Run for your life!

So, yes, I am a perfectionist and can be slightly OCD sometimes. However, when it comes to working out and eating right I'm lazy. Oxy moron, hypocritical, whatever you want to call it - that's me. I think it's because I spend so much time worrying about other things that I am just too exhausted to take care of myself. That's where running comes in. No, I'm not necessarily one of those people who runs to "relieve stress" or "clear their minds" or "have me time or time to think". Nope, I run because I have to. And because for me, it's easy. And I hate the gym. H-A-T-E it. Wish I loved it, I've tried to make myself love it. But: no sparks. Me+Gym = Dull romance.

However, as I said, I'm lazy. So I need some motivation to run. Here's where races come in - thank the good Lord for races. And races for charity fundraisers - a double whammy! If I've signed up for a race, and in some cases, on top of that agreed to fund-raise for it, you'd better believe I'll be out there training! It gives me something to work toward, I feel proud of my accomplishment when I'm done, and I help people along the way. Win-win for all!

First Marathon Ever!

Running to cure cancer!

Bless Sean's heart - he meets me at every finish line no matter how early in the morning.

 A freezing cold start to the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon - running for The Lupus Foundation!

I think my tally is 3 marathons, 3 half marathons, a 20k, 2-3 10ks and countless 5ks. As long as I keep signing up (which, by the way is an expensive hobby!) then I'll stay in shape. However, with the little one on the way, I'll have to postpone the "biggies" until next year. I'm hoping to sign up for the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon to motivate myself to run, although from what I hear it's very difficult to find the time to train with a child in tow. Sean, you up for some babysitting (ahem, approximately 3 hours every Saturday during training season)?

Thankful Thursdays

Last week as I was driving home I was frustrated because of all the traffic. I was bemoaning my commute, pissed off that I was late to get home to do chores and make dinner, and generally in a bad mood.

Then, as I pulled up to a stoplight I saw a man standing at the end of the median holding a cardboard sign with "homeless" written on it. Wearing an old t-shirt, ripped sweatpants, and looking like he could use a haircut, he was very thankful and gracious to everyone who gave him cash.


I immediately began to feel guilty. As tears filled my eyes (pregnancy talking?) and my heart dropped I was ashamed of my negative attitude. Her I was driving home from my amazing job to my beautiful home and husband in my Cadillac, listening to my Ipod, drinking a Starbucks, talking on my Android. And this man, in one of the richest counties in America, was without a home, a loving family, or even a decent jacket. It put things in perspective.

I am truly blessed and need to remind myself to see my glass half full. I could have no job, no family, nothing. But instead I have everything I need and probably more than I deserve.


So I'm instituting Thankful Thursdays.

This Thursday I am thankful for my husband. As we are approaching our 2 year wedding anniversary next month, I keep thinking seriously how BLESSED I am to have him. He makes me laugh, listens when I have problems, is a great cook, shares the same interests, a man of the same faith, is a very hard worker, and the most non-fake person I've ever met. He is always true to himself, which is SO admirable in this world of fake people and hypocrites. I KNOW he will make a great father to our baby and be a great supporter of our future family. One thing I love most about him also is his goofy, outgoing side. We are so totally opposite on that. While I'm more quiet and serious, he definitely is not. Here, let me show you:

This man always makes me laugh, will go to costume parties with me, literally smothers me in kisses, and never takes himself too serious. I'm SO THANKFUL for my husband, Sean.

PS: Trust me, we actually do have some "nice" pictures :)

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday? A warm home, the shirt on your back? The dog you go home to? The ability to own a computer you are reading this on? We have so much to be thankful for in this world. We can't take it for granted.

Expectant Elizabeth: Week 15

How far along?   15 weeks

Size of the little one?  The books say 3.5 inches, about the size of a lemon. However, at our sonogram last week Baby M was about 4.5 inches!

Gender?  Don’t know yet, but can’t wait!!

Weight Gain? 7 pounds – yikes!

Stretch marks?  None yet, but drowning myself in lotion just in case

Maternity clothes?  Haven't had to buy any yet and most of my pants are still fitting; although I did buy a belly band for some of them. Thank goodness leggings are in style right now! And lucky for me since my sister had a baby last year I get lots of hand-me-down maternity wear.

Sleep?  Good so far minus the waking up in the middle of the night for bathroom trips. But I am SO tired all the time that if I don’t get 9 hours I’m dying.

Miss Anything? Obviously, cocktails and wine. I’m not going to lie, this is hard. Especially with happy hours and winery season coming up! Also, deli meat. I love sandwiches! And running. Because I’ve been so tired, it’s hard for me to get up in the morning for my daily run. And then by the time I get home from work I’m about to pass out! Hoping this will change in the next week or so.

Cravings? Nothing crazy. I think all those stories you hear about weird cravings are largely false, from what I’ve been reading.  No pickles and ice cream topped with sardines for this gal.

Symptoms?  I’ll spare you the details of my tummy troubles.

Belly button? Still in.

Best Moment this week? still just taking it all in. I checked out more baby books from the library and it's just so amazing, a miracle, that this life can grow inside my tummy!

Looking forward to?  finding out the sex of the baby! I try so hard to say "the baby" rather than "it" but it would be nice to say "he" or "she".

Exercise? walking, light weights but hoping to get back to my running this week and perhaps some yoga or Pilates