Pay It Forward Challenge

So, the other day I was being awesome and reading blogs. [Because that’s what awesome people do in their spare time, duh.] And I was reading one of my favorites – Finding My Forever with Abbey [who I affectionately call Abs, whether she likes it or not] and she is doing this really great, fun thing. And I had to join in. I mean, I can make a salad look good so I have to be great and fun, right?  Makes total sense.

So, here’s the deal the first three people that comment on this blog post will receive a gift from me within a year, and they’ll post on their blog so they send something out to three people as well. [You see how the whole Pay It Forward title comes into play now?]

A couple of rules though – in order to get a gift from me you only get three days to repost, or I’m off to the next person. Please only comment if you’re serious about paying it forward though.

To enter comment with your email address, blog URL and 3 facts about you so I get to know you a little better. The more detailed, the better for me. The less detailed, well, you’re just opening yourself up to a whole lot of crazy and I can’t be held responsible if a pair of Wal-Mart shoes ends up in your mailbox.

I’ll be contacting you sometime next week to get an address, and then you get the joy of waiting to see what fancy little surprise I’ll send you. It may be something I buy, or make [I do a mean buffalo head] or perhaps I’ll load up and just show up at your house with a handful of VHS chick flicks and a few tubs of Blue Bell Ice Cream for an old school sleepover. [Seriously, if I could swing that, I totally would.]

So, go ahead and get your comment on!

Thursday Thoughts 9.27.12

 [1] This weekend I celebrate 10 years of being high-school free. I live near my hometown [as do a fair amount of our graduating class – small towns, what can you say] and after working with a few of them on our float for the parade I hate that so many of us have grown apart. We had such a good time laughing, remembering and talking crap – I absolutely can’t wait for our pasture party [yes, we’re rednecks and this is how we celebrate reunions – don’t judge!] and the family event we put together. People can complain about social media all they want, but I guarantee most of us would have no clue what was going on for situations like this if we didn’t.

Front row left to right: Me [sporting my t-shirt from the devil 5k in July], Shutona, Rhody. Back row left to right: Sunny, Lil Mama & Tashsa. Back Back row: Buffalo head.

[2] I have a 5k this Saturday that I actually registered for like 7 months ago when I only had to pay half the registration price. It’s a Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It’s not a timed event, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’ll actually end up going. It really depends on the Friday night reunion shenanigans. I make no promises. But at least the money goes for a good cause [which if you’re on the fence about doing a race is a great way to to tell yourself to sign up – most races benefit something or someone]. I did pick up my swag bag and I am loving the t-shirt.

[3] I did Zumba again today. There were only 3 of us in the class [including the instructor] but we still had a lot of fun. And I may be exaggerating but I think my two left feet were actually working for me instead of against me. But now that I type that I’ll probably fall up the stairs, just so they can show me who’s the boss in this relationship. Feet can kind of be bitches sometimes, yo. Especially when they’re twice the size of a normal person.

[4] I have another 5k next weekend and while I was looking up some information on it [Lillie is scheduled to walk in a fashion show that same day, what what?!] I noticed that there’s a prize for most outlandish wig. I think it may be time to pull the mullet out, my friends. What do you think?

My gawd, Lillie has some classy ass parents. Lucky kid, right?

This Weekend, I … [9.24.12]

It’s a new Monday link-up, yay! I won’t go into how it works, since it’s about to be pretty self-explanatory but I’m pumped about it!

This weekend, I put Lillie in this adorable little outfit to go visit with my aunt & family as they were on campus for Fall Premiere. Unfortunately, that’s not what we ended up wearing because we are currently traveling down the devil path of potty training. But we did get to visit Joy & Lady, [who probably wouldn’t care if we were walking around in pee-pee pants as it was too hot for them to even move]. It was a good way to spend the afternoon.

This weekend, I visited the new man in my life again. [Sorry Alfred] And if it’s possible to get cuter, well he’s doing it in tenfold. Also, I always ask before posting pictures of him – even though I know Emilie doesn’t mind – I remember being so annoyed that people were plastering my baby all over the internet before I really got a chance. So, heads up to those of you out there – make sure & ask. This weekend, I got to crafting. Our 10 year high school reunion festivities are planned for this upcoming weekend and when my friend Sunny asked if I could make a buffalo head for our float I did what any self-proclaimed crafster did – I made that shit my bitch. I wasn’t planning on doing a DIY post on it, but I did manage to take a few pictures of the process. I love me some paper mache. This weekend, I ran 3.5 miles on the dreadmill while watching Zombieland. I am so going to be ready for the Zombie Apocolypse as I am totally following Rule #1 to the max. If you haven’t seen the movie & don’t mind a little blood & gore, total recommendation.

This weekend, I hung out with some of my high school classmates to work on the float for the parade and it felt like not a day had passed. I can’t wait to see them tomorrow to finish working on the float. [Which for those of you who read this – we are meeting at 6pm at the Volunteer Fire Department].

What did you do for your weekend?

Lollipop Kid

Today you guys are in for a real treat.

Why?

Because you are officially reading something written by the 4th Lollipop kid.

I mean, technically, I’m probably a foot & half taller than them, but my hair naturally getting the jerry curl down after my run today – totally gets me in the club, right? Right?!

In other news, my Emilie is a mom! Tanner was born bright-eyed & bushy-tailed [I doubt with a tail, but I’m going to visit in about 10 minutes so I will double check] last night. He is a linebacker. Like seriously. 9 lbs 14 oz. For those of you who are not nestled into KidVille [when I told Alfred this number he was like “I don’t know what that means Tamara. I don’t speak baby.” ] this is not a small kid. I think the average is like 6 lbs? I’m not really sure, I just know once you start spouting off 8, 9, & 10 lb kids to other mothers you can just see the look of horror in their eyes. If you’re interested to see just how adorable he is, I’m sure I’ll be posting pictures here fairly shortly. 

And for the record, I’m pretty sure Emilie purposefully had a child larger than mine at birth [Lillie was 8 lbs 12 oz] just to one-up me and my birth story. Don’t deny it Emilie. You know it’s true.

 

Have you ever been the victim of a “one-upper”?

Thursday Thoughts 9.20.12

[1] Today is the day that we [hopefully!] meet Tanner. Emilie is currently holed up in the hospital cursing at the baby gods [or blessing the invention of the epidural, either way]. Send good thoughts her way that everything continues to go well or gets better or basically, just goes quickly. Being stuck at the hospital with a ton of people around waiting for you to deliver a baby while doctors are all up in your vag makes for a really long day.

[2] I took a Zumba class over my lunch break today. It’s official - I have no rhythm.

[3] I ate a tofu rice bowl today for lunch. Tofu. Who.am.I?

[4] I’m still recruiting for our Superhero 5k shenanigans so if you’re interested shoot me a message ASAP. I’ve sent out a couple emails already to those who have expressed interest. It’s October 20th in Waco, Texas and you do not have to run it if you don’t want too. You also don’t have to dress up, but dudes, where’s the fun in that?

Guest Post : My Emilie

I have a nice surprise for you guys - my best friend, Emilie, is guest posting today! [And yes, we do have mullet wigs on standby. You never know when you may need one.]It’s her first post so give her some love – she’s going to need it for the next few weeks as she’ll become a full-fledged mommy in just a couple of days!

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So…this is the first blog I have ever written. Not real sure why I am doing it other than the fact that Tam told me too.

[Tam edit: She had already pinterested, facebooked & tweeted her limit for the day. I just thought a blog post was a natural progression – I mean, that’s how I roll.]

I am her Emilie, and I am truly an awesome person, especially when you get to know me. I will go to bat for you even if I don’t agree with what is going on if I love you or even like you enough, no questions asked. I even wake up early on my Saturdays (before pregnancy, well before 3^rd trimester of pregnancy) to either go support or walk in 5K’s with a certain running fanatic, even though I am pretty positive I can never be a running addict like her.

[Tam edit: I entice her with images of shopping fiascos with no judgey husband’s and Mexican food. She loves it.]

I am married to Tamara’s husband’s best friend Justin. We consider ourselves pretty lucky that we like each other as much as we do. Trust me, our husbands wouldn’t care If we liked each other or not, they would still have their bromance thing going on that is more than ridiculous.

[Tam edit: I don’t have enough fingers or toes to count how many times Justin & Alfred have told us they are moving in together and Emilie & I can just fend for ourselves.]

Justin and I have been married for 2-1/2 years and I am currently 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant and officially over it.  I never thought I would be because this is what we wanted for so long. [The trying to conceive blog, totally about me]. And I never really understood the pregnant women at the end of their pregnancies. They whined about everything! I can say with 100% certainty that I  completely know why they whined about everything! Up until I was 32 weeks, I felt great! I was lucky enough not to have morning sickness, except when I drank my beloved coffee, so I just gave it up. Other than that, I was great, loved every minute of it! Then I tore my meniscus, was on crutches for 2 weeks, a knee immobilizer for 3 and a brace for another 2 or so. And now I am PAST DUE and Tanner hasn’t made any indication that he is planning on coming out. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel, Thursday I am being induced and we will have our Tanner Dane in our arms for the first time. I am tearing up  just typing this so I know I will be a blubbering, hormonal mess the day of. After 18 months of trying and 10 months of housing him, I will finally get to see him!!!

I know you can’t wait to see pictures, trust me, Tamara will post plenty!

[Tam edit: It’s true. I’m going to advise that if you have any inkling of baby fever stewing in those loins of yours that you avoid my blog in the upcoming weeks. I can’t even promise that I will come out of this unscathed. In fact, I’m going to go ahead and publicly apologize to my husband for any crazy antics my nether regions may come up with if I happen to get a case of the baby fever. I am sorry husband. Forgive me, I know not what I do. Also, blame Emilie.]

Grocery Sack Boots

I am wearing my new boots today. You know, the ones that I justified a million ways to offset the cost? I’ve actually had them for a while, I’ve just been to scared to wear them. One – because this is not something in my normal jeans & t-shirt closet and Two – it just doesn’t feel right since these are fall boots & I live in Texas. You know, where we have two seasons – hot & hotter. It felt like a perfect opportunity today thought this cool front that’s blown through. And when I say cool front, I mean it’s slowly been dipping into the 70s.

I’m pretty sure I saw a girl with a parka on earlier.
Yeah, us Texans are wimps when it comes to the cold.

But, I adore them. And while I’m not exactly digging my outfit today [I really suck at being fashionable], I am happy with all the compliments I’ve received. Just another reason to justify my rightness in spending entirely too much money on a pair of boots. Can’t be mad at that.

Now that I’m looking at this picture, they kind of look like rain boots. I assure you they are not.
I am 5’10 so these boots are tall to be right up to my knee. In fact, in some of the reviews online shorter people said they didn’t like how they went over their knees.

Sucks to be you, shorty. [Please ignore this comment if you are one of my many short friends, as I mean this with much love and compassion and jealousy because finding appropriate length jeans is not a problem for you.]

The only issue – they are a bitch to get on. Why? Because they have no zippers, no real stretch [that should come in time, they are leather] – they’re just slip-on boots.  The first time I attempted to put them on, I am not exaggerating when I say it took me 10 minutes of hard-core sweating, yanking, cursing & pulling. But like most shoes – totes worth it.

Lucky for me, I have an amazing work friend who after listening to me complain about the awesomeness of the new boots being compromised by the level of intensity it took to actually wear them – gave me a great idea.

Put your foot in a plastic bag and your foot will slide right in – no hassle at all. And once your foot is in, just pull the bag and it will tear away.

Genius, right?

Except it’s not. Because the fact is boots that come up to your knees when you’re 5’10 are much longer than the edges of a common grocery sack.

And what does that mean?

It means in addition to my amazingly awesome boots I am also wearing two Wal-Mart sacks inside my boots today.

I am that girl.

And I ain’t gots no shame.

Have you ever done anything for the sake of fashion that may or may not have been a little questionable?

Wordless Wednesday

      

For the Run of It [First 10k!]

Well, it’s over with my friends. I’ve officially followed a training plan [for the most part] & successfully completed my first 10k [6.2 miles].
My official time was 1 hour 24 minutes and 4 seconds. If you’ll remember I anticipated a time between 1:15 and 1:30 which I based off of a couple of things –

1. A pace calculator I found online that told me what my anticipated finish time would be based on my previous 5k finish time. [Original, right?]
2. The hope that I can maintain a pace of 13:45 min/mile [or less!] because my half-marathon in Houston requires that the first 9 miles be completed with that pace, otherwise you get swept away my friends.

I’m happy to report that my average pace was 13:34 min/mile. I ran the entire way with the exception of mile 4 water station where I walked through for I’m guessing about 20 seconds. I also slowed down [didn’t stop though!] at about mile one to give my daughter a kiss as Alfred held her up for me when I passed. It should have been a really sweet moment except my daughter has allergies, so all I really got was a nice mouth full of boogers.

Which despite what you may think is not the breakfast of champions. [otherwise I would have run a lot faster]

<begin rant>
There was a guy at the beginning of the race who saw the first hill [but to me guys, it looked like a freaking mountain!] and was like “Oh, that’s a hill? That’s nothing.” Shut your damn mouth. I get it. You are fit. You were tiny shorts. You have the latest technology strapped to your arm to calibrate your douchey-ness and that’s wonderful for you. But please do not belittle something that means so much to others [especially in ear shot of you!] This may have just been a ‘training’ run for you, but for some people this is a new beginning. It’s hard enough to run in the first place and keep with it – we don’t need guys like you making us feel like our 13:34 minute miles aren’t good enough. Because they are.
</end rant>

The last two miles were starting to make me want to punch baby kittens so I [out loud apparently] said ‘Come on!’ to the imaginary finish line in my head and right about that time I heard a man coming up behindi me say “You got this! Keep going!”  Turns out it was a really great thing I did the whole talking out loud thing [I swear I'm not crazy...much] because we ended up running the next 1.5 miles together. Roger looks 38 but is 50ish, in the Army [I thanked him multiple times for his service. Which leads me to say that whether you agree with war or not, those guys go out there and put their lives on the line – the least you can do is say thank you! They really do appreciate it.] and just recently had knee surgery. His daughter was a few people in front of us. He really helped pass the time and reminded me that people are awesome [except you Hill Guy] even when they’re running themselves 6.2 miles in the ground.

Roughly the last .5 mile I decided to really push myself and as I was nearing the finish line I heard a girl on the sidelines say “Hey, she looks like she’s going faster? Is she going faster?” And as I ran past her I heard her say “Wow, she is going faster!” It’s okay if you want to stand up and do the slow clap now. Because really guys, it was that awesome, that I totally wouldn’t blame you if you did.

This was also the first race Alfred has ever been too. I’ve always had friends who’ve gone with me for my 5k’s, so I’ve actually never asked him. He said he enjoyed himself [we were at a park so he & Lillie had a good time with his friend Kevin and his daughter Katelyn who came with us too] and I think I really surprised him with my time. He had initially thought I would be done in about 2 hours, so it was awesome seeing his face when I told him no I thought it’d be earlier than that.
Overall, it was a really great experience. The weather was in the low 70s, there was a slight breeze & I didn’t crap my pants. Can’t be mad at that now can I?

Recruiting Superhero’s

Hi friends.

If you’ve been reading lately then you know I’ve done jumped off the deep-end of stupidity and face-planted into a big ol’ pile of “OMG I’M A RUNNER” juice. And while I love running for my own personal selfishness [like the size of my ass decreasing – that’s always nice] the fact is – a lot of races are raising money for something, for someone, for a cause. So, when you commit to a race you are not only committing to becoming a healthier person, you’re also committing to helping out. Runners are cool people. It’s just a fact.

Which is what this post is about – helping & being cool – and what’s cooler than dressing up as superhero and running a 5k?

Not a motherbeepingdernthing. Which is exactly why you should join me on October 20, 2012 at 7am in Waco, Texas to do exactly that. Dress up as a superhero and run [I’m actually going to walk it with my daughter] a 5k.

The race is benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates [CASA] of McLennan and Hill Counties [in Texas for my out-of-state friends].  CASA provides trained volunteers for children in state care and investigations of abused children. You can find a little more information about them by clicking here.

For an individual to register for the 5k it’s $20. BUT, if we can get 10+ people together, it drops to $15. I think we can do it. If you’re interested, please email me at Tamara0827[at]gmail[dot]com or click on the mail icon on the top right of this blog. Or leave a comment.

Here’s the registration link with a little more information about the times, etc - http://www.active.com/running/waco-tx/casa-superhero-5k-1k-2012.

Team registration ends October 1st, so we need to get the ball rolling.

I’m not sure what I’m dressing up as – Sar suggested Lord Voldemort [with a nude swimmer’s cap!] and Harry Potter. I’ve thought about Power Rangers…but really, I’m open to nearly anything. If you can’t make it, share your ideas. Let’s get this thing going! And no, you don’t have to dress up. I’m just going to because I’m actually an 8 year trapped in a 27 year olds body. But mostly it’s probably just because I’m awesome.

Don’t over think it like you always do – just do it. It won’t kill you, I promise. And if it somehow threatens to, think of all the superhero’s who will be around to save you!

Also, you’ll get to see Lillie dressed up as Wonder Woman. It’s going to be fantastic.

Thursday Thoughts 9.6.12

I’m going to make this a little more run-oriented than normal because I’m fairly certain at this point if you could bottle up running and inject it into my veins, I’d just be a junkie - straight up.

10k Training 

Race day is Saturday. Like this Saturday. I have been running for 6 weeks on a training schedule – the first time I’ve attempted one and I can’t believe how fast it’s gone. I can’t believe how dedicated I’ve been. I have absolutely no doubt that I will succeed in my 10k and my future half based on my performance these past 6 weeks. I don’t think I’m any faster – in fact, I’m positive of it – but for me, personally, this whole time with my focus on just going the distance it has really given me an insight into a part of me I didn’t know existed. If you can’t tell, I’m really proud of myself and the person *ahem excuse me* into the runner I’m becoming.

I’m anticipating I will finish somewhere between 1 hr 15 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes. If I’m finished earlier – SAWHEEETTT! If I finish later – SAWHEEETTT! This will be my first 10k, so in whatever time I do it will be a PR [personal record], so I’m just going to go out there, enjoy it and run my heart out when I see my Lillie & my Alfred waiting for me at the finish line. I’m pretty sure I may cry. Apparently, it’s what I do.

Annoyances

Over the weekend I managed to do something stupid [somehow] and noticed a sharp pain above my ankle Monday morning. So, naturally I tweeted about it for some sympathy.

What? Don’t judge me, you know you’ve done the same thing.

When I came to work on Tuesday it was still a little sore, but after talking with Moj [the woman who introduced me to burpees] about it [she is an Anatomy instructor, after all!] We decided I should stretch it a little more and maybe it’s just that tendon being a butt-face [technical term, my friends] and I should attempt a run. So, I did. I ran 3 miles with no real problem and no more pain. It’s lessened over the days, but I’m still icing it a bit and keeping it elevated. The last thing I want is a serious injury to sideline me for my half in January because I thought I could do the hokey pokey in flip-flops while simultaneously drinking a weird fruity concoction of alcoholic proportions. I’m sure you understand.

Current Feelings

I’m getting really nervous. I can already feel my stomach tying up in knots at the thought of running 6.2 miles in less than 2 days. Because I’ve run a few 5ks, I hardly get nervous until a few minutes before race time – so this is throwing me in a tizzy. I’m pretty sure my armpits started sweating when I typed 6.2 miles a second ago.

Yep, just checked. Sweating.

I think part of it is that I had such a crappy time at my 5k in July that I’m somehow worried it will rollover into this 10k. Logically I know this is stupid. But emotionally all I can think about is falling down to my knees and screaming Nooooooo mid-race because my legs have physically given out on me and having to crawl over my own puke…or worse yet – pooping on myself. Which is why I haven’t eaten my Fiber One cereal all week. [Don’t laugh, that shit is good.]

Future Running Buddies

I am also really humbled at the number of people I know in real life [I seriously didn’t realize some of you even read this shit] who have emailed, called, texted, messaged me letting me know you’ve started running! I am no expert, I learn every day but it has been so exciting to be able to share something I’m passionate about with others and have a positive impact in their lives. And if you’re in the Waco, Texas area [or not, it’s whatever] and don’t want to do a race alone – tell me – I will be there in a heartbeat either as a competitor [you’re going down!] or as a cheerleader on the side line. Seriously. I will make you awesome signs. Just ask Abbey.

Upcoming Races

I have a couple of things in the books that deserve a post of their own [soon, I promise!], but let it be known I will be recruiting. So get your running shoes & water bottle and leave the excuses at the door. Because we got this. We got this hard.