Wednesday, July 17, 2013

My trip to Chicago.

I've been in Chicago a few days for work.  For the last few years, I've come here during the Summer for an annual meeting session in our industry.  It is fun.  Although I am a little ways out from the actual downtown area, it is still nice to get out of the office and meet customers face to face.  

When I was getting ready to head to the airport Monday morning, my boss texted and asked if I was still home. and had access to a printer?  Turns out he bought me a ticket to see the play "The Book of Mormon."  So, the plans for my Tuesday night were in place.  I called a car service to take me into the city.  Upon entering the city I decided to look around at the stores and maybe do a little shopping.  Unfortunately I lost track of time and was not able to grab dinner before the show.  A total bummer because I was really looking forward to all of the delicious food Chicago has to offer.  I drank a beer & hoped that'd tie me over. By the time I got back to the hotel at 11:11 the kitchen was already closed.  This led to a growling belly with nothing to eat.  Next time I won't choose shopping over food. When I entered the theatre I was blown away.  The architecture was absolutely incredible.  The theatre first opened in 1906 so it was as if I was stepping back in time.  The play was pretty funny.  My boss thought it was "omgslapyomomma" type of funny, but I wouldn't go that far.  The show stealer in my opinion was definitely Elder Cunningham.  His wit, talent, and one liners were executed magnificently and it was his performance that made the whole play.  It was my first time seeing a play, and it was a really fun experience.





Today we've got a few more meetings and then I head home on Thursday morning.  I always enjoy a trip to the Windy City and look forward to being here again next Summer. 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week.  :)


Sunday, July 7, 2013

My first 5K run.

I've done a 5K before.  I walked 1 or 2 & raised money for the American Heart Association.  I walked and never even attempted to run.  

That's why the Watermelon 4th of July 5K was a big deal for me.  I had been practicing and training to run it.  I cut back on bootcamp and focused more on running.

Well, the day came and I had butterflies in my tummy.  I actually had butterflies about 2 days prior.  It was all I could think about.  "Am I crazy?"  "Will I do ok?"  "My main goal is to cross the finish line."  Come to find out, I am pretty bat shit crazy, yes I did better than ok, and I 100% crossed the finish line. The energy at the race was intense.

The beau's sister in law & I were the ones who signed up and ran.  She is a natural runner so definitely pushed me when all I wanted to take a break and walk.  I love the fact that she pushed me.  I also love the fact that I threw up.  What happened was...we were in the final stretch of the race and she looks at me and says "come on, let's go!  We're doing it!" and we start to haul ass closer to the finish line.  I am feeling absolutely stinkin' proud of myself.  I start to get goosebumps and then wonder if I'm going to cry.  But nothing came from my eyes.  Instead it came from my mouth.  As I was crossing the finish line I started throwing up.  It was all kind of blur because there were just SO many people, but all that matters is I did it.  And didn't throw up on anyone's shoes in the process.  I am so curious to see how the race pictures will turn out.  

After the race, we found our men - they had unfortunately got to the finish line about 5 minutes after we crossed.  But that was okay.  I was so happy that they loaded up the kids so early in the morning and came to cheer us on.  They had lots of water and tons of snacks, bounce houses, watermelon eating contests, all kinds of things.  It was a fun time for the kids and for us (once we caught our breath!)

We then headed back to the beau's brothers house so we could swim & have a cook out.  It was a lot of fun and I am so happy that I signed up and completed it.

Next on the list?  A half marathon.  We have 21 weeks to prepare.  I will do this.  I will cross the finish line.  Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th!  God Bless America.  :)