Halfsies

Hi All (and by all I mean about seven of you who faithfully read my nonsense, you're great! thanks!)

Many if not all know I did something very crazy last Saturday: I ran 13.1 miles with 7,000 other people up in Fargo, Nort DakOOOOOOtah. Let me tell you, hardest, most challenging, best thing I've ever done in my life. The atmosphere, the people, the supporters, the hilarious signs, the PAIN (during and after) all added up for an awesome experience. I'll give you some highlights:

1. Our hotel.

My friends, Sara, Abby O, and Little Stader (LMM or Megan), stayed at the Grand Inn, the epitome of luxury....not.  For 14.25 per person for a night I shouldn't complain too much, but I have to tell you about it: this place was hilarious. We pull up and it looks as though a drug deal is taking place. Lovely. Since Fargo (and all of Morehead spare our grand room at the Grand Inn) was booked, we had to take a smoking room. I think I still smell like a cig. Ick. The bed was my favorite: those old school blankets that fuzz up and you get the fuzzes everywhere and they have the fake silky ribbon things sewn on the ends...we had that, in a mustard-y orange, someone just fed the baby cheetos and she vomited color. Ok I'm done complaining because I am very grateful for Sara finding us a place to crash before we pushed our bodies to the brink of extinction (ok sorry, that's dramatic, not that bad).

2. Signs

The support from the people from Fargo (and wherever else they're from) along the race route was AMAZING! The entire race there were people cheering you on, saying we looked great (they lied, i didn't care), saying "you're almost there!" (another lie, i'm over it now) etc. etc. The signs they brought were HILARIOUS. Here are a few of my favorites:
 a. A man dressed as the Grim Reaper with a sign outside the fargodome at mile 12.75: the end is near (so much for the world ending
 b. Chuck Norris couldn't run 13.1 miles
 c. Naked cheerleaders one mile ahead!
 d. Free Beer!
And my favorite:
 e. Don't sh*t your pants.

3. Chaffing

(for those with sensitive stomachs skip down to 4. Fargo Dome. for those who want to laugh at my expense, read on)
People, when you run 13.1 miles, you chaf in places you never thought possible. My poor bum hurt so bad post-race I had to walk holding it up. I can imagine the thoughts of people who saw me waddle around, arse in my paws, like I had just gotten off a horse.

4. FargoDome

One of the highlights of the race was definitely running into the FargoDome for the finish. I felt like Marion Jones (pre-steroid bust) running across the finish line with the stands full of people cheering for me. Me! "Heck yes, I just ran 13.1 miles, yeah I know I'm a pretty big deal, hey boo, what's your sign?" Ok, that was another dramatization. I didn't say any of those things. I actually teared up. Awhile back at my brother's graduation my chiropractor and my dad were talking about my race and the conversation went somewhere along the lines of Did you ever think she could do this? In my heart and in my head I knew I could. And in that moment I was so proud of myself and everything that had happened in my life to lead me to that point: two knee surgeries and nearly three years of pain. Running has long been my getaway, my stress-reliever, my drug, but up until that point, I wasn't aware of how far I could push myself.  I am so happy I did it, I'm so happy I proved to myself how strong I am. The back of our medals say: I can do all things...(Phil 4:13)  It's awesome what we can do when we believe.

This is us, post-race, in all our glory.  Holla!

improvements and changes

I didn't realize my bloggy was such a big deal until not one person, but two people asked for a post. Folks (you know who you are), I feel honored.

So you probs want to know what I've been up to. Well here it is. Lots and lots and lots of big girl work things. I don't feel like I have a life anymore other than working and sleeping. I think I've called my mother, MLB, fifty times about how much I don't like this big girl job business. Last night when I stopped over at my friend Abby O's house (more on that later) I discussed my future life plans. Here they were: a) life insurance agent, b) full-time mary kay lady (also another story) c) crafting, refurbishing, upcycling queen (weird that's also another story, guess my life is more than just work right now).

So I went to visit one of my besties, Abby O, and pick up a sweet bench that used to be her roommate's. The poor bench sat on the poor all winter so it needed some love. Its one of my five million projects on my plate currently, but seriously, crafting projects and running are the only things helping me keep my sanity lately. So yeah, I sanded the bench tonight. I'm going to go over one more time tomorrow then paint it some real awesome color i think.

Speaking of projects, i bought something tonight that i've wanted for a long time: a drill. It was only ten dollars so it's probably gonna crap out on me in a month, but I wanted hang a hook thing on my bathroom wall for my towels so they wouldn't be on the floor and submitted to the wrath of all the spiders i share this apartment with. One time my friend schlo told me if I bought a drill i'd be very butch. But ya know what, Schlo Jo, I really like my drill. It helps me do fun things. And guess what else I bought? A handheld sander, a level, and sandpaper. Now all I need is a tool belt.

Speaking of sharing my apartment....my roommate moved out. Yes, he left. Don't worry, we still are happy go-lucky, black velvet love drunk. He's just back in gettysburg farming. Since he's moving guess what comes down from the walls!? Yep! The beer signs! While I know they look very fraternity-chic, I'm ready for the chance to change up my decor. And Abby O is moving in soon! Yippee! We're going to have fun and do craft things together and cook really nummy food.

Speaking of crafty things, I planted a garden in gettysburg. Right now it has red onions, yellow onions, red potatoes, and yukon potatoes. BUT! My office garden has tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, sunflower seeds, and morning glories. They'll be transplanted Sunday after i run my HALF MARATHON in fargo on Sunday. I love my little seeds in my window. I look at them and think of them as my little kids. I can't wait to eat them. Sorry that was vulgar.

Also, I started selling mary kay. It's my attempt at being my own boss, making extra money, and looking hot all the time. Funny thing is that since I started "selling" I've left the house with out wearing make up more than I did before I sold. Such is life. So if you wanna get hot, let MK and me hook you up.

I'm not feeling very funny right now. I don't have any good stories. Well I do, but they aren't nutshell appropriate. Maybe after a little more time passes...you know like when something bad happens and someone tells an awful joke, someone else says ohhhh too soon. well yeah its still too soon. but when they come out, you'll laugh.

Shoutouts:

V: Ginny, you're my favorite person at work. I think I agree with you when you say if I stick with you, I'll go far.
Jackie E: Ciao! Come stai, Bella! Hope you're enjoying Italy!
Sundrop Girl: Thanks for stealing my dance moves, and becoming rich and famous. You owe me.
Luane from the Real Housewives of New York: I agree with Alex, you are a thug in a cocktail dress. Just because you have the title countess in front of your name (royalty is dead lady, we live in 'Merica) does not mean you know everything about everything. You're a big bully.
Mom: Holla!