The verdict is in....

The letter finally came...

I was nervous to open it up....

Literally, I was debating on waiting to open it until later because I was so nervous.....

However, I decided that whatever the letter had to say, it wasn't going to change whether I opened it now to read it or later.

So...

I opened it...

and it said.....

"Congratulations!" Yay! I got in to Cleveland Chiropractic College, Kansas City. I called a bunch of friends, and told my family once they arrived home, and heard many congratulations! I was able to talk to a couple friends of mine who are chiropractors, and who went to CCC, so they were able to share in this experience with me. Plus, they've heard me vent about the frustrations of the process, so it was wonderful to be able to share something that was so exciting! Anyway, so as you can guess, I'm ecstatic, and can't believe that this is happening for me. I have a bunch to get done before starting CCC, and even more once I start, but 5 years from now and I'll be finished with this part of my journey.

Wonderful Wednesday!

Oh man what a great day! So I got an e-mail from my boss at church to see if I could help out on a temporary position while they're going through some changes, and of course being that I loved working there the first time agreed! Today was my first day back, but it felt as if I hadn't been gone a day! It was great seeing everyone again, seeing their double takes because I was working there again.

I love working at my church, because well I love my church, but the people are amazing! At my last job, same thing, the people were amazing! I tell you what, the next place I work will be hard to top these two amazing places because they set the bar pretty high! I miss my friends/co-workers at my last job, but it's really great to come back to a job that I loved so much before I left, and can't wait to help out again some more!

After work I went and got my hair cut and styled, and I love it! It's been a LONG time since I've had anything done to it and boy did it need it! So about 4 inches came off, a few layers put in, and a few highlights too! It really looks great! Also I got some wonderful Christmas cards from some wonderful friends, which was a pleasant surprise when I got home! Okay well I just thought I'd share my wonderful day! Over and out!

Lo!

A short update...

I know I've been MIA for a while, so I thought I'd try and update this a little bit. I'm back in South Bend for a while now...about 8 months. I graduated from massage therapy school just under a month ago now and passed my boards a couple days ago. I'm signed up for a handful of classes this coming semester to help me on my way towards DC school. I'll end up taking a few more classes in the summer, but then my plan is to head back out to KC and take a couple more classes through Cleveland before starting the DC program in a year! Yikes that's going to go by fast! Exciting, but stressful at the same time. I'm already planning a couple trips out to KC, which I'm really looking forward to. It will be great to be home as well, time to relax a little and enjoy everything around here that I haven't had in such a long time! Okay well I'm going to keep this short and sweet for now! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Over and out!

Lo!

rAnDoM...

So here are a few random things running through my head...

* Bryers strawberry ice cream is amazing...especially when you add additional frozen strawberries to the already delicious mix!
* I only have 3 (maybe four) massage left to give in clinic!!!
* Shadowing my chiropractor today was a blast...plus it really helps me to see what I could be doing a few years (five actually) down the road.
* It's kind of nice not having a TV in my apartment...silence is great! Try it out sometime!
* I'm currently reading a HUGE, but very good book...not having a TV helps in keeping me to stick with the almost 700 page book!
* I can't wait to come home and see everyone, and catch up with all my friends!
* Thanksgiving is just around the corner...I better kick my work outs into high gear!
* Thanksgiving is just around the corner...Oh, how I love food! Yay, for home cooking!
* It's amazing how many people I've really connected to out here...I'm really going to miss so many friends when I move.
* That 10 hour drive is not looking all that fun, but at the end of it I'll be home! I probably wont seem like 10 hours...probably more like 20 because of the anticipation!
* I dressed professional today...I really liked it! It was nice not wearing scrubs...or a white top and black pants like I'm so used to wearing! Colors are fun...sweaters are awesome!
* I could go for some of my mom's rhubarb pie right about now!

Okay well I told you they were random! Over and out!

Lo!

Bittersweet...

Well this evening I have my farewell party for work...very bittersweet for sure! It's been so great working with all of them! I really couldn't have asked for a better place to work, or more amazing people! They're not just co-workers, they're wonderful friends, and even my pseudo family out here. It will be so odd not seeing them every day though. Even on my days off I generally pop in and say hello and just see my "family". Yesterday was my last day at work for a while, which was weird to go through everything for one of the last times. Granted I'll come back and work for a week, after Thanksgiving, but still, kind of weird. These wonderful women have helped me through some difficult times out here, and helped me celebrate the good times as well. I've made some wonderful friendships and will truly miss not being able to drop in and say hello. They've impacted my life in so many ways! I hope that I have at least done a little bit of the same on each of them. I wish that my two homes (SB & KC) weren't so far apart so that I could enjoy both more often. Nonetheless, I will do my best to stay in touch with them, because well, I love snail mail! So here's to you, all of y'all who I worked with for the past 9 months...THANK YOU! I'LL MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!

Over and out
Lo

A few thoughts...

So I'm in my last few weeks here at school in KC. I can't believe how fast it's gone by. It seems like I just started, and yet it's been 14 months since I moved here! WOW! I don't really have much to do in class anymore now that I've passed my tests, and am in clinic. I have clients to attend to, and SOAP notes to take care of, but nothing too crazy. Work is dwindling down as well which is really so sad. Not many people can actually say that they love their place of work or that they will miss it when they leave, but I can! Actually, I've been able to say that a couple times now! Anyway, it will be hard to leave these amazing women that I work with, and share part of my life with on an almost daily basis. It's weird thinking that I only have a hand full of days left at work before I take a break and head home. I'm so excited to go home and see so many of the people that I love and miss so much, but at the same time I really am going to miss seeing these amazing friends that I've made out here. Some of my friends out here have stuck by my side through crappy sections in school, annoying life situations, etc. I feel as if I have two "homes" if you will. Granted I like the landscape and the amenities much better in the Bend, but there is something to be said about the amazing people that have truly captured my heart here. I'll head back out to KC for a week right after Thanksgiving, so I'll at least get to see my friends one more time before I actually move home.

Okay well I just wanted to get some of that out before I start moving everything and get too stressed out to actually write anything. Over and out!

Lo!

Race thoughts...

So here are a few thoughts that were running though my head while running the half marathon today.

• Runners are a special breed no doubt! We as a group will cheer on fellow runners no matter how much pain we're in.
• Some of the runners dressed up in costumes. Many times marathon runners do this to make it seem a little more fun. There were a few witches, women with tutu's, a girl wearing wings that she had attached, etc.
• There was also this guy that carried an American flag the entire race (I think the half marathon). On his shirt it said something about the flag team. So apparently they make appearances all over the nation showing their support. It was really awesome, and seriously moving. To run with an extra 5 pounds at least, is hard enough, but to feel like you are carrying a nation, so amazing.
• It was such a great time pacing a friend and being able to encourage her and make a fool of myself all at the same time. When she would slow down, I would turn around, run backwards, dance some times, sing, etc. I had everyone around laughing right along with me!
• I love the fact that random spectators cheer on everyone! There was even a guy that made a HUGE "high 5" sign. He actually cut our a huge hand that you could smack as you were running by!
• "Your feet only hurt so bad because you've been kicking so much butt!" - on a sign near the end, which made me laugh!
• Getting up at 4:45 isn't the most exciting thing to do, but it actually wasn't as difficult as I had thought!
• When I was running, some where around mile 9 or 10, my left knee really started to bother me. So I told my running buddy to go on ahead of me and that I would catch up after fixing up something for my knee. My plan was to take an extra bandanna that I had with me and tie it tightly just under my knee. As I started to do this, a guy stops just in front of me and tells me to just use his brace instead. I had said that I was fine, but he insisted, so I took the brace, and we said we'd see each other at the finish. Runner's are so generous!
• I'll be running another half for sure! I really love the challenge of the distance, but it isn't so far that you really feel like you're going to hurt yourself too bad. I want to one day work it up to a full marathon, but for now, I'm loving the half!
• After all was said and done with the KC marathon, I decided that the Sunburst is the way to go (other than the extreme heat). Why? Well the swag you get from the Sunburst is amazing...nothing here except honey sticks (yes, you read that correctly)! Well, okay and a gift certificate to Jack Stack, but still, felt a like they could have done a little better with swag.
• The weather was amazing! It was in the low 60's the whole race, which was perfect! The course was really good too. There were plenty of hills to really challenge you if you wanted to push it, but no so many that you felt like you were running a hill work out.

All and all, it went really well, and was so proud of Janette and her 2:27 finish for her first half! Way to go!!! We'll have to run another one together! Over and out!

Lo!

Things on my mind...

There are a few songs on my mind lately...

No One Else Knows - Building 429

My world is closing in
On the inside
But I’m not showing it
When all I am is crying out
I hold it in and fake a smile
Still I’m broken
I’m broken

Only one can understand
And only one can hold the hand
Of the broken
Of the broken
When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in your arms
Again

I need no explanation of why me
I just need confirmation
Only You could understand the
emptiness inside my head
I am falling
I am falling
I’m falling down upon my knees
To find the one who gives me peace
I am flyingLord I am flying

When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in Your arms
Again

I have come to you in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands

Praise You in This Storm Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

Chorus:
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

If you have a chance, listen to the songs, they're really great.

Another thing that a good friend of me has me thinking about it a beautiful verse from the Bible.

Philippians 4:8
The Message

"8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."


Just a few things...Over and out.

Lo

Exhausted...

Today was insane! I got up early and headed to work for the ornament debut. I got there early to make coffee and just relax a little before dealing with the craziness that was sure to take place! The day actually went really well, and rather quick. Mainly because it was so busy and there wasn't much down time. That unfortunately did lead to my lower back bothering me, but that's a minor detail. These are the days that our team steps up and raises the bar to a whole other level. It's also some of the most enjoyable times to work as well. Everyone is having fun, but still focused on what needs to get done. By the time I left all I was thinking was that I soon would be able to take my shoes off and lounge around my apartment. If only it was in the low 60's, that would be even better! Over and out!

Lo!

So excited!

Today there was an open house at Cleveland Chiropractic College for prospective students, as well as their home coming for the alumni. I was able to tour the campus that they are at now, which will be changing at the first of the year. Anyway, it was really great to walk around with current students and ask them questions about why they choose Chiropractic, as well as the 10 versus 12 trimesters. We toured the anatomy lab too, which I always enjoy, I'm weird...I know this already! It was great though, there were different organs out that we could look at; each had one healthy organ, as well as a couple with different pathologies too. They had a lung out that was unreal. It had emphysema and was so black from all the smoking that had taken place in the years that it was still attempting to work. There was also a liver that the previous owner had obviously been drinking pretty heavily with the cirrhosis that had taken place. If I ever had a problem with smoking or drinking, I think that would have done the trick!

At the lunch I met up with a couple of my Chiropractors and caught up with them as well as asked them some questions about their schooling at Cleveland. I have a lot more to figure out, as well as many more questions to ask, but this will tide me over for a little bit!

Lastly was a lecture on financial aid...always fun! Basically it all boils down to making and sticking to a budget, and knowing that you will end up borrowing an enormous amount of money. Still even though I already knew this going into it, the numbers seem so high, and always a bit of a shocker. There really isn't any way around it though, so I just have to keep pressing on! When I left, I was driving home and all I could think about was, I'm so excited! So excited to one day adjust bones and help people live a better, more pain free life. I know this, one, because I have experienced it myself, but also because I know that I have a ton of people pushing me towards this goal. It's all God that I'm still even considering this possibility as a reality. A year ago I would have laughed in your face had you mentioned me becoming a DC; now I would laugh in your face if you had said to stop when I finish MT school! Amazing what a year can do! Over and out!

Lo!

Woo hoo!!! Times two!

I'm so excited and I can't even tell you! I just bought tickets to a Dave Barnes/Matt Wertz concert! It's not until the beginning of November, but I can't wait! It's going to be a blast! It's the "Two Birds One Stone Tour", because it really is just that! It's amazing that I get to two artists in one spot! I'm sure I'll buy a tour shirt, because, well that's just me! I better take out some extra money to cover all the merchandise that I'll want! Although, I should probably be good and set a limit! I've been to this venue before for a Matt Wertz/Jon McLaughlin concert before, and it's great. It's a smaller venue which is awesome because it makes the concert even more enjoyable. The guys really have a great time, joking and even telling stories. They've been known to start singing Bob Marley, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, etc. Woohoo!

Also, I'm finally done with traditional Chinese medicine! I can't even tell you how wonderful it is to be done! Next, I'm on to clinic, which is exciting but also scary at the same time. For one, this means that I'll be dealing with the public everyday. Two, I only have six weeks before I'm done with school! Woohoo!!!...but also, very sad. It's going to be hard leaving so many of my friends here, and my life that I've known for over a year now. At the same time, it will be so wonderful to be back home again. Six more weeks! Over and out!

Lo!

October already!?

Time has flown by and it seems to keep going faster and faster each day. I have four days left of TCM, which I couldn't be more happy about, but it means that I head to clinic in a week! Yikes! I'm excited because this is my last class before I graduate, and before I head home, but at the same times it's kind of frightening. I will be working on real clients, not students or my friends. I'll be taking a test every Wednesday to prepare me for the boards that I'll take at the end of the year, which is good to prepare me, but I'm sure it will get old fast.

The past couple weeks I've been able to meet up with some of my friends to just hang out and talk and enjoy each others company before I head out of here. It's been great to hang out with them, but at the same time I know that my time out here is coming to an end, at least for now. I'm getting ready to close this chapter of my life, and open a whole new one. It will bring great challenges, as well as wonderful joys. I know that I'll learn so much in the next year, both intellectually as well as spiritually. I'll be able to deepen some already amazing friendships, as well as start new ones. It's going to be an amazing time! Time to get ready and fasten my seat belt! Over and out!

Lo!

Count down...

The count down begins... 31 days until race day! This will be my second half marathon, and my friends first! It's October 20th, 7:00 am, here in Kansas City; the City of Fountains! I haven't really trained much for this half, mainly because I don't really have much pushing me like I did the previous half. Still I want to finish with a reasonable time, but still have fun at the same time. Some of you might think that is impossible being that I'll be running 13.1 miles, but believe me, it's so much fun, and unless you've done it, you really wouldn't understand. I was in pain with the first one from the massive blisters that I got, but that wasn't about to stop me. Almost the entire run I was singing, yelling, giving high fives, etc., because that's just what we runners are like. We don't really care what people think of us, mainly because we already know that most "non-runners" already think we're crazy anyway, so we might as well live up to that! Anyway, so a month away, and many miles to log before the start of another race. Until then, it will be a race for me everyday to get to the gym and work out (or on the streets as the case may be)! So here goes nothing, although I'm pretty sure it's something! Over and out!

Lo!

So sore!

This is my new favorite machine at the gym. It's called the "Ab Coaster" and dang does it work! My abs are so sore today, which is a wonderful feeling, but still, soreness is soreness! The great thing about this machine is that you can't cheat on it. It's completely up to you to move your body, and you can add up to 40 additional pounds for even more resistance if you so please! I only added ten, but hopefully I'll continue to increase the resistance, and even more the strength in both my abs as well as my obliques (the muscles diagonally on your sides). See, the cradle where your legs rest, pivot so you can not only work your rectus abdominus & transverse abdominus, but also your obliques adbominus as well! (Thought I'd through in the actually names of the muscles!)

Anyway so I'm still sore, but honestly it's a great thing. I did a bunch of strength training and not a whole lot of cardio. I have a half marathon that I'm running with a friend in a little over a month and need to get back to running more but didn't want to burn out either. The next month I'll be back to running on a regular basis and really watching what I'm eating and such. It should be a good thing overall anyway! We'll see how the next month plays out! Should be fun! Over and out!

Lo!

Re-cap from the weekend...

I had a great time at home overall and had some amazing time reconnecting with friends. I was able to see a friend that I haven’t seen in almost eight years! It was great catching up and laughing about the last time we were together. Plus I was able to try and speak a little German which is always fun! I still remembered a few things, but I really lost a lot of the little that I did know. It was really wonderful hearing about where life has taken her and remembering how I was so many years ago as well. It was a short visit but I packed a lot in. Jen & Andy’s wedding was absolutely beautiful, and really captured their spirit…zany and fun! It really looked like they had a great time and were actually able to enjoy the wedding, which I feel like that doesn’t happen as often as it may seem. Everyone had a great time at the reception, which was a blast and had Jen & Andy written all over it!

Throughout the weekend I was able to hang out and catch up with Melissa! Thursday evening after church a bunch of us decided to go to one of my favorite restaurants back home and catch up. Melissa was going to drive me, but on the way up from the lower parking lot she got a flat tire! Eek! So a couple of the guys put her spare on, but there was no hope for the tire, there was a 2-3 inch gash in it! I’m talking you could put a couple fingers through it and they would fit just fine! Anyway, so after a slight delay we were off and running again. We were able to get a great deal on a tire the next day before heading to Redamaks for the most amazing cheese burger ever! Yes, it really is worth an hour and a half round trip drive! Anyway, it was just wonderful to really be able to just sit down and talk about life with her again without feeling like we had to be somewhere or that we had to get something else done. It had been such a long time since we had done that last. The first night we were in the Bend we stayed up until close to 1:30am talking on the porch about the past year and how far we’ve both come. It’s amazing to think that a year ago I was just starting MT school. I’m now almost done (10 weeks to go!) and looking on to bigger goals now. It’s amazing how much I’ve grown and changed but at the same time how much I’ve stayed the same and have grown stronger in my faith and really learned the value of friendship even more than I already knew.

Okay back to the weekend. Church was great, as always, and I learned so much from only being there once (well 1.5 times…got in much later than expected so I missed half of the midweek service...poo!). One thing that really stuck out to me was something that our senior pastor said, “We are not to prey on each other; we are to pray for each other.” How often do we look at other as just an obstacle to overcome? In just about every aspect of life we look at each other as just an object in our way of our bigger goal. We don’t see each other as people we see each other as objects. (Yes, I know I just said that twice basically, but I think it needs to be said a couple times to really understand it.) After church I was able to meet up with my former supervisor (and mentor!) and catch up with how things are moving along for me. It’s always great to talk with her, and get her wisdom on different situations that I’m going through. About a half hour later me and some friends went to grab a bite to eat and catch up one last time before being gone for a couple months again. I was able to see a friend of mine that I’ve been praying for, for some time now, who is getting baptized today! (Although by now I’m sure that happened already.) I wish I could have stayed longer so I could have been there for the event, but no luck. Either way it was still great to see her and let her know how proud of her I am.

Altogether I really had a wonderful time, but it went way too fast. I really wish that I could have caught up with more friends but that will have to wait until next time, which I’m sure will come faster than I can even imagine. For now…Over and out!

Lo!

Some thoughts...

I haven't posted anything in a while and thought I would post a few thoughts.

- I've been working on my application for Cleveland Chiropractic College. I can't even tell you how excited I am about the possibility of going to chiropractic school! Every time I talk to anyone about chiropractic school, or methods, etc. I get even more excited!

- I finished one week of traditional Chinese medicine, so only 5 weeks left of TCM, and then 6 weeks of clinic before I'm home! I'm so excited!

- I've been hanging out with my friends here in KC which is great, but I'm seriously going to miss them so much when I leave! It's so wonderful getting to know each of them, which will be wonderful when I come back here for chiropractic school.

Okay well that's all for now. Over and out!

Lo!

Grace

So it seems that recently I keep hearing GRACE. Either in sermons, songs, blogs, talking with people, etc. It's everywhere around me. I'm not sure why exactly, but I'm sure there is a lesson to be learned. There is a video that I keep watching on Youtube that Corey Mann made which is amazing. The song that it goes to is...I don't even know how to explain it. You'll just have to listen to it yourself. The song is Grace by Saving Jane.



This song is so rough, so real it hits home every time I listen to it. I know that grace isn't always given, or even received well at times, but I know that it is with held so many times. I'm guilty of this myself, but try to give grace as much as I can. It's not easy, but when you see just what it can do for someone it truly is amazing. Grace is why I am able to stand here today and why I will stand here tomorrow as well.

Over and out.

Lo

Amazing blessings!

Happy birthday mom!!! So today was my mom's birthday and from what I could tell she had a wonderful birthday! I was able to talk to her for a while and see how her day was going and she sounded so happy! I looked on her facebook wall and saw all of the wonderful messages that so many of my friends and her "kids" posted for her. It made me so happy! Thank you to everyone who helped make her day so wonderful!

On a different note, I just found out some amazing news! I was talking with a friend of mine from back home and she told me that a friend of ours just recently became a christian and is going to be baptized in 2 weeks! I was so excited when she told me! We both have been praying for her for such a long time, so it was a huge answered prayer and a great blessing. Plus I'll be home when she gets baptized so I'll get to be there with her. I'm so excited! I literally had chills when she told me! God is so amazing! Over and out!

Lo!

Adjustments & debris

Oh my the pain that I had in my hip! I thought it had to do with my SI joint (Sacroliliac joint), but wasn't sure until my chiropractor had performed some basic orthopedic tests. Apparently, my right SI joint had become stuck, or frozen if you will. This was causing pain on my left side because I was compensating the way that I was walking. Also, my right leg was an inch shorter! Yikes! After my adjustments, my SI joint was back moving well, and my leg lengths were back to even! It was amazing, but after the adjustment my pain had dropped dramatically!

After my appointment I was driving on the highway, no big deal. I was behind this truck that had a huge load that didn't seem to be tied down too well. As soon as I could I got in a different lane, and got away from the truck. Within about five minutes of getting away from the truck, part of the load fell from the truck! From what I could see in my rear view mirror, it looked like a filing cabinet and some other stuff which I couldn't make out. I couldn't tell, but it didn't look like it caused any accidents. I couldn't believe it though, it was crazy! I was behind the truck just minutes before! YIKES!!! Over and out!

Lo!

GREAT day!

Today I got to spend the day with my Melissa! I can't even tell you how excited I was knowing that we were hanging out for the day! It's been a crazy past couple months so we hadn't been able to meet up nearly as much as either of had liked. We went to church, then went to Target to pick up something for lunner (lunch/dinner). Oh what a wonderful lunner we made! Marinated, baked chicken tenders, pasta salad with extra carrots for Mel, and a cinnamon coffee cake, YUM! While making all of this delicious food we were laughing and dancing around like we always do! It was so wonderful hanging out with her, and hopefully we'll be able to hang out one last time before she heads east to where many new adventures await her.

**Side note, I was good and woke up early enough to run before getting ready for church! This makes day two! One more before I get over the hump! Woohoo!**

Over and out!

Lo!

Acupuncture & 24!

I looked something like this yesterday at my acupuncture appointment for my migraines. I felt like a cat, and my Dr. agreed that I looked like one! I ended up have 7 needles in my head, and 2 in my hands (one in each hand). I quite enjoy acupuncture, but I also have a crazy pain thresh hold so it might not be the most pleasant thing to experience. I figure though that if it is possible to alleviate migraine pain than I'd be down with it even if it did cause me to be in some pain. I go back on Monday for another treatment, and probably again the following week. Hopefully something will give and I'll have this cloud lifted from me finally!

What's the deal with the number twenty-four? Yes, it's a huge TV show. Yes, that is how many hours are in a day. Yes, that is how old I am. The real exciting thing about that number is that I only need twenty-four credits to get into the DC program at Cleveland Chiropractic College! Granted these aren't going to be easy credits by any stretch of the imagination (physics, gen. chem., organic chem. & biology - all with labs). However, this is HUGE for me! When I was thinking months back about school I wasn't really even sure if it was possible to finish the prerequisites in a year, but I sure can! As you can imagine this is GREAT news, and I'm pretty excited to sign up for these classes that I'll start January 2008, crazy! Which would mean that I could start DC school in January 2009...holy cow! Amazing! Over and out!

Lo!

Migraines and molasses...

Yesterday I felt like I was moving at the pace of molasses! I had a migraine and was scheduled to work, so had to take my medications to get through the day. One was to get rid of my migraine, but makes me incredibly nauseous, and the other one is to counteract the nausea, but makes me drowsy. So after taking the medications I felt like I was moving like molasses. I could barely speak without having to try to explain what I had just said, and that is difficult when you have customers to interact with. I got through the evening fine, but still moving pretty slow. I got home and crashed shortly after. I slept for about 10 to 11 hours, and honestly feel like I could go back to sleep right now and sleep through the night. It's a huge option considering I'm almost finished with my laundry that I needed to get done today. I still feel the affects of the medication a little bit and just want to curl up and sleep, and drink a lot of water, but we'll see about it. Other than the migraines, life is treating me very well. Only 16 weeks until I finish MT school, and I get to move back home! Which will be very bitter sweet as I've made some amazing friendships out here. More on that later when I can actually function a little better. Over and out!

Lo!

Crazies!

Oh my the crazy people were out last night! I went to down to the Plaza for dinner and to hang out with Melissa and a couple of her friends. Dinner and coffee was great, conversations even better! Anyway, so after coffee Melissa and I decided to walk around and continue talking because it was such a beautiful evening out. We were walking around and this girl, who I would guess was around 19/20, and turned around and asked Melissa where she got her necklace, then followed up her question with this statement, "I'm not going to steal it or anything!" Melissa and I looked at each other, like, what!? So Melissa kindly said where she got it and we kept walking, thinking that was it. Boy were we wrong! The girl then turns to us and asks us about a book idea for toddlers. Melissa then turns towards a window and tells me to look at this dress. There was a group of people that walked by shortly after, so we made a split for it and walked briskly across the street! We didn't stop talking about it the rest of the evening! Talk about letting the crazies out! Eek! Over and out!

Lo!

High Five!

That's right, you can give me a HUGE high five! Why? you ask! Well, that's because I got a great review from my instructor today! We were odd numbered in class today so another instructor come in so that my instructor could receive a massage from one of the students. I volunteered to give the massage, and after all was said and done I got rave reviews! I was so excited! My instructor's exact words, "I expected you to do well, but you exceeded my expectations!" You can imagine how excited I was to hear that! This was the first time I have ever given a massage to an instructor, but honestly wasn't too freaked out, so that was good! Once I'm in clinic, I'll have to do it twice to pass the class, so this was a good warm up for me. Waa hoo! Over and out!

Lo!

Difficult times...

Today I got a call from a friend of mine, and I wish I could have been there with her. I wasn't really able to talk with her when she called, but met up with her later in the day to figure out what was going on. Life is really kicking her hard right now.

Anyway, I just really feel terrible for her, and so wish that I could do something for her. Here are lyrics from a Jon McLaughlin song, "Just give it time", which I think is absolutely perfect for what is going on right now.

still waters and heavy hearts,
and plans we made all fell apart,
disillusioned and lost in the grace
and how can we fix the heart when it breaks,
you don't know how much more you can take,

just give it time, it's gonna get better,
now is not forever at all,
just give it time and everything changes,
tomorrow comes today will be gone,
and everything is gonna be alrite just give it time, give it time

quiet landslide that nobody knows,
regreted decissions that nobody chose,
under water, sinking fast
and no way out, no way to get back
what might have been is lost in the past

just give it time, it's gonna get better,
now is not forever at all,
just give it time and everything changes,
tomorrow comes today will be gone,
and everything is gonna be alrite
just give it time

(and the web your in?)
and still you give
it all fades out,
you reached the end
your giving in now, now

just give it time, it's gonna get better,
now is not forever at all,
just give it time and everything changes,
tomorrow comes today will be gone,
just give it time, it's gonna get better,
now is not forever at all,
just give it time and everything changes,
tomorrow comes today will be gone,
and everything is gonna be alrite, everything is gonna be alrite
just give it time, yea time

If you think about it please pray for her. Thank you so much! Over and out.

Lo

Personal DNA

Dynamic Leader

I found this on Lindsay's blog and thought I'd take the test and see what results I came up with too! Go to the site and try it out for yourself! Have fun! Over and out!

Lo!

Vacation part 2!

Okay so here is the rest of the re-cap from my vacation!

Thursday July 5th - Jeanna, Lindsey and I went and got manicures, and pedicures! It was awesome! I have had pedicures before, but this was my first manicure! It was strange having my nails painted, even though it was only french tip. Good times, had by all!

Friday July 6th - The big day! My Wine & Cheese party went so well! Everyone who attended said that we need to do it again, and why on earth haven't we done it before!? It was a great time to catch up with old friends, and even start new friendships as well! Everyone looked great, dressed up, laughing and having a great time!

Saturday July 7th - Jeanna and I hung out at Lula's and around Notre Dame just talking, and taking pictures. It was so beautiful out! After a great time outside we had to head in because it was just too warm out for us to enjoy it anymore, which was fine because we had to get ready for church anyway. Church was great as always! Then I went to Wine Down to hang out with some friends and enjoy one of my favorite new spots back home!

Sunday July 8th - I hit the road around 7am KC time, which turned out to be a good time to leave. I really didn't hit any traffic which was great! I got in to the KC area and stopped by to see Melissa and wish her a happy birthday, then it was time to head in to work for a few hours before heading to my place and calling it a day! Long day, but I got to see some familiar faces that I had missed so much while I was back home!

Overall, I had a FANTABULOUS visit back home! I can't believe how fast it went! These next few months will go by faster than I can imagine and I'll be back before you know it! Thank you to everyone who helped make my visit amazing!

Over and out!

Lo!

Vacation so far...

Okay so I wouldn't normally be posting while actually on my vacation, but I'm having to sit here and ice my ankle...more on that later. So here is the run down of my trip home so far....

Friday June 29th - Leave for the Bend around 1:30 AM (SB time). I had to pack up my car in the rain...which didn't help at all! I stopped around 3:30 AM to get a few z's because a few minutes earlier I thought there was a man in the middle of the highway, nope just seeing things! Got about 10 minutes of sleep, and left around 4:30 AM. Arrived home in SB around 11:30, unpacked my car, and met up with some friends for lunch! Later that evening a few of us went to the gym, which was a blast! I was like their personal trainer...so fun! Then much later that evening we went to Wine Down this awesome bistro which I suggest you try if you're in the area. About 41 hours later from when I woke up Thursday morning, I finally went to bed!

Saturday June 30th - Really didn't do too much other than church. It was so great to be back there! Man I miss that place, okay more so the people, but I strangely miss the building too!

Sunday July 1st - Another day of just relaxing which I seriously needed! Later in the evening I went to a Silver Hawks game, which they won, and watched fire works! It was awesome! I even had a hot dog with mustard, ketchup, jalapenos, and nacho cheese, and a beer to wash it down! I was in heaven!

Monday July 2nd - Still just hanging around the house enjoying my sweet Scruffy! She is a sweet, but very strange dog! I love her just the same though!

Tuesday July 3rd - My daddy's birthday! Family dinner...and some amazing rhubarb pie! YUM! Later that evening I hung out with some friends from my high school days! I hadn't seen them yet so it was good to catch up a little bit.

Wednesday July 4th - What a beautiful day it turned out to be! I went to a party that my friend was hosting and the day was awesome! We were at a house on the river and went tubing, knee boarding, and out on the wave runner too! My arms are still a little tired from tubing and the wave runner but it was awesome! My ankle got a little banged up when my foot was in a pile of rope in the boat and the tube that was tied up became untied and started to leave the boat! My ankle stopped the rope from letting it go further but now I have a swollen ankle, and some rope burn to go along with it! Now you my be thinking, why not let the tube just go out!? Well, there was someone knee boarding and if the tube had gone much further out it would have hit him and who knows what injuries would have occurred then!

Okay well there's an update for now...more to come next time (pictures too!)! Over and out!

Lo!

Traveling & Tributes...

So I'll be hitting the road in just over 24 hours to head back home! I'm so excited! Now my friend, and boss, is not excited at all that I'm leaving late at night to drive ten hours, but this way I'll be there for most of Friday as well. Plus I love driving at night! I know, I'm odd, but who didn't know this already? Maybe I'll stop and get some breakfast on the road...mmm IHOP! Hopefully that will come around 5 in the morning or so...somewhere about half way anyway. Once I get home I'll be sleeping....well okay first I'm going to meet up with some of the most amazing people in the world! So yeah, I probably won't get to bed until late Friday night, but it's so worth it! This time I don't have a lot planned which will be great because then I can just hang out with my friends and really enjoy my time there.

On a different note, I'm sitting here relaxing and trying to figure out what all I need to take, and how I'm going to fit a few things. Well there is a special on tv, it's a Paul Simon tribute, which most people my age would turn the channel, or just plain turn it off. Not me, I'm sitting here enjoying all the songs, and knowing all the songs that they're singing. Heck, I'm practically singing right along with them! Get this, James Taylor came on to sing a Paul Simon song...really not sure if it could get any better than that! Amazing! So you might think I'm like 54 or something they way that I'm talking about this music and such...eh not quite...just take off about 30 years! Ha! Yes, I'm such an old soul! I've actually been told this by a few people before. I love it though! JT & Paul Simon...can't go wrong there! Over and out!

Lo!

Half marathon re-cap!

So it's been 3 weeks now since I ran my half marathon, and I feel like I really haven't written about it yet, well other than the basic things. Anyway, so I've been thinking a lot about it and really processing the whole thing. It still boggles my mind that I ran a half marathon. Not only that I ran it but finished it in a decent time as well. I really want to run more of them, not just to compete or beat a better time, but because it gives me a goal to push towards. Not only that, but when I am running, and really focused on my training I am spiritually on track as well. These things seem to go hand in hand with me. I unfortunately haven't run really since the race. The first couple weeks my legs just couldn't take it, but this past week I was too busy and exhausted from work. I seriously need to get back to running, and get back to where I need to be in a lot of areas of my life. Eating healthy has gone out the window it seems like, although I'm sure I'm still eating better than the average American!

Anyway, so back to the race. It was one of most difficult, amazing things I have ever done! I've literally climbed mountains before, kayaked in ocean inlets, but this was something on a completely different level. I was flooded with emotions the entire day, but especially during the race. I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the adrenaline pumping through me for the first mile, and then the last 200 yards, but even in the middle of the race it was an experience that was like nothing I have ever known before. I don't know if it was because it was my first half, or if I'll experience that again, but it was amazing!

Runners are a special breed that's for sure! If you're a runner, you know what I mean! If you know a runner, you probably know what I mean as well. We, runners, will strike up a conversation in the middle of a race about random things and it doesn't matter where you are in life, or what you drive, or anything. It's just a common bond that we share. As I was running I ended up talking with more than a dozen people throughout the 2 hours that I ran that day. We don't care that we might look like crap by the time we finish, or that it may cost our feet some serious pain, or that we might not be able to walk too well after a big race. We just love to run. It's what we do, it's in our blood. Someone said to me while I was training, and injured at this point, that I should stop running. I looked at them like they were crazy and then said to them, "Running is like breathing for me; if I don't do it often enough I die." They might not have understood what I meant, but it really does keep me going, which is why this race didn't seem to drain my energy so much as give me energy. It was such an amazing event for me and I can't wait to run my next one!

Over and out!

Lo!

Work, but so much fun!

I've been working a LOT lately, but it's been worth it! We just finished our remodel and open tomorrow. It really looks like a brand new store! New colors, new fixtures, new carpet, etc. The new layout is amazing, and I think it will really help with the flow of customers. Plus the entire week that we've been working away, we've been able to listen to our own music! It really makes a HUGE difference!

One of my favorite things with the remodel is that we now have an additional 4 feet of Fresh Ink cards! They're my absolute favorite card line and I can't wait to look through them all and pick out my new favorites!

Today we were doing a lot of clean up work and finishing touches to give the store the right look. This meant taking a lot of trash out, and even at one point a hole group of us went out to move a large item into the dumpster. Well after deciding that the best way to get it in there was to open up the side and some how flip it in, we pushed and picked up as best we could. After realizing that we were going to have to hold it up while closing the door on the dumpster, I climbed up on top and did my best to hold on to it so the door could be closed and locked again. Then we cleaned up around the dumpster and then it was back up on the dumpster to smash boxes down so that nothing would stick out over the top. Seriously, I was having a BLAST jumping around on it! So yeah I've been working a lot, but it hasn't really felt all like work because our team is so great and always make it so much fun! For now, it's time for some serious rest! Over and out!

Lo!

Odd, but good!

Today was an odd day, and that would be putting it lightly! I didn't get home until 1am from working...which I had such a blast moving fixtures around and such! I really do mean that I'm not being sarcastic here, I know that's crazy in itself, but you'll get over it! Anyway, once I got home I wasn't really all that tired because I think I got a second, or maybe by that time a third wind, so I did some laundry! I finally went to bed around 3, or shortly after, to get a few hours sleep before waking back up at 7 to go to class. Thankfully class is actually interesting so it wasn't too bad!

After class I went to work to help my friend/co-worker/boss move some fixtures to her house. That was funny just because the guys helping to put them in her van were...well interesting to say the least! Fun times, fun times! Next it was off to a friend/co-workers house to go running! We started running and no more than 2 minutes and there was a HUGE down pour! These rain drops were enormous! No joke they were the size of nickles...it was really odd! It finally slowed down and then eventually stopped, but we were still able to get in a good 3-3.5 miles. I wasn't really thinking about going much further, I was pretty exhausted, and my legs aren't used to running again yet.

After the run we decided to go to Logan's Roadhouse, which they just opened about a month ago here! Which was very exciting, but get this...in Independence you can't throw the peanut shells on the floor! Hello, that's kind of the draw of going there, well that and the amazing food, but its just fun to throw them on the floor! I was distraught! The food was well worth it though, plus after dinner we went and got some amazing ice cream! Plus while I was there Melissa dropped in to say hello and return my seasons of Friends that she had borrowed for the weekend. My day was amazing plain and simple! Over and out!

Lo!

Visual DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I had a little time while waiting for my laundry to finish up! Enjoy! Over and out!

Lo!

It's been so long...

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, mainly because I've been really busy. I had my mid term this week, and worked a ton as well so blogging was put on the back burner. So here are a few highlights from the past couple weeks!

Class - 3 weeks down...got an A+ on my mid term...3 weeks to go! Then only 3 sections to go and I'm finished! Yikes! I'm so excited about that!

Work - I don't know if I can really even explain how great the people are that I work with, or how much I love my job. I always love going in to work because even if I have a bad day before I get there, I always end up changing my mood the minute I see any of the girls I work with! These girls aren't just friends, they're like family to me; I see them more than anyone else and they really care about how I'm doing and what I'm going through. Anyway, so as you can imagine with father's day just around the corner we've been a little busy! Plus we're about to go through a remodel so we've also been busy preparing for the upcoming week. I'm going to love it because it will be a lot of moving things around, organizing, planning, etc. We are going to have such a blast!

Life in general - Nothing too exciting really which is a good thing I think! I'll be home in less than 2 weeks now which is very awesome, however that means that I'll be driving for a long time! I'll be sure to have some great music with me though so it shouldn't be too bad! Plus I'll be home when I finish driving so it's totally worth it! I'm still recovering from my big run, but am planning to go on a run with one of my co-workers/friends on Monday! I'll try and post a little more regularly, but no promises on that! Over and out!

Lo!

Pictures!

Here are some more pictures from the Sunburst! Over and out!

Lo!

Fun times!

Well a lot happened the week that I was home, but I'm just going to focus on a couple. First off, Redamaks! Oh my how wonderful it was! I forgot how amazing those cheese burgers are! No worries, I demolished it in no time! It was difficult though because we rode all the way home with it in the back of the car, and anyone who knows me, knows that if I'm hungry and there is food around, it will shortly be gone! I was good though, I waited patiently until we made it home!

Me with my very much awaited cheese burger from Redamaks! YUM! I think it was gone in record time!

Second up, the main event! My first half marathon! It was the Sunburst races that start at the College Football Hall of Fame and end on the 50 yard line of the Notre Dame stadium! I ate my pasta the night before and turned in early because I was set to get up at 5:45 in the morning! I thankfully was able to get a good amount of sleep and felt well rested for the race. My morning seemed to be moving in hyper speed running around making sure that I wasn't forgetting anything and that we got there in plenty of time as well. We had two cars full of people heading down for different events and made it down town about 6:50 am. We had a few pictures taken, a prayer for safety and then final preparations. My race was to start at 7:30 so I had plenty time to stretch and get focused.

The gun went off, and shortly after the running began! My first mile was way too fast, but that's just how it goes. My first mile was at about 8:38, which isn't crazy fast, but I was planning on mid 9's, so I needed to back it off a little, which is much easier said than done. Jon and I were having a great time cheering on fellow runners as well as the spectators and police officers keeping the streets clear. We were clapping, and singing songs and making people laugh! We had a great time! Around 4 and a half miles into the run I was really starting to feel some blisters forming so I had to stop at a water stop to put some bandages on my feet to try and keep them from getting any worse. Unfortunately that didn't really seem to avert the problem! At mile 11 I was completely exhausted and didn't feel like I had anything in me left to give, but God, through Jon, wouldn't let me give up! It was awesome to get such great encouragement when you really feel like your body is about to turn into mush! We kept chugging along and eventually made it to where I could see the stadium, and then I really kicked it in. I felt like I was back in high school cross country kicking it for the finish. I finished my first half marathon in 02:03:48 which I could not be more pleased with, because I was just hoping to finish in under 02:30. It was a great day, and all who made it out had a great time! Thanks for all of the support!

This is moments before my first half marathon...completely in the zone and focused here!
Everyone after their events! It was a great day, and everyone had an awesome time! It was awesome!
Jonathan, my running buddy, and me after finishing the half marathon! I still can't believe it! 2:03:48...you could say I was happy!

Oh, and I also got my third tattoo about 3 hours after I finished the race! It's awesome...but of course I would think so! So what do you think? (13.1 is the mileage from the race.)

Over and out!

Lo!

Almost home!

What a beautiful sight! When I see this place, I know I'm home. If you haven't grown up near Notre Dame it would be hard to understand just how much this place means to me. If you've had the opportunity to visit it, you might have a better idea. Seriously, nothing compares to seeing the beautiful golden dome, and the Sacred Heart Basilica after being away for such a long time. Especially now because everything will be green.

I have a few plans, which mostly have to do with eating delicious food that I've missed...Redamaks, Hacienda, Lula's, and of course mom's home cookin'! I've made sure not to really plan much because I really just want to hang out with my friends and family. Right now I have 6 days until the big race. Exciting, but scary at the same time. I know that I'm going to have to run through so much pain, but I'm going to give it my all, and I'll finish no matter how tired, or how painful it may be. Plus, then I figure the tattoo won't seem to hurt at all after that! I really can't wait for all of this to being though! I'll be taking pictures like crazy...which I'll post some of those on here when I am back in KC. I'm going to have a blast! Well, I should probably get going...they're about to start loading! Woohoo! One step closer to being home! Over and out!

Lo!

Just around the corner...

So for my final exam I need to know the 12 cranial nerves, and what they each do...luckily I know them! For some crazy reason I actually enjoyed learning about them too! Anyway, so I have my written final Friday morning, then late morning, early afternoon I head to Cleveland Chiropractic College for a tour and some more information. Next it's off to my chiropractor for some adjustments and treatments! Then before work I'm planning on getting in a long run in...about 6 miles! Work for 4 hours then to my place to finish packing for my big, very exciting trip! Yay!!! I can't wait! It's going to be so great! I'll probably post one more time before I head back home because I have some fun stuff happening Saturday too! Over and out!

Lo!

sO rAnDoM!

Today was a very odd day. I went to class but left half way through to hang out with one of my classmates instead of being bombarded with pessimistic ideas from our one instructor. I figured that it would be more beneficial to enjoy our late morning/early afternoon and study if we felt the need.

A little later one of my co-workers/friends came over to go running! It was so great! I haven't gone running outside in a long time, and haven't run with some one in even longer, so it was very exciting! On our way back to my apartment we saw a snake! No worries it didn't harm us, it was just moving along to another area. I thought it was pretty awesome that we saw it, but I'm sure most people wouldn't like it, and are probably not too excited to read about it right now. Sorry...but you'll be okay (Jeanna!)! We ended up running about 2.5 miles which was a nice little jaunt.

Then being that we had plenty time for we were going to dinner I gave her a massage, which she enjoyed, but it was also a little extra practice before my final on Wednesday. By the time we were served our dinner we were so hungry that we stopped talking and stuffed ourselves! Yum!

It's been a pretty relaxing evening which has been so great! Only 5 more days until I'm home, and yes, I'm mostly packed and ready to leave just about! Big surprise I know! What can I say, I'm excited! Waahoo!!!! Over and out!

Lo!

Counting down...

8 days until I fly home...for a week!!!

9 days until Redamaks!!! Oh man my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

13 days until my big race!!! Wow that's crazy! Training thankfully has been going really well! I'm planning on running 5 miles tomorrow and see how that goes.

13 days until the new tattoo! Still have to figure out where I'm getting it, but I'm so excited!

Over and out!

Lo!

A-OK!

Well I went to my chiropractor to have adjustments and treatments for my injuries like I have been for...well months it seems...and everything seems to be going really well. I even got the "A-OK" to run as far as I feel!

18 days until the big race! I'm so excited, but incredibly nervous at the same time. Well my brain is shot right now...okay, well actually my brain is overloaded with a bunch of stuff and I can't really process anything else right now. Over and out.

Lo

Recap of the day...

0500 - Wake up.
0505 - Get coffee going, and jump in the shower.
0528 - Give Jeanna a wake up call!
0530 - Leave for work.
0545 - Arrive at work.
0600 - Continue working on change over.
1000 - Leave work.
1010 - Look around Borders.
1145 - Drive to Anytime Fitness.
1200 - Run 4 miles, take shower, get ready for work.
1400 - Go to Starbucks and get iced green tea.
1415 - Go to work to eat lunch before clocking in again.
1500 - Back to work.
1815 - Dinner break.
1845 - Back to work.
2128 - Clock out for the day!
2130 - Drive home.
2145 - Fill up my gas tank.
2200 - Finally home after a LONG day!

Seriously though it was an awesome day even though I got up in time to see the moon set and the sun rise! Back to the usual tomorrow...poo! Now time to get some sleep! Over and out!

Lo!

Happy Mother's day!

I hope that all the moms out there have a wonderful mother's day! Here's a little something for my mom...

First of all...thank you for your amazing genes...seriously I'm going to look gorgeous when I'm older! (Just look in the mirror for confirmation if you don't believe me!) Thank you for supporting me throughout the years on all of my crazy expeditions both in short time spans as well as longer ones which cause me to move away. Thank you for your sweet little notes that you send me. Thank you for your amazing recipes, as well as the wonderful food that you make specifically for me when I come home. Thank you for teaching me so much about love and what that really means. Thank you for never giving up on me when I had already given up on myself. Thank you for being such a great mom not only to me and Heidi, but to all of my friends who call you mom. Thank you for constantly making me laugh, especially late at night when we're sitting on the floor! Thank you for inspiring me to continue with my art work. Thank you for so much that I can't even explain. I know that we haven't always seen eye to eye, or had the best relationship but we've loved each other through it all and have become so much closer the past few years. Thank you for being you even if you do eat at the crazy buffet every day! Haha! I love you!

Now a little something for my sister...

You've been a great sister and a wonderful mom. Which really is amazing considering you are so weird! Haha! Seriously though, you've been such a wonderful mom to your little stinker of a son. He's beautiful, which is only a reflection of you. I still remember the days when you would say, "I'm never having a kid!" Well, I'm glad that you were wrong! Watching you with Tana is really beautiful. He loves you so much...even if he does stick his tongue out at you! I mean hey I did that...which I'm sure you remember because you pulled it! I never stuck my tongue out at you again though! Haha! I love you! Have a wonderful mother's day!

Over and out!

Lo

Running, Music, & Friends

Well, I'm not crossing any finish lines yet, but I was able to start back running again! As you can imagine, I am so pumped! I am only allowed to run 3 miles each day for the next couple days, but I'll take what I can get right now! It felt really great just being back in the gym, getting my blood pumping, and my muscles moving again! Granted it's not like I haven't had my blood flowing, or my muscles moving, but there is something different when you have sweat dripping down your face! You may think this is gross, but let me tell you, it's awesome! It's something amazing when you hit each mile and you know that you can keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep chugging along. I have to get there mentally again with the race, but I'm slowly getting there. I've had some major set backs, but I'm not letting anything stop me. I've had so many people ask me if I'm still going to run the race because of the injuries and all. Every time I look at them, and say, "Yes, I'm not giving myself an option to back out." (Or something along those lines!) Anyway, along the same lines...I'm thinking about getting a new tattoo after I finish the race. Not sure exactly what my design will be but I'm coming up with a few things. Also not sure where I want to put it either. We'll see in about 26 days! Ha!

On a different note...I just bought Jon McLaughlin's new CD Indiana! So excited! It should be here by Thursday which can't come fast enough! You can buy his new album on amazon.com or on iTunes. I highly recommend that you check out his music. He's an incredibly talented artist, and hey he's from Indiana! Good, Christian, Midwest guy, who knows how to play the piano like no other! Check out his myspace here, or his official band website here.

One more thing...I've been thinking about friends a lot lately. No, not the amazing TV show, however it does rock! Anyway, I've come to the realization that my friends are awesome. Now this really isn't anything new but I've just been thinking a lot about them recently. I wouldn't be where I am right now if it wasn't for my friends and the love and support that they have given me throughout so many years. Then today I was browsing blogs and I came across Corey Mann's blog about friendship. Oh you really should just check it out for yourself...so go here to read all about it! I know that some of the elements of true friendship that Corey posted is a little hard to swallow, but I want it. Actually I've had the great privilege of having an amazing friendship with my best friend that has had these elements. True we haven't always had a great relationship because we are people, and we have pain to deal with, and have dealt with. But we have moved on from these times and it's amazing to see where our friendship is now. I am so blessed to have Melissa in my life, and that we have been able to experience so much together. There are so many other friends in my life who have made such a difference in my life and have helped to mold me into who I am today, so thank you. There is a quote that I love and I think I should end with it.

"Many people walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Over and out!
Lo!

Seriously!?

This evening I found out that one of my only good friends in my class will be switching to the afternoon sessions after this section. As you can imagine I'm not thrilled about this at all, however, I completely understand why she is switching classes. If I was in her situation, I would do the same thing. It just goes to show you that even though you are in college life still operates at a high school level! It is seriously absolutely ridiculous how immature most of my classmates are acting right now. If they understood all of what went down they would act differently, or at least I sure hope that they would. Anyway, so this means that when I get back from running my race that I'll be in a new section, and without one of my best friends in my class. It should be interesting, even without this added drama. I really just wish that people would grow up and realize that the world doesn't revolve around them! It's sad to think that some day life is really going to smack them in the face and when they come to they wont have many people around them to help them back on their feet because of the bridges they have burned so maliciously. I pray that my friend will be able to move on from this situation and grow even more amazing character than she already has. It will be strange not seeing her everyday and laughing so hard at some of the stupidest stuff, yes usually I am being me...being stupid to bring a smile to someones face. I'm just sad right now.

Also, one of my friends from work will be moving away in the very near future. Granted this is very exciting at the same time because this means that her husband is coming home from being over in Iraq, but none the less, sad that she wont be around here anymore to make me laugh. Even though I haven't really known her all that long we've become really great friends, and she will be greatly missed. We already have visits in the making though! Well that's all for now...mid terms tomorrow! Over and out!

Lo

Neti...what!?

Okay so this is called a "Neti Pot". You put warm salt water in it and then place it to one nostril (with your head tilted) and then the water goes up your nose and helps to clean your nasal cavity. I was very skeptical about the whole thing but was in a bit of pain from a nasty head cold that I wonderfully got last night. So I figured why not give it a try! Well I did...and it seems to have helped. I've done it a few times now. You definitely want a lot of Kleenex, and a big glass of water to drink after the process.

I heard about this crazy thing from my boss today at work, which she heard about it from Dr. Oz on the Oprah show. So I called Whole Foods to see if they still had some in stock. It's a good thing that I called and had them hold one for me because there were only three left! They said that since the show that they've been flying off the shelf. Not at all crazy, I mean it's on the Oprah show of course it's selling that well.

After all this fun I went down to the Plaza to meet up with Melissa to hang out and catch up. Dang was that so much fun, and so incredibly needed! Oh, and it's prom time, so there were a bunch of couples walking around and seriously what some of these girls were wearing...oh my! It took every ounce of self control not to laugh when walking by some of these girls. There was one dress that was so short that the girl was pulling it down in the back as she was walking so her butt wasn't showing...hello, don't wear it if you have to do that! Then there was the dress that looked like you were a gum drop...we saw many different colored gum drops while down there. Then there was my favorite...I don't even know how well I can describe it on here, but I literally started laughing the second after we passed the group of kids. It was a purple dress that came to about mid thigh, then blue poofy/netting/stuff to her feet...I could barely hold in my laughter. Who would let their friend wear that!? If I for some unknown reason decide to wear that dress...ever...hit me upside the head and knock some sense into me that I shouldn't! I so wish I had my camera with me so you could see what I'm talking about! Okay well that's all for now! Over and out!

Lo!

More pain!?

Well if it is possible, and I know it is, I am in more pain than I was before. Even more pain than I was with my other ankle. I am beyond frustrated and am not really sure what to do. I did an ice plunge tonight after I got home from work. (An ice plunge is where you submerge your injured extremity in ice and water for up to 7 minutes, but if you feel that it is starting to have a burning sensation take it out immediately. Then let the extremity warm back up on its own.) After the ice plunge, I elevated it for a while and then had a pineapple smoothie which is also supposed to help keep the swelling down. I also ended up putting Biofreeze on it to help with the pain. I'm trying really hard to keep from taking any medications but I had to give in today and take some ibuprofen and some naproxen sodium later in the evening.

What is really starting to scare me is that the race is now less than 6 weeks away and I am still unable to run, or really do any training for that matter. As much as I don't want to think about it, I almost have to at least consider not being able to run the race. That thought scares me to no end. I don't want to give up this goal, and feel that I'm giving up on so much more. I know that I wouldn't be giving up, just putting it off to another race, but in my mind the two can't be separated. It's a hard line to draw. I don't feel that it is just an easy decision to make. It will take some serious prayers and thoughts to figure out what I really should do. I'm going to see if I can move my chiropractor appointment up and see if there is anything that can be done to help. Ah, I'm just so upset and completely annoyed by the whole thing. I just want to be able to walk like a normal person again! Over and out.

Lo

PAIN!!!

UGH! Well it's exactly 6 weeks until the race, and I am down and out, again! I haven't been able to run for a week now, and don't plan to run until Monday at the earliest. I've been tracking the pain to see where its hurting exactly and what movement I am doing to create the pain. Much easier said than done for sure. It seems to be the same area that was in pain on my right ankle, so hopefully treatment will go fast being that we'll already know what to do. I think the problem is that I tried to run too much too fast. I guess at this point there isn't much I can really do beyond what I'm already doing. (Rest Ice Compression Elevation.) As you can guess I'm completely annoyed that I am unable to train and continue getting mentally prepared for the race as well. I can do my best to mentally train for the race without physically training, but it throws a few things off. I already plan on having to run through quite a bit of pain, and don't really plan on walking much after the race to rest my body as much as I can. We'll see how that all goes though! Over and out!

Lo

"Runners Ready!?"

Well it is now just over six weeks until the race! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I have healed my right achilles tendon, and it really feels great now! Unfortunately my left one decided to do just about the same thing, only not nearly as bad. So I'm off my feet for a little longer than I had hoped. Either way I'm still running (or walking/crawling) the race! Plus I found out today from one of my classmates that both her and her husband signed up to run in the 5k! This would be exciting in general anyway, but it's even more exciting because they will be traveling up from KC just to run the race and hang out with my friends and family! Yes, you could say I'm completely excited about that!

I had a strange dream about the race over the weekend too, which really threw me off! I dreamt that there was only about a half a dozen people running the race and that it was literally just about freezing! Which the weather is crazy back home, but I highly doubt that it will be that cold the first weekend of June! I'll be sure to bring a variety of running apparel just in case of course! Hopefully I'll see lots of familiar faces along the race, and especially at the finish line! Over and out!

Lo!

The lid off my head...

I feel like I've been on a roller coaster the past month. A lot of twists and turns, with some huge drops, and some amazing peeks. I wish that there was some way that I didn't have to get on this thing, but that's life. I know that I'll eventually get off this coaster, and soon enough get on a different one. Maybe not as steep or with as many sudden drops, but I know that that's just how life goes. There has been some really amazing things that have taken place the past month, but even though they are so amazing, they are still taxing emotionally, especially when I'm already emotionally spent. Something that really stuck out to me at church today though I think really goes along with all of this. The pastor said, "Character rises to the top over time and under pressure." I couldn't agree more. It is during the times that we are under stress and in situations that our character is most displayed, and inspected. We can either choose to learn from the situations that we are in and take away as much as we can and mature in these situations; or throw a fit, whine and complain throughout the whole thing and really look like a big mess. I don't feel like I've been throwing a fit, but I don't know that I've been learning as much as I should through these situations either. I know that I still need to sort things out and move on with some of them. I know that some things are going to get more difficult before they get better, but I also know that I have some amazing friends in my life that are here for me; with support, love and prayer. For now though, I just need to keep my head up, and my feet pointed in the right direction. Over and out.

Lo

MT or DC!?

I have a lot running through my mind right now...One of these is whether I want to continue school after I finish Massage Therapy school in November. The huge possibility is going to school to become a Chiropractor (DC). This obviously would be a HUGE step, and is going to take a lot of prayer, thoughts, and consideration. I've already talked to my parents a little bit about it, and they're all for whatever I want to go for. If I want to stop after I receive my degree to be a CMT (Certified Massage Therapist) then they'll be proud of me, and excited for my new career...at the same time, they'd be thrilled if I want to continue on to finish my bachelors degree, and then on to chiropractor school. One of the big things is that there aren't a bunch of chiropractic schools. The closest one to home is in St. Louis, then KC, and one up in MN as well.

I've already filled out the admissions application for the school here in KC, but have been hesitant on whether or not to turn it in. It's not like anything would be set in stone if I sent it in, or anything, but its a huge thing for me to even be seriously considering this. One of my other thoughts is to finish my bachelors degree (really anything else I would have to finish my degree) and then go to school to become a Physical Therapist...or a Nutritionist...and the list goes on! I guess we'll see what happens in the next few months! Over and out!

Lo!