In All Things Give Thanks

There was an interesting editorial in the New York Times today. It was a Thanksgiving toast about being thankful for the unpredictability in our lives, appreciating the fact that we cannot plan out every detail.

For all the control freaks out there, that is a tough pill to swallow. We often think that we know best, and our way is the only way. But I have found that some of the best moments in my life are things that couldn't have gone better than if I had orchestrated every last detail. Sometimes we just have to trust in the process and trust that there is someone else who knows better. Who knows all things and all people. Who loves us and wants what is best for us.

I feel that this especially true for us with JJ's job. We often feel like the uncertainty is unbearable, but it is the uncertainty that makes our lives so exciting. We have lived in places that we would have never even visited otherwise (i mean really, who would have thought we would end up in the Frozen Tundra for 6 months??). Been able to explore different parts of the country and learn new cultures (yes, even though it is part of the US, the South has its own culture). Meet new friends and keep in touch with old friends (because it seems that everyone ends up on the east coast).

Thanksgiving can be seen as a benchmark in our lives. We can see where we've come from, where we are and where we're going just by looking around the table at Thanksgiving dinner. I know this first hand by just looking back at my recent Thanksgiving dinners.

This year we are in Charlotte, NC far away from family and close friends celebrating our first Thanksgiving as newlyweds with new friends. Last year, we were in Green Bay, WI celebrating our engagement with good friends that felt more like family. The years before that we celebrated apart, me in Phoenix, AZ with family and lifelong friends and JJ wherever the football season took him, usually South Bend, IN.

We have come a long way and ended up in a place that we never could have predicted. And as scary and stressful as the changes were at times, I wouldn't change anything. We are happy, healthy, and loved. We have wonderful families, faithful friends, and the best puppy in the world. Who could ask for more?

I just wonder what state we will celebrate in next year...

Gimp

I have been having a hard time writing over the last week. Even though we've been busy nothing seems to come to mind when I sit down to write. So frustrating, until I figured out what the problem is. I usually "pre-write" my blog in my head as I'm running and I haven't gone running since the half marathon.

I don't run with an ipod, or friends or even Barney. It's too distracting. I really love having that time to clear my head and gather my thoughts. It is really the best part of my day because I feel so much better after I run, even when my body is hurting. I think JJ has started to notice how much easier I am to get along with I am on days I get in a good workout.

Originally I had planned to take a break from running after the race to let my body recover fully. I was really excited about 2 weeks of yoga and the elliptical machine at the YMCA. Well, I will be getting my 2 week break, but I won't be at the Y or the yoga studio. I will be hobbling around the house on crutches due to a self-diagnosed stress fracture. Yes, self diagnosed. Why would I go to all the hassle of visiting the doctor when I have WebMD at my finger tips and JJ's access to the Panther's medical equipment?

According to my research, stress fractures are quite common in female athletes (mainly distance runners, due to the repetitive motion over extended periods of time) who have recently had a sudden, significant increase in their activity level. I'd say a half marathon counts as a sudden significant increase in my activity level. It also said that most stress fractures are not detected on x-rays and are usually diagnosed based on patient exercise history. Like I said...who needs a doctor??

I made the mistake of sharing my self diagnosis with my father who was not impressed. Silly dad, he just doesn't understand. I did reassure him that I was going to use the crutches for a week and then if it was still hurting I would go to the doctor for a real diagnosis.

Well, this is day 6...

Winner

After almost 8 weeks of training, Saturday was finally race day. I had been excited/anxious all week, so I was ready to go. Allison came into town the night before and we had fun carbo loading with a pasta dinner. Saturday morning we were up at 6 and on the road at 6:45. The weather had been beautiful all week so we were hoping that it would continue for the race. It did!

Excited and smiling before the race!

I don't think I ever realized how hilly Charlotte is. I found out the hard way once the race started. I swear we ran uphill for the first 6 miles. After that, it seemed to get better and I got a second wind around mile 7. Maybe it was the Powerade at the last water station, or the fact that we had passed the half way mark.

JJ came out to support us at Mile 3 and took a few action shots so we would have proof that we actually did this. It was really nice to have him see what I had been spending so much time training for. And it was also nice to switch roles and have him in the cheering section for a change!

Other things I liked about the race: running with a buddy, beautiful weather, scenic course, feeling like a rockstar. Things I did not like about the race: spitters, never ending hills, roadkill, the annoying peppy girls we ended up running with most of the time (but finally beat).

Around Mile 12 I decided to slow down a bit, enjoy the scenery and take it all in. FALSE. I had no choice but to slow down because I thought I was going to die. All those hills finally got to me. But, even with the slow down at the end, I finished right around my goal of 10 minute mile pace. In all honesty, the goal was just to finish, but about half way through the training I figured out a pace I thought I could keep up.

Proud finishers with our medals

As hard as it was during the last bit, I started thinking about doing another one about 20 minutes after I finished. Maybe the Rock and Roll Half in Phoenix this January??? I'll see if I can convince someone to run with me, even if its just for a few miles.

More pictures to come!!

Home Sweet Home

I have been lucky enough to take advantage of many of JJ's awesome away game locations this season. This trip to Phoenix was the third away game I have been able to attend, and I took full advantage of the opportunity. I got to Phoenix on Wednesday to spend time with the fam.

When my parents picked me up from the airport I learned that Carolyn had the flu and unfortunately would not be joining us until she got better. Actually, my dad banned her from the house. It sounds a little harsh, but with my mom's upcoming surgery no one wanted to take any chances. So she had to miss out on our Wednesday night cooking class at Sur la Table.

Thursday I went for a 6 mile run along the canal, escorted my my father on a bike. Not only did he carry my water, he was full of monologues (stories) to keep me entertained and helpful tips on running...gee thanks Dad! We also hiked North Mountain that day. One of my favorite Phoenix activities. We also had a wine and cheese evening at JJ's parents house.

Friday we had a dinner party at JJ's parents house with JJ, because the team came in day early to adjust to the time change. We got to see one of JJ's best friends, Mike, and Carolyn because she was feeling better. Saturday was full of shopping with my mom and then another family dinner with the Jansens and the Blisses. Lots of family time.

The best part of the weekend was game day and an awesome win over the Cardinals. What an impressive stadium too. I had never seen it and although I mentioned previously how impressive Cowboys Stadium was, I think University of Phoenix is a little better. Don't tell Jerry I said so.

This post is a little late, but better late than never!

Halloween: Part 2

One of JJ's teammates threw a Halloween party for the team at a bowling alley downtown and we had so much fun. I was really impressed with the costumes the everyone came up with! My favorites included Dog the Bounty Hunter and wife Beth, Captain Jack Sparrow (seriously, he looked exactly like Johnny Depp, eye liner and all), and a cheesy American tourist (complete with a Hawaiian shirt, visor, huge camera, and socks with sandals). Loved it!

JJ and I went as Dwight and Angela from The Office. Unfortunately, a lot of the guys on the team don't watch the show because we were asked if we were A) Mormons, B) Nerds, or C) Jehovah's Witnesses. The correct answer was D) None of the Above. Maybe next year we will pick something more widely known!

Daily Dose of Crazy

It was a weird morning.

Before I headed out to the game, I took Barney for a walk to the dog park. I wanted to make sure he got plenty of exercise because he was going to be inside most of the day while we were at the stadium. There were about 20 other dogs and owners when we got there. Barney is a bit of a baby sometimes when it comes to new situations so it took him a while to make new friends. He kind of looked like the new kid on the first day of school.

I am minding my own business, petting the dogs that come up to me and watching Barney play. This woman wanders over and asks where I got my sunglasses. I honestly didn't know where they are from because I stole them from my mom when we moved. So I told her they were from Target, which is where I buy everything else I own. The rest of the conversation goes something like this:

Crazy lady: "Those are my glasses!"

Me: "Umm...what?"

Crazy lady: "Did you find those glasses on the trail? I lost mine last week. Those are mine. I have to wear polarized sunglasses or else I squint." (as she squints her eyes at me)

Me: "No, sorry. These are mine."

Crazy lady: "Yes they are, let me see them!" (As she comes next to me to get a closer look)

Me: "No, I got these in Phoenix and I wouldn't wear something I found on the trail."

Crazy lady: (after close scrutiny) "Oh now I know they are yours because mine were missing a crystal on the side."

Me: "Umm...yea. I need to go get my dog now. Its time to leave."

Just when I thought I was done dealing with weirdos, I came across a man on the nature trail. The nature trail looks just like it sounds. It is a path through the woods, with thousands of trees all around. You would think that, if you happened to need to use the bathroom while on the trail, there would be plenty of options in the woods that offer privacy and convenience. But, no. As I turn a corner I notice a man with his back to me and a small dog at his feet. With all the trees available, this man has chosen to pee on the trail marker sign right next to the path. Awesome. Either he finished or heard us coming, but he zipped up and turned around right as we were trying to scoot past him. Of course Barney decides he needs to say hi to the little dog and tries to pull me in the direction. As I'm struggling with the leash, this man tries to strike up a conversation with me about how big Barney is. Seriously buddy?! Who would want to talk to you after you got done peeing on the trail?! Gross. I quickly moved past them and headed home.

Who would have thought that such a beautiful Sunday morning would bring out the crazies? I guess all the normal people were in church...

Halloween: Part 1

Our Halloween celebrations started off with a bang. On Friday night we went to a costume party hosted by one of the Panthers video guys and his wife. The party was at an awesome 80's bar called The Breakfast Club and both the music and decor were authentic.

As for costumes...JJ went as Dwight Schrute from the NBC show The Office. For anyone who watches the show, you will appreciate how funny this is. Originally I was going to go as Angela, Dwight's on again off again girlfriend, but had a last minute change of heart while shopping at TJ Maxx for the costumes. I found my inspiration in a synthetic fabric, low cut, leopard print dress. The second I saw it I knew I had to use it. The cougar costume was born. For those who don't know, a cougar is an older woman (typically a divorcee), who dresses up to the nines to go clubbing with the intent of landing a younger man.

I think my favorite part of the night was JJ introducing me to all of the guys who work for the Panthers. He introduced me as, "This is my wife, Laura. She's a cougar." I explained to him that no one else was introducing their date by their costumes, so maybe he should stop so people don't get the wrong idea about me.

I think I will retire the leopard dress for now.