The Harvest Half

The last few days have been filled with dread and anticipation and running fueled dreams. I didn't feel nearly prepared for this, yet signed up and told myself that even if I walked the entire 21 and some km, I was doing this.

Today started out beautiful. We were greeted with an amazing sunrise as we made our way over to the community centre where the race commenced. Rainman was my one man cheerleading squad and had his camera ready to grab my action shots as I made my way through the picturesque course.

We started at about 8 a.m. and although it was slow to begin with (it always is in races like this as we all work to find our perfectly paced place in the pack), soon we were moving along. Having grown up in this area of the city, I enjoyed remembering who lived where and different events from my childhood as we made our way through the residential streets. 

The first hill was a long, curvaceous climb that I felt really awesome about and I ran the entire thing. Having various peoples' families along the road (and community members on their driveways sipping coffee) cheering us on kept me going. The girls with the signs informing us that we were running better than Calgary Transit made me laugh out loud. Having my music on shuffle and System of a Down blaring as I pummeled that hill helped too.

A few more km through residential streets, we finally reached the park entrance where I was greeted with an off trail run. Down hills on dirt and rocks is scary for me. I kept thinking I was going to slide and cause catastrophe amongst my new 999 closest friends. But I made it. Once in the park, it was about 10 km of flat terrain.

And it was beautiful. We ran through the forest part of Fish Creek first with all of the leaves in vibrant yellows and offering satisfying crunch beneath my feet as I pounded the pavement. I ran under the train tracks as a CP Rail train roared overhead. I felt as though I was in a movie. On the East Side of Macleod Trail, the scenery reflected the prairies more and the run started getting harder. Note to self, bring sunglasses even if there is no sun when you first start.

At about kilometre 16, Rainman was on the side with his camera waving and cheering me on! It was the boost I needed as I began to feel my legs start to turn to rubber and the humongous blisters on the bottoms of both of my feet reminding me with every step that I still had 5 more km to tackle. Not to mention the ginormous hill at km 17. I waved to my fiance and kept at 'er (at this point there was a mix of running and walking).

The HILL. I took one look and remembered many days from my youth having to ride my bike from Sikome Lake home. And knew that I would walk this. At the top, I was greeted with high fives and much needed Gatorade  And the excitement that I had very little left to go. Still walking and jogging, I felt overwhelmed and could feel tears build up in my eyes. This was a huge goal on my bucket list. And I was 1 mile from completing it.

The final leg of the race was through a pathway between houses also littered with leaves. Turning the corner and seeing the school field, my heart raced with elation and as soon as I saw the finish line, I turned on super mode and sprinted across.

I completed my first half marathon in 2 hours and 28 minutes, which I am completely happy with. AND I had the best cheer squad out there who captured my glory as I received my first metal for finishing. I am so happy to have him by my side for the rest of my life cheering me on. I can't wait to reciprocate.

Wednesday Wedding-ness Day!

Last week sometime I found on pinterest a birdcage that had been decorated with feathers to collect cards to sit on your gift table. I love the idea of bringing birdcages into my wedding and have some ideas of how I can utilize multiple cages with metallic spray paint for decor.

I was meeting a friend of mine for drinks the following Friday and she sent me a text stating that she had a birdcage for me! And she would bring it to the pub with her. I laughed and told her that if anyone asked why we were drinking with said birdcage it was because we were mourning the loss of our pet finch. And then we would take a shot in its honour. Which she replied with a "lol" insinuating she was on the same page.

Much to my surprise, this birdcage she brought me was in a small shopping bag. When I peeked inside I found not a birdcage, but a birdcage. I forgot that I had also pinned something similar to wear instead of a veil. It's super beautiful and with one or two peacock feathers, I think it's going to be perfect. I guess my friend has a friend who makes hats and created this, but my friend ended up not using it, and thought I would give it a great home.

I'm very happy to be blessed with so many awesome people in my life.

Even if we didn't get to drink shots to our empty birdcage while remembering why the caged bird sings.

The Law of Attraction and thinking

I had a wicked conversation with a girl friend of mine this weekend about getting back what you put out to the universe. Her example is that she wanted to be able to get a new car, to sell the one she has now and pay off the loan on it. Then while at the till in a store, she was asked if she wanted to enter a draw to win a new car. Like me, she doesn't believe in coincidences so filled out that ballot in 2 seconds.

This conversation came at a really interesting time for me because lately I have realized how much time I spend thinking, wondering, investigating and fretting over something that really doesn't matter and shouldn't involve my energy. But because I think about it so often, it just keeps coming up in conversations around me (partly I bring it up, partly others mention the subject). I am so fixated and fascinated with this thing, I am putting it out to the universe to keep sending me reminders to continue my fascination.

And it has to stop. And it's not an easy thing to stop your thoughts. (Go ahead, I dare you, try to stop thinking about something you think about constantly -- it's even worse when you tell yourself not to think about that thing).

So, how does one stop an obsession she has cultivated for a few months now? Thoughts?

More reasons why I love him

• he woke up this morning at 6 a.m. (it's his day off) to drive me to work. So I can meet my friend after work for drinks without having to leave my car downtown.
• he is also going to pick me up downtown tonight after I am done imbibing.
• over wings on Wednesday, he told me seriously that he wished he read more. That he's envious of people who can sit down and read for hours at a time. And is going to try making the time to read. Men who read are unbelievably sexy.
• he makes fantastic Caesars. Which he served to me while listening to talk about my evening at a women's group information session.
• we have car dance parties and sing-a-longs to 90s music.
• while playing NHL 2013, he moves his feet around as though he is skating. And celebrates when he scores. He is hella-cute.
• he told me that he loves when I get creative in the kitchen and make him something to eat besides porkchops. Even though the crab cakes I tried to create didn't quite make it in cake form.
• he makes me laugh. All of the time. With quotes like "when the fog dissipates" and teasing me about the possibility of being able to see around bends in the road.

Wednesday Wedding-ness Day

So we have decided on a date and potential venues. And a theme. Yay!

We also have our wedding party picked out and have asked each member to stand with us on our day.

Not going to lie, it feels so nice to have some direction on this project. And it was super fun sitting over drinks with Rainman brainstorming ideas. I look forward to more of those sessions as we really hash out how we want our day to be exactly.

We are going with a peacock theme. And upon further research, I discovered that peacocks in art represent eternal life, renewal and resurrection. The peacock is also a symbol of protection and enlightenment which I am hoping our marriage will provide both of us.

Plus the jewel tones, the touches of metallic and the pop of lime green (I think) will be really beautiful.

Feel free to send me peacock influenced ideas! Can be anything from colour combinations to decorations to subtle hints. And feel free to check out my One Day...Soon! Board on pinterest :)

Tuned In Tuesday

I have been Shazam-ing like crazy it seems the last few days. So many songs on the radio, the television and video games are capturing my aural attention.

1)City and Colour The Grand Optimist This is an older song that I crank on the radio and sing along to every time it comes on. I often think of myself as an optimist, but I worry way too much about things I should do, bills to pay, regrets I have. I guess I take after my mother.

2)The Pack A.D Take Another song that I crank when it comes on the radio. I love the bass, I love the sound of the vocals, and I enjoy that the contradiction of angry lyrics with a pop-sound. And am I the only one who wishes this could have been on my "love sucks" mix CD years ago?

3)Finally, Rainman has purchased NHL 2013 which means I get a new soundtrack for another year peppered with hockey cursing and cheering when goals are scored. The Hives are on this year's version and I want more is one of my favorite tunes that comes on in between challenged games while I drink expensive wine and enjoy a (moment's) peace of mind. 

Sunday Stealing on Mondays

23. Why do you think so many people cheat? I think that people get into situations where they settle. And they are not with the person they want to be with or are supposed to be with. They are then less invested in the relationship and it becomes easier to cheat. When you are with that person you are supposed to be with, it doesn't matter who walks down the street, lives next door or is dancing in a night club, all you think about is that person you are with.

24. Tell me what's on your mind? Thinking about how many people settle in relationships and are never truly happy. And how we live in a society that constantly compares peers and their level of happiness in life through online photos and status updates. "Every one in this room has troubles too"

25. What are you looking forward to in the next three months? Finishing up my Social Media for Business Certificate, our first Christmas in our new home, completing my first half marathon.

26. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing? Yes. There is nothing like pulling on a boyfriend's sweater when you are cold

25. When did you last talk to your BFF? I just emailed one of them. I spoke with Rainman this morning when he kissed me goodbye.

28. When is your next road trip? Not too sure. 

29. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to? Yes. 

30. How's your heart? Strong and healed. And growing.

31. Have you ever felt like you weren't important? Yes. Oh the time I wasted in past relationships.

32. Do you think somebody's secretly in love with you? No.

33. What are you planning on doing after this? have lunch.

34. Last time you yelled at someone? Have no idea. I don't really yell anymore. I mostly get really quiet when I am angry.

35. Have you told anybody you loved them today?  I sure have :)

36. Who do you not get along with? I don't really know. Obviously people, but not important enough to jump in my head right away.

37. What does your most recent text say? It's from Rainman, and says "lol" We can be really, really deep sometimes.

38. What are you wearing right now? Shift dress, grey stiletto high boots

39. You're locked in a room with the person you last kissed in high school, how is it? Confession: I didn't really have a boyfriend in high school and actually can't think if I kissed anyone, especially the last person I kissed. So, I could be locked in a room with that person right now and wouldn't even know.

40. When's the last time you had a grilled cheese? Last week. I love grilled cheese.

41. What's your favorite boy and girl name? Boy: Jasyk Girl:no idea.

42. How did you feel when you woke up? Tired, stuffed up, wishing I could stay in  bed

43. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now? I always love texts from my fiance. 

44. Do you think Clint Eastwood would have been better talking to a table? What a bizarre moment. US is a crazy country.

45. What were you doing yesterday at midnight? Sleeping.

Autumn

As much as I live for summer, I am looking forward to:

• Walking the dog in brisk autumn air, stepping on crisp, colourful, fallen leaves, holding Rainman's hand.

• Sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows or perhaps whip cream while watching movies late into the evening.

• Boots with cozy sweaters over skinny jeans or paired with skirts and tights.

• Baking pumpkin pie, carving jack-o-lanterns, and gorging on candy purchased for kids who don't know the thrill of trick-or-treating anymore.

What are your favorite parts of the season change?

Wednesday Wedding-ness day

It's going to take over my life. Let's be clear about it right from the start. As much as I would love to be one of those people you don't want to hide from your Facebook feed because she's updating you on wedding details 18 times a day, this is going to be the next big project in my life. And there are a lot of details. And I have never done this before. And feel a bit overwhelmed thinking about all of these details.

And so, to be fair to my friends (and to hopefully have them not annoyed with me and still want to attend the actual wedding), I am going to try and restrain myself from Facebook updates. And to not turn this entire blog into my wedding obsession, I have deemed Wednesdays to be the day that I discuss all of the details, thoughts, china patterns, colours and (mis)adventures (mrs-adventures???) that are most likely going to consume my day-to-day life (and based on the last few nights, my dream life too). And it's super convenient that I also get to employ my love for alliteration with choosing Wednesdays for this.

So, feel free to avoid my blog on Wednesdays for the next year and a bit (but no, we don't have a specific date just yet -- seriously considering hanging a calendar on the dart board). Or comment lots and offer me advice. Because this is a huge project that I have no experience in and about to jump in with both feet.

Tuned in Tuesday

I watched Snow White and the Huntsman this weekend. This song "Breath of Life" played during the end credits. And at the risk of sounding trendy, I adore Florence and the Machine. From their cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" to "Dog Days" to "Shake it out." They are just one of those bands where I enjoy everything they create.

I enjoyed this film version of Snow White too despite K-Stew desperately trying to act her way through it. Oh Bella....you can be a different character once in a while too. Remember Panic Room when you played a little boy? That was fantastic work! ;-)

Sunday Stealing on Mondays

1. What type questions do you hate on a meme? Questions that repeat themselves. I feel I have already answered something and then it gets asked again! Grrr!

2. If you married the last person you texted, what would your last name be? Nelson...and I happen to be marrying him :)

3. Were you happy when you woke up today? Um...mostly a little confused. I drank a bottle of champagne last night and going to bed is actually a blur. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

4. When were you on the phone last? And with who? A couple of hours ago -- my daddy called to tell me he parked on the street and was walking over to our new place.

5. Who are you excited for? Well...for me and Rainman. And we have a surprise happening in a few weeks which will be really exciting, especially for the recipient :)

7. Honestly, who was the last person to tell you they love you? Rainman.

8. What's the last thing you put in your mouth? This question could go in so many directions. Honestly though, it was a sip of beer.

9. Have a best friend? Yes. I am really lucky and have a great group of friends who share in my various interests, listen to me when I need them to, believe the world needs more glitter, and let me be part of their fun lives with each milestone we cross.

10. Were you ever or are you scared to fall in love? Of course, I have had my heart broken badly like so many others and didn't know if I could take a leap of faith again. But I am sure happy I did!

11. Do you think teenagers can be in love? Yes....but I also think teenagers are in a place of discovery. Until you know who you truly are and love yourself, you can not truly love another person.

12. Last person you wanted to punch in the face? No one really comes to mind.

13. What time is it right this second? 6:34:38 p.m. (it changed...)

14. What do you want right now? I want to be able to get out of bed tomorrow and have a really kick ass amazing run.

15. Who was the last person you took a picture with? The girls at the last RMH brunch.

16. Are you single/taken/heartbroken/or confused? Taken <3 br="br">
17. When was the last time you cried? This afternoon watching Ellen. She gave a family a house! Every one was crying. I was so happy and excited for the person who got the house.

18. Do you have a good relationship with your parents? I do now. It hasn't always been easy.

19. Do you find it hard to trust others? No, I am too trusting. And then get bit in the ass, yet still believe that everyone is being true to their word. And I wouldn't want to change that about myself.

20. How fast does your mind change? Not very fast at all. I am pretty stubborn.

21. I bet you miss somebody right now. Who is it? I miss Kerker and Nimet

22. Can you honestly say you're okay right now? Yes. My life is pretty fabulous right now :) I am so very excited with all of the positive things happening in it :)

Sunday Snipets

• We moved! And almost every box is unpacked with everything having a place to call home. And we combined our two houses into one with no feelings hurt over who got to keep what and where. I love our little town home and feel very much like I have always been here. And my cat and dog have accepted Rainman's cat. If only she would give them a chance, I am sure they could be wonderful accomplices in getting into trouble.
• It's the beginning of a new month and my favorite time of year -- fall fashion, cooler air to run in (any time of day I wish), being the recipient of freshly canned awesomeness! yay!
• With the new month, Rainman and I are going to start working out a budget. We have the wedding to pay for and we are in a great place right now where our rental costs have decreased in half. I feel really confident that we can pay for this wedding without going into debt.
• That said, thinking about planning this event overwhelms me a bit. I find myself on pinterest looking for something to inspire the entire theme and getting really worried that it won't be a beautiful affair. Then I look at shoes and feel much better. I am seriously considering some sort of shoe theme for my wedding. And kind of like the idea of varying shades of grey. But not 50 shades...get your mind out of the gutter!
• Rainman's dad was here last weekend, when he left he gave me a hug and said he was happy to have me on board. After watching a few episodes of Monster-in-law, I am thrilled to have mine. Rainman adores my parents the same way they adore him, so I think we will be okay in that department.
• I go back to work on Tuesday after a busy week off. Being a team player of pranks on other office mates, I am a little bit worried about what I may have in store for me.
• I went to a Burlesque show last Friday. It wasn't what I was expecting at all...in fact, it seemed way to close to what I would watch at the peelers. Which was disappointing -- because I really wanted it to be like Burlesque the movie. There wasn't any singing or lip synching, just a bunch of women in various shapes and sizes stripping down to their panties and pasties.
• I had a really wonderful summer. Totally looking forward to a lot of awesome in the next 4 months to wrap up 2012.