2013 Christmas Eve

As the year comes to an end, I pray that 2014 goes just as well, if not better, than 2013. I can say that this year was a good, if not great year. I've accomplished goals I set out for myself and have been successful. I've started running and I'm kind of addicted to this new found love. Call me crazy but it really does make my day better and I seriously feel guilty if I don't run on my 'run' days. I'm also back in the gym lifting and loving every minute of it. Ok, not really… I hate it when I'm there but when I'm done.. Thank ya Baby Jesus.. I feel amazing. I have an amazing trainer and without him, I would not have made it this far. Overall, I've found myself again and I couldn't be happier. 

When my dad passed away, I pushed a lot of people out of my life. Some I lost for good and that is fine. One of my favoritest quotes is by Marilyn Monroe "I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." Ain't that the truth and good riddance to them! Some of my friendships have grown much stronger and I treasure those people in my life. I've rekindled some friendships and some are going in new, better directions. Things are good, I am happy. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderful Happy New Year. 

May it bring you joy, good health, and every happy thing you deserve!

End of the world?

(Max and Howie, 2001)

You know those days were you seem like it's the end of the world and nothing could be worse? Well then you read about an adorable little baby who has baby asthema and think, yes, there are things that could be worse. Worrying about your baby, it's worse than my day.

but on that note... I would just like to say, even though today is not the worst day, it wasn't one of the better days. Overall, I am lucky because I had lunch and a great Starbucks convo with a friend who always makes me laugh. (I always have to throw in the optimistic side)

Today though, was one of those days I missed my best friend. I wanted to call her and talk about my stresses. I miss having that in my life. That is one of the worst things for me... not having Paula there, especially on the days I would turn to her to vent with, head to dinner and a movie with, and know that no matter what, she would listen and be there for me.

I think I've cried it all out and my head is clear again though. Just school, life, not working out for 4 days, you know, the typical stress of my life and every once in awhile I have a mental breakdown. Accounting is almost done (24 hours left) and I am seriously considering taking off a few weeks to focus on some training but I am not sure yet, we'll see. This is a random, type out my feelings post, but in a year, it will definitely be interesting to see how far I have come....

Thanks for listening

~peace~

ROCKSTARS = RON AND DARA

Update on the IRONMAN: They both finished! And our cheering section did not quite until they both crossed the finish line! Ron, he rocks! He is such a great husband to Dara and I adore the man. Dara though... she has been such an inspiration to so many people. She has no idea and maybe that is what makes her so incredible. Just an fyi for those of you (me included) who sometimes think we "can't" do it... this amazing woman completed an entire Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) without being able to move her back or neck due to an injury! I am so proud of her (and Ron too!). I think she belongs on a box of Wheaties! She is that awesome!!! Below are some pictures I took throughout our cheering night. It was so much fun being out there cheering on Ironmen. If you have never done it, I suggest giving it a try one time. It is very motivational. I know one guy who crossed the finish line... was 71 years old! Imagine that...

Watching intently to make sure we did not miss her cross the line. Ron got too close for us to get a picture of him.

Chiara and Luca (Simone's kids) up late and cheering on the athlete's. They were so cute and so excited to be there to watch Dara finish. They held their hand out for hours as athlete's passed and gave them "five".


Simone and I - by the way... it is almost winter time in Arizona... It was a bit cold out!



Dara passed us and on her way to cross the finish line!
I think we were all most in tears... ok, I know I was!!!!
And you should have seen the smile on Ron's face as he found us in the bleachers to say she was on her way.

After the Race: Simone (hold Luca who fell asleep), Chiara, Me, Ron, Dara, Missy, and Becky

Ron and Dara!

The Girls: Simone, Chiara, Me, Ron, Dara, Missy, and Jocelyn

Ironman

Remember my friend Dara? The amazing woman who was training for the Ironman a few years ago and hit by a car while riding her bike? Remember how she did not let her injuries stand in her way and when she was given permission by the doctor's she started training again? Remember that this woman has had more obstacles come her way than most people I know. And remember how today she got in the water at Tempe town lake and began her journey through the 2008 Ford Ironman?

I will be at the finish line with other friends waiting for her tonight, cheering her on.

Because she is that AMAZING and deserves every cheer that we have!

She is kind of a ROCKSTAR like that!

Oh- and just one more of my hero's!!!

Friday Night Fun

So my wonderfully, terrific, awesome friend

Dara is getting married

and what better way to celebrate than a girls night out...

So here are some fun photos of last Friday night (April 17).

{Dara above at RA}

Melanie, Simone, and I before our night out.

I like this picture better, so does Melanie~

however, it's not Simone's favorite.

I almost posted the other one but decided... it's my blog!

{love ya Simone!}

Dara had no idea we were going out in style. She was informed it was going to be a casual night with 6 of us for dinner and a drink or two. To her surprise, there were about 15 of us and hummer taking us to RA and then Mist for dancing. This was when she realized we'd be going out in the hummer (picture below).

Dara and I on our way to RA. Melanie wanted everyone to make goofy poses for photos so they were not so boring. Dara and I do a good job but we are still way too cute!

Inside the Hummer. Who knows what we were doing at this time. Melanie is at the end probably singing her heart out!

Missy and Melanie.

Missy and Amy planned this great night out. Unfortunately, Amy got the Flu on Wednesday and was unable to go. We all felt so bad because she did so much to plan all of this. Amy is awesome and I know we are all thankful for her effort to put this together. We definitely missed Amy that night!

Our drink at RA. It was huge and we got to share it but I have no clue what was in the drink. I didn't think it tasted good at all but it was fun to drink out of it.

{from l-r: Melanie, Simone, Dara, and Missy}

Melanie- enough said

Margie and I

Melanie and I

Missy, Simone, Kristin, and Melanie at Mist

End of the night outside of our Hummer!

We made it home safe and sound~