Struggling

Ya'll continue to pray for me. I am not doing good, I have good days and bad days. Mostly bad days right now. Today is not a good day. I feel very depressed. My relationship roadblock with Mr. P has really shaken me to my core. On top of that, I am tired of hearing other's (albeit well meaning) advice on how I should feel, cope, think, do, act, etc. ETA: That sounded really bitchy - I appreciate all the advice I get. It's just hard because no one knows all the details...no one was there through all the conversations, exept me. No one knows all the personal details like me. So it's hard to accept advice from people that weren't there, that don't know everything. That don't know him, like I do. That being said, thank you SO much for listening to me, ya'll have no idea how much I appreciate it...I almost couldn't even get out of bed this morning, and I spent all lunch driving around town aimlessly and crying. I feel like I am just going through the motions of life right now. I know that this too shall pass, but right now it just seems like such a mountain to climb.

Forgive me

But I'm trying to find a blog header and new layout in general that I love. Sorry it changes so often, bear with me!

My run details and a great snack

Let me just just be honest with ya'll and tell you that that was the hardest thing I've ever done, physically! There were a few times when I thought my legs were going to buckle under me and I had a hard time breathing a few times! I seriously did not think I was going to make it. I just kept repeating to myself "don't stop, you can do it, don't stop, you can do it" Thank goodness for Kanye's "that don't kill me will only make me stronger" Ha! Fortunately, I did not have any "pee pee" issues, or ear bud issues. The ear bud problem was really grating on my nerves, but I finally found some that wrap around my ear, and they stay snug in my ear now. When all was said and done, I stretched REALLY well, because my legs were so fatigued. And believe it or not, NO soreness today at all! So glad.

Starting Monday I begin Week 6: 8 minute interval runs again. No "long" runs again until Week 7. From Week 7 on, it's pretty much nothing less than 25 minute runs, no stops. So I'm going to enjoy week 6 while it lasts.

I can't wait to complete the Couch to 5 K program! I'd really like to do the Isle of Palms Connector Run in October. That gives me time to practice taking my runs outside, because so far I've only done this on the treadmill in the AC. Running outside is a good bit more difficult, to me anyway.

But before I forget, thank you so much for the kind words of support! I'm still a little down right now, but focusing on my running is really helping I think.

Anyhooters, check out this delicious snack! I totally ripped the idea from someone, I THINK it was from Jenna at Eat, Live, Run. Banana, peanut butter - and I through in some blueberries just cuz!















Have a great weekend all!

PS Stay tuned, I have a picture of me and Bob the dog. Remember him? Well I got to visit him today and he looked SO great and happy.

PPS Please keep my blog friend Kacy and her family in your prayers as they pick up the pieces after her family home burned to the ground. :(

Can she (me) do it???

So, I'm totally psyching myself out in my mind about this 2 mile run. I'm acting like it's a freakin marathon. It's 20 minutes! I can do this, I can do this, I can DO this! However, last night I did something incredibly foolish.

I drank. A lot.

So of course, I'm hungover, swollen, bloated and I just ate a bag of Chic Fila fries.

Freakin A man. Freakin a.

Stay tuned...tearin up the treadmill at 3:30 EST.

ETA: The bloody details later, but wanted to report that I finished and that I did not indeed, die. Or pass out. Or hurl. (HA) (although I thought all three would happen at one point...)

(Don't get too close to this picture, you might get a little sweat dripped on you. Just sayin...)

Sorry

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Can't go into much detail, but it's not been a very good week for me. I've been pretty down actually. Trying to stay positive though. I've been pretty much camped out at the gym. My Week 5 C25K ends tomorrow with a 20 minute run, no stops. Wish me luck, gang! And wish me some luck in life, I really need it right now. I'm struggling.

Thanks, and Happy Thursday to you all!

PS I leave you with a (grainy) picture of my cat Isabelle in the dryer (this is why I have to buy lent brushes by the gallons):

Charleston recap with pics (duh) =)

So Thursday as I was getting ready to leave, my boss emails me and says "I need the camera." My heart dropped. Granted, it belongs to the office, and he has every right to take it. But I'm the keeper of the camera at work, and I was going to take it to Charleston with me to documeent our trip (as well as take a few pics for work to justify taking it, of course.) I was SO BUMMED. So needless to say, the only pictures I have are from my camera phone and the quality is pretty crappy.

Friday we left early. I had a site visit with the hotel we were staying at at 11 AM. We were there by 10:30 and walked the property. (It was right on the Market, perfect location!) We were done around 12:30 and decided to head out for lunch. One of my favorite places in Charleston is an Irish Pub called Tommy Condon's. They have awesome food, but at night it's especially fun! GREAT music of course. I highly recommend it!















Later that afternoon we headed out to Liberty Square to catch the ferry out to Ft. Sumter. I was pretty nervous about touring the fort, because on that day temperatures in Charleston were expected around 100, with the heat temp at 110. And if you've been in South Carolina, you know we've got humidity that'll make a donkey sweat. But it was actually not bad, and the breeze on the ferry felt good. (Pictures from this are on Mr. P's camera, sorry! I'll have to wait to upload those. I stole the one below from the web.) This tour was not something I would have done if he had not been with me, but I'm so glad I did. I have not been since Middle School. What an amazing historical site!















Later that evening, I had been dying for some fresh seafood so we drove out to Shem Creek and ate at The Wreck. It seriously looks like a hole in the wall joint. No air conditioning, just a screened in porch with harbour breezes and ceiling fans! It's right on the water, and they serve fish and shrimp that is caught daily. They told us that they don't even own a freezer! I was in HOG HEAVEN! This pictures just does not do it justice.



































(Sorry, I cropped Mr. P out. I started not to, but he doesn't know about my blog and I hate to put his pic on here without him knowing about it. Guilt would eat me up. If you wanna facebook friend me, let me know. All my pics are on there uncropped. Just email me how me to find you!)

After dinner, we met up with a friend of his staying at the "round Holiday Inn" that overlooks the Ashley Cooper River. They have a restaurant at the very top and I had a glass of wine while watching the fireworks that were going off at the Charleston Riverdogs baseball game. Very neat! Again, sorry so fuzzy :(















We had been given some free carriage ride passes so the next morning before it got too hot, we decided to go for a ride. While we were waiting in line, I started getting upset about the horses. It was already SO hot and I had just about convinced Mr. P that this was cruelty to animals. So he went and talked to the tour guide, a local school teacher in Charleston that does these carriage rides as a side job. He told us that if the heat index got any hotter, they would shut the rides down. Also, he said the horses did a maximum of 2 tours a day, and after each ride they were brought back to the barn and immediately hosed down and relaxed. I still didn't love the idea, but we went anyway. I didn't want to regret not doing this later. The streets we went down were very shady and actually cooler than I expected. Below is a picture of a house that we passed. They are all SO beautiful! Even though I've heard the history of Charleston many times, it never gets old! Oh to live like a S.N.O.B (slighty north of Broad St.) :)















At the hotel. I attempted to wear my hair down - yea, that lasted all of 5 minutes! Did I mention it was HOT??? Mr. M cut my dress off in this picture, but I found a super cute Madras dress. It was perfect for tooling around Charleston.














Our last stop was to grab some lunch before we headed out of town. We ate at another favorite of mine (and I'm sure many of yours, as it's been there forever) A.W. Shucks! Mmm, I had a Mahi Sandwich. I forgot to take a picture, but trust me it was gooooood.

We had a lot of fun together. I tried to just focus on having a good time and not thinking about us and the future. So that's what I did, and no matter what the future brings us, I'll always remember this as a special trip.

Now, on to my other exciting news! My brother and I booked our tickets - we are headed to CALI next month!!! I'm SO excited! We will be flying into LAX and staying for 2 days, and then renting a car and driving (yes we are crazy) up to San Fran. It will be a LONG car ride, but what beautiful scenery!! There are no words to describe my excitement. We are renting bikes in San Fran and biking across the bridge - I hope the visibility is decent that day! Needless to say, I WILL be investing in an amazing camera before going on this trip.

Last but not least, Week 5 of Couch to 5K begins tonight. Wish me luck! At the end of this week, I am supposed to run 2 miles with no stops. Eek!

Well, that's it for now...hope you all had a great weekend!

PS I can't lie, I can't wait to watch Jon and Kate tonight...

Happy Father's Day To Carolina Dad!

(He would not like being called "Carolina Dad" as he is Tennessee through and through!)

Happy Father's Day to my sweet daddy :) As you can see, I get my love of all things furry VERY honest. Sometimes I think he loves those fur kids more than me and my brother! Nah...but it's close! lol

(I love how confused he looks in this picture, lol)

Next post: Pics from my Charleston trip and some other exciting news!

All About Feet

Great, wonder how many foot fetish pervs will be trolling my blog today??? ha! (go away)

My mom recently read in a magazine about how to get rid of dry, scaly, peeling feet. She did not tell me the exact recipe, just to mix olive oil and salt (I just used regular table salt) in a bowl and then scrub it on the bottoms of your feet. She told me this 2 weeks ago, and I just now got around to doing it night before last. I really did not think it would work, because nothing ever works. I have tried EVERYTHING from expensive scrubs to those contraptions that scrape the dry skin off. I have even contemplated razoring it off, but stopped shy of that. Scaredy cat. My feet just peel and in general just look bad usually. And I can't afford to get pedis every week. (I do get them once every season though, just for maintenance.)

However, I must say that after using that homeade scrub, there was not an OUNCE of dry skin on my feet whatsoever! They feel amazing! I could not believe it. Even 2 days later (and 2 gym visits later), they still feel baby soft. Halleluja! Go try it, if you are plagued like me! I rubbed the mixture on my feet for at least 3-5 minutes each foot. I mean, I worked them good. Afterwards I rinsed my feet and put lotion and Neutrogena Body Oil on them and let them dry naturally. I am going to do this at least once or twice a week from now on.

There are all kinds of recipes out there on the internet that tell you to use sugar (didn't work as well for me), epson salt or sea salt (might work better, but I used table salt), etc. Also I think I just used about 2 parts salt, 3 parts oil. I was very liberal with the salt. Just experiment, but let me know if you try it!

Here's to happy feet!

Jersey Housewives Finale

All I can say is that I will nevah-evah-EVAH cross a Jersey woman. Teresa's meltdown was priceless. I have to say, I do not blame Teresa at all. Danielle had said some pretty snarky comments to her repeatedly. And you could just see in T's eyes that "the crazy" was building and building. Not to mention, it was her dinner party and this woman-who-looks-like-a-man was ruining it. I have no doubt that the producers probably told Danielle to bring "the book" to the dinner, or maybe not. Danielle seems to like the attention (honestly, they all do) We knew it was coming from the previews, but to see the all of the events that led up to it. But oh it DID make for some fun drama and the BEST season finale EVER. Just a few other comments/thoughts in general:

• Jacquelyn - whoa girl, you have balls for going against the family!! She went from quiet to crazy in 2 seconds. And WHAT was that thing around your neck???
• Dina - Say what you want about Dina, but LOVED that dress she had on.
• Where is Dina's husband?
• Teresa's house - those doors! Good Lord. O.v.e.r.k.i.l.l. Her daughters are adorable though.
• Danielle - nothing to say. Does anyone else think she looks like a man?
• Caroline - she makes me laugh and scares me at the same time. She's kind've awesome. I love it when she tells Dina that she's just jealous cause her "bubbies" are real and still better than hers.

Watching this show has brought up memories of my BFF in elementary school. She was this crazy, hilarious and fun little girl named Jennifer Vigliante. Her family moved here from Jersey, and we met in the 2nd grade. She and I quickly became 2 peas in a pod. We went EVERYWHERE together. I will never forget her teasing me about my accent. One day I said "I need some ice (think major draw with the I)." She said "you need what??? Iiiiiccceee???" And we lauged; I never knew how "southern" I sounded until talking to her. After that I used to practice saying "Ice" the way she said it. I wanted to be a part of her big Italian family. Our parents were good friends too. It was comical- my Southern, BBQ eating, quiet, slow talking family having dinner with her loud, fast talking, and hilariously funny family. Her dad was Big Al and her brother was Frankie. Frankie was always getting into trouble, bothering us girls! ONE word from Big Al and he'd leave us alone. You did NOT mess with Big Al. We had so much fun together! Then around 6th grade, Big Al sat her down and told her they were moving back to Jersey. Oh the tears!! We cried for what seemed like days. And eventually said our goodbyes. My mom and her mom still exchange Christmas cards to this day, but sadly, Jennifer and I lost touch. We wrote a few times, but you know how kids are. Middle school rolled around, new friends, etc. I have been trying to find her on Facebook but no luck yet. Teresa reminds me a little bit of what Jennifer would be like today. And she's got 3 kids also I think, from what my mom said.

**********

On a completely unrelated topic, I have another post coming up soon about a remedy for dry, peeling, and or scaly feet! Stay tuned if you have this problem like I do.

Focus & a trip to Charleston

Sorry that this blog is going to focus a bit heavily on my C to 5K progress for a while. I just want to record all my notes and thoughts on the process, so I can read back and see my progress from week to week. I've been so inspired reading others blogs about it. I love re ading about others thinking the same thoughts as me such as "I'm supposed to run 2 miles straight at the end of Week 5? Nooooo way" and then to read that they did it is SOO inspiring. I hope to be able to say the same thing! It's scary. But I KNOW I can accomplish it. I really feel it. I'm pretty excited actually.

Also, I wanted to let ya'll know that Mr. P and I are very, very, very slowly attempting to repair our relationship. I'll be honest and say I do not know if it's the right thing to do. I do not know if I'm making a mistake or if this is right. All I know is that I'm praying that God will show me the way. If it's not meant to be, then I know He'll let me know eventually. But right now, I'm willing to at least try again until I know differently.

This weekend we are taking a trip together to Charleston, where I lived back in college. I figured there is no better place on earth to go on a trip with someone you care about. I can't wait to eat some fresh seafood at Shem Creek, go for a stroll through the College of Charleston campus and show him where I lived, stroll the market shops. Sometimes I miss Charleston SO much I can hardly stand it. The only thing I am NOT looking forward to is the 95+ degree temperatures. Charleston is known for it's smoldering HEAT and humidity. Oh well, we'll survive!












































Here is the house that me and Just A Girl (Shannon) lived in in college..Insane in the Lesesne House!




















It's way prettier in person, I have better pictures somewhere back at home. I'll have to dig up some oldies and scan them in for ya'll. Shan, we'll have to get together one night for some drinks and sift through our pics!

Tonight at the gym: Weights and light cardio. Tomorrow: Week 4, Day 2, C25K.

Nerves - C25K

Tonight I start Week 4 of the Couch to 5K Training Program. To me, this is a big difference from last week.

Here is week 3:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk
Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)
Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)
Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)
Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)

That's a total of 9 minutes overall of jogging intervals.

Here is week 4:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)
Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

That's 16 minutes overall of jogging intervals. I can do that...right? Gulp.

On a related note, do any of you ever have um, bathroom issues while running?? Seriously, this stresses me out more than anything. I pee before I leave work. Then I pee when I get to the gym. Still, it never fails during my runs I'll have the urge. And I never know whether it's the REAL deal or the sike-u-really-don't-have-to-pee deal. It sucks. Once or twice, I have jumped off the treadmill to run to the bathroom, only to squeeze out a few drops. What's the deal??? But the one time I ignore the urge, I'm afraid I'll have a flood. Now THAT would be pretty wouldn't it??

I'll update later tonight when I get home....eek.

ETA: Well, I survived. Barely! Dude, that was tough. The last 5 minute jog was killer. I kept looking at my time saying, only 3 more minutes, only 2 more minutes, etc. My legs were getting fatigued too.

Oh yea...jumped off the treadmill AGAIN tonight because I was SURE this was the real deal. You know how when you have to pee, you have a harder time breathing because you are holding it in? Yea, total fake out. Nothing, nada. Just going to have to start limiting my water (like someone mentioned) an hour before, and trusting that I will be ok for 30 minutes.

Other issue I had tonight: slight numbing in my lower left leg/foot. Anyone ever have this? I stretched really good when I got home, but it continued for about an hour after. Bizarre. Don't think it was because my shoes were too tight, they are too loose if anything.

Speaking of shoes...about time to get some new ones! Wooo!!

Cat-Dog Loves Spinach

Cat-Dog is so nicknamed because he thinks he is a dog. No kidding. He fetches, rolls over for belly rubs, runs to greet me at the door and is clumsier than most puppies. He doesn't even lay like a normal cat, he flattens out all his fat and straddles the couch. He thinks my bed is his bed, and he just lets me share it with him. Oh and he weighs about 18 pounds.

But I don't know many dogs that love spinach. Or cats. Just crazy Cat-Dogs!



Needless to say, this is why I cannot have any live plants or flowers in my house. Little shit.

Love, love, love

I am still in love with my new hairdryer, the Remington Emi Airwave, that I found at Target. I mean, my new boyfriend is JIM (see below) but I'm having an affair with my hair dryer. It was love at first site. (sorry for the grody quality picture and the teeth brushing shot - what can I say it was a spontaneous decision) This picture was actually taken about 5 hours after I styled it...so I had gone shopping, to dinner, laid around the house, etc. I have learned the secret is to take the hair dryer with the diffuser on it, and dry it almost all the way done. The I spray on my root lift and dry the roots with my round brush. After that I section the hair and dry the rest in the Emi Airwave. Doesn't take long at all. And best of all, I no longer care about the summer frizzies! Hallefreakinluyah!

Earlier today I completed Week 3 of the Couch to 5K program. I might do one more tomorrow before starting week 4 Monday. I won't say it's getting easier, it's still pretty tough. But I know with the weight training I am doing, it's helping my stamina a LOT. I do lighter weights with more reps, which is what the cute trainer guy told me to do. Wish I could afford to hire him as my full time trainer!

What else, what else. Hmmm. Oh yes!!! My first 'mater is here! Well almost. It's still small and green, but I'm excited! And today, I saw where another small one has popped up next to it. Mmm, have I mentioned I LOVE a summer mater??? I could almost just bite into it. Juicy.

New boyfriend

I have a new boyfriend. His name is Jim. We see each other 3-5 times a week. The good thing about him, is that he's always there when I need him. Even when I curse at him. He never lets me down. One day I swore I was never coming back...but he knew better. He said, see you tomorrow!

Jim never cares how sweaty I look either. He actually prefers that look on me! He knows my body is a work in progress, and never makes me feel bad about that.

The downside is I have to pay him to see me. That kind've sucks. I also have to share him with alot of others. But usually it's not too bad.Yesterday was Monday and he was very busy with his other "friends" and I was a little annoyed and jealous. But it's ok...Jim is worth it! He still made time for me after all.

Jim, here is to a long and prosperous relationship...may you always be a part of my life!

Happy Birthday!

to my mom...who turns 67 years old today. Wow, how did that happen? I think she looks amazing. My dad is taking her to Asheville today. Love you mom! Enjoy your day!

Couch to 5K Week 3

2 posts, one day! Whoa....(Said in true Joey on Blossom style)

Starting week 3 tonight. Plan on tonight, Wednesday night and Thursday night.

Alternating those days with weight resistance training.

I downloaded the podcasts from the http://www.c25k.com/. The only thing I don't like is the generic music. Doesn't really get me going. But I'm going to try it - I like him telling me when to run, when to walk, etc. Sounds silly but it's one less thing for your mind to worry about.

Here's week 3:

Brisk five-minute warmup
Jog 90 seconds
Walk 90 seconds
Jog 3 minutes
Walk three minutes
Jog 90 seconds
Walk 90 seconds
Jog 3 minutes
Walk three minutes

One of these days I'm going to have to take this from the treadmill to the pavement. But I hate running in the heat! Guess I'm gonna have to suck it up. And oh....no 5K's in my area that I can find. What's wrong with these people??? I need a race to psych me out. Maybe I should make up a pretend race, and have all my family and friends gather at the park one day. HA! Kidding....

Boat Drinks, Berries and Ice Cream

This weekend I spent the day out at Lake Murray with some of my co-workers. It was a nice way to spend a lazy Saturday.















My partner in crime, we share the same name.















Lots of fun!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday celebration at my house. I made the most delicious dessert (but forgot to take a picture, DOH). Her birthday is actually tomorrow, but we celebrated yesterday.

Here is the recipe. De freakin licious!

Butter Berries over Ice Cream

A great warm weather dessert that only takes about 16 minutes of your precious time.

SERVINGS 6
COOK TIME 6
TOTAL TIME 10

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter or margarine1 pound fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, and/or sliced strawberries (about 3 cups) or 3 cups fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (I used blueberries and strawberries)

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon orange-flavor liqueur, brandy, or rum (optional)

1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened


PREPARATION

1. In nonstick 10-inch skillet, heat butter over medium heat about 5 minutes or until melted and browned, swirling pan frequently. Add berries and sugar, and cook 1 to 2 minutes or just until fruit softens slightly, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in liqueur, if using.

2. Spoon ice cream into 6 dessert bowls. Top ice cream with warm berry mixture. Serve immediately.

This whole day has been one big FAIL

Attempt to eat healthy: FAIL

Attempt to see Zac Brown tonight: FAIL (rained out)

Attempt to make myself a really cute new blog header: FAIL

Ya'll are stuck with the temporarily one above for now.

Attempt to work out: FAIL

I'm headed home...(Cleaning house counts some though right?)

A love to be remembered...

Nancy Reagan speaking about her late husband:

"I miss Ronnie a lot, an awful lot. People say it gets better. No, it does not.... It sounds strange, but ... I see Ronnie. At nighttime, if I wake up, I think Ronnie’s there, and I start to talk to him. It’s not important what I say. But the fact is, I do think he's there. And I see him."

You've got whatever it is...that blows me away...

Now THIS is a green monster smoothie! I used 1/2 apple, a peach and a half a banana for the fruit. And 3 cups of spinach. Weird, I know. But very tasty...















Thanks everyone for your sweet words...I mean it. I wish I could hug you all! I was a little better today. I went and got my hair "did" and that always perks me up.

Also, I'm going to see Zac Brown Thursday night! SO Excited. I've been a big fan of Zac Brown way before he was popular. I tried to get my friend in Atlanta to go see him with me a few years ago. This has always been my favorite song that he sings. Just makes me melt like butta.