#96. Play Pool
Playing pool. It seems so simple. But I have never played pool. Well not really. When I was at Evangel, a couple of us would try to shoot the ball in the pockets, but I've never actually played.
A few weeks ago, John and I met up with Brandon and Shayla and played pool. It was fun. I'm not as bad as I thought.
Yay! Checking things off the list.
Monday, April 13, 2015
#4. Participate in a Half Marathon, #14. Go On A Weekend Get A Way, #168. Go to the Casino, #153. Eat Somewhere new, #160. Get dressed up for dinner
#4. Participate in a half marathon
#14. Go on a Weekend Get Away
#168. Go to the casino
#153. Eat Somewhere New
#160. Get Dressed up for dinner
I'm only half crazy... for now.
Yes. A half marathon. 13.1 Miles.
The Race: Joplin Memorial Half Marathon
The Date: May 16, 2015
The Distance: 13.1 Miles
I've always wanted to participate in a half marathon. It may be because it is something I never imagined I could do a few years ago or my slight obsession with medals. It is crazy how much you can push yourself to do something when you have the right frame of mind. These days what I used to think of as a challenge has become my warm up. The once long, dreaded 5k distance has become a quick and easy for me. This will not be my last half. I want to do more. I will probably walk/jog/run/power walk through most of it. But I am determined to run a full half marathon someday.
Some people have asked me why I picked the Joplin Memorial Half Marathon as my first one. Well the short answer is I didn't give it much thought actually until after I signed up. I had originally planned to do the Bass Pro half in the fall, but thanks to me getting distracted with work and lack of motivation, I didn't feel like I was ready for it. A friend of mine had signed up for the Joplin half and asked me if I wanted to do it with her. Reluctantly, I said yes.
A few days after I signed up I started thinking about the reason behind the half. It's a memorial half for those who lost their lives to the Joplin tornado a few years ago. I decided to dedicate the race to my dad. While he didn't die during the tornado, his house was affected. And due to the tornado, when he found out he had cancer, he was transferred to a specialist in St. Louis right away because the hospital was destroyed in Joplin. I can't help but think that was a way of prolonging his life a little longer. So my race is in honor of him.
A few weeks ago, marked the year anniversary of my dad passing. To say it's been an emotional couple of weeks is an understatement. But more about that in another blog. On the year, John and I drove to Joplin for the day. We went to the restaurant a few of us went to after the funeral. It was a restaurant I had been to with my dad before he had passed. After lunch, we drove the half marathon course from start to finish. It was an emotional course, and a challenging one. There are various reminders of my dad throughout the course. A Steve's auto body store within the first mile. (My dad's name was Steve). The course also takes me right by the funeral home and about a mile away from his house. It's bittersweet. I would give anything for my dad to be at the finish line that day. To see what I've accomplished. But he is not going to be there. But he will be there in spirit along the way. Constant reminders that he is with me.
Post Race Update:
Be prepared there are a lot of pictures. :)
We left Friday afternoon for Joplin. There was no way we were going to be able to wake up to drive to Joplin on Saturday morning. Especially when the race started at 6:30am... Nope! I am not a morning person. John was nice enough to drive us, be our photographer, and our cheerleader.
After we checked in at the runners expo and got all of our free stuff, we drove the course one last time. It was still a long way. Lol. Then we went to our hotel to check in.
Like I said, the race was rough. After throwing up three times before the race, I thought I had got it out of my system. Shelley and I started running the first part. The first few blocks were lined with banners of names of the 161 people who lost their lives on May 22, 2011 due to the tornado in Joplin. It gave purpose to the runners. We were going to run the whole length, but after about two blocks, I had to start walking. The more I ran, the more I felt more sick. I ended up walking the entire thing. Every time I tried to jog, I felt sick or I felt like I was going to pass out. Note to self: drink more water!!! When you think you've had enough, drink more.
Though out the course, there were moments I wanted to stop. I wanted to text John or sit down and cry. But John told me that he wouldn't come pick me up even if I asked. I would have to finish this... spoken like a true cheerleader. He randomly showed up through out the race at points for both Shelley and I. Around mile 8, which is the road by my dads house, I got sick again. I threw up about 5 times on one stretch of road. I wanted to give up. I didn't want to do this anymore. I felt like I had disappointed everyone. My family, my friends, my dad.
Then a song came on my playlist... Stonger, by Kelly Clarkson. I looked down at my tattoo "strength" and remembered I could do this. I was stronger than I have ever been. And I could do this. I had to do this. For me. Not for anyone else. Around mile 9, the race was giving out energy gels. They gave me an apple cinnamon one. Sounds weird but my dad loved apple cinnamon. It was like a sign he was looking down. I had the gel and stepped up the pace. Before I knew it I was killing it. Still not able to run but I was walking with the best of them. Passing people that I had in front of me for miles. It got a second wind. After I turned the corner and saw the finish line about 1/2 mile down the road, I couldn't believe what I had just done. Me. I just did that. No one else did it for me. I had support, yes. But they couldn't run for me. I had to do it.
When I crossed the finish line, my mom was standing there to give me a hug. She has always been my number one fan! After I got my medal, I made my way over to my "fans." My mom, my aunt and uncle, my boss Jessie and her husband, Michael, Brandon and Shayla, Shelley and John. It was humbling that they came. I felt thankful for people in my life. Family and friends who feel more like family. Day made!
After the race was over, we all went to Denny's for breakfast. Then said our goodbyes. John, Shelley and I were staying the night, but everyone else left to go home. The three of us went back to the hotel for showers and a nap! That evening we decided to go to Downstream Casino for dinner and gambling. I had never been and I wanted to cross something else off my list. We also decided to get dressed up because it's fun!
We made reservations at Red Oak Steakhouse at the casino. Fantastic! It was delicious! I didn't take pictures. But it was on point. Next, we went out to the casino floor and played the slots. I brought $5 with me. The first machine I played was penny slots. I ended up winning $19.45 so I cashed out. I did end up spending the other $4, but I didn't win any on those. I was happy I won something. Beginners luck.
But first - BREAKFAST! @Cracker Barrel. One of the best breakfasts I've had at a restaurant. It was so fresh and delicious!
#14. Go on a Weekend Get Away
#168. Go to the casino
#153. Eat Somewhere New
#160. Get Dressed up for dinner
I'm only half crazy... for now.
Yes. A half marathon. 13.1 Miles.
The Race: Joplin Memorial Half Marathon
The Date: May 16, 2015
The Distance: 13.1 Miles
I've always wanted to participate in a half marathon. It may be because it is something I never imagined I could do a few years ago or my slight obsession with medals. It is crazy how much you can push yourself to do something when you have the right frame of mind. These days what I used to think of as a challenge has become my warm up. The once long, dreaded 5k distance has become a quick and easy for me. This will not be my last half. I want to do more. I will probably walk/jog/run/power walk through most of it. But I am determined to run a full half marathon someday.
Some people have asked me why I picked the Joplin Memorial Half Marathon as my first one. Well the short answer is I didn't give it much thought actually until after I signed up. I had originally planned to do the Bass Pro half in the fall, but thanks to me getting distracted with work and lack of motivation, I didn't feel like I was ready for it. A friend of mine had signed up for the Joplin half and asked me if I wanted to do it with her. Reluctantly, I said yes.
A few days after I signed up I started thinking about the reason behind the half. It's a memorial half for those who lost their lives to the Joplin tornado a few years ago. I decided to dedicate the race to my dad. While he didn't die during the tornado, his house was affected. And due to the tornado, when he found out he had cancer, he was transferred to a specialist in St. Louis right away because the hospital was destroyed in Joplin. I can't help but think that was a way of prolonging his life a little longer. So my race is in honor of him.
A few weeks ago, marked the year anniversary of my dad passing. To say it's been an emotional couple of weeks is an understatement. But more about that in another blog. On the year, John and I drove to Joplin for the day. We went to the restaurant a few of us went to after the funeral. It was a restaurant I had been to with my dad before he had passed. After lunch, we drove the half marathon course from start to finish. It was an emotional course, and a challenging one. There are various reminders of my dad throughout the course. A Steve's auto body store within the first mile. (My dad's name was Steve). The course also takes me right by the funeral home and about a mile away from his house. It's bittersweet. I would give anything for my dad to be at the finish line that day. To see what I've accomplished. But he is not going to be there. But he will be there in spirit along the way. Constant reminders that he is with me.
Post Race Update:
Be prepared there are a lot of pictures. :)
We left Friday afternoon for Joplin. There was no way we were going to be able to wake up to drive to Joplin on Saturday morning. Especially when the race started at 6:30am... Nope! I am not a morning person. John was nice enough to drive us, be our photographer, and our cheerleader.
Ready for the road trip to Joplin
First stop in Joplin: Runners Expo @ MSSU
All checked in!
After we checked in at the runners expo and got all of our free stuff, we drove the course one last time. It was still a long way. Lol. Then we went to our hotel to check in.
Next stop: Super 8.
Our room was nice. The hotel was recently remodeled. The only problem I had was there were no stairs... and we were on the third floor. Normally I wouldn't mind, but I knew that stair climb after the race was going to be rough. But we toughed it out. After we got checked in and freshened up, we met up with my mom, aunt and uncle for dinner. They had drove in just to see me in the half marathon. Their hotel ended up being right next to ours. We went to Cheddars for dinner. It was good, as always.
Our alarm for the Saturday morning: gross! We were up before the sun!
Unfortunately, I let my nerves get the best of me the morning of the race and I got sick... several times. But I pushed through it. It was rough to say the least. I haven't been that nervous/anxious in a long time. I used to let everything get to me and end up getting sick. I thought I was over it. Clearly, I'm not. I'm a work in progress.
Getting our last minute layers on
After the threat of storms all week leading up to the race, the weather ended up being perfect.
Cool and cloudy.
Before we started... Notice I look like I'm gonna throw up?? Because I had just thrown up. :(
Rounding up the racers
Like I said, the race was rough. After throwing up three times before the race, I thought I had got it out of my system. Shelley and I started running the first part. The first few blocks were lined with banners of names of the 161 people who lost their lives on May 22, 2011 due to the tornado in Joplin. It gave purpose to the runners. We were going to run the whole length, but after about two blocks, I had to start walking. The more I ran, the more I felt more sick. I ended up walking the entire thing. Every time I tried to jog, I felt sick or I felt like I was going to pass out. Note to self: drink more water!!! When you think you've had enough, drink more.
Though out the course, there were moments I wanted to stop. I wanted to text John or sit down and cry. But John told me that he wouldn't come pick me up even if I asked. I would have to finish this... spoken like a true cheerleader. He randomly showed up through out the race at points for both Shelley and I. Around mile 8, which is the road by my dads house, I got sick again. I threw up about 5 times on one stretch of road. I wanted to give up. I didn't want to do this anymore. I felt like I had disappointed everyone. My family, my friends, my dad.
Then a song came on my playlist... Stonger, by Kelly Clarkson. I looked down at my tattoo "strength" and remembered I could do this. I was stronger than I have ever been. And I could do this. I had to do this. For me. Not for anyone else. Around mile 9, the race was giving out energy gels. They gave me an apple cinnamon one. Sounds weird but my dad loved apple cinnamon. It was like a sign he was looking down. I had the gel and stepped up the pace. Before I knew it I was killing it. Still not able to run but I was walking with the best of them. Passing people that I had in front of me for miles. It got a second wind. After I turned the corner and saw the finish line about 1/2 mile down the road, I couldn't believe what I had just done. Me. I just did that. No one else did it for me. I had support, yes. But they couldn't run for me. I had to do it.
When I crossed the finish line, my mom was standing there to give me a hug. She has always been my number one fan! After I got my medal, I made my way over to my "fans." My mom, my aunt and uncle, my boss Jessie and her husband, Michael, Brandon and Shayla, Shelley and John. It was humbling that they came. I felt thankful for people in my life. Family and friends who feel more like family. Day made!
Jessie and I
Shayla and I
Me and Shelley!! We did it!!
Jessie, me, and Michael
My mom, me and my aunt
Shayla, me and Brandon (they totally surprised me by coming down)
Me and John
Me and my medal!!! 13.1 baby!!
My aunt captured this picture of my uncle Scott and I after the race. He has always been a big support to me. He and my dad were very close. As he gave me a hug, he told me my dad would have been proud. I almost started crying. It made me so happy to hear that.
My uncle Scott and I
Me and my mom!!
The results are in!
I finished!!! :)
After the race was over, we all went to Denny's for breakfast. Then said our goodbyes. John, Shelley and I were staying the night, but everyone else left to go home. The three of us went back to the hotel for showers and a nap! That evening we decided to go to Downstream Casino for dinner and gambling. I had never been and I wanted to cross something else off my list. We also decided to get dressed up because it's fun!
We made reservations at Red Oak Steakhouse at the casino. Fantastic! It was delicious! I didn't take pictures. But it was on point. Next, we went out to the casino floor and played the slots. I brought $5 with me. The first machine I played was penny slots. I ended up winning $19.45 so I cashed out. I did end up spending the other $4, but I didn't win any on those. I was happy I won something. Beginners luck.
Back home...
Progress.
#99. Make a Creative Gift for Someone
#99. Make a Creative Gift for Someone
Ever have those days where you are feeling creative? I was having one of those days a few weeks ago. I wanted to do something for John, but couldn't think of anything that was on the cheaper side and I could do within a few hours.
*Insert Pinterest here*
I came across this idea a couple of months ago and luckily had pinned it. So one walmart and price cutter trip later, I was making a bouquet for the boyfriend.
The bucket is from Walmart. Thank you Easter baskets. :)
I found the other fake flowers in the craft section. I bought a 6 pack of John's favorite beverage. I turned the bottles upside down and put them in the bucket. Next, I hot glued the sunflowers on the bottoms of the bottles. Then filled the rest of the bucket with the little white flowers. And ta-da... a bouquet of flowers.
He really liked them. #winning
Ever have those days where you are feeling creative? I was having one of those days a few weeks ago. I wanted to do something for John, but couldn't think of anything that was on the cheaper side and I could do within a few hours.
*Insert Pinterest here*
I came across this idea a couple of months ago and luckily had pinned it. So one walmart and price cutter trip later, I was making a bouquet for the boyfriend.
The bucket is from Walmart. Thank you Easter baskets. :)
I found the other fake flowers in the craft section. I bought a 6 pack of John's favorite beverage. I turned the bottles upside down and put them in the bucket. Next, I hot glued the sunflowers on the bottoms of the bottles. Then filled the rest of the bucket with the little white flowers. And ta-da... a bouquet of flowers.
He really liked them. #winning
#28. Take Up A New Hobby
#28. Take Up A New Hobby
When I was reading through the list of 200 things, I came across this one and thought to myself "I don't have any new hobbies."
Then it occurred to me. I do. I like running/walking. It has become more than just a work out in the past few month. I miss it when I don't do it. I feel so much better when I do.
I enjoy it.
I enjoy feeling the wind in my hair. I love (and hate) pushing my body to its limits.
When I was reading through the list of 200 things, I came across this one and thought to myself "I don't have any new hobbies."
Then it occurred to me. I do. I like running/walking. It has become more than just a work out in the past few month. I miss it when I don't do it. I feel so much better when I do.
I enjoy it.
I enjoy feeling the wind in my hair. I love (and hate) pushing my body to its limits.
#54. Attend a Play & #33. Eat Somewhere New
#33. Eat Somewhere New
#54. Attend a Play
If you have been following my list of 200 things, by now you have noticed that there are some repeats. As I began listing everything I wanted to do in 2 years, I came to realize I didn't mind if I experience things more than once. Because each race, each play, each museum all have different feelings, pictures, people, etc. That being stated... here goes with another play. :)
The Wizard of Oz is a movie I could pretty much quote to you. I grew up watching it a lot with my dad. This past year, I have been working on remembering the good things about my dad. I remember the Wizard of Oz as one of the good things.
A few months after my parents got divorced, I spent the weekend at my dads place in Neosho. He drove us to Springfield to the mall. In the mall we found this store full of snow globes and gift items. I love snow globes. There is something so relaxing and hypnotizing about them. My dad bought me a Precious Moments snow globe. It played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and said Dreams really do come true. At the time I didn't like it much, but now I love it.
This past year, I have wound the snow globe up more times than I could count. I think of my dad whenever I see it. Last fall, the Springfield Little Theatre announced the plays/musicals for the season. The Wizard of Oz was listed for April. And I automatically knew I had to go. A year ago this month (April), my dad passed away. So it was a great way to feel like he was here with me.
Last Saturday, I took John on another date. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I had never been. We had planned to go for Valentines Day, but the wait was too long. The food was great. Although I got full really quick. But my chicken came in the same of heart. :)
He's my favorite to take pictures with.
The show was amazing. I really liked it. It never ceases to amaze me how they can make something come to life on stage. I would recommend it!
#54. Attend a Play
If you have been following my list of 200 things, by now you have noticed that there are some repeats. As I began listing everything I wanted to do in 2 years, I came to realize I didn't mind if I experience things more than once. Because each race, each play, each museum all have different feelings, pictures, people, etc. That being stated... here goes with another play. :)
The Wizard of Oz is a movie I could pretty much quote to you. I grew up watching it a lot with my dad. This past year, I have been working on remembering the good things about my dad. I remember the Wizard of Oz as one of the good things.
A few months after my parents got divorced, I spent the weekend at my dads place in Neosho. He drove us to Springfield to the mall. In the mall we found this store full of snow globes and gift items. I love snow globes. There is something so relaxing and hypnotizing about them. My dad bought me a Precious Moments snow globe. It played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and said Dreams really do come true. At the time I didn't like it much, but now I love it.
Last Saturday, I took John on another date. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I had never been. We had planned to go for Valentines Day, but the wait was too long. The food was great. Although I got full really quick. But my chicken came in the same of heart. :)
After dinner, we had about an hour before the theatre started seating, so we walked around downtown.
He's my favorite to take pictures with.
#34. Ask Someone Out on a Date, #196. Mini-Golfing, & #189. Eat Somewhere New
#34. Ask Someone out on a Date
#196. Mini Golfing
#189. Eat Somewhere New
So since I wrote this list before I had a boyfriend, I had planned on getting up enough nerve to ask someone out. But since I started dating the one I would have probably asked out, it worked out perfectly. I planned the date and I asked him to go on a date with me. I followed all the "rules" of asking before hand and planned it out.
We went to Branson for the evening. Because well... it's fancy. ;) It is also out of Springfield. I felt like we had both needed a break from the normal date night in Springfield.
First stop: The Branson Landing. We left after we both got off work, so by the time we made it to the landing we were both hungry. We walked around for a bit before deciding to try a new restaurant. The Black Oak Grill. It looked good and the prices seemed okay. Except when we got our food there wasn't much and his was really salty. Overall it was okay. Not sure I would go back. But I also have learned to give restaurants second chances, so maybe.
After dinner, we watched the water show and then walked around. I needed shoes, so we went to a few stores, but I am super picky and cheap. We ended up at Payless, where John found 3 pairs for me. He has good taste and 2 of the 3 were on sale and the third on clearance. Cha-Ching. Savings!!
From there we headed to the outlet mall to walk around. Then on to mini golf. It was still a little cold outside, so we opted for the indoor course. It was a lot of fun. I grew up going to Branson on vacation and my family loves to play mini golf. I remember as a kid going to the indoor course, or any course really, and see people on dates and hoped to one day be on a date there. Sound cheesy but its the truth. There were days I dreamt of having dates to normal things, like mini golf, bowling, etc. I loved being on a date there. It was a lot of fun. I didn't win. But I was okay with it.
#196. Mini Golfing
#189. Eat Somewhere New
So since I wrote this list before I had a boyfriend, I had planned on getting up enough nerve to ask someone out. But since I started dating the one I would have probably asked out, it worked out perfectly. I planned the date and I asked him to go on a date with me. I followed all the "rules" of asking before hand and planned it out.
We went to Branson for the evening. Because well... it's fancy. ;) It is also out of Springfield. I felt like we had both needed a break from the normal date night in Springfield.
First stop: The Branson Landing. We left after we both got off work, so by the time we made it to the landing we were both hungry. We walked around for a bit before deciding to try a new restaurant. The Black Oak Grill. It looked good and the prices seemed okay. Except when we got our food there wasn't much and his was really salty. Overall it was okay. Not sure I would go back. But I also have learned to give restaurants second chances, so maybe.
After dinner, we watched the water show and then walked around. I needed shoes, so we went to a few stores, but I am super picky and cheap. We ended up at Payless, where John found 3 pairs for me. He has good taste and 2 of the 3 were on sale and the third on clearance. Cha-Ching. Savings!!
From there we headed to the outlet mall to walk around. Then on to mini golf. It was still a little cold outside, so we opted for the indoor course. It was a lot of fun. I grew up going to Branson on vacation and my family loves to play mini golf. I remember as a kid going to the indoor course, or any course really, and see people on dates and hoped to one day be on a date there. Sound cheesy but its the truth. There were days I dreamt of having dates to normal things, like mini golf, bowling, etc. I loved being on a date there. It was a lot of fun. I didn't win. But I was okay with it.
After mini golf, we drove a few of the back roads around Branson before getting back on the highway to come back to Springfield. It was still early, so we ended up at the Mudlounge for fondue.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
#118. Half Way to Goal Weight
#118. Be half way to goal weight
There are days when I want to give up.
Then I remember where I started. All the times I started and gave up. Knowing I don't want to start over again.
I'm officially at the half way point. This past Sunday, as I was talking to John I realized how far I had come. The picture below was taken a few weeks ago. I was down 50 pounds. Since then I've lost more. I could see the difference but I didn't put the numbers together.
I couldn't stop thinking about it after Sunday. I've never gone this far before without giving up. The most I had ever lost was about 30 before I made an excuse and gave up.
I am now more determined than ever to keep going. My future depends on it.
The number break down:
The goal: 115 lbs lost
Currently lost: 62 lbs. (as of 4/1/15)
Percentage lost: 54%!!!!
YAY!!!
There are days when I want to give up.
Then I remember where I started. All the times I started and gave up. Knowing I don't want to start over again.
I'm officially at the half way point. This past Sunday, as I was talking to John I realized how far I had come. The picture below was taken a few weeks ago. I was down 50 pounds. Since then I've lost more. I could see the difference but I didn't put the numbers together.
I couldn't stop thinking about it after Sunday. I've never gone this far before without giving up. The most I had ever lost was about 30 before I made an excuse and gave up.
I am now more determined than ever to keep going. My future depends on it.
The number break down:
The goal: 115 lbs lost
Currently lost: 62 lbs. (as of 4/1/15)
Percentage lost: 54%!!!!
YAY!!!
#188. Walk this Way
#188. Walk this Way
As I am preparing for the half marathon in May, I have been a walking machine. I'm trying to venture more into running/jogging, but majority of what I am able to do right now is walk.
I beat a personal best the other day with an under 15 minute mile. I was so happy with myself. It is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to something. I was remembering when I started working out and I could barely do a mile in 30 minutes. But now I'm averaging about a 15 minute mile and training for a half marathon.
So happy with where I am going. No chance to look back.
Here are pictures from a walk a few weeks ago. We walked 6.2 miles (10k).
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