Our Life Outside of Baby

With all of the baby stuff happening lately, it's tough to remember that I have a life outside of that too. It seems like it's all people want to talk about. That said, Dan and I have had a lot of other things going on in our lives too - like snow, animals, and food.

Okay, I guess that stuff isn't overly exciting, but I'm going to take a few minutes to appreciate the little things in our lives before things change drastically in a few months.

We have had lots of snow... on several separate days... that Smudge and Gilligan have both participated in. (Stormy is smart and watched the boys freeze their tails off from the window).

We have had lots of kitty and puppy snuggles around here...

We celebrated Valentine's Day and our six year anniversary...

We made muffins (twice), smoothies (because I'm craving fruit like crazy), and iced (decaf) coffee because, well, it's all I want...

And, even though this post is supposed to be about what we've been up to OTHER than Baby Cookie, I just couldn't resist the cutest little airplane outfit in history... and laughed so hard when we caught BOTH cats napping in the baby swing on separate occasions. They're going to in for a rude awakening come September...

See? Life isn't TOO exciting over here lately, but we're loving it anyway! We are hoping to travel soon while Dan is on his week and a half break from classes, so here's to crossing our fingers and toes for just the right Space A flight! 

What have you been up to lately?

    

Passionate About Life {Blogtember Challenge}

Today's prompt is a fun one!

September 5th Prompt: I am passionate about ______________.

If you've ever met me in person, you know that I get excited about nearly everything. I love all things, from major events like getting proposed to on a surprise hot air balloon flight to seeing ducks cross the road. Seriously - my excitement level goes up every time I see something new or fun.

And that is why I would say that I am passionate about LIFE.

I love waking up each day and experiencing new adventures. I love celebrating with other people. I love trying my best to help other people when they are going through a tough time or just need a little extra support. To me, life is good. Yes, I have been through some tough times. But overall, I am incredibly blessed to be where I am. I want everyone to feel the way I do about life!

Sometimes, I feel a little bit like Buddy the Elf... and I've been told that before too. My eyes will light up at the smallest thing. My husband says that I am like a child sometimes because I get excited so easily. Last weekend, we went to Cedar Point for the first time, and he told me he felt like he had adopted a nine year old for the day judging by how excited I was! Hey, I'll take that as a compliment. There's nothing wrong with loving the life you live!

What are YOU passionate about?

Life Lately {CRAZINESS}

Life has been all over the place lately.

We received some interesting news from the Air Force, which I will hopefully be sharing soon... interesting in a good way, don't worry! ;-)

Easter was a blast. We had a great time at church and then hanging out with some amazing friends.

My first marathon is on Sunday, and I am anxious / nervous / excited... and I can't wait for it to be over with! I just want to be able to think about something other than the race... my entire brain is filled with running thoughts.

Also... Dan recently turned 25, and Gilligan turned seven just a week later! I had to make collages for their birthdays, of course... so enjoy. And there are a couple more cat pictures just because I couldn't resist.

Has anyone else's life been crazy and hectic lately too?

Life Lately

I haven't made any personal posts lately, so I thought I'd do that this morning.

Instead of another recipe (but just wait -- more are coming!) or book review, I decided to share what's been going on lately. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it's just some things I felt like sharing with my wonderful readers. 
1. I had a three day weekend, and it was much needed. We had parent/teacher conferences at school on Wednesday night and Thursday morning last week, so we all got Friday off. Sleeping in was wonderful, and I feel slightly recharged (but I think Thanksgiving break in about a month will really do the trick). 
2. My sports teams are doing really well this year, which is a nice change. My baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, barely missed the playoffs, but they had their BEST SEASON in several years. It was so much fun to cheer them on. My favorite college team, the University of Missouri Tigers, are 7-1 this football season, which is only their second in the SEC. They are holding their own and doing EXTREMELY well. My absolute favorite team of all time, though? The Kansas City Chiefs. And they are 8-0 for the first time in TEN years. This is pure excitement on my end. It's so much more fun being a fan to a winning team... but win or lose, I've always been faithful to my Missouri sports. 
3. I got to see one of my best friends ever this weekend! Lizzie came out to Colorado to see her husband for a quick weekend while he's at training, and we were able to see each other twice, which was so wonderful. It's really hard having a long distance best friendship... we talk every single night, sometimes for hours, and it was great to see her in person and have Jack Quinn's together one more time. 

4. Reality is setting in that Cadet Lovemuffin graduates from the Air Force Academy in just 212 days. He has been working his butt off for over four years now for this, and I can't believe that the end is finally approaching (but it could still be quicker, and I'd be okay with that). I will only be his fiancée for 214 more days; after that, I will be his wife, and I could not be ANY HAPPIER about that. This has been a really long road, but I am so ready for this part of our journey to conclude. He was supposed to find out his Air Force AFSC (job) a couple weeks ago, but that has been delayed due to the government shutdown (yes, I know it's over; no, he still doesn't know when he'll find out). Keep him in your thoughts as he waits to find out because this is a HUGE deal! 

Life Is Funny That Way... {Blogtember Challenge}

Tuesday, September 10th Prompt: Describe a moment when your life took a distinct turn.

You all thought I was going to write about when I fell in love with Dan after saying that I'd never get myself into a military relationship, didn't you? Well, I'm not. Okay, I was going to, but I decided that was too overdone... so ANOTHER time my life took a distinct turn was when I changed my major at the end of my freshman year of college.

You see, when I entered college at the University of Central Missouri back in 2006, I thought I wanted to be a doctor of some kind. I didn't have anything figured out - doctor, dentist, veterinarian... you name it; I thought I could do it. And I'm sure I COULD HAVE... if I had really wanted to.

There was one distinct day, however, that sticks out in my mind as life changing. For most of my first year of college, I was a biology major/chemistry minor. I was in my Zoology class during the spring semester of my freshman year. So far, everything was fine... except I didn't really LOVE what I was doing. That day, though, we dissected a fetal pig. No biggie, right? I had dissected plenty of animals already. That pig, though... it just tore me apart. I couldn't handle it. I turned white and felt faint, and my professor suggested that I step out into the hallway for a few minutes.

Well, a few minutes passed, and I wasn't in the hallway any longer. I marched myself straight across campus and changed my major to what I thought it should be from the beginning (but had been too nervous to choose due to lack of employment opportunities). ENGLISH. I would follow my heart and major in English.

I eventually added "Education" on to my English major so I'd be able to secure a job, and I found out that I love working with teenagers. I can't imagine my life any other way, and I'm so glad I had a life changing moment in the spring of 2007 in my Zoology lab.

My name tag for my Honors' Project at UCM - it was a collection of exaggerated personal vignettes, and they were SO much fun to write! 

Right after graduation with my two best friends (and fellow English Education majors) from UCM! I'm really excited that we all keep in touch still! 

What You May Not Know About Me

You May Not Know 

1. Is this how you imagined your life would be?
NOT EVEN CLOSE! Honestly, I said I would never get involved with someone in the military, and yet here I am, engaged to marry a soon-to-be officer in the Air Force and living 650 miles from "home". I always thought I would be living somewhere near Kansas City, if not in the city, and teaching high school there. Instead, I am in Colorado Springs teaching middle school... and I wouldn't have it ANY OTHER WAY! I love my life out here, and I am completely blessed to have this opportunity. I feel like I was born to be a Colorado girl, and middle school is DEFINITELY my calling. As for Dan, he's okay too. I kid. He is the most amazing fiancé on the planet, and I know we are meant for each other. In under ten months, we will stand in front of our families and friends to profess our love, but he is the only person I will notice. I can't wait to be his wife!

2. What is one trend you will never hop onto?
Absolutely, without a doubt, I will never chop my hair off. I refuse to have short hair. I LOVE my hair. Right now, it is half way down my back. I have had it longer and also much shorter. In fact, when I was six, my mom had my hair cut SO SHORT that I looked like a boy for a while. TERRIBLE. Because of that experience, I have always been hesitant to cut my hair, even if it's just a trim. It's something I've recently gotten over because my hair does grow back extremely quickly, but I still won't go shorter than my shoulders. No way. Not happenin'. I found several pictures of myself at that age, but I just can't bring myself to share them. Seriously. It's bad. Just take my word for it this time.

3. What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
It's funny how the best piece of advice I've ever received is from someone younger than me and not a mentor from my life. Rather, my fiancé, Dan, told me something one time (okay, many times) that will stick with me forever. It's something I think everyone should hear because it has truly changed my life. FOCUS ON THE THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL. Seriously. That's it. Simple. When you find yourself in a situation you don't approve of, don't panic or worry about the parts you cannot control. You won't be able to do anything about those things anyway, so put your time and energy toward fixing what you can. This piece of advice has carried over to every aspect of my life, and I am so glad I heard it (even though I was upset the first time because of how simple it was -- why hadn't I already thought of that?!).

4. What is your favorite piece of jewelry, other than your engagement/wedding ring?
There are two pieces of jewelry that I cherish a lot. Of course, they could never compare to my beautiful engagement ring, but these two necklaces are also extremely sentimental to me. First, when Dan was a freshman at the Air Force Academy, he received an item called "prop and wings" after Recognition. It meant that he was officially an upperclassman and no longer a Doolie. It was an extremely important milestone during his Academy career. He took one of his prop and wings to a local jeweler and had it put on a necklace for me, and he gave it to me for my birthday that year. Then, two years later, Dan received his class ring at the Air Force Academy (you can read all about that experience IN THIS POST). It was a monumental evening with a dining in, where he received his ring, followed by a dance and a wonderful weekend away in Breckenridge. While we were at the dance, Dan pulled me outside of Arnold Hall and took me to a space where we were alone. He got all mushy-gushy on me, which is VERY rare, and told me how much he has appreciated my support throughout his time at the Academy, and then he pulled out a little necklace for me with a replica of his class ring! I wear it frequently, and people ALWAYS ask me what it's for. The stone is different from his because they only make the necklace rings in blue, but it has his class crest on it, and everything else is the same.

5. If you had a baby now, what would the initials be? 
Even though it'll be a while before we are at this stage in our lives, we do have one name picked out. The name we have chosen is only for a girl, so if we have boys, I guess we'll have to do figure something out. The initials of our future hypothetical daughter, however, are AKC. Dan chose the A, and I chose the K. Take your guesses if you must... many people already know what those letters stand for. Anyway, little AKC, whenever she actually exists, will be adorable... I mean, check out these baby pictures of myself and Dan. ;)

Well, that was a fun post to write! It had been a while since I had really written much... with school starting back up, I've been busy, busy, busy! I can't wait to establish my new routine to be able to write more often.

Book Review: If I Stay

If you're looking for a quick, dramatic read, you should check out If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I couldn't put it down -- but that was okay because it was nice and short! I was able to devour this book in just a couple sittings, despite my packed schedule.

One of my favorite websites, Goodreads, provides wonderful synopses of books. I am so glad I stopped wasting my time writing about the plot of novels I read. Borrowing from them is much more convenient, and it leaves me more time to simply give my opinion. 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman:

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Overall, If I Stay is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. Immediately, I put myself in the narrator's shoes. I was completely engrossed with the topic of being barely alive and not completely comprehending the events around yourself. My own mortality is something that fascinates me. I don't mean that in a weird way at all, like I think about dying. I absolutely do not. I am a curious individual, though, and that curiosity gets the best of me. Often, when I am in seemingly dangerous situations, I wonder what it would be like. What it would feel like. How quick it would be. This novel hooked me in from the very beginning, and I highly recommend it to everyone. 

Why I Run

Running takes me back. When I was a kid, I used to run laps around the playground for fun during  recess. I would run with my dad some afternoons. I would run, run, run for no apparent reason. It wasn't my sport. It wasn't my thing. I just did it to keep up with my friends in the neighborhood, who were older than me, and to keep out of reach from my younger brother, who would chase me around with a baseball bat. Seriously. (But don't worry -- we're cool now).

I grew up as an athlete. I danced tap, jazz, and ballet. I competed in power tumbling (acrobats) for MANY years (and loved it). I played soccer. I played basketball. Heck, I even played football (amazing experience, by the way). When I was 13, I was healing from a torn MCL (left knee) from acrobats. I didn't know what to do with myself. I decided to be crazy and to sign up for cross country as a brand new seventh grader (the first year school sports were offered at my middle school). (I know what you're thinking -- why would she sign up to run long distances with a torn MCL? You've got me, but hey, I healed, and I'm still running, nearly 13 years later). 

I ran cross country and track all the way from 7th grade through 12th grade. I pushed myself in ways I had never imagined. I made friends I wouldn't have otherwise. My teammates became a second family to me. I had some amazing coaches who guided me through perseverance. I learned so much about myself while testing my limits running. I still continue to develop in my mind. My legs are not in control; my heart is. 

You know what they say:

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put into it."

I'm a firm believer in that statement, and running long distances has trained my mind to think that way.

I'm not fast. I never won any races (other than relays, and I credit my teammates for that). I will never break any records (other than my own). I don't run for the glory; if I did, I would never see it. I run because it EMPOWERS ME. 

WHY I RUN

·      I can

·      Runner’s High

·      It challenges me

·      It clears my mind

·      It relieves my stress

·      To prevent heart disease

·      It is cheaper than therapy

·      Someday I won’t be able to

·      For all the people who cannot

·      It makes me feel good about myself

There are so many good reasons to run. Every runner has different reasons, but they are all valid. Running may not be the most fun way to exercise all the time, but I have NEVER once regretted a run I have gone on. Even if I'm slow, I'm still faster than the people on the couch. I'm still better off than those who choose to sit around. I still feel better about myself than those who aren't tough enough to work through their issues. 

I have run in numerous races. I have over 50 5Ks under my belt. Some of those were high school races, and others are fun runs, like the Color Run, the Dirty Dash, and the Glow Run. I ran the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon in 2008, and then I let running taper off in my life. I knew I missed it. I ached for it. My body WANTED to run, but my mind told me: "NO! You aren't strong enough for that anymore. You can't handle it."

Recently, I picked it up again. Running is good for the soul. I am challenging myself in ways I never have before. I KNOW that I am capable of doing whatever I set my mind to. My legs aren't going to give out. My heart will keep on beating. It's my mind that likes to play tricks on me... but this time, I am out to get that brain of mine. I WILL conquer it. I WILL run a half marathon in Denver at the end of July. I will be a fresh 26 year old woman for that race, and I WILL dominate it, even if that only means running the entire thing without walking. I can, and I WILL. 

Dan and I will be running in the Dog Days Half Marathon in Westminster, Colorado (near Denver) on July 27th, 2013. We are both following the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Training Plan, and so far, it's going well. We are training separately, of course, but it will be nice to run the 13.1 miles together. I can't wait! The proceeds from this half marathon will be going to the Colorado Canine Rescue, which makes this race even sweeter. I'm such a sucker for animals. 

Also, I may be getting in over my head, but like I said, I think I am capable of ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO... which is why I am seriously contemplating running a full marathon next year. I have always wanted to. I know I want to do it before I have kids one day. I also think it would be the perfect pre-wedding training plan. My good friend Lizzie (at Sweet Kansas Girl) wants to run one as well, so we decided that we should run our first one together. That way, we can hold each other accountable and be there for moral support! I want to do a marathon at lower altitude than Colorado has to offer, though, and I've also always wanted to travel for a race. Since Dan and I are paying for our wedding next May, I didn't want to spend a ton of money... so I found the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which is held on April 27th, 2014, just 33 days before my wedding. I think it sounds absolutely perfect, and I am determined. My farthest distance to date is 13.1 miles, but I will not be saying that by this time next year. 

I often turn to quotes for motivation when I'm feeling down before a long run. These are some of my favorites: 

Do YOU run? If so, WHY do you choose to run? If not, what is your preferred exercise?