Eye Opening Weekend

Although it's hard to believe the weekend is gone already, it was definitely filled with life lessons. Funny how the little, simple things in life can really make you think and re evaluate.

This weekend, a friend of mine and I participated in a half marathon. This is something I have always dreamed of doing but never imagined it would actually happen. I have always been fast at running a very SHORT distance.... but long distance was never my thing.  With a knee injury I obtained when I was around 13, and my asthma.... this seemed like an incredibly crazy idea. However, I signed up for it with no doubts, and started to train.  The beginning of my training was rather disappointing.  I could barely run to the end of the road without stopping a few times and being incredibly winded.  There were many days I trained that I thought, "wow, there is no way I can do this." I was often very hard on myself and discouraged.  The timing of my miles were certainly not anything to brag about..... along with the constant knee pain.  A few weeks from the race, I discovered a running pace that seemed to help out a lot. That day, I ran 9 miles and for the first time, felt confident in the coming race.

The night before the race, I got about 5 hours of broken sleep.... then we woke up at 5 am to head to the train. Brett was incredibly supportive through this entire process and I'm not sure what I would have done without him. He thought the idea was rather crazy at first but never gave up on me. He even helped me train, often. He went with us to Chicago to support me in the race and even went on a food run for the two of us which was MUCH appreciated. He took Vera to the Shedd Aquarium and still found time to appear around the track a few times and was there at the finish line. I can't express how thankful I am for this man.

Which brings me to my next point...... since I had a lot of time to think in the 2 1/2 hours of running..... I really have an amazing husband. He has always been amazingly patient, understanding, and forgiving. I look up to him more than anyone else on this Earth. He is the kind of person I want to be. He is the kind of person I want my daughter to be JUST like. He keeps me going. He is my soul mate. I'm amazed at how many obstacles we've been through and how many bumps appear in the road from time to time.  When I sit and think, I just know it would never, ever work with anyone else. And for those people who understand and accept that, I am thankful. I wish there were more people like that. 

Our marriage has not always been easy, but it has ALWAYS been worth it. We really make the best team.... but most of that is thanks to Brett.

This weekend was just a wonderful reminder that 1. dreams can come true if you work for them. This applies to both the half marathon and my husband.... and 2. You really need to re evaluate your life and think about the people in it. Are there people who are bringing you down? People who don't respect you or who you are? People that want to change things about you that don't need to be changed? Maybe they aren't worth the space you have in your heart. Maybe they aren't worth the fighting, the pain, and the trouble.Life is SO short.... spend it with the people who make you happy. Use your time wisely.... reach those goals you've always wanted to reach. Don't be afraid of failing.... we learn from our mistakes. Life is worth living =)

Monday-FUNday!

This morning, I feel inspired to write.... but not on here, on actual paper. I was just trying to remember the last time I actually wrote to Brett. I know that I e mailed him a few times last week, but it's been awhile since I've written a letter.

When is the last time YOU wrote a letter to your significant other? 

Why not do it today? Just to say thanks, or what you love about them.... or something really awesome they've done lately? If not your significant other, what about a close friend? A parent? A co worker? 

Just an idea for this grey Monday morning =)

Have a great day!

Can't be perfect

Something has been on my mind lately, so I thought I would share.....

I just wanted to apologize to those of you who have ever felt bad about themselves because of me. Either about themselves, their choices, etc. I do realize that I have a very strong personality and am very opinionated. I realize that I don't always think things completely through before I say them. I realize that I think I'm right most of the time. I realize that there are "hot topics" that set me off or run me right into a verbal marathon. I know that I can sometimes be rude, unclear, sarcastic, and just all around unfriendly.

For all of that, I am very sorry.

The truth is, I am always researching. I am always reading. I am always looking to better my life and others. However, I don't stop to think that maybe others don't need my help? Maybe some people just need an ear to listen. I am a great listener, but I'm also a "fixer." I feel it's my duty to fix things often, and sometimes, they don't need fixed.

I know that my specific degree gives me a sense of entitlement, which not everyone may agree upon.  The truth is, I just want to be someone people can be proud of. I want to be someone the younger generation can look up to. I'm not perfect, nor will I ever be.... but I want to be known as a good person. I don't want to be put in the judgmental category.... I want to keep a free and open mind about things. I want to be healthy. I want to make the right choices. However, the right choices for me, may not be the right choices for everyone else. I apologize if I have ever made you feel that YOUR choice is not the "right" choice just because I did not choose it. I am my own person. I want to be able to accept differences. After all, I wouldn't want everyone else to be like me. I annoy myself sometimes!

So do what you do.... be who you are..... lift each other up rather than putting each other down. This life is hard enough as it is without others bringing you down.

There are so many more things I want to do in life... so many things I want to be. My goals are different than yours. That's totally fine. Do what makes YOU happy and do what's right for you and your family. Just remember, I'll be here if you need me ;-)

Have a happy Friday, everyone!