The end is near....

This past week of school was extremely busy for me. I finished up several papers, a powerpoint presentation, and something else that I can't remember now (I've already lost my brain!). Thursday afternoon was so nice outside that I decided to work on my final book review for my English class on our porch. I think that the warm sun rays helped me work hard.

Friday morning I had my last English class before the final book review presentation. Afterwards I ran errands to get everything prepared for our 2.5 hour ride to Greensburg, PA to see Third Eye Blind!

The drive to Greensburg was pretty hectic because we missed 2 of our exits and as a result passed through 4 tolls. On the last toll we got on the freeway but then immediately got off on the very next exit. We weren't even on the freeway for a mile...what a waste of $1.10. In total we spent around $12. Crazy right?!! Well apparently that's not unusual in PA because they put tolls in between connecting highways on the PA turnpike. Despite the money spent on tolls our trip was well worth the amazing concert! Here are some pictures:

Yesterday was spent cleaning and doing work around the house. Dan is currently tutoring a neighbor for his GED so he made a math test for him that I'm ashamed to admit I would probably struggle with lol. Yesterday I also went for my long run of the week: 4.15 miles! This is a big accomplishment for me considering my relationship with running for the past 9 months has been non-existent. Because of this I made sure to take it really slow. My aunt and I made a commitment to train for a half marathon to run this winter (the race is TBD) so this last week marked my first week of taking running seriously. I formed my training schedule loosely off of Hal Higdon's half marathon training:novice. So far everything is going well. I'm really trying to just focus on training for distance and not stressing about my time and pace. Just out of my own curiosity to see what kind of shape I'm in I did my run yesterday at a 9:40 min/mile pace which is good for me.

I'm really nervous about doing this half marathon. I'm horrible about staying hydrated, being consistent, and not overworking myself during a run or work out. I think that in order for the work out to mean something I have to be pushing myself to my max otherwise it's a waste. I know that's not true. There's a reason for rest days and recovery runs. They're just as necessary for your body as speed work and tempo runs are.

I don't have a ton of experience with long distance training so I'm definitely going to read up on it. Luckily I have the internet and a few friends who have ran half marathons and marathons to get advice from. I'm scared but I know I can do it! I just have to take it one day at a time and not overdo it. Training is like slowing stepping into the pool so you get used to the temperature and then you gradually get deeper. You can't jump in and face everything in an instant, it doesn't work like that. Like my analogy?

With today being mother's day I'd like to recognize my mom. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and teacher. I have learned so much from you. You've taught me how to be patient, humble, and caring towards others. Thank you for sacrificing your life for me. For working 1 full time and 1 part time job so that I could: dance in middle and high school, be in color guard, be on the golf team, go on road trips with friends, go to college, and spend obscene amounts of money at Nordys. Thank you for taking the bus to work so I could drive our one car to school. Thank you for staying up all night to edit my assignments and papers for school. Thank you for getting me treats and fun surprises. Thank you for all the wonderful birthdays, Christmases, and Easters I've had. Thank you for letting me grow up so that I could go to college, get married, and move to Ohio. I hope that one day I can repay you for everything you have done for me. I love you and miss you terribly.     

Summer is Almost Here

Hello... I apologize for being MIA the past few weeks. Since returning from Oregon I've been busy with finishing all my work for the end of the school year. Last month Dan and I went to a Goo Goo Dolls concert hosted by YSU. Tickets for students were only $10. Before the concert Dan and went out to sushi. Our sushi chef was so sweet and even made us a little treat.

Overall the concert wasn't too bad. I didn't like standing on the floor the whole time. Since I'm a shortie it was hard for me to see Johnny and the band. We left before the encore so getting home wouldn't be a hassle. Pics from the concert:

I put this pic up because it's really unflattering lol

Dan's birthday and Easter were on the 24th of April. I got him tickets for us to see Weird Al May 26th in Marion, OH. I am so excited! I like a few of his songs and Dan and I consider his song "Whatever you like" our theme song. His birthday present also included being woken up to breakfast in bed which I think he liked.

The Saturday before we celebrated Dan's birthday with the Polynesian family that always gives us huge amounts of leftovers. They made a delicious lunch and a whole sheet cake which they refused to share with us so we took all of it home. Let's just say we were offering cake to the whole neighborhood lol.

the cake is much much bigger in person

The birthday boy!

 In other news, I received  new calling at church. Primary worker over the sunbeams (3-5 year olds). Right now my friend, Amy, and I switch off every Sunday teaching but I was told that the plan is to split up the class because the 3-4 year olds have their own lesson book. Last Sunday was my first Sunday teaching! I was so nervous but luckily I had someone to help me with the lesson:

Mr. Potato Head

I'm really excited for this calling. I really need and want more exposure to young children and how to interact with them. I know that this calling will help me in the future when I become a mom and teach my own children about Heavenly Father and the world. I am very grateful.

I am in the last week of school. I just have one more paper to write and then I am free! Next week I plan on applying for jobs so that I can work as close to full-time as possible. At the restaurant I will probably still have 20 hours/week. This Friday Dan and I are going to Third Eye Blind. I cannot wait! I've been listening the 3EB nonstop since we bought the tickets last week. I haven't really listened to their new album, Ursa Major, but I'm pretty familiar with their older stuff. I really like "Slow Motion" "How's It Going To Be" and "Crystal Baller". I plan on posting pics this weekend. I'm going to make sure I post this weekend so that I don't go a whole month again before posting. Sorry family!