Schedules

Today is my busy day at home. I sleep in, have breakfast and coffee, then get to work! I have 3 loads of laundry and I clean my apartment thoroughly (most of the time). I also like to constitute Sunday as my long run day. Since I sleep in I don't have a chance to run outside before it gets unbearably hot, so I usually go to the gym and just knock it out on the treadmill, but last week I did an afternoon run at the park and realized I'm a little too out of shape to be running a half marathon in just 6 weeks! Yikes! So, today I plan to do my long run outside, on the hills, and in the heat. However, I would like to wait until it cools off later this evening. It's just really hard to go through the day with that long run hanging over my head; especially when I know I could just go run it out on the treadmill...that'd be easier, too! Oh well, I have to do this for my benefit, so I don't just fall out and die in Savannah. I'm hoping that running in Florida's heat will make Savannah in November easier (assuming Savannah will be cool by then). 

This week the boyfriend makes the big move to Orlando! :) I'm very excited, but I know that it will probably throw off my running schedule since we'll be trying to get everything organized and situated. Hopefully, I can still get most of the runs in, but we'll see. 

I hope everyone has a great week! 

Freedom

Ten years ago today I was in 8th grade, and I had just gotten to my 2nd period class for the day, which was P.E. After changing into our P.E. clothes and lining up for roll-call, my teacher, Ms. Blagburn told us that we would go to the library for the period because the World Trade Center in NYC had been hit by a plane. At 13 I didn't even know the World Trade Center was. I didn't understand what she meant by a plane crashing into the building, was it on accident? Was it planned? I guess you can consider it a blessing that being from the USA I had never heard the term "terrorist." Because of our soldiers fighting for our freedom since the day this country was founded, I had never had to deal with terrorists or attacks in our country. We went to the library and watched the coverage of the crisis, and sat in disbelief while the second plane hit the tower. Our teachers were crying and talking, we all were just sitting there in confusion. Why was this happening? What did these people do to deserve this? Who was doing this?

 The older I got the more I understood what happened on September 11, 2001. I got the opportunity to go to NYC in Spring 2003 and see Ground Zero. I remember feeling mad when I saw all the names of the people who lost their lives listed around the fence protecting the grounds. I was mad that our country, after everything our service members had endured throughout history, was still having to go through this. How did we allow these people in our country? We pride ourselves with being the Land of the Free, but does that mean that we'll let just anybody in our country to steal what is ours? I still feel that way today. Our military is still fighting for Freedom, for rights to do what we please, say what we feel and we still have issues with people from other countries coming in and taking what belongs to us, citizens, to our soldiers, to our soldiers' families. I guess life isn't fair in that way. The USA is the "melting pot," always has been, always will be. Our ancestors that founded our country were immigrants looking for a new beginning, a fresh start, and Freedom to believe what they wanted to believe. Because we have citizens willing to fight for these freedoms and stand up for what we all want, our country will always be desired by others who can't enjoy these things in their country. It's flattering in a way, even though it's frustrating in other ways. May we be able to show these new immigrants what real Patriotism means. We showed them that in adversity and crisis and tragedy we can stand together, but may we show them that in our Freedom we stand together, as Americans.

Thank you servicemen and women for all you've done, all you do, and for all you'll continue to strive for.

Where were you 10 years ago today?

Alabama Weekend

I don't feel very much like a blogger because I never put up pictures. I'm a horrible picture taker anyway, so it just doesn't seem reasonable for me to promise more pictures when I doubt they'll happen.

I went home for the weekend! I wish I had taken an extra day from work because my trips always seem so short. Friday afternoon my mom picked me up at the airport and took me to see my cousin, Teri and her husband, Matt's new baby girl, Pyper. She's so sweet and cuddly. I love newborns because they just curl up on your chest and sleep. While I was there, one of my best friends from high school, Meya, whom  also was a majorette with Teri and me dropped in, so it was a lot of fun catching up with those 2. After we left Teri and Matt's we went directly to my brother's house so I could snatch up my nephew, the Butterbean named Travis and steal all his kisses! He's just the sweetest and most adorable chubby-cheeked baby I've ever seen. I may be a little biased, but I doubt you'll think so when you see his picture! :) My boyfriend, Jonathan drove down from the big town of Double Springs, AL to have dinner with my family and me. My mom and I ended up having a few margaritas at dinner and pulled out her old music from the 70s for a dance party! Saturday I drove up to Double Springs to visit Jonathan's family and my BFF/co-blogger, Rainie, met me there! I missed her so much, and I was so happy I got to see her! I'm pretty sure I talked her ear off even though we still talk at least once a week. It's just different when you see someone than when you're on the phone, ya know? Sunday was filled with more family stuff and hanging out with my grandparents who are going a little crazy in their old age, but I guess that keeps it interesting right? I love my family so much, and I'm so glad I got to spend a lot of time with them. However, it just reminds me how much I want to be at home not missing all these things that go on. I've got to get through this internship before I go home, though, because more than anything I want to be a RD.
                      My nephew, aka: Butterbean :)

I hope everyone's weekend was as great as mine, although it's a tough one to beat. :)

Happy Weekend!

Hey Y'all! < I feel like being very Alabamian today, because I'm getting so PUMPED for football season! Even if I will be in Florida with all these nasty Gators and Seminoles fans...ROLL TIDE 4 LIFE!!!! :) This weekend has been pretty fun considering I had no plans and have been completely by myself since I left work Friday afternoon. Yesterday after posting about my miserable "fat day" on Friday I got my butt off the couch and did a 6 mile run at the gym while watching ESPN to get caught up on the predictions for week 1 of college football! See, I'm telling ya I'm ready!

I did some shopping after a shower and lunch, but I didn't buy anything except a new book. My favorite part of the weekend is grocery shopping. I know this probably is the main thing that sets nutritionists away from other people in the world because I remember my mom always complaining about having to do grocery shopping. Honestly, I've always loved it, even when she didn't. I loved wandering around looking at all the veggies in the produce section and being cold in the dairy section. I also love to look in my refrigerator when it's full and colorful. It just makes me feel good. It reminds me why I struggle so hard in public health....because eventually I'll be able to do what I enjoy doing with food. Hopefully, I'll be able to help people who live in areas where they can't enjoy looking into a colorfully stocked refrigerator. Public health is just a stepping stone.

 Well, my apartment has been cleaned top to bottom and I'm about to do my nails and get ready for the VMA's on MTV tonight. :)

Party Schmarty

The only friend I've made down here that I have an uber amount of stuff in common with is moving today to Tampa. :( I'm really happy for her because she's starting her Dietetic Internship, but she'll be gone for 9 months. Tampa is only about 2 hours away, but it will be hard for us to meet up if we ever can because she's going to be sooo busy. But, when she finishes the internship she'll be able to sit for the RD Exam! :) So, this weekend I have no plans! I need to go to the gym because I didn't go yesterday, and I have to get groceries and shop for my mom's birthday gift, but it's just not as much fun to go shopping without Brecken here. Yes, I'm throwing a pity party.

Yesterday was a "fat day" for me..I complained about my weight to myself all day long yet I didn't go workout after work and I ordered pizza for dinner. I probably took in a billion calories yesterday! ugh! It's so hard to always be motivated. I got my official registration confirmation for the Savannah Half Marathon yesterday, so I'm no longer registered for the Full. That was hard to swallow, but I know it's better for my well-being and to ensure that I'll be injury free. I'm hoping I can do a full marathon in the spring...there's some cool ones in Florida. :) Meanwhile, I'm really looking forward to running 13.1 in Savannah!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm going to get this day started and crawling out of my pity.

Lately...

I got an email last week from my boss telling me that the Pasco County Health Department in Florida has put up the new application for the 2011-2012 Dietetic Internship. This is the moment I've been waiting for since I took this job in January! I have a lot of things to get done before the application is due in December, but I'm so excited about it! It will feel good to kind of be doing "school" things again, since I still feel like that's what I should be doing. I don't feel old enough to be working a full-time salary job. It's just a strange feeling. I've got to decide which locations I want to apply for, too! You can pick 3 out of 5 options: Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Palm Beach. I'm kind of leaning towards Palm Beach as #1, what do you think?

As far as my training for Savannah goes...it's not going very well. I actually sent an email requesting to change my registration to the half marathon instead of the full. :( I just don't have it in me right now to train for a full marathon. I'm excited about the half, though! I think it will be fun, and my mom and grandmother are going to meet me in Savannah for that weekend, so it'll be a nice weekend! I've been focusing on keeping my weekly runs to 3-4 miles with some weights, too, and doing a long-run on the weekends 5-6 miles. I'll gradually increase that to do 2 10 mile runs before the half. Easy does it, right?

I'm flying back to Alabama in 2 weeks for the Labor Day weekend and for my mom's birthday! It'll be a short trip, but fun, and I'll get to see my cousin's new baby and my sweet nephew! :) Two weeks after that Jonathan moves down! I can't wait until that happens...I'm sure I'll have great things to blog about then.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Marathon Doubts

I'm such a terrible blogger. I haven't posted anything in so long, but I read everyone else's every day! It seems like I always blog when I get to feeling blue..not good for those of you who do read this! :/

 I think I told you that I registered for the Savannah, GA Rock N Roll Marathon on November 5, didn't I? Well, I'm 3 weeks into training (13 weeks from race day), and I cannot find the motivation/determination/gumption to train! What is wrong with me? Why can't I be a good runner? My friend Leah loooves to run, and she's the reason I started running races, why can't I looove it like her? I think I just want a relaxed workout schedule instead of feeling like I HAVE to go for a run. What if I want to go to cycling 2 times in a week? I want to be able to have that, and if I don't want to workout one day I don't want to feel like I'm falling behind on training. Now I know I've paid money for this race, and I have booked a hotel for that weekend, so I'm hoping I'll be able to change from the full marathon to the half. That's such a great distance for me. I really like it, and I don't feel overwhelmed with training. But, then there's the pride that comes in, and I know a few people who are running the half, and I don't want to do the same as them...I want to do MORE! I'm awful. I'll keep you posted on what happens...or at least I'll try. :)

Up to date

It's been a while hasn't it? Well, I'll catch you up on some exciting things going on:

1. My boyfriend and I have made the decision to move in together...he's moving to Sunny Florida! :D
2. I entered my second 26.2! That's right, I'll be running the Savannah Rock N Roll Marathon on Nov. 5!!
3. I have a new nephew!!! Travis Cecil Chenault was born on June 21, and he's already the love of my life! :)

Not going to lie, there are some not so great things going on in my life, too, but I'm not going to post those because they'll just make me depressed. I may start using this as a way to keep up with my calorie intake too. I work with a bunch of fatties so when they bring food for an occassion at the office it's a bunch of crap, good crap, but still crap. But I still eat it!

I've been running on the treadmill at the gym and going to cycling a lot lately, but I haven't hit the outdoor roads yet. Official marathon training starts July 15 I think! whew!

Mother's Day Weekend

It's Monday again? Oh my goodness, the weekend went by so quickly! It was a great one, that's probably why it went by so fast. Friday night I went to the gym for a short 2 mile run on the treadmill, then headed home for the evening. I hung out watching E! and snacking on various things I found in my pantry that I could convince myself were healthy enough. Saturday I made it to the cycling class at the gym after a bowl of Mini Wheats and a cup of coffee. It was a different teacher this time, which, according to the girl on the bike beside me, is the regular teacher. He kicked my ass. I wouldn't typically use that type of language on a blog, but there's really no other way to describe it. We barely sat down; it was hill after hill after hill, then a sprint and more hills! I had a great endorphin high so I showered and grabbed a little lunch before heading over to Altamonte (about 30 minutes away) to do some shopping for my little nephew that's due soon!

 I got a really cool back-pack for my brother to carry when he has the baby so he won't have to carry the girly one my sister-in-law has. :) I got him some pacifiers, a little pacifier clip, and the cutest little outfit with matching sandals from Gap. I can't wait till he gets here! I'm sad that I'm really far away, but hopefully we'll be able to Skype together that way he won't forget the sound of his Auntie Calee's voice. :) I keep trying to think of something cute for him to call me instead of Auntie Calee or something, but I can't come up with anything...any ideas?

I met up Saturday night with my friend, Brecken, for dinner and a movie. We went to see Something Borrowed...super cute! I read the book last summer, and loved it, and the movie didn't disappoint! I also picked up 2 new books at Barnes & Noble: The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven both by Barbara Kingsolver. Sunday, I slept pretty late, caught up on my laundry, and sat outside with my new book and the little lizard that lives on my balcony. I used to be really icked out by lizards, but I'm starting to get accustomed to them...I know they eat bugs, so I try to be nice and let them sit quietly on my balcony railing. That's as far as he gets though!

I missed my mom a LOT on Mother's Day. I sent her flowers to work last week, but that didn't make up for th fact that I wasn't with her. It's days like that when I really think to myself, "Is it worth it? Is it worth sacrificing my relationships with the ones I love for a career?" It's very difficult, and I definitely don't see myself this far away for very long. I'm trying to leave it to God to show me the way, but it's very hard to turn it over. I want control of my life, but obviously I'm not capable of making good decisions on my own, because look at where I am: 500 miles from my family.

Wed-nes-day

Wednesdays are always hard days. I never know what to wear when picking out my clothes on Wednesday mornings, I never know what to take for lunch, I never like what I end up taking for lunch, and I NEVER feel like working out on Wednesdays. So, today like every other Wednesday, I pretty easily talked myself out of going to the gym. I also ordered pizza for dinner because I didn't feel like cooking. Now, that's some laziness. I justified my not going to the gym with my sore quads from yesterday's speed workout. We won't discuss how I could still lift some weights. Nor will we discuss the fact that I'm supposed to be cutting down on the fats in my diet today because of the mishap I had at dinner last night with the extra virgin olive oil, yet I ordered pizza. It's thin crust...that counts for something, right?! Tomorrow I plan on doing some more speed work then some weights at the gym, and I'll do it, because tomorrow's Thursday, not Wednesday! :)

Fats anyone?

So today was a pretty good day. We were pretty busy at work, but I got all my charting finished, and my clients were all nice today, yay! I had a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats with 1% milk for breakfast and a cup of coffee. I packed my lunch (like always)...some tuna, Wheat Thins, Diet Coke, fat free yogurt and some granola. I finished the book I've been reading for the past few days, Water for Elephants. I'm always so eager to get to the end of a book so I'll know what happens, but then I'm sad when I'm done with it. So, now the question has arisen, "what do I read now?" Thankfully, my friend Morgan helped me with a summer reading list! Some of the books on her list are by authors that I really enjoy, too. It's nice to have friends that enjoy the things you do, even after your lives go separate ways.


I packed some almonds for my morning snack...almonds always fill me up, so I never eat the whole portion I pack. I had a banana for my afternoon snack on my way to the gym. Now, for that update...


I decided yesterday that I needed to do some speed work, so that was the goal today. I succeeded for the most part! I did 3 miles of increasing speed every .10 mile...I didn't look at my splits...I'll remember to do that for a better update next time! I think the reason it went so well is because I had on my Bama Tempo shorts. ;) RTR!


Dinner wasn't that great for me, but it was yummy! I roasted some potatoes with a little extra virgin olive oil, then pan seared a chicken breast, also using extra virgin olive oil..oops! I had some coleslaw, too. Oh well, I cut back on the fats tomorrow!

Manic Monday

My weekend was so fun! Friday after work I met my friend, Brecken, at Chili's for dinner and 2 for 1 drinks! After dinner we went downtown to walk around because we were feeling so full from dinner. It was a lovely night, and we walked down to the water...so pretty! Saturday morning I got up and had a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted cereal and some coffee, then headed out to Cycling at the gym. I haven't done a cycling class since about a year ago, so it was nice to give it a try again. I was reminded how much I do like cycling! I got a great workout, and felt so energized for my Saturday! I showered and had a little chicken salad leftover from Friday with Wheat Thins and a Diet Coke for lunch. I met Brecken at her apartment complex for some poolside sunshine (and drinks, of course). We grabbed some Mexican food after a long day in the sun, and called it an early night. Sundays are my cleaning/laundry day, so I cleaned my apartment completely while doing my laundry. I even washed my car! For breakfast I had 2 canned biscuits with some cheese in the middle and OJ...I usually splurge on Sunday mornings. For lunch I made a peanut butter and banana sandwich with whole wheat bread and a Diet Coke. I can't remember what I ate for dinner! lol


Today I made it to the gym after work for 2.5 miles on the treadmill and 30 minutes of weights. I baked a salmon filet with stewed potatoes and steamed broccoli for dinner...yum! I'm not going to lie, I may grad a chocolate chip cookie after I'm finished blogging. :) I still have to put the rest of my laundry away and get everything ready for tomorrow! I'm thinking I'll do some speedwork on the treadmill tomorrow after work. I'll let you know how it goes!

Feelin' Blue

Running or working out is the last thing on my mind. I've spoken with my mom briefly this afternoon, but I'm not sure when we'll be able to talk again, because the power is out in pretty much all of Alabama. I know that my family is safe, without power, but safe, and my friends and boyfriend are safe in Tuscaloosa. However, I can't pull myself out of this dark place. My heart is completely broken. I feel like someone very dear to me has passed away, maybe because the place I call home will never be like it was when I was there. There are so many people whose lives have been changed forever by these storms, losing loved ones, their homes, their jobs, their senior finals week, and even graduation has been postponed. Such a sad day in Alabama. I've never been more homesick than I am right now.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

I went to the gym today after work to begin my workout adventure. I'm paying $30 a month for this gym membership, and I'm going to have to get rid of some of my cable to afford it, so I'm going EVERY DAY! Ok, mostly every day. I do love this gym because they have a "Ladies Gym" within the big gym that is blocked off and no one but women can go in. It has a row of cardio machines: treadmills, elipticals, bikes, stairmasters, etc. Then it has a great selection of dumbbells, yoga mats, exercise balls, and other fun things. I did about 30 minutes of weights, some serious squats using a 4 lb. bar on my shoulders (owwweeee!), then I hopped on the treadmill. I didn't take my iPod with me because it needs to be charged, but thankfully they had some good music playing in the "Ladies Gym". They have a wall that is nothing but a mirror which is where they have the treadmills lined...perfect. ha! I was really skeptical about getting on and running for 30 minutes with nothing to do but stare at myself in the mirror that doesn't lie. I set the treadmill on a 10:54 pace (I know that's sloooow, but hey! I'm workin' on it!) and got to running. You know what? I actually enjoyed watching myself run...my legs don't look as bad as I've always imagined them looking when I run, my arms look pretty powerful pumping to keep me going, and my face actually looked pretty-it was so relaxed and in sync with everything, until I started sweating like a man! I ran 2 miles in 22 minutes-no walking! I know that's really slow, but I'm going to get to my goal eventually. Woo for a good day at the gym! :) 

Slacker

I haven't made it to the park, to the fitness center, or anything else that might make me physically active this week. I've lugged my bag filled with running gear all week to work, but have yet to change before I leave. This is really bad, because I did so well last week! Oh well, maybe I'll get better next week. I got a promotion pamphlet in the mail from Gold's Gym for $19.99 a month. I'm considering cutting something out of my budget so that I can afford the membership...they have some pretty cool classes and I feel like I might need something exciting and different. I really enjoyed spinning when I was able to go to the Rec at school, so it'd be cool to get back into that. Anyways, I've done pretty well on eating my food groups proportionally this week, so maybe I haven't gained. :/ I'll keep you posted on how it goes for me Monday!

Workin' for the Weekend

Yay! It's Friday! The only worry I have now that I'm home from work is what I'll have for dinner. Since today was pay day I'm considering going to pick something up. I usually eat in every meal, but on pay day Friday nights I'll splurge and get sushi or Chick-Fil-A. Big spender, right? I'm thinking sushi and edamame tonight, and I just might stop at by the Redbox at the 7Eleven for a movie. Man, my life has changed drastically in just 2 months! Friday nights were so exciting when I was in school. The question for weekends was always, "Where are we meeting?" Oh well, I guess we all have to grow up some time. Let it be known, though, that I'm only 23...so it's technically not obligatory that I act like a grown-up yet; it just happens that I have a grown-up job and must therefore, act like a grown-up. Tomorrow should be fun: I'll sleep in (the best part of the weekend), maybe do a little run, then meet up with some friends from work for the Lake County Fair that's in town! It's been forever since I went to the fair! It'll probably smell like corndogs and remind me of those stinky LSU fans. :D

Happy weekend to everyone!

Thursday Schmursday

So, if you can't tell from the title, today was not that great of a day. I went in to work 30 minutes early this morning because my co-worker/rock to lean on in sticky situations was sick. :( It didn't bother me to go in early because it just meant I got off early. woohoo! However, from the minute I walked in the door it was CrAzY! By 4:00 I was pooped, and ready to get out of there, but I still had a ton of charting to do and there was one more client to be seen. I was so frazzled by the end of the last consult I couldn't think straight. The nerve some people have amazes me, and the way some people talk to others is even more shocking. I could have punched someone I was so mad at how this client spoke to me, but thankfully I work with wonderful people who let me vent my frustrations and then tell me they're on my side. Long story short I was reminded today that no matter how hard you try in life there are still stupid people out there that don't have a clue about education or what it means to have an education. And those people are in the places they are because they've chosen to stay ignorant. In this time period, there are equal opportunities for everyone to finish high school and go to college, so there's no excuse to be dumb.


Ok, venting is over! Promise! After work, I was still smoking mad, so I was pretty ready for a run even though I didn't get a chance to eat my afternoon snack. I pulled up to the park and suddenly felt the tickle of hunger in my stomach, but chugged some water to try to trick my body. It worked...for about 5 minutes. It was 87 degrees this afternoon and quite humid (Welcome to Florida, right?), so I wasn't sure how this run would go. Yesterday's run was amazing! I ran 3.9 miles 49 minutes! That's a huge difference from Monday! (I forgot to take my sports bra Tuesday! oops!) Today wasn't so easy. I was pretty sore from yesterday, and really tired and hungry. But, I pushed through 2 laps (2.6 miles), then, I was done. 35 minutes, walked a little cool down, and that was it. Not too shabby. I'll probably take tomorrow off to let my out-of-shape muscles rest, then do a little run Saturday.


Lesson learned today: If you don't have anything nice to say, then stay home and wait till tomorrow to talk.

fifty-eight

So, today was my first day back running since I bought my new Asics! woohoo! I was in terrible need of new shoes since I ran a half marathon, trained for and ran a full marathon in my others. The thing that sucks: I waited too long to get back to running. I am now completely out of shape. No joke. As mentioned in the previous post, I am going to work on my 5K time. Well, today I changed at work and went to a nice little park down the road from my office that has a paved trail around it that equals 1.20 miles. Now, before I tell you my time, I must remind you of a few things: 1) I haven't truly ran since January. 2) I worked 8-5 today 3) It was close to 90 degrees today!!! So at 5 pm, it's still BLAZING. I did 3 laps in 3:1 intervals (running 3 minutes, walking 1 minute). Three laps equals 3.60 miles...a little more than 5K distance. I pretty much walked the entire last lap. :( Anyways, it took me 58 minutes. I have a looooonnnggg way to go.

I have a really bad habit of talking down to myself, like saying in my head, "Your legs are jiggling so much." or "Why do I run? I'm not a runner!" I don't know how to get these things out of my head. I try to think positively, but it's so hard when I get out there and I'm all vulnerable and stuff. I shouldn't feel bad about myself, because, yes, I may have slacked off for the past few months, but I ran a MARATHON for goodness' sake! 26.2 MILES!!! Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, and I plan on pushing through that 3.60 miles again! Maybe get it down to 57:00. ;)

Mooooo-ving On

This title may or may not be how I feel about myself these days. (Like a cow, in case you didn't catch that.) It's time to change that. I'm turning this blog into something that's just for me to keep in touch with how I feel about my body and my workouts. If you feel like reading...so be it.

Tomorrow is Monday, the perfect day to begin this new outlook. I'm going to start focusing on eating as healthy as possible, which is going to be hard with those Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs sitting on my counter. I'm also going to start running diligently like I used to do in Tuscaloosa. I've decided that since I can't find a good place to do long training runs yet, I'm going to start working on my 5K time. So, my 5K goal to start with is 30 minutes. That seems easy, but I tend to be on the slow side, so 30 minutes it is. For now. :)