"Oh Target ball, I love you."

Sydney has fallen in love with a giant red ball. I think she literally may love Target more than I do. I don't think I have ever actually hugged the outside of Target...specifically the big red balls out front.

BIG hugs!

"BALL!!"

Christmas in L.A.

Ahhh...I'm finally here in Cali getting kisses from my niece and having sister time. One of the things we always do when I visit is run errands. One, because it's necessary in order to have all of the proper ingredients for things like peanut butter blossom cookies (peanut butter cookie with hershey kiss in the middle)!! As Sydney would say, "YUM!" And two, because it's a good way to get out of the house for an adventure!

Among the exciting moments at Target and Costco...one moment in the top three is SPOTTING A CELEBRITY! And, let me just say, John (my brother-in-law) MOCKED me when I told him I saw an actor working at Costco. He was all like, "Psshhhh...ha ha ha...you just want to see a famous person so bad that you created one in your mind and convinced yourself it was true." Anyway, I knew it was true from the bottom of my soul, so I pressed on. I went to my sister and was like, "Look, it's that one guy!" And she was all like, "Whoa, it totally is. I believe you!"

As soon as we got back to the house we googled the movie, The People Under the Stairs, because my sister was confident the he was in that movie and because we could not remember his name or any other movies he has been in for the life of us! Well, lo and behold, there he was. No doubt that he was in The People Under the Stairs and like a million other movies. I knew I was right! His name is Sean M. Whalen and he is currently demonstrating a fancy new blender at Costco.

Here he is:

So, moral of the story, I'm not crazy. Sean Whalen demonstrates blenders at Costco. And I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all because he is probably working there inbetween acting jobs to keep the bills paid and his kids fed. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe he will get another gig appearing on LOST!!

Keeping track...

Miles run since start: 26

(and one day I'll be able to run that all at the same time!)

I had an amusing dream last night. I dreamt that I ran a marathon and got 3rd place overall! Coming in 3rd place was definitely one of the amusing things about the dream but the most interesting part was that it took me 20 hours to run the marathon. Crap! Well, if that was a prophetic dream, it would be really sweet to get 3rd place in the LA marathon...but not so sweet to run for 20 hours....

Run to the Roost!

So with my recent foot trouble, specifically pain in the arch of my right foot, (after just beginning my marathon training) I decided to seek out a new and improved pair of running shoes.

I headed to Runners Roost because I had heard they help you make very informed decisions about what shoes to buy. Right away I received great help! Kelsey, the person helping me, had me walk so she could see what my feet looked like when I walked. She recommended a certain type of shoe because I put more weight on the outside of my feet when I walk (pronate?). She gave a solid reason for each shoe she chose for me to try on and was able to answer all of my questions. I talked with her about my foot pain and she suggested that it might be plantar fasciitis. Given her description of symptoms I think she is right on...so at least I have a label for my pain. Hopefully the new running shoes I bought will help the pain so I can progressively add miles to the new kicks!

The link to my new go-to-place for running gear and advice:
http://runnersroost.com

Miles and miles.

After watching an inspiring episode of The Biggest Loser, which included the contestants running a marathon, I thought...maybe I should run a marathon. So, I've officially decided to run the LA Marathon on March 21, 2010.

Folks, that's what happens when you find yourself with too much time on your hands...you come up with crazy ideas. I guess it's not sooo crazy because I do have a background of distance running. I ran cross country for 7 years (middle school and high school). I have somewhat of an idea of what it might be like to run 26.2 miles, right? Yikes. I ran a half marathon with my Dad when I was in high school...but I'm more than a little rusty now. I just needed a goal.

Well, I started training two weeks ago. I officially started following an 18 week program created by Hal Higdon 1 week ago..so I'm a couple of weeks behind in his program. I should be able to get enough training in starting 15 weeks out, I think. This is one of those many moments I wish my Dad was alive and in my life. He ran at least 4 marathons while he was alive that I know of and I really would just like to ask him for advice.

A few things I have learned in the miles I have run so far:

1. Running in 20 degree weather is way easier than running in 7 degree weather. Imagine that!
2. Sometimes I feel better in the first half of my run and sometimes I feel better in the last half.
3. 26.2 miles is a long way to go...4 miles right now feels like forever...

Unfortunately I've had to delay the training for a few days due to a foot injury. I'm hoping that by tomorrow I will be able to be up and running again.

Intershmoo.

Interviews are nerve racking. I recently boasted that I rock at interviews and rarely get nervous because I'm that good. Well, today I have an interview at Starbucks...well interview # 2 (long story) and I have to admit, I'm feeling the butterflies. I just need to focus on the keys to successful interviewing:

1. eye contact, Eye Contact, EYE CONTACT!!!
2. don't fart.
3. smile A LOT...but not too much. don't want to look fake.
4. remember the name of the person that interviews me...
5. dress REAL sharp (my sister helped me in that department)
6. don't be late!

Anything I'm forgetting??

Wish me luck!!!!

Thanksgiving was full of blessings!

It was so wonderful to see my whole family for Thanksgiving this year. Sydney is sooo big! I couldn't hold back tears when I saw her the first day she was here in Colorado for Thanksgiving. And having my sister and her husband here was so great. I love nothing more than spending time with my family and whether we were: eating, running after Syd, watching a movie, or walking around Sports Authority...it was all so fun. I cherished every moment and wished that each minute would last longer. I am often thankful for what God has allowed me to have so far in this life but weekends like the one I just had remind me in such a big way of how lucky I am--and what wonderful gifts I have received. Thank you, Lord!