Good Ole Summer

Ahhh, I love summer. Here are the many things that make me love summer:

Enjoying the great outdoors with friends! My Stace came to visit with her Mom and we went white water rafting!Softball games every Sunday with awesome friends!

And let's not forget Rockies games. All in all life is good. We just enjoyed another Margarita Monday at the pool and I get back to being a barista in the morning.

Lots to report!

The LA marathon was a success! I completed the marathon in 4 hours and 54 minutes and I ran the whole way! I feel good about completing the marathon, but I couldn't have done it without the support of Mike, my Mom, my sister, my brother-in-law, my niece, and my best friend Stacy!

Since the marathon, Mike and I have been enjoying the start of baseball season. Go Rockies! Also, we went on a snow-shoeing adventure with my Mom. We're all about the new adventures. And we will be embarking on a new adventure when my sister and brother-in-law's second baby arrives in October. Can't wait! I'm already checking out gender appropriate ;) clothing at Target!

Seven Quick Takes (just like my big sister!):

1. Diamond FRICKIN earrings. Yes, folks, Mike surprised me with AMAZING, STUNNING, DIAMOND earrings for Valentine's Day....well, it was our designated Valentine's Day on the 18th. I had no idea he was doing this. And this is a real big deal because I'm not really a jewelry kind of gal....but a looong time ago I mentioned how nice it would be to have diamond earrings one day. Well, that day is now! What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! And he did lots of other sweet things too to make me feel special. One in particular was that he said he's going to train for and run a 5k before I run my marathon...which really means the most to me.

2. I heart LOST. I know that the plot has taken some interesting turns and some people are unhappy about it...but I still love it. It's my guilty pleasure each week to find time to myself to watch the most recent episode online. Cause who am I kidding...I rarely get a chance to sit in front of my t.v. and watch it at it's regularly scheduled time.

3. For the last few days I've had the privilege of filling in for my Mom's friend and doing Mom duties for her daughter. It's super fun! I know this is going to sound crazy for those of you who know me really well...but...I actually enjoy getting up at 7 am to make her lunch and drive her to school in my p.j.s.

4. I have 'Starbucks hands'...and no this does not mean that my hands have become magically inclined to make perfect lattes every time...too bad...it means that my hands are dry ALL OF THE TIME and crack and bleed. Yay!! And I sometimes develop a rash down my arms when I have been washing dishes for a while. Despite what my hands endure at work, I really love my job! Making coffee drinks is fun and last week I was officially certified as a barista! Of course I need lots more practice but I definitely have the basics down :) And I love getting to drink my favorite drinks for free!

5. My marathon training has been going well. Next weekend my long run is 20 miles and then I begin to taper to get ready for the marathon. It is not that far away...March 21. I have acquired some new friends on my feet including some sweet blister/callous dealios on my toes and one of my toe nails is bruised for what seems indefinitely. Ah, the milestones of becoming a runner :) Yesterday I ran in the dang snow for 13 miles and that was frustrating. But, LA weather is calling my name!

6. Mike and I have been doing swing dance lessons the last couple of weeks (although, we skipped last week...) and it is really fun! Granted, Mike and I have had our frustrating moments while learning how to dance together...but I think that's part of the process. Our teachers are national swing dance champions which is pretty cool. Our class is packed, so once our sessions end we want to try and sign up for individual lessons.

7. I love me some Gatorade. Lately, it has been so refreshing to me. And I have recently learned that they have A.M. Gatorade and I reeealllly like that. Especially the strawberry-orange flavor. Yum! And I refuse to drink G2 because I think it is grody. Although it probably is a little bit healthier than my sugar packed verson :)

Side note: Manda, tell Sydney her Auntie Ashley loves her soooo much!!!!

...

15 miles is humbling.

But, I'm thankful for water and GU.

And for shoes and for going downhill.

A.W.K.W.A.R.D.

Alright, I seriously don't understand why construction men have to gawk at women as they walk by them. (Disclaimer: I'm sure there are some good ole boys out there who only focus on their tasks and turn their gaze from women walking by construction sites...)

BUT, come on! So, I was running at Wash Park this morning and passed two groups of construction men working on the sidewalk. One guy in the first group pointed at me, turned to his pals, and then they ALL turned around simultaneously and gawked for a prolonged period of time. GROSS. And then I passed the second group of men and they just all immediately turned and loooooooooooooked at me. Seriously, is that necessary?? And I attempted a very mean, serious glare and I'm pretty sure one of them mocked me. It really makes me feel objectified and I hate that. I mean, I would understand a glance or even a smile as I passed by them...but the rubber-necking has got to stop! Arrrgghhhh. That's my vent and soap box for today.

And Mike wanted to be included in the blog..so he says, "Hi!"

Random things...

So, this is my new favorite accessory:I love it because it's small, but it fits all my necessities. Also, it has nifty pockets inside, perfect for my cell phone and gum! And of course, the print is lovely. Here's how I found this wonderful clutch purse. I went to California for Christmas to see my sister, her hubby, and my niece. Right away I noticed the new diaper bag insert/purse my sister was using. My sister has a clutch just like the one above but it has a pink polka dot print. I quickly coveted her purse. And of course, wanting to be like my big sister, I found out where she got her purse so I could get one too! But, I felt like I shouldn't get the exact same thing...so I went to the website and ordered my next favorite print. My sister is extremely gracious about me copying her trend setting accessories, among lots of other things!

Here is the website:

http://www.fosterkadedesigns.etsy.com/

The awesome thing about shopping on this website is that the woman who handmakes the items is also raising money through the sale of her items to adopt a daughter! So check out her selection and find your next new purse here to support a good cause. And, isn't it cool that it's handmade?

And, I would like to share that I am OFFICIALLY registered for the LA Marathon on March 21, 2010 at 7:20 am. Wahoo! So, I hope I will feel ready in two months. There was an option on the registration to personalize your bib...I really wanted to be clever or inspirational but all I could come up with was: Ashley. Ha. I wish I was more quick-witted like my sister. She would have thought of something like...I don't know..."Don'tpoopyourpants"...or something way better than that. So, Manda, I'm curious what you would have put! Throw some ideas in the comments so people can understand why I say you're the quick-witted one in the family!

Alright, I'm outskies.

Paaatttyyyyy, I HEART YOU!!!!!!

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100108/music_nm/us_griffin

Just call me Annie Oakley.

Yep, I must say, I enjoyed the firing range. I didn't do so bad, but of course, Mike was WAY better. Good thing I know how to shoot a handgun...for when I make time to apply for the police academy. Yeah, just kidding...it's not in my life plan, but who knows, things change! And evidence to that is my new job. I am officially a Starbucks employee...ahem, "partner"...and I'm loving it. Change is good sometimes.

As far as the running goes, my total mileage is at 96 miles. Yesterday I ran 13 miles and felt pretty good. My foot is no longer a problem, thanks to my sister's friend CK, who gave me sage advice! I'm looking forward to attempting my first marathon on March 21 in LA and if all goes well, I'd like to try another one in October. A few recent things I have learned during my training:

1. Gel shots are AMAZING and seriously give me the boost I need to run the many miles. So far I really like the strawberry and orange flavored caffeine packed shots.

2. Don't clip my ipod shuffle to the waist of my pants unless there is another layer underneath. When I got done with the 13 miles I realized I had a nice raw gash on my stomach from my shuffle rubbing against me for over 2 hours. Need a new spot for the shuffle.

Today I spontaneously decided to use my free Blockbuster movie rental to rent the first season of 30 Rock. And now that I am 4 episodes deep, I realize I have been missing out. This show is great! I love Tina Fey. And Kenneth is my favorite. And now I understand why Steph had this phrase on her facebook page: Live every week like it's Shark Week.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

10 Highlights from Christmas:

(inspired by my sister's recent blog entry)

10. HOT Christmas outfits.

9. 1st Christmas in Denver with Mike and Mom!

8. Reading many books with my niece.

7. Festive socks!

6. Playing LOTS of Wii bowling, tennis, and Wii fit plus crazy games. Yeeessss.

5. Early mornings hanging with Sydney...or sleepily hearing her morning sounds while I slowly woke up.

4. Getting to pick up Michael from the airport with a new tradition! Normally I get picked up from the airport by him because I tend to travel more (ahem...fam in Cali). And he always brings me flowers :)

3. Having sister time. There's nothing better than talking and laughing with my sister...and getting my hair played with, sister style!

2. Doing my runs in California weather.

1. Being with my whole fam and getting to spend Christmas Day with them!!

"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!

Sunny days are here again..

Ooohhhkay...the last time I blogged was in July...

Here's the latest and the greatest since then...kinda...that's a lot of updating..so here's the most recent news:

- I saw New Moon last night and liked it. Mike felt a tad outnumbered in the theater. He made a couple of 'just loud enough for some of the female audience members to hear him' disgruntled comments...but we all know the truth :)

- Sunny, who was a timely God send, is a wonderful dog. She sleeps late with me and loves to give everyone little subtle kisses on their hands. No news on Wiley. We continue to pray that he is safe and will be back home one day.

- Unemployment has definitely not been so terrible for me. I love having no schedule and getting to clean and organize all of the time. Buuutt...I'm getting to the point where I need to get moving on finding a job. So, thus, the job search begins.

- I'm really excited for Thanksgiving because my sister, brother-in-law, and niece are coming to town!! Holidays are my favorite time of year because I get to be with my whole family.

- I LOVE Christmas! Stockings, ELF, Harry Connick Jr., Starbucks Christmas Blend, sugar cookies with icing, Jesus' Birthday, snow, giving presents, Suzy's Santa outfit, and so much more!!

- Mike and I have been watching Grey's Anatomy from the beginning. So great. And I feel so enlightened about medical things..so I find myself referring back to various episodes of crazy surgeries when people tell me they are not feeling well or have an odd cramp. And then I remember that the extent of my medical background is being trained in first aid...

- My current goal is to furiously work through my current coffee bean supply so I can open my FIRST bag of Christmas Blend!!

- Oh, and my hair is darker. Kurt worked his magic and dyed my hair a darker brown, with a blue undertone..? I don't understand the hair coloring technicalities. I'm really liking it though. Now people really think that my Mom and I are twins. But I've been hearing those comments since before I can remember.

Alright, see ya in another 4 months! Ha. Sad, but probably true.

Hey there, blog.

Lots going on over here in Colorado. My Mom is currently on the road with her friend, Lorna, but will be officially becoming a Colorado resident on August 1. While she's traveling, Mike and I are taking care of Suzy, my Mom's dog. Suzy was my dog at one point too and she's the best. Wiley, my dog, is still my #1 pup, but things have been interesting with both dogs in my apartment. First of all, Wiley can be kind of a bully. Due to this, Suzy finds respite in my roommate, Andrea's room. Andrea is allergic to dogs and Suzy really shouldn't be in her room...but Andrea has found a new friend I think and doesn't mind at all. Andrea is very calming for Suzy when Wiley is obnoxiously running around in front of Suzy's face with her toy in his mouth. When Mike and I yell at Wiley, Suzy thinks we are yelling at her. She's very sensitive and it makes me feel terrible that she thinks she's getting in trouble too. Anyway, the dogs are in the process of sorting out the whole "you're a new dog to me," "you need to understand that I'm the Alpha-dog," and "hey, that's my Mom...why the heck is she petting YOU?" thang.

Mike and I were happy and surprised to see the two dogs getting along much better today.

Exhibit A:

Worthwhile.

Working with the kids I work with can be very taxing and frustrating. But, it's worthwhile. I realize that it's worth it to drive from work to Walmart at 8:00 pm, and then back to work, to get one of my kids headphones and batteries for a cd player that could possibly help ease some of his anxiety,

even if he still hates me tomorrow...which he probably will.

The Christmas Season

I'm looking forward to hanging out with my fam on Christmas Day and exchanging gifts after we share a taco dinner! Turkey is out for the next few holidays I think, due to the sickness of November 2008. My poor sister and her puking. I don't mind skipping the turkey for awhile, it's never really been my favorite. The stuffing on the other hand, I don't want to leave that out for too long. It's just soo good.

I love Christmas music, especially the Elf Soundtrack and Harry Connick Jr. The other day I was driving home from work and suddenly realized, "Good grief, it's December, I need to break out the Christmas jams!" That's not exactly what I said, but you get the point. I promptly pulled over into a parking lot and dug out my Starbucks Christmas mix...I couldn't find my other standbys in the cd case.

I've yet to buy any gifts and it's December 13 already. This is not abnormal. I'll scurry around next week at Target getting presents.

I was inspired by Mike and I's friend and Young Adult Pastor, Bryan, to be creative about gifts this year and focus on making them relational. His example was giving coffee to a parent and writing a note on it, saying, "Only you and me can drink this coffee together when we sit and talk."

Wiley is currently growling at me. Not out of aggression of course, but probably because he wants me to get out of my bed and play with him...or because he has to go to the bathroom. One of those. The thing is, Mike already took him to the park. He is a stinker - Wiley, not Mike.

I'll leave you with this. Rock on Christmas!