no topic. no title. and that's ok.

When you start blogging you are super excited at first. It's something new & shiny. There's so much to write. It's fun - a great way to express yourself & keep others in touch with you. Then there the slow creep of blogging becoming a chore. Something you need to to but don't have the time, topic or energy.

I just realize two seconds ago that I don't need to topic to write. Just writing your thoughts should be sufficient. Today I'm all over the board. I love my blog - it's random and not a ever a chore. It's a little of this and a little of that with some cute pictures along the way. I'm tired too. I stayed up way to late to watch the season finale of "The Vampire Diaries" (which was awesome). I'm excited about Mother's Day weekend although it feels like every weekend is Mother's Day. We tend to be pretty chill on the weekends outside of those normal pit stops - Costco, Kroger, La Fitness. I'm been reading a lot today as well. Hopefully, I'll have some content to shape some more refined blogs (nah).

It's a beautiful day outside. Sunny, breezy, little crisp, and absolutely spirit-lifting. The type of day that makes you glad to be here. The type of day that begs you to relax on a deck somewhere with a cool drink in hand. Hum, I think I'm going to give in to the day and go do just that.

I told you I had no topic. Just randomness today and it feels good. Enjoy your day, life, kids, spouse, family, friends and everything in between (maybe enjoy some ice cream along the way).

today i feel ______.

on april 24th 2012, i feel ___________. (fill in the blank with any word from below)

really down & helpless about my current knee injury issues.

disappointed that i was unable to attain my running goal.

determined to find a solution or a way to cope.

encouraged by the people i work with.

loved by my husband & kids.

sadden by the news from a close friend.

grateful for what i have in my life. 

excited to read bedtime stories and give bedtime hugs & kisses my children.

blessed that i'm surrounded by wonderful support system of a husband, family, friends & co-workers.

happy that I have all of the above to reflect on. that i'm alive and i'm here in this moment. that each day i'm becoming a better person because of all of the above. that tomorrow i'll have new feelings to reflect upon.

*intentionally written in lower case. 

Quick Getaways

James & I took a quick getaway to Mexico last weekend. The flight was short and the weather was absolutely beautiful. We got "perferred" treatment at the resort (Now Jade) which as unexpected. Oh, by the way, did I mention the kids stayed home? Yes, I quick, relaxing getaway with just the husband. No one to watch over but ourselves. Eat, nap, read, relax, drink and repeat. When can we go back?

Thank you for supporting Rally Foundation

The Georgia 1/2 marathon has come and gone. Unfortunately, I was unable to race because of my knee but I was there to support my teammates & Rally Foundation. I ended up raising $1,002 and my team raised over $25,000 for Rally Foundation. I'm so proud of myself and teammates. We came along way with the training, fundraising and encouraging each other through our aches & pains. Way to go, team!

Down but not out. . .

My last posting about the 1/2 marathon was about 3 weeks ago and I posted that I was nursing an injury to my knee which was related to an IT band issue. The pain never really got better. I tried to run a few more times after that with the same pain during and after the runs. I decided about two weeks ago not to pursue running the 13.1 miles. It kills me to think that I spend over 2 months training for this only to be set back so close to the race. But to continue would just inhibit my daily mobility and that's something that just can't happen right now. My kids need me to keep up with them and not to be limping around. I'm continuing to see my PT and working through a strengthen program. I definitely plan to try again. 

Rally Foundation was the reason to start this journey in running long distance. My Rally Kid, Celah, has inspired me. I have never met this sweet little girl but she lifts my spirit when I'm feeling low.  I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to raise money & train for such a wonderful foundation. I appreciate all my family and friends that have supported me along the way both financially and emotionally. The Rally Kids are truly amazing. If you would like to support this foundation, you can donate at my race page - http://www.razoo.com/story/Helpcwillardrun

This was my last group run before my decision. (I ran 6.5 miles that day. Who-hoo!) The ladies and gents on the Rally Team are awesome. We all have come so far in training. There were some of us who couldn't run 3 miles and never thought we'd get to 6,7,8, 10 miles. We have shared tips on stretching, icing, supplements, aches & pains. Go Rally Team!

Are they twins?

Although they are very similar in height and weight, Jonah & McKenna are 22 months apart. I get the question, "are they twins", everywhere I go. And when I say everywhere - let me recap my errands this passed Saturday. At LA Fitness, "Oh they are so cute. Are they twins?" I got it again at TJ Maxx & Home Depot. They are the best of friends and one doesn't go far without the other. This picture just proves their twin-like similarities.