4 miles in flips

I'm so not a horn tooter, I never have been. For those of you that really know me, know that I'm super critical of myself and rarely allow myself pats or praise. I'm totally fine with it, its how I grew up and its really all I know. I've been wanting to post this story but super nervous its going to come off like I'm tootin. The truth is I have a terrible memory and I'm afraid I will some day forget this cherished memory so I figure I will just post it..for me..to remember.

I grew up in a family of seven kids, five girls two boys. I LOVED/LOVE having a large family (I was hoping I'd give my kids that same awesomeness, not happening kids...sorry!). I have one older brother and one younger brother. I was close with my younger brother because it was just us and he was my buddy in the house (even though he would regularly beat me up..oh the love). I wasn't so close with my older brother, 6 plus years difference makes it a little hard to keep close.

When I went to college I had the opportunity to work for the family company that he also happened to work for....long story short I ended up working really closely with my brother, he became my hero. I totally looked up to him.

(Sorry I know this is a long story of history but it lets you in on why this particular moment was/is so special to me).

I have a great respect for him, he is amazing, strong, dedicated, successful, extremely likable, and an all around incredible guy. I've always wanted to feel a strong bond between us but it never seems to come. One day a few weeks ago I felt a little of what I've always hoped for.

He's never been a runner but decided to hop on the crazy train of (been on less then a year now) running and has since completed 2 marathons and will complete another one this Saturday. Two Saturday's ago was the TOU marathon which normally runs right by our house(super sad it no longer does, silly neighbors). Earlier that morning I served up some killer Plyo Shawn T style. I slipped on my flips and wobbled over to the street where the runners would pass by.

My bro was supposed to run it but because of an injury he told everyone he couldn't do it. I had maybe been there 5 min cheering when I heard my man friend yelling his name! What!! He wasn't supposed to run. I usually put my running shoes on when I know someone that is going to run it so I can run beside them and give them a little boost on the last few miles. I quickly dropped my delicious shake and ran over to him. He was struggling and I could tell he needed some pick me up goodness. I only thought I would run with him for a block or so but he asked me to stay with him, so I did.

I ran the last 4 miles in flip flops. My feet were rubbed raw and covered in blisters but I wouldn't take that moment back for anything. I tried talking the whole way and pushed him to not stop. He got super frustrated with me but I just kept pushing. At that moment I can't explain how proud I was of him, how much more love I felt for him. When we rounded the last block chills covered my whole body and looked over at him with tears in my eyes, he rocked it! He pushed through serious pain and ended up shaving 15 min off his last marathon time.

He powered across the finish line, we hugged. It was an amazing moment even with blood dripping between my toes I wouldn't take it back and will cherish that time with him forever. For those brief moments I felt a love and bond that I've always hoped for. Thanks big brother, for needing me.

Homemakey

So I decided last Sunday I was going to try and be homemakey (its totally a word). I've been wanting to make little lady a skirt so I up and did it, no pattern just winged it! It has many struggles, but I did it and learned a lot along the way, such as....


Patterns are there to make life easy
Measuring might be helpful
Winging it from an existing skirt isn't always smart
Feeding elastic is extremely tedious (and totally the WORST part, anyone have an easier way?)
I have SO much to learn about sewing and being homemakey :)


I made it from vintage sheets I grew up sleeping on and and old t-shirt!


played with PS a lot...they are supposed to look golden and sunny like :) I love this light A LOT!

I'm totally up for making more...anyone want to come get your craft on with me?

Big bang

Well folks I pulled the trigger...took the plunge....went against my promise back in Junior high and...CUT BANGS!! I am rarely in front of the camera (I can't stand it, ha). I set the shot up and had man friend snap it up. Here's the big bang debut, and here they stay until my hair starts to grow. Maybe next year this time I might actually be able to pull them back. Yay for slow growing hair.

Clarifying the grease

For those of you that know me and occasionally get the chance to see me these days I'm positive your mind may begin to wander. You may begin to have thoughts such as following:

Wow she looks different, she sporting the "no make-up" look?

Her hair looks a little darker then I remember.

You could very well fry up some pancakes with forehead grease?


If any of you have those thoughts please see picture exhibit below.







So if I'm wearing the same clothes 2 days in a row, my hair is looking wet from multiple day old grease, or I'm actually out in public without any make-up on...now you know, so be forgiving and I give you full permission to lie! For those of you that get to see me AND my house, no words could express my sorrow for you.

Do I get brownie points for bravery in showing you my hard water stained door? Erk! She's a little stink but my goodness I sure do love this little lady! She loves to read and I LOVE THAT!! She would read books all day long, but they can't last longer then 5 seconds...ha!

My feelings don't fly

I didn't sleep much last night. Not because I had a fussy baby, or a class I had to teach in the morning, or even a run with a buddy. I didn't sleep much because I set a goal and I was so antsy that I wasn't going to "make" my goal a reality. Every week I tell myself that Wed morning I am going to get up at 4:30 am and get to the 5:30 am session. I've met it a few times but normally fall short. I try not to beat myself up too much considering I rarely get to bed before 1 am (I know its terrible). This week I was determined! So in my determination I woke up at 1 am...2am...sat straight up and gasped at 3 am...wrestled the night ninja at 4 am...and finally got up at 4:30 am. I met my goal and made it, and early to boot!

It was a smaller session which is quite rare, normally it is packed. There were only a handful of women there and I was so happy I was one of them. Unless you have been there I can't really describe the feelings that exist in that beautiful building. I normally don't share much about my religion, I don't want to sound preachy or silly but the truth is, its my life and I love it. I'd be lying if I said I was alert the whole time and didn't nod off from time to time (it was unusually warm in there today) I really try to be as focused as possible but since I was going on little to no sleep it was more of a struggle.

My favorite part is the end and the incredible room we get to ponder and feel the spirit in. I was reminded how grateful and blessed I truly am which brought a steady stream down my face. Then I was reminded of a few people in my life who lives are torn, broken, and need picking up. I can't help but wish I was better at picking up and helping them realize how much different their lives would be if they would just let him in.

At this point I was crnorting (crying so hard you shake and snort). A kind brave old man got up from his chair and sat down right next to me. Super sincere he asked if he could help me. I was taken back. I wasn't sure what to say to him so I said, "no I don't think so". He asked again, are you sure? Honestly I wanted to tell him what I was feeling and how sad I was for my friends, but I'm me, and my feelings don't fly, I hold them tight and deal with them alone. He left. I stayed. I probably should have tracked him down thanked him for caring and asked him for help, but I didn't. I know I won't get the opportunity to see him again, but I hope he knows how much I appreciate his kindness. I will never forget it. Maybe next time I be brave like him to someone else, or maybe even let my feelings fly.

I am so glad I made it. I am super grateful I live so close. I am also grateful for nap times and school because I'm nodding as we speak...nappy time for me!