Tuesday, November 30, 2010

First Full Mile

I reached another running milestone today.....RAN my first full mile. Before I was just running/walking my miles, but today I was finally able to run the full 9 laps without stopping.
I hit the rec center today for Aerobics class, but it was cancelled (yay) so I decided I'd work out on my own. My original goal was just 6 laps, but on my fifth lap I decided I just needed to keep going. Unfortunately on the last half of my 9th lap my iPod died :( I no longer had much motivation.....but was still pretty pumped that I made the full mile....so I just continued the second mile as run one/walk one laps. Next time I'll have to run 10 laps and just keep increasing them gradually.

Tomorrow is the opening day of the Bay Shore Marathon registration in Traverse City this summer....I'm hoping to be able to run the half marathon.....yikes 13.1 miles. But really it's just like a 5K plus 10 miles right? hehehe I'm not quite sure I'll be able to be ready in time, but I guess if I'm doing the Chicago Marathon next fall it'll be a good test. My friend Sandy (miss her!) told me to sign up early because the spots will go fast....guess I need to make a decision fast.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Memories Lost

Those eyes
That refused to look away
What’s unfamiliar becomes
Familiar feelings
Long lost
Little girl memories
A faded life from before
Years past
Family occasions
Budding leaves of tiny crushes
Sunday mornings
Watching over
Changes we’ve all made
Drama overheard
In the park
Swinging
Hearts free
A shy youth
Lobsters
Beach houses
Tents
During a big storm
A basement and a hammock
A chest that tightens at the memories
So uneasy
Tip toeing around life
Memories racing by
Head full of thoughts






I'm a really random poet. Things tend to stumble out too fast for me to add punctuation, read it as you like. 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Elf-ing Around

This morning I got up early....it was only 9....to go to the 25 cent kid's show, Elf, at the State Theater with Sam.... we skipped the Black Friday shopping craze. I hadn't seen Elf in a while and had fun laughing at Will Farrell eat cotton balls, cover everything in syrup, and help people believe in Santa again.




It was nice to be downtown Traverse City and see all the lights on the trees...it was even snowing today. It was also much, much colder than yesterday.....a chilly 27 degrees (which felt like 16 with the wind). The wind was strong and not much fun to be outside in. After the movie was over, Sam and I headed to the coffee shop, Crema, for breakfast and coffee. We had gotten coupons in our race packets for 20 % off any purchase there, and I love their menu. I ordered a Chai Tea with a shot of Espresso (one of my faves) and an Egghead (egg and melted cheese on an english muffin)...yum. Crema was busy and I happened to see a few people I knew, which was fun.

Later in the day my dad wanted to get out running to loosen up our muscles. I agreed, but like I said before today was windy and cold and the run wasn't as successful as either of us hoped. We drove over to my dad's shop, which is near the last mile of the race route from yesterday. We started out strong and quickly hit some blocks. Both of were wearing multiple layers of clothes to stay warm, but it was hard to breathe. I got a side cramp that just wouldn't go away, so we decided to cut down a different road and not do the whole course.....I don't know how long it ended up being. It was dark by the time we got back to the truck and I was ready to get back and get warm.

                                Both of us were happy to be back inside and warm again!
                                                (Wearing our Turkey Trot shirts even)

Turkey Trot 2010.....My First 5K!

Yesterday morning I ran/walked my first ever 5K with my Dad! I was excited to finally run a race and really see how good I could do. My dad, although a much better runner than I am, told me we'd stick together during the race and we did (we even had the exact same time). We finished at 43:28.....I was really hoping for 40 minutes or less, but for my lack of training I'm happy with it overall. Our pace was 14 minute miles.....everyone agreed I need to work on walking faster....I have a problem with slowing down too much after I run, because I swear I normally walk at a pretty brisk pace.
On the start of Thursday morning I woke up to eggs and toast, a treat I've been missing the last couple months from my dad. My friend Sam met my family at our house and we all drove over to the Holiday Inn.....the start of the race. My mom and my brother got up to take pictures and watch us cross the finish line :) There were people in Turkey hats and some dressed up as pilgrims....maybe next year we'll have to dress up. It was 9 in the morning and we were all bundled up.

                                Sam and I keeping warm and ready pre-race

Sam started out with us and soon broke away at her own pace...she finished at 29:32 (Congrats Samantha!). Hopefully next time I'll get under 10 minute miles.

                         Another pre-race picture of the three trotters......we all look really cold

It's northern Michigan and the weather is unpredictable, but it ended up being in the high 30's and just a little drizzly. When we got to the last mile I was dying of heat and had to peel off my gloves and ear warmer..... pretty sure my dad did the same thing.
During the whole thing I tried to run as much as I could and wanted to push myself. At the last mile I begged my dad to do run a minute/walk a minute with me....but he wasn't very good at timing it....I should have grabbed a watch for myself. The end of the race was such a tease too because I could see the finish line but then we had to run across the street, down a path, under the bridge and around to the end. When we got around I just started sprinting and almost left my dad in the dust, he was not ready for my completely random burst of energy. I just wanted to get the race over with at that point.

                                                 We're almost done!!!

We didn't even get a post race picture.....I'm a little bummed. The water and trail mix after were a nice energy boost....we walked around for a bit and then headed home.

After a nice shower, my family headed out to my grandmother's house for the big meal....complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, grape salad, green bean casserole.....all the good stuff. I was thankful for being able to see everyone and spending the day catching up and of course watching football.....go Patriots! Hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones as well, and didn't wake up too early to go shopping.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Tomorrow/Today

This morning I walked the Turkey Trot path with my mom. It was freezing!! Hopefully it will be warmer tomorrow when I'm actually running.
My dad and I picked up our race packets/shirt/bib tonight at the Holiday Inn...I'm getting excited(yet kind of nervous) for the Trot. I feel like this will be a good test of whether or not I have the ability/mental strength to run further distances. I'm number 445 so look out for me if you're gonna be at the race or in the race! I'll be with my dad and probably my mom, maybe my friend Sam if we can keep up with her.
Apparently my dad told my grandma we'd be bringing pumpkin pie tomorrow...my mom and I had to go to Meijer, the day before Thanksgiving at 5 in order to get pie crust and pumpkin filling.....yeah you can imagine the scavenger hunt we went on to find whatever was left on the shelves and we almost gave up on the pumpkin filling until my mom spotted a few cans left on some random shelf.

Overall it's just nice to be home....sleep in my own bed, take a nice bath, eat normal food, see my family, get coffee from my favorite downtown coffee shops.
I'll let you know how tomorrow morning goes....I'm sure it will be fun.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Rain Rain Go Away

So...it's raining and personally I'd much rather have walked to class today in the snow. Of course if I had been smarter and made a few better decisions today probably could have had a more positive outcome, but alas I did not.

Mistake number one: My rain boots are a little tight around my calves and I don't like wearing them for long periods of time, so I decided it'd be fine if I just wear regular shoes.
Mistake number two: Umbrella? It didn't look like it was raining that hard outside my window and I'm not one to freak out if my hair gets wet. A little rain won't hurt anyone.


I have a perfectly good umbrella too!

A lot of rain on the other hand is kind of a problem. Especially when you don't have rain boots or an umbrella and have to walk across campus with a water resistant coat. I found out today what the difference between water resistant and water proof are.....water proof keeps you dry, water resistant does not. I ended up getting to class quite literally dripping wet. The rain had soaked my jeans, my coat, my shirt, my tank top, my socks, my shoes, and even my backpack. I opened up my backpack when I got to class and found water at the bottom of it and everything was wet....my binder, my drawing of Bob Dylan in my binder(super pissed about this), my magazine, my planner, my paper for class, my notebooks, and my textbooks(which I probably won't try to sell now).  If I had been smart and brought an umbrella this all could have been avoided :( Sometimes I question my decision making skills.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Countdown and Sweat

I'm officially in the holiday spirit! The countdown to my favorite part of the year.....the 25 days of Christmas has started....meaning lots of upcoming holiday movies and music. I love how they added a countdown because 25 days just isn't enough :) I feel like it was only a week ago I was bitching about not wanting the holidays to happen but not anymore! Bring it on.....even snow....? Okay maybe I'm not ready to walk to class in it yet, but I am kind of looking forward to a beautifully white holiday season ....although it's still in the high 50's and it's almost December (can you say global warming).

Check out the schedule for the countdown on ABC Family:
 http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas



I look forward to these movies all year round.....The classic Rudolf, Frosty, A Year Without a Santa Clause, How a Grinch Stole Christmas, a Miracle on 34th Street, and of course many more! The holidays are always such a joy, and getting to spend time with family and friends that aren't with you during the year. Earlier I had on ABC Family while listening to Christmas music, making my Christmas list AND thinking of ways to decorate my room. For sure going to bring back some lights and maybe making some paper snowflakes..... I love crafts. I also can't wait to bring back my own holiday movie stash......although I realized how annoying it is that my Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause and a bunch of random holiday movies are all on VHS :( I think my favorite holiday movie is White Christmas......between the singing, the dancing, and Danny Kaye's wonderful comedy moments....it's a movie everyone can enjoy.

Today was also nice because I was able to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving dinner with Corie complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, rotisserie chicken, green beans, and many yummy desserts.

I also finally made it to the gym again to work out. It was Sunday, so that meant Zumba time! Corie and I hit up our usual weekly class. It felt great and I was sweating like a  mad woman. I love the feeling when my legs want to give up and I just keep dancing.....it's good practice for running I guess. Building up my endurance and my leg strength with all those squats and booty shaking. I need to start remembering my water bottle though, because I'm sure keeping hydrated would help keep my energy up. In class tonight I noticed how much of a dancer I am....I was stuck directly behind this girl most of the class and couldn't see myself in the mirror, it was driving me insane! As a trained dancer I'm used to having the mirror to analyze form and people knowing how to properly stagger their lines in order for everyone to have mirror space. Maybe I'm just a freak about it haha

Hope everyone is enjoying the AMA's! and tomorrow I WILL run.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Movies, My Lack of Exercise and Soul Mates

Tonight was a movie night!
Today was boring and I decided watching a movie would be a nice retreat from this lack-luster day. I ventured to the Red Box.....if you don't know what this is, it's one of those big red boxes that are in Meijer, Walmarts and various other places where you can rent movies for a dollar a night. There is a Red Box in the Branco Mall and it's quite convenient. I went there tonight hoping to get Sex and the City 2 seeing as I haven't been able to see it yet, but Red Box won't carry it until next week :( Anyway I decided to rent Letters to Juliet (another movie I was never able to see this summer in theaters).....this movie was so good. Letters to Juliet staring Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Mamma Mia) is about an american writer named Sophie who while on vacation to Verona discovers a 50 year old letter from a woman to which Sophie answers and tries to help the woman find her long lost love. The movie is really cute and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a legitimately good chick flick. 

The movie was all about lost love and true love and it made me think about the concept of soul mates. I believe in love but I've never known what to think about soul mates. The concept of two people destined to be together, are we all just put on this earth to find our other half? And if soul mates exist does love at first sight exist? I think the best way to sum up all the questions I have about soul mates is the conversation between Prince Henry and Leonardo da Vinci in the movie EverAfter......
                Henry: Do you really think there is only one perfect mate? 
                Leonardo da Vinci: As a matter of fact, I do. 
                Henry: Well then how can you be certain to find them? And if you do find them, are they really the one for you or do you only think they are? And what happens if the person you're supposed to be with never appears, or, or she does, but you're too distracted to notice? 
                Leonardo da Vinci: You learn to pay attention. 
                Henry: Then let's say God puts two people on Earth and they are lucky enough to find one another. But one of them gets hit by lightning. Well then what? Is that it? Or, perchance, you meet someone new and marry all over again. Is that the lady you're supposed to be with or was it the first? And if so, when the two of them were walking side by side were they both the one for you and you just happened to meet the first one first or, was the second one supposed to be first? And is everything just chance or are some things meant to be? 
Honestly EverAfter might be one of my all time favorite love stories.

Really I think love just happens by chance, but that it's one of the most important parts of life. Doesn't true happiness come with love? So I ask you.....do you believe in love and soul mates?


Moving on from the deep and sentimental....... I haven't exercised in a while.... which is bad because the Turkey Trot is coming up next week. Besides working out in aerobics class on Thursday, I haven't even cross trained at all this week....yikes. I am hoping I can manage to get up early enough tomorrow to make it to the Rec Center before noon. I hate how early it closes on game days. I just can't wait to be going home on Tuesday and that's basically all I can focus my mind on at the moment. I'm so excited to be able to spend time with my family, see all my friends, sleep in my own bed. take a bath, and eat all the yummy Thanksgiving food at my Grandma's house! 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

10 things....part 2

10 Things You May or May Not Know About Me.



Trip to New York City this summer eating ice cream in my Hair shirt :)



  1. My left pointer and middle fingers are both curved toward each other and my knuckles only touch when I overlap them. I was throwing a football back and forth with a friend in elementary school when I jammed both of those fingers. Now my pointer finger's knuckle cracks every time I bend it.......yeah can't wait for that arthritis to set in.
  2. I once was hit in the head by a football in junior high gym class. It hit me right above the eye, in the corner of my glasses and cracked them. Not only embarrassing, but I'm pretty sure that's why I hated gym so much. Junior high was not nice to me, and this is just one piece of evidence that I'm not good with balls.
  3. I started dancing when I was 4 years old and my first on stage concert was for Alice in Wonderland, I was a flower. I danced with the Traverse City Youth Ballet Company and later the Dance Center Youth Ensemble; performed in productions of the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. I'm no longer taking dance classes......and I'm really sad about it :(
  4. I broke my foot once...was on crutches. I had surgery on my toe once...was on crutches. I dislocated my knee cap once...was on crutches. During one of those times my friend Lizzie and I went to get ice cream from the Dairy Lodge about a block from my house; I crutched all the way there and all the way back while Lizzie held the ice cream in front of me for motivation. I came back and had spots under my arm where the crutches had rubbed, it hurt but I'm motivated and a pro (who seems to be crippled a lot of the time).
  5. In junior high I wrote the lyrics to Michael Jackson's Thriller on the back of my planner.....no lies. I found the planner last year in a pile and was excited that I had proof I was an MJ fan before he died and everyone recognized his artistic talents again. His personal life aside, he was just incredible artist. 
  6. I was Cyndi Lauper one year in elementary school for Halloween. My mom suggested it and I had no idea who she was at the time. It was then I discovered my love for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, denim jackets/tutu skirt combos and everything 80's
  7. I met one of my best friends, Sam, in sewing class in 8th grade. We made gloves, pajama pants and a friendship that's lasted (sorry for the cheesiness). I still use those mittens, they're so warm.
  8. When we were younger my cousin Hannah and I always wore matching outfits. Our mom's would buy us the same outfits for Christmas and stuff so when we got together we'd always make sure to wear them. We basically spent the first half of our lives as twins.
  9. I had a wall full of Teen Beat posters of 'N sync, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, O Town, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and S Club 7 when I was younger. What can I say it was the 90's. My cousin had an 'N sync snap bracelet and I was super jealous.
  10. I got to dance on stage on Broadway in New York City. When my friend Gabby and I went to NYC this summer we got tickets to see the musicals Hair and Next to Normal (and the ballet Don Quixote!!) When we went to pick up our Hair tickets the lady made some comment like even though we were in the back we still had a chance to get on stage......Gabby and I didn't get it and just laughed like oh yeah wish we could be on Broadway one day. Basically Hair is one of the best musicals and it's really interactive...the actors come and sing by you and pass out flyers. The theater wasn't very packed the night we went and at one point I had this girl up in my face belting out the song and shaking her fro at me......it was slightly awkward....but I just sang along. As the show ended, they put stairs leading to the stage and invited people to come up. Gabby and I followed this obviously experienced girl's lead and darted down the back way to the stage. As the cast started singing the encore of "Hair" and "Let the Sun Shine In" we danced around and sang along under the magical lights of Broadway and next to all the cast members. Basically it was one of the best moments of my life and I will never forget that feeling of pure happiness it gave me.

My cousin Hannah and I during our twin stage


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Massages, Harry Potter, and Balls

So last week I noticed online that my campus activity was due this Friday (I thought it was due by the end of the semester...but no). I had a mini freak out when I noticed all of the health workshops were already done with and couldn't find anything else to do when I realized having a massage was an option :) I've never had a massage and figured hey if it's for class why not? With all the running I've been doing lately my muscles have been getting tight.....might as well treat myself. So I had an appointment for this morning at 10:45.....it was amazing! Warm, relaxing, she worked out all my knots, and even used hot stones(loved). I walked out of the student health center smelling like peppermint......it was a great start to my day!

After I got back from my massage I started to Youtube some Harry Potter fun. I started out with A Very Potter Musical......add in some Harry and the Potters music.....then I went for more StarKid Productions with Me and my Dick. Pretty much I geek-ed out and laughed all morning long. For those of you not familiar with StarKid or AVPM it's quality stuff......http://www.youtube.com/user/StarKidPotter......check out A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, and Me and my Dick. Also if you know watch Glee and know about the recently added cast member Darren Criss, he plays Harry Potter ;) Like I said I'm a geek and love Harry Potter (I know much more dedicated fans though). On a different note, I'd never seen Me and my Dick before and was cracking up the whole time. If you're in high school or college this is definitely a musical I would recommend.



For those of you not on this planet, the next Harry Potter movie comes out on Friday!!!! YAY.....I'm really sad I'm not seeing it at midnight though. For the past few movies I've gone to the midnight showings.....sat in a room stuffed with people dressed in Hogwarts robes and holding wands, yelling spells.....basically it's just a lot of fun. This year since I'm away at college and all my friends are spread out across the state/country I'm not going :( I have to wait all the way till next week when I go home to see it! That's such a long time that I'm going to be left out of HP fun.


Balls: As Nichole and I were walking back to our dorm, she goes "Lets play pool." Apparently we're not trusted with pool sticks and balls because I had to fork over my student ID just to play with them....although Nichole and I got kind of out of hand when we started to use the sticks as swords and run around the room chalking each other heheheh. We laughed, we danced, we sang along to Bon Jovi while using out pool sticks as microphones......yes we were in a public room in our dorm.....and no we didn't care. Next time we should just have a dance party.

Glee or One Tree Hill tonight? I hate how they're both on at 8.

Monday, November 15, 2010

3 Miles

So in the past couple of weeks I've been consistently running/walking 2 miles around the indoor track. Last week I did 2.3 miles and tonight I did a full 3 miles! I originally set out for another 2.3 miles but when I got around the third cool down lap I felt so good I just decided to keep going. Like I said before the indoor track at the Student Rec Center is 9 laps per mile. I made it in just under 45 minutes including a water break and short stretch between each mile.

First Mile Breakdown:

  • lap 1 - walk
  • lap 2-5 - run
  • lap 6-7 - walk
  • lap 8-9 - run.....water break
Second Mile Breakdown:
  • lap 1 - walk
  • lap 2-3 - run
  • lap 4 - walk
  • lap 5 - run
  • lap 6 - walk
  • lap 7 - run
  • lap 8 - walk
  • lap 9 - run (I didn't actually stop before I ran the first lap of the next mile)....break came after
Third Mile Breakdown:
  • lap 1 - run
  • lap 2-4 - walk
  • lap 5 - run
  • lap 6 - walk
  • lap 7-8 - run
  • lap 9 - walk (I DID IT!!!!)

I'm a little sore already but I really tried to stretch well even after I got back to my room. Now it's time for Monday night TV :) Gossip Girl, World of Jenks, and the BURIED LIFE! I can't wait till my massage tomorrow morning and to finally get to bed at a decent time tonight.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

10 things....part 1

10 songs that remind me of other things......
      aka I listen to this song and it reminds me of my friend or a certain time in my life


  1. Take it Off by Ke$ha ------my friend Chelsea. One day at work last spring Chelsea found this song on Playlist.com and was obsessed. We went through a solid week or so singing the lyrics to each other and dancing in our office chairs. Now that the song is played on the radio all the time, every time I hear it I think of her. It's nice because she's hundreds of miles away in North Carolina and I never see her anymore :(
  2. I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry --------Michael Phelps...summer of '08, Olympics. Everyone laughs when I tell them this but it's true, whenever I hear the words "taste of her cherry chap stick" I see Michael Phelps in his cute little butt crack pants. It reminds me of being in the hospital and watching the 2008 summer Olympics from my uncomfortable hospital bed.
  3. Any 'N sync song -------my cousin Hannah and my childhood. Growing up in the 90's meant the peak of boy band fever and 'N sync was my favorite. There was Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Boyz II Men, Westlife, O-Town. My cousin Hannah and I were OBSESSED with 'N sync, new all the lyrics, had all the CD's, magazine posters, playing cards. You name it we had it. T-shirts! Soundtrack of my childhood.
  4. Oh, It is Love by Hellogoodbye ------Disney World. I listened to this song on the plane to Florida during the summer of '07 when my dance company performed at one of the Disney Parks. Whenever I hear it I automatically think hot end of summer Florida, Disney Magic, and an amazing trip with my mom and all my dance girls :)
  5. Something Pretty by Patrick Park ------The O.C. This song played on the show when Seth got on the coffee cart to declare his love for Summer. Love Patrick Park. Love the OC, Love this song.
  6. Hair from the musical Hair -----my dad. My dad used to always sing the "long beautiful hair, shining, gleaming" part of the song to me when I was a little girl. I asked him after I first saw the movie version of Hair whether he knew the song was from the musical and he said he didn't. I was able to see the musical Hair on Broadway and it's now one of my all time favorite musicals. The lyrics, the message and the fun, but this song will always remind me of my dad.
  7. Everytime We Touch by Cascada ------my friend Sam. Everytime this song comes on my friend Sam and I bust out our hand motions. We usually crank this song up in the car so we can't move our whole bodies. Both of us know all the words and definitely belt it out (usually why we crank it up so high). Who wouldn't want to dance to this song?
  8. Stronger by Kanye West ------Senior Year of High School. This was my graduating class' song, it was played at all the pep rallies throughout the year and was BIG! We even had the words harder, faster, stronger on the back of our homecoming shirts that year. Woot Woot Class of 2008 representing TC West.
  9. Candy Shop by 50 cent ------Nichole Marsh! Whenever I hear this song it takes me back to the year I had this long break between dance classes every week. During the break three or four of us girls would work on homework.....or just goof off the whole time. We'd always compare songs on our iPods and listen to each other's music. Most of the time we'd take over the kitchen and just dance around the whole time. Nichole and I would always listen to Candy Shop and she'd get on my back and "fly" around LOL.
  10. All for One from High School Musical 2 -----my friend Lizzie. Lizzie and I are neighbors and she drove me to school almost everyday my senior year of High School :) Most days we'd have to crank up the music in order to wake up before class. We'd listen to classic rock, pop and the occasional Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus CD. The best CD was  High School Musical 2 (my favorite HSM movie). We'd sing along and pretend to play the drums every time this certain part came up in the All for One song.

SO FULL!!!!!

I'm so stuffed right now.....it's not even the holidays yet and I'm already putting too much in my mouth at once. I just got back from breakfast this morning when my phone started to ring. My brother came to Kalamazoo this weekend to spend some time with his friends and he had called last night to ask if I wanted to get lunch today. Unfortunately when I woke up this morning all I could think was food...stomach....now and not that it was already 11 and that I should probably wait for Taylor to call. So of course he calls me right after I get back to my room......I had to beg for an extra half an hour so my stomach could digest some of my breakfast first. He agreed but when they got here I was still not all that hungry. The guys decided to hit up Pita Pit and I was fine with whatever. I have been inside Pita Pit once and never ordered anything because I wasn't all that hungry, but I thought I'd try it out. I have been craving some falafel so when I saw it on the menu I was all for it. Add on some lettuce, onions, green peppers, feta cheese, and some tzatziki sauce. The pita was amazing, but I should not have eaten all that I did because now I'm FULL! Very glad I was able to see Taylor and can't wait to go home in only a week and a half.....I miss my family!



It's like Subway.....only better :)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Game Day!

Today was a game day at Western Michigan University (against Eastern Michigan)........meaning lots of Paint It Black game day shirts, key jingling, tailgating, and Bronco Fun! Any day that football is involved there's bound to be some great moments. It's always nice going to a school where sports are free with a student ID :) The game began at 2 pm and it was student appreciation day.....so Corie and I left early. They were passing out free WMU beanies, raffle tickets, and a pop, chips, and hotdog package at the concession stand.

Corie and I in the stands before the game started


photo credit to Corie Ringe


Waiting for the players to run on to the field (look at the kids face near the bottom left lol)



















photo credit to Corie Ringe


Within the first 2 minutes of the game we had scored a touchdown and were off to a strong start.....I even made a comment that the game was going to be boring because we were obviously going to win. By the end of the first quarter I was forced to eat my words as EMU had begun to fight back. The game ended up being a lot closer than I thought (luckily we still won!) Game ended at 45-30.

GO BRONCOS!!!!! YAY FIELD GOAL!.



















Half time- honoring the troops for Veterans day this past week :)



















again photo credits to Corie Ringe


The Weather: When I first checked the weather today it was supposed to be 60 degrees with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon. I was praying it wouldn't rain and if there had to be precipitation it would only sprinkle. When Corie and I first got to Waldo Stadium it was sunny and I was burning up in my north face jacket. As the game went on the clouds came, it began to sprinkle on and off, and there was an obvious drop in temperature. It started to actually rain right at the end of the third quarter and we decided it was time to book it back to our dorm (literally I had to run to keep up with Corie, she's was on the move).

Funny Kid: There was this hilarious kid in the student section who was all over the place today. Corie and I could not stop laughing as he began to scream and punch his fist. flailing around at what was kind of a bad play. The game had continued though and the kid was still going at it.....some times you just have to lets stuff go. I felt bad for his obviously embarrassed girlfriend who was trying to calm him down as everyone was beginning to notice his crazy outburst. On top of that, at halftime, the guy starts busting out his moves to the song "Jai Ho" while the marching band was playing. You have to watch out for those entertaining people on game day whether it be alcohol induced or not.....at least he gave us all a good laugh.


Now I just got back from dinner with Corie and Nichole....we went to Panera Bread.....yum yum! They still have the white cheddar Mac n Cheese (my favorite fall meal), but when I ordered the Pumpkin Spice Latte the girl said they were all out....sad because I personally think their Pumpkin Spice Latte's are better than Starbucks....for real. I'm spending the rest of my night watching the Harry Potter movies on ABC Family and trying to start my homework......I mean I WILL start my homework ;)

Healthy Goals

Yesterday I was having coffee with my friend Taylor and a few of her friends......I had a blast and it was great meeting everyone. Getting the scoop on the dance/art world at Western outside my Hoekje Hall bubble is always a joy. Hearing about dance definitely made me miss it a lot though and I realized how truly unhappy not dancing makes me at times. Add in the fact that I've been feeling so unhealthy and sluggish lately, I just feel so uncomfortable in my body. It's definitely reached the point that setting up a workout goal isn't enough, I need a bigger lifestyle change.

My Heath Goals:
  1. Add in my greens- I haven't had veggies in probably a week because nothing at the cafe has looked good enough to eat
  2. Drink more WATER!
  3. Quit the bubbly- I used to never drink pop and I don't know why I started again
  4. Stop late night snacking.....the worst in college 
  5. At least one whole fruit a day if not more- banana, orange, apple (I love fruit so this won't be hard)
  6. Be more conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth
  7. Get in at least 3 aerobic exercises weekly

Friday, November 12, 2010

Workout Friday

Not having class on Friday is always nice.....I get to sleep in, relax, have time to start homework, and most of all it's great for working out. When I began college it was my goal to never have Friday classes (unfortunately the methods class that's required for my Psychology Major won't let me achieve that goal).

Work Out: I got all ready to go to the Rec Center today and was planning to do another track run/walk like Wednesday. The track was almost empty and I was pumped to get going (with my iPod in hand this time). After stretching I walked a quick lap as a warm up. On lap 2 I started to run.....ran lap 3.....ran lap 4. My legs were starting to cramp up and I was getting a little worried. I even forgot to bring water which could have probably helped me out. As I began to walk lap 5 the pain in my legs became unbearable and I needed to stretch....pronto! I made my way to one of the mats and tried a reach stretch.....it hurt so bad I almost started to cry and knew that my body was telling me not to run anymore today. As I worked out the cramped muscles I decided biking would be a better workout. I hit the bike for 4.2 miles and my legs gave me a big thanks. Maybe next time my body will take running better.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

I Wish We Could Drop Out of School......

I came back from class to these comments on my AIM from my cousin Hannah......

"I wish we could just drop out of school and
 go on random adventures for the rest of our
 lives
like climbing mountains
traveling all over
doing cool shit
like why is life not like that?"

seriously.....why isn't life like that??? I wish more than anything I didn't have to finish school, and I could travel around the world and experience all the different cultures. I want to help people NOW and not have to wait until after I get a degree. How hard is it to give kids paper and paint and tell them to go at it. To talk to people about life and listen to what have to say. Since when do those skills need 4 years of college and a fancy piece of paper to accomplish? :(

100 of My Favorite Artist/Bands of All Time

  1. The Beatles
  2. Led Zeppelin
  3. Janis Joplin
  4. Bon Iver
  5. Queen
  6. Bob Marley
  7. Jimi Hendrix
  8. Nirvana
  9. Joshua Radin
  10. Beth Hart
  11. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  12. Dave Matthew's Band
  13. Kings of Leon
  14. Passion Pit
  15. Etta James
  16. Joe Purdy
  17. Journey
  18. Alanis Morissette
  19. Bob Dylan
  20. The Cranberries
  21. Ray LaMontagne
  22. Cat Stevens
  23. The Postal Service
  24. Death Cab for Cutie
  25. The Decemberists
  26. Boston
  27. The Black Keys
  28. Whitney Houston
  29. Bruce Springsteen
  30. The Weepies
  31. Miike Snow
  32. The Avett Brothers 
  33. Dispatch
  34. Mishka
  35. Mumford & Sons
  36. Natalie Cole
  37. Martin Sexton
  38. William Fitzsimmons
  39. Nneka
  40. Norah Jones
  41. Michael Jackson
  42. Jay-Z
  43. Fiona Apple
  44. Matisyahu
  45. Jack Johnson
  46. Foreigner
  47. Modest Mouse
  48. Oasis
  49. Bob Seger
  50. Ben Folds
  51. Amos Lee
  52. Pat Benatar
  53. Green Day
  54. Jimmy Eat World
  55. Band of Horses
  56. Patrick Park
  57. Red Hot Chili Peppers
  58. Eminem
  59. Chromeo
  60. Regina Spektor
  61. Ingrid Michaelson
  62. Katy Perry
  63. John Mayer
  64. Pink Floyd
  65. Johnny Cash
  66. Rihanna
  67. R.E.M.
  68. The Rolling Stones
  69. Pink
  70. The Eagles
  71. Nat King Cole
  72. Iron & Wine
  73. A Fine Frenzy
  74. City and Color
  75. Cold War Kids
  76. Johnathan Rice
  77. Kate Voegele
  78. Jason Mraz
  79. Flogging Molly
  80. The Killers
  81. Slightly Stoopid
  82. AC/DC
  83. Kate Nash
  84. Neil Young
  85. Flaming Lips
  86. Mickey Avalon
  87. Mariah Carey
  88. Madonna
  89. The Fray
  90. Mat Kearney
  91. Ludovico Einaudi
  92. Bloc Party
  93. James Taylor
  94. Coldplay
  95. The Temptations
  96. Joan Jet and the Blackhearts
  97. Hotspurs
  98. KISS
  99. 'N sync
  100. Swollen Members
I think they're all in order.....I love music!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I Guarantee You Dawg

Breakfast this morning - When I walked into the cafe this morning I was overwhelmed with a feeling of happiness. Pretty much every good food that a person could want was laying there before me. There was granola in the bin, vanilla yogurt (two days in a row! I think that's some kind of record), STRAWBERRIES, and fresh bananas (I grabbed one for later in the day). Since granola is so filling it's perfect for days when I have class at noon and don't have time to squeeze in lunch until after my classes get done around 3:15. In order to help me remember to drink more water I brought my Nalgene water bottle to fill up. Breakfast did not disappoint and as a breakfast lover that always makes for a great day!

Overall today was also a productive day. I got most everything done on my list of things to do, my parents would be proud hahah

My Run - First I need to say a few things......When I got to the gym I was setting down my stuff and realized I forgot my iPod (not a good epiphany) and then as I began my first lap I realized I forgot to change into my sports bra......also not good :( still I wasn't about to just turn around and leave. That's when I had my third epiphany, I actually WANTED to run.
  • I did two and a third miles
  • It took me 30 minutes
  • 9 laps equal a mile on the inside track (aka I did 21 laps)
  • I tried to stretch as much as possible
  • The first mile break down
    • lap 1- walk
    • lap 2-4 run
    • lap 5 walk
    • lap 6-7 run
    • lap 8-9 walk
    • stretch/water 5 minute break
  • The second mile break down
    • lap 1 - run
    • lap 2 - walk
    • lap 3 - run
    • lap 4 - walk
    • lap 5 - run
    • lap 6-7 walk
    • lap 8-9 run
  • walked the last 3 laps for a cool down
My legs still a little sore, but I there was no sharp pain this time. YAY

Now it's time to take a shower and hit the bed! (I'm already tired and it's only 10 o'clock)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Cross training and Surprise visits :)

Today started off like any other day.... ate, went to class, but before aerobics I got a call from my cousin Ari. Her message literally made me jump up and down in excitement. Ari and my aunt Deb had been on a tour of Grand Valley State University today and called to ask if I wanted to go to dinner with them and my cousin Josh tonight......OF COURSE! How could I pass up a whole night with some of my favorite extended family members and a non cafeteria meal. After my last class of the day, deductive logics (ugh), I gave them a quick tour of my dorm room and we peeled out. We were originally supposed to meet at "Texas Longhorn Steakhouse".....aka non existent restaurant. My cousin Josh told us it was across from Target but when we got there all we saw was Texas Corral, which my aunt Deb insisted "screamed e coli"......frankly I was with her on that one, so we hit up TGI Fridays instead.
Yum Yum Yum......finally a burger in my stomach.....I haven't had a burger from the cafe yet because they all look like tiny frisbee's (hard and cold).

Overall it was a great night, I haven't laughed that hard in forever! I love my family and miss them so much, but am very thankful for surprise dinner visits. Thanks so much aunt Deb for dinner and the apple cider ;)

Here's some older pics of me and Ariana Joy

Ari and I at Christmas time a few years ago


We're Besties!!!


Even Older picture of all the women in Arizona for my cousin Aubry's Wedding



And this is my crazy cousin now a days :) LOVE YOU!



On a much more boring note today was a cross training day. We haven't been doing a lot of actual working out in my aerobics class lately so I've had to mix it up and find time after class to stay and work out. Today I went for the elliptical. I figured it would be more weight baring testing my shin's strength but not as much force as running. It was a short workout in between classes, but it still made me feel like I did something good for myself today. I only went two miles and 25 minutes, but I honestly didn't have time for much more.

Tomorrow goals-

  • run 
  • turn in my art application
  • look over the apartment lease
  • eat salad and drink at least three glasses of water
  • vacuum my floor 

Art School

I just finished my personal statement for my application into the Frostic School of Art at Western. My goals for the future is to become an art therapy and hopefully I successfully described why and how this became my passion.

Here's my story:


When I was three years old I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Hypomelanosis of Ito. The genetic mutation caused markings on my skin and a large difference in size between the two halves of my body. The disorder required yearly check-ups to the University of Michigan Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. I have now become used to the poking, prodding and multiple questions that come with every hospital visit but doctor’s offices still overwhelm me at times. The summer after I graduated from high school I had jaw surgery and was in the hospital for over a week. Between much pain and lack of solid food, I wasn’t able to enjoy a lot of my summer or really get out of my house. As a girl who grew up dancing, not being able to leap and pirouette on a constant basis had me on edge. I started ballet class when I was four and dancing soon became my form of expression. I always used dance as a way to get out my energy when I was too happy to sit still, release my rage when I was mad, or drown my sorrows when life got me down. Within the next month after my surgery I picked up a serious infection and was forced to spend another two week in the hospital. During this time I found myself emotionally stressed and pushed to the edge. Without my ability to express myself through dance, I had no way of releasing my feelings. Everything changed when I was introduced to the hospital’s art therapist for the first time. Not only did she impact my recovery time, but she changed my life. The art therapist gave me a way to express my emotions when I was physically restricted to do so otherwise. I always loved to color and doodle, but was never a serious artist. In the hospital I discovered my passion for paint and holding a brush in my hand. Without art therapy I do not believe the rest of my time trapped in the hospital would have gone as smoothly. Keeping a clear, calm head is essential for a fast recovery and I am very thankful for all the peace art has given me. I have always known that I wanted to give back to the hospital and help young children who were facing the same fears and challenges I have faced over the years; and I soon came to realize art therapy was the perfect way to fulfill those dreams. I plan on majoring in Psychology and achieving an art minor. My dream would be to work as an art therapist in a pediatric hospital in the future. I am still a young artist with a lot of passion and determination, but not as much experience in the field. I look forward to developing my skills at Western and cannot wait to use my experience to help other people in the future.

I wish I could add pictures, but I misplace (completely lost) my camera cord this summer and have no way of uploading pictures to my computer yet :( Maybe someday I'll share a few of my amateur drawings with you. 

Above The Bones

Song of the Day: 

Above the Bones by Mishka


Reggae music at it's best. Anyone can relate to the lyrics in Mishka's songs and this song has always been one of my favorites.

Check it out!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Those Days

Have you ever had a day where you just really want to work out?

Today was my rest day....my right shins still pretty sore and I wanted to make sure it gets healed......but all day long I've been dreaming of the gym. Seriously I woke up and was like I'm gonna bike! But I wanted to stay true and sit today out. Most days I have to drag myself to the gym, so I hope my shin feels better tomorrow because I'm ready to kick butt! I'm thinking elliptical if my shin is still sore, but I might try a short run (1.5 miles?)

Stupid leg :(

String Cheese is a College Students Best Friend

I love string cheese! I have two big packs in my mini fridge and I eat at least one a day. String cheese is just one of those foods that fill you up just enough, you can cart it around, and it's a great source of calcium ;)

The nutritionist for Motts always emphasized the importance of a calcium rich diet.....especially for teens and young adults (which is why it's good for college students). My biggest problem right now is not getting enough balance in my diet with the food in the cafe. Most of the time I try to drink at least one glass of milk a day and one bowl of fruit, but veggies aren't always included (bad I know!) The second problem with college life, late night snacking. Whether you're pulling an all nighter or your cafe closes at 8 on the weekdays and 6 on the weekends like mine, often times I'll find myself hungry for a fourth meal. As much as I try to stay conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth, sometimes I'll find myself using food to try and keep myself awake. By replacing my bag of M&M's with string cheese I'm giving myself more nutrients, while filling myself up faster. Plus string cheese is just really really yummy!!!!


Go Meijer Brand.....it's my personal favorite (why pay more for Sargento when it's not even as good)
      
                I also want to point out that I accidentally bought the low fat kind last time and it's still really good :)

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Zumba and my Flirting Habits

It's Sunday night, which means it's Zumba time!!!!!!



I love Zumba because it is the closest I get to dance, I mean it basically is dancing. Zumba's one of those classes that you get to shake your booty and sweat away pounds. If you've never heard of Zumba it's best described as a mix of hip hop and latin dancing. At Western classes are offered on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday night in the Student Rec Center.

As I was walking in to SRC tonight the cute guy who is always swiping cards when I go to Aerobics was there as always :) We always say hi to each other and ask how each other are doing, but lately he's been chattin so long he's still talking as I walk away and I never catch what he says. So then I just end up doing one of those stupid smile and nod like an idiot because I don't hear him moves. Tonight I even laughed and he gave me the weirdest look, yeah....not doing that again. So apparently I'm just really bad at flirting with him, this needs to improve too because he's super cute.

Time Change and Christmas Season

As a reminder last night was daylight savings time, so make sure you set your clocks back an hour......yay! The only downside, early onset darkness, throwing off your internal cycle. Also, the more often you hear me say "I feel like it's so late!" at 6 o'clock. 



Another thing.....just saying, I'm so not ready for Christmas season yet. Between the cheerful department store commercials, the increasingly cold Michigan weather, and the displays of plastic trees in Target, I feel like its just too early. My family has also been in constant question as to my Christmas List. I guess that's my own problem though for being such a greedy youngster and making lists in the past that were 3 pages long in the middle of July. I've realized as I've gotten older, that although my list may have become significantly shorter, the items on it have become significantly more expensive (woops). This years list will most definitely include more exercise clothing. I've acquired many leotards and dancing gear over the years, but not as many track suits ;)


Some of my favorite past Christmas Gifts include: 

  1. Cricut -last years gorgeous addition to my scrapbooking collection, that I don't use nearly enough and miss it greatly! (I didn't bring it with me to college)
  2. My Bucket Chair -It's the most comfy chair ever and it's also great for throwing clothes on to. LOL I always get compliments on this gift.
  3. American Girl dolls -As a youngster American Girl dolls were my life
  4. And many many others that I just can't think of right now!
(I warned you I've been greedy)

What's your favorite Christmas gift?


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Biking, Laundry, Horse Racing?

I missed the big Central/Western football game last night because it was on ESPNU......seriously who gets that channel! Apparently we were beating them till the end, when we lost :(

My day's recap:
It started off with some cereal for breakfast, frankly I hate the cafe on the weekend. At any college you go to you'll find out that food on the weekend is limited and most often.......gross! I've been eating granola and yogurt all this week, because granola comes and goes in waves at the cafe, but I decided to treat myself with some captain crunch this morning. YUM

Next came exercise. After my run yesterday my shins were sore and I didn't want to over do it. So I went for something that would help strengthen my legs.....biking. I realized that next time I decide to bike in the Rec Center that I need to bring a magazine or a book (it was sooooo boring). I had my headphones in and there were TV's going right in front of me, but I really wasn't feeling it. I followed up biking with some crunches to strengthen my core (something that is really lacking now that I'm no longer dancing).

After lunch (some veggie mix, fettuccine, chocolate milk, and a few bites of a veggie patty), I called my Aunt Julie to do some much needed loads of laundry. When I walked in my great grandma was mixing some brown sugar in a bowl and all of the sudden I was hit with the smell of cooking brownies. I've been telling my mom for weeks how much I wanted homemade brownies, or cookies, and I was super excited to know I'd finally get some (I even got to lick the bowl!!!!!) For dinner, pizza, a small salad and a bowl of fruit. Then came brownies for dessert, which I also got sent home with (YAY).

Now I'm not a big follower on horse racing (I'm much more of a football, basketball, soccer kind of a girl), but apparently there was some big classic today called the Breeders' Cup. My Aunt told me all about this horse, Zenyatta, who at 6 years old was the only female in the race and who had never lost before. It was Zenyatta's last race and unfortunately she lost.....by a nose :( I honestly wanted to cry, I felt bad for the horse and the owners/trainer/jockey and even fans who were all hoping she'd go out with a bang.

She really is a gorgeous horse

This Town

The Song of the Day:


This Town by Joe Purdy





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPuVFFAroT4&p=FD873787325381C5&playnext=1&index=62


The song comes from his first self titled album. Joe has been featured on commercials and even TV shows (Grey's Anatomy!) I almost forgot about this wonderful musician until a couple of weeks ago when his song came up on my iTunes while on shuffle. He's one of those artist that you just can't stop listening to. I always joke about having a soundtrack to my life, and while I'm walking to class with his music drifting through my ears it definitely makes for a perfect track.


You can check out more of his music on his website:


http://joepurdy.com/

Friday, November 5, 2010

Song of the Day

Today's song is "Light as a Feather" by Norah Jones. The song is from her newest CD "The Fall."





Why?
because: 

  • Norah Jones has such a unique voice
  • Her music is always soothing
  • This song reminds me of summer....although I'd had the song for a while, I admit I didn't listen to many of the songs off the album until after I watched her on the live stream at Bonnaroo last summer

Motivational Quotes :)

The other day I decided my motivational quote for life needs to become my motivational quote for running. 
When I am challenged by a certain task, I feel like there's too much on my plate, or I just want to give up, I always repeat the lines:
"I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul"

from the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley

The poem was first introduced to me by my brother, Taylor, a few years ago. Him and his friends named their Ultimate Frisbee team Invictus and had the poem on the back of their shirts. Those lines have always inspired me to keep going, keep pushing, keep trying, which I think could really help me out with running. I even made a sign for myself with the quote and the words "Chicago Marathon 2011" on it. Hopefully it will be the push I need. Which reminds me that I still need to see the movie!


The whole poem goes like this:



Invictus


Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Sometimes I'm a Little Concerned about My Sanity.........

Hey!
So I've recently decided to become a runner. I've never liked running and have always been bad at it. My body is not exactly made for the challenges a runner faces, I've always felt way more comfortable dancing. Recently though I've made it my goal to run a marathon (here's where the crazy comes in), specifically the Chicago marathon next year. I got the idea from reading the blog> http://mealsandmiles.com/ (go check it out!) The site was recommended to me by my friend Sam. I loved Meghann's story and the food she puts together always looks AMAZING! She ran the Chicago Marathon and made it sound like fun....yeah fun hahahaha. I realize running 26.2 miles is not going to be "fun," or easy, but you got to "go big or go home" right? As a kick start I've decided to run the Turkey Trot, a 5K race on Thanksgiving in TC (here's the website if you want to sign up- do it, you know you want to...https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/72316). When Sam suggested the race to me, I was a little worried, but I realized if I was serious about my goal I had to start somewhere. So I asked my dad to help me out, he's always up for motivating me to work out....in a good way, and he agreed to run the race with me :) Thanks Dad!!! The only downside is my dad has apparently gotten the running bug and is way ahead of me on his training schedule. I haven't had much time.....ok, maybe its motivation, to get out running. I've gone out a few times, hitting the inside track at the Student Rec Center and even running with Sam last Saturday. Surprisingly I did not die on that run, and it really wasn't all that bad. I was quite proud of my little accomplishment that day, even though I know Sam was hoping to push me a little harder.
Which leads me to today. I made a list for myself last night of all the things I wanted/needed to accomplish today
-see my academic advisor
-get my part of my Frostic School of the Arts application done (3 drawings and a personal statement)
-run
-clean my room
-read some more of Fuente Ovejuna for my Literary Classic class
-get laundry (this might have to wait till tomorrow)

.........as you can see I still have some things to do.
I figured out what requirements still need to be filled for my undergrad, I straightened up a few things in my room, and I ran
I decided to run on the treadmill today. I just wasn't feeling the indoor track, running is bad enough without having to run in circles inside. So I set my goal at 2 miles and depending on how my shins were doing maybe 3. I obviously did not stretch well because my shins started to hurt pretty badly somewhere around 1.3 miles. It took me 30 minutes too....not the time I was hoping for. But on the bright side, I did run two full half miles during that time :) Hopefully I will get better and avoid getting shin splints. Speaking of does anyone know any good tips or exercises to avoid them?