Last Training Run of the '09 NYC Marathon

In one week from today, with God's grace, I will run my fourth marathon! Today I joined my friend, Paola, and her husband, Mike, for a 10-mile run that covered the last ten miles of next week's course. Paola had seen a notice to do this run with the Prospect Park Running Club, and so she signed up, and asked me if I had wanted to join her. I'm glad I chose to because I probably would have been lazy and run half the distance at my own ridiculous pace. I have to say that we ran 90 % of the way at my sprinting pace, which is their normal pace. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time! The course had become a blocked memory in my mind, probably because it is the most difficult I've ever run. As we ran it, though, I found myself remembering how and where I struggled the last time. I don't want to hit those walls again, so I have to figure out how to get myself through them mentally.

Running with Paola and Mike was great because they have amazing energy and speed! Plus they were very cute in the way they played with each other along the route! It was nice to see them support and motivate each other. It reminded me of times I've run w/ friends and been challenged the way I was today. There's a much different energy to a run when you're with a group or partner. It was definitely a drive I needed because I have not pushed myself in a long time. Sure, I've done the miles, but not at the best pace I could have. It's okay, though. Today I did what I needed to, and I'm feeling the most ready I've felt all training season!

The anxiety of next week's run has already begun to kick in...it was a sleepless night & hopefully that won't be the case all week. But, at least I'm finally getting excited. I think I've been ignoring it for a while, just so I wouldn't get overly anxious. Now...I'm ready! And I'm so grateful to my family and friends for their support! I'm very blessed...I have the best people in my life!!

Grandma Aida

Today our grandma Aida was taken to the ER. It doesn't take much to give us a scare when it comes to EITHER of our grandmothers. They are both up there in age, but quite strong in the mind and soul, thank God. Last Thursday, she had gotten the Flu vaccine, which is suggested for older individuals, and really for everyone, I suppose. As of that night, she was not well up until today when our cousin, Ally, took her to the hospital. Grandma had become very ill & dehydrated. That's what worried everyone, including her. She received treatments and IV in the hospital, and thankfully is HOME resting!! Grandma is such a big part of us all. She's an amazing person inside and out... Thank God she is on the road to recovery!!

Decorating the Apartment

Now that I'm all moved in, the next step is to make my apartment ME. The set up of my apartments has always been the same, pictures of family and friends all over, and curtains. Sounds simple, right? Should've been! ha! Over the past two weekends, I have been decorating a little bit here and there. Last weekend, with the help of my sister and mother, I worked on my bedroom & eating area. I put up some mirrors & sconces, bought a new comforter set, and a new dining area set. It definitely added personality to the rooms! This weekend, I worked on curtains and pictures. I was very lucky to have Sue, Candice and Danielle come to help! We worked very hard & learned all about using 'anchors' and a power drill! I feel a little empowered now that I can do these things on my own! Sue did the living room curtains & Candice and Danielle worked on the bedroom ones! I have to say that I love the way they came out! The colors are great, and they make the rooms complete! After those tasks, we tackled the shelves in the living room. Trying to make the holes for the screws to precisely match the holes in the shelves wasn't easy. After a few attempts, we decided to give it a rest. All of the decorating didn't need to be finished at that moment. Through all the determination to get things aligned perfectly, and find places for other objects, there were many laughs & lots of eating! I cooked a small meal, and had other treats to share... it was a good time amongst friends! I am so very thankful and lucky to have such wonderful (and patient) people in my life. When I walk through my door every day, I feel peaceful and happy to be Home.

September...

It's been quite a month. I've meant to write for a while now, but between moving (again!), school starting, and work getting under way, my time has not been my own.

Yep, I moved AGAIN. Moving is NEVER fun...but this time it was. The people who surround you can make a world of a difference in any situation. And that was the case on moving day.

My old apartment was in no way, shape or form ME. I was never settled there. It never quite felt like home. Steps WERE taken to try and make it 'home.' Still, no matter what we painted, where I hung things, how I set the bathroom up~~it wasn't me. I suppose that 'inner voice' always knows best. I suggest we listen to it more than we do!! haha. So, I moved right next door to my good friend, Nicole, in New Rochelle! I'm the most content I've been since April 30th. (I only lasted in my apartment for 3 months!) The week before the move, my great & crazy friends, Lisa, Julia and Danny helped me move boxes, clothes, and a good amount of my furniture. I thought it'd be easier to get most of the little things done before the actual moving day. That Sunday, my dear friends, Sue, Danielle, and her fiancee, Joey, helped w/ the big move. For someone who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, I sure do have a lot of 'stuff!' My friend, Ski, was good enough to help out that morning before he went off to play in a band! That was definitely more fun than moving! ha! Jody & Ted were on 'Moving help stand-by' and my friends Anna & Sean actually met us here, but we were 85% finished, so they got to go home =) I'm grateful to everyone who helped (and even those who offered!) I'm truly content here...I just need to get curtains, and have my pictures hung. I can't wait to have my first gathering here!

Besides moving, school and work have had me consumed. My personal life has been a roller coaster. I suppose that's life, right? It's okay~~EVERYTHING happens for a reason. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? I think I'm pretty strong. Definitely trying to be.

Grad school didn't work out for this semester, which is disappointing. However, I'll get back to it next semester. By then, things at work should be underway!

September is nearly over...I'm glad about it. I want all the stresses of the month to be behind me. I'm ready to start new w/ everything. New apartment, new group of students, new beginnings...
Positive thoughts....and lots of prayers.

Game Day with Dad

This past Thursday my father and I went to Yankee Stadium for the Yankees - Rangers game. Early in the day, the weather felt very cool. When I left my apartment in a tank top and shorts, I was sure I would freeze, but I continued on my way regardless. Yes, even in August I get cold if it's not above 80 degrees with sunshine. Apparently, my dad had the same thought process, except he didn't dress for summer. He was in jeans and a long sleeve button down. When choosing my wardrobe I decided...August = HEAT = shorts! I am thankful I didn't go the long pants route because we sat in the Bleachers and there was no shade to be had. It actually turned out to be a beautiful day! The clouds completely gave way to the sun, and we ROASTED! For 80% of the game I sat with my hands covering my face. (In an effort to arrive on time, I flew out of my apartment sans hat or sunglasses. Bad planning on my part!) I felt badly for my dad because he kept repeating how he should've worn his shorts.

There were two young guys sitting next to my dad & was glad about it because they talked 'baseball' with him. I knew he was enjoying the conversation. I joked with him about making new friends everywhere he goes. Growing up I always felt like my dad wished I were a boy so that he could play and talk sports with me. He never ever made me feel that way...I guess I created that 'story' all on my own, mostly because he was so overprotective of me. He still is! haha.

The game started off with the Yankees making great plays and scoring before Texas did....unfortunately, the score didn't stay that way. As the game progressed, the Rangers took the lead and we lost 7-2. My friends have asked me to stop attending the games, as they believe I'm bad luck. haha!

All in all, we had a wonderful time. I'm glad to have spent this day with my father. Not everyone is fortunate enough to do that. It made me realize that I should spend more time with him. He really is a great person and father.

Thoughts of the Evening...

And so again I write...except this time my mind is blank. That statement could bring on MANY jokes from my dear friends. haha I suppose there are just so many things going on around me, I'm not sure where to focus my thoughts.

Today seemed to fly by~~gym, volunteer work with the NYRR, shopping for the weekend, meeting friends for dinner...I should be exhausted, but instead I'm wired. Truth be told, I know exactly who and what is on my mind. But, as one friend told me tonight~I need to stop thinking so much and just let things happen as they will... Much easier said than done. Interestingly enough, I gave another friend that very same advice this afternoon. Overthinking does nothing, really.

Part of me misses camp...it's possible that I miss the routine of the day. But, soon enough we'll be back @ work in a whole new routine...so, I think I'll just truly enjoy each day I have until work begins. Work and grad school, that is. I think it's going to be a good school year. This camp season & first half of the summer proved that positive thoughts and a positive attitude really can have a positive effect on things.

That being said, I head into the weekend with no expectations...only positive thoughts.

Updates =)

It's always too long between posts. If I try to write weekly, I may stay on top of it better...But Shannon did ask, "What's up w/the Blog???" so, here I am ~~ blogging. =)

So far, my summer has been amazing. If you've followed along from when I started it last summer, you know I wasn't returning to camp. haha. Well, life and such happened and I returned after a phone call from my fantastic boss, Jim, and much pondering and discussion over it. This year's camp season was much different than I've had in a long time. Things couldn't have gone any better... Yes, we had our share of stressful moments throughout the season, but they always seemed to end on a positive note. I couldn't have asked for more. Everyone that I worked with helped to make things run so smoothly and just be SO much fun! As I look at pictures, think of the days that came and went, I sit and smile at the memories. I actually went to Heathcote today to meet up w/ a friend. Just driving into the parking lot brought an instant smile to my face and tugged @ my heart. I can only hope next year is just as enjoyable.

As quickly as camp ended is as quickly as I got myself on a plane to Tampa, Florida! There I stayed w/ my lovely friend, Shannon, and her family. It really felt like I was amongst my own family. Every day we had a new adventure, and every night I was in bed by 10:30! haha. This trip was relaxing, fun and reflective. I'm very grateful to my friends for having me spend their last week there with them!! Pics will definitely follow shortly.

Summer still has a lot in store.... and I'm looking forward to every day until school begins....and I'll be blogging more often =)