went down:

The night before I laid out all my gear in sheer disbelief that the day had finally arrived.

I was really excited the morning of, but I still couldn't believe that I was actually about do to my first marathon. For some reason, even though I had been signed up for 10 months, and had been counting down the days since, I just couldn't believe that it was actually happening.

Pre-Race meet up with the ultimate marathon man- Seth

Mile 1: Everyone says that your first marathon is emotionally overwhelming, and I was waiting to be overwhelmed and start crying or something, but it still hadn't clicked that I was actually doing it.

The fact that it hadn't hit me that I was actually about to run 26.2 miles, my longest run by 4.2 miles, didn't initially bode well for me. I was feeling rather cocky, and was suddenly concerned about my time, which, I had decided before, would be a non-factor. In my cockiness, I decided that I wanted to finish in under 5 hours, preferably around 4:30 (which shows I suck at math, because my average half is 2:20+). So I started with the 4:30 pace group.

Where's Waldo? I don't know, but Simone is the
one with the sexy knee braces.

6 miles in I was tired, and it finally dawned on me that I'm doing a marathon not a 5k, and that the 4:30 pace group was not for me. I decided to stop struggling to keep up, and go at my comfortable pace because, ultimately, finishing was my goal.

Half way through it once again hit me that I'm doing a full marathon, and I instantly regretted my poor life choices. What the hell was I thinking?!? I could be finishing right now! But, the course for the Space Coast Marathon was my saving grace. The course is essentially a figure 8, so the half way point is a place for friends and family to give you a mid race boost.  

Thumbs up!

Mile 15: My first full blown wave of fatigue hit me, and I walked for the first time. I knew I would have to walk at some point, even though I really didn't want to. I was disappointed, but I was happy that I didn't have to walk until after the half-way point. I didn't walk much though because walking doesn't get you to the finish any quicker.

Mile 16: I poured water over my head in a futile attempt to cool off, and my right headphone, which clearly didn't agree with my cool down technique, stopped working. At least I had good 'ol lefty because without music, I cannot run! Having one headphone allowed me to hear the tell tale squishing in my shoes meaning that I was blister bound.

Mile 17: I started to get a little dizzy, and my stomach was a little sour. I attempted to remedy my fatigue with shot blocks and powerade, and I think that did my stomach in. But, I had to suck it up because I still had 9.2 miles to go.

Mile 18: In the blink of an eye, I went from being so hot that I was stopping at every water stop and pouring water over my head to uncomfortably cold. I had made my final turn and was heading to the finish. In honor of the runner's version of Murphy's Law, the turn lead to a head wind, which had picked up it's speed.

Mile 20: "Shit! I'm signed up to do this awfulness again in January!"

Mile 23: "Holy crap! Only 3 miles left! You've totally got this! There's only a 5k left, no more walking, finish strong, you can do it..."

Mile 23.1: "I can see the light. This is what death feels like. The Grim Reaper is next to me ready to take me with him. Screw this, I'm walking"

Mile 24: "This is great! Only 2 miles to go! No more walking! You can do this!"

Mile 24.1: "Ok, maybe I'll just walk once per mile for a little bit. That's not too bad. Plus the 4:45 pace group hasn't passed me yet. ...crap. There they go."

Mile 24.8: "Once per mile, twice per mile, I'm not doing this for time right?!?"

Mile 26: "I can see them, but they can't see me yet, so I'm walking until they can."

Mile 26.05: I started running again. I saw Derek. I was so close. I was so excited. And my Garmin died. Lame.

Mile 26.1: The last 0.1 of the Space Cost Marathon is on pavers and goes around the park where the race festivities take place. This is where it hit me. HOLY SHIT, I'm actually going to finish this. I'm really going to be able to say that I did a marathon. I mean, it's not like I didn't think I was going to finish before, because lord knows I would have crawled to the finish if I had to. But for whatever reason, it didn't hit me that I was actually going to finish until I hit those pavers. It was extremely overwhelming and I felt myself welling up.

The finish, 26.2 miles, 5 hours, 3 minutes, 17 seconds: Right before the finish I saw that Rose had come all the way to surprise me with a fancy, sparkly, wine decorated poster, and that, on top of the fact that I was actually finishing, did it for me. I cried tears of joy. I did it. I completed my first marathon.

Am I the only one who hates when the clock is in
my pic because it isn't my net time and makes me
look slower than I already am?

 

I was officially delirious. I had eaten 330 calories, plus 5 shot blocks, and a bunch of watered down powerade, but I had burned nearly 3,000 calories. On top of that I was freezing. I literally walked right into the lady giving out the medals, didn't even notice that she gave me my medal, and asked her about 4 times if she was the person who gave out towels because I was cold. I'm pretty sure she responded each time, but I was so delirious that I didn't hear or understand her, so she found the guy giving out the towels and wrapped one around me.

The ORC's post race after party is always my favorite part of the Space Coast Half, but I was so tired and hungry and delirious, I couldn't have cared less about the mimosas (yes, you read that right). I woofed down my french toast, had one mimosa, yes ONE mimosa, and then fought to keep my eyes open for some post race conversation.

Completing the Space Coast Marathon has been my greatest accomplishment. In the last 5 years I've gone from not even owning a pair of sneakers and never having seen the inside of a gym, to being 30 lbs lighter and having completed what I once thought was the impossible.

I signed up for this race as a "birthday present," to myself (Cruel really). Since my birthday, I'm on my 3rd pair of shoes, I've had several injuries and set backs, I've doubted myself millions of times, and I have run exactly 510 miles.

Move Over Tom Turkey

it should be noted that because I am not a
movie person, I have no idea who this dude is

I don't really see the thrill of Thanksgiving. It's a day of gluttony, football, and excitement for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade... mostly the latter. Christmas, however, is magical. There is snow (even if it's fake snow because we're in Florida), Santa, glitter, presents, lights, glitter, singing, decorations, reindeer... did I mention glitter? I love glitter. I've always been one to say that the Christmas season doesn't start until Santa crosses in front of Macys in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but I've changed my tune (to Christmas tunes, specifically). I love Christmas. LOVE it. So why wait, especially when I couldn't care less about Thanksgiving?!? (Here is where I note that I fully appreciate our Thanksgiving hosts, Brodie and Sara, who rock it)

Treating Santa like that will get you on the naughty list Tom Turkey

The issue with this change of heart is that I do not live alone, so vomiting Christmas all over my house isn't completely up to me (although, let's be honest, it is). Derek was pretty insistant that we wait until Black Friday to decorate like we always do, but I've been crafting since July for goodness sakes! I'm excited NOW, and I have a lot to put up before our party, which is the weekend after Black Friday, not to mention that the Black Friday is the UCF v. USF game AND the weekend of my marathon.

AHHHHH SINGLE DIGITS!!!!!!!!

Waiting was just not going to work for me. And fortunately for me, Derek decided to go visit his grandma for the weekend, leaving me home alone. (evil laugh) When he came home, he had Christmas cheer thrust in his face...

the prized Christmas countdown mittens I've talked about so much

Yes, I even decorate my microwave and oven, because I'm awesome

 

I even cook with Christmas cheer!

Most husbands would be upset that their wives did exactly what they asked them not to do because they were out of town and not available to say no, but Derek fully expected it (perhaps having him get some of the Christmas decorations out of the attic while he was up there to "save him an extra trip in a few weeks," wasn't subtle, lol). I'm not done yet though, there are still more Christmas crafts to make and more decorations to hang! I've started the guest bathroom...

And it's going to be one of the most festive places in the house when I'm done with it, but....

That grey stuff that was holding up the medicine cabinet?
Yeah, that's the stuff for adhering tile to the floor.
Dip Shits.

Derek has a bot of work to do first. But damn it, it's going to get done, and we're going to have the BEST Christmas Brunch EVER!!!

Race to the Finish

Remember when I said I was going to stop slacking and blog regularly again? Yeah... I lied. Please don't tell Santa. Anywho, we've been super busy doing everything EXCEPT working on the house. We visited our fabulous niece...

Went to the Michael Buble concert (swoon!)...

Had a Happy Halloween...

And enjoyed some football...

 
I've been up to my usual. Running...

Crafting...

Mentoring...

Oh yes, and working. I've been at my new job for a little over 2 months now, and I still love it. I mean, at how many places do you see this...

"Bosses" Day

Bosses Day

Plus, I won $300 last week!! CHA-CHING!!!!!

As far as the house goes, well, not much has really been "going." Derek has had a crazy year at work. They've gotten some big jobs, and he's worked 60 hours a week for 9 of the last 12 months. Unfortunately those kinds of hours don't leave much time or energy for home improvement, but with our party coming up, Derek is racing to get things done around the house so it looks like we've actually done something since last year's party. Today he was a busy bee. He did some more work in the guest bathroom, which really looks like we took a step backwards because we now have no light, AND no mirror...

 And the medicine cabinet has a new home in the hallway...

I had to tell Derek that we're married, and if he wanted an up skirt view, he didn't have to demolish the bathroom to do so, but he insisted.

He's also working on patching up the holes from the plumbing he did a year and a half ago. As you may recall, Brayden tried to repair the holes with Legos (wish I could find that pic!), but unfortunately his fix didn't last. Hopefully Derek's does...

the mandatory Derek butt shot

One project did get finished though, and it will be one that everyone will see, but may not notice...

This note will be gone because...

We've got a working doorbell! Lucy is very excited. And by excited, I mean she barked like crazy while it was being installed and tested out, and will surely bark like crazy every time it is used.

So the race is on! 20 days until my marathon, and 27 until this house has to look like we've given it some attention in the last 365 days.