Back By Popular Demand

Ok, so no one has actually demanded this post, I felt like it was time for one of my infamous random posts. I'd like to think that at least a person or 2 gets some enjoyment out of them.

• The sun is starting to shine in my life again (see my previous post). There will be more info on this in coming posts, but I'm feeling happy and hopeful about the future.
• Next weekend my good friend Melissa is getting married and I'm excited to be a part of her special day. I had a small freak out earlier this week when I went to try on my bridesmaid dress. When I purchased it in September it seemed to fit fine perhaps needing to be taken in just a tiny bit. I have been meaning to try it on again, but had just forgotten. So Tuesday night, I tried it on. And yeah it's way too big. I've only lost a pound or two, but I guess between running and some recently added strength training, I'm down some inches. Fortunately I am blessed with a mother who has some pretty great sewing skills and she will be able to make the needed alterations.
• My obsession love for reality TV continues. My current loves are Dance Moms (please tell me other people watch this, if not you should), The Challenge Battle of the Exes (yeah I know, I just can't help it), The Voice (Blake Shelton you are awesome), Teen Mom 2 (sometimes I just want to shake those girls and give them a dose of self esteem), and The Biggest Loser (Bob you will always be my favorite).
• In 2 weeks I'm running a 5K called Joggin' for the Noggin' sponsored by the Crumley House, which is a long term facility for people with traumatic brain injuries. I've slacked a little in running department the past couple of weeks (previously I had been doing really really well), so I'm not sure how well it's gonna go. Guess I will just try my best and have fun. I've decided I want to run the Crazy 8s race this summer and am working on upping my mileage. Running has definitely become a great outlet for my stress.
• I've started planning my summer/fall trips. If you follow my blog, you know I love to travel. It makes me excited to mark off dates on the calender. Looking forward to heading back out to Arizona for Young Lives camp in July and a cruise with the girls in September. Also hoping to squeeze in a trip to Charleston, SC at some point. 
• Inspired by a fellow blogger Carrie, I've working on cleaning the clutter out of my house, making a few improvements, and trying to only purchase things I need/really like. When I shop, I allow myself to pick up things I like as I look around, but then at then end I reevaluate the contents of my cart to see if I really need the items. I typically try and put back at least 1/3 of what I have selected. This still allows for a few unplanned items, but keeps so much needless junk from coming in to my house. 
• I'm working on a few Pinterest inspired projects (pictures to be posted as items are completed). I LOVE that site. It is so darn addicting, but a really good way to pass the slower hours at work. I most recently made Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Cream Cheese frosting for my friend's Bachelorette Party. They were pretty good if I do say so myself. 

• I have a dentist appointment next Thursday and I'm looking forward to it (yes I'm that girl). I've never had a cavity so trips to the dentist for me usually just mean really clean teeth and a new toothbrush. Recently I have had some extreme tooth sensitivity and decided I should get it checked out to make sure something isn't going on. And also because I haven't been to the dentist since college, yes I know it's horrible, but well I haven't had any problems. I'm hoping they don't find anything major and that they don't ask how long it's been since my last visit! 
• I've starting picking up some shift in the Pediatric ER at the hospital where I work and I love it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy interacting with kiddos. Since they opened the Peds ER almost 4 years ago, I haven't really had the opportunity to take care of many pediatric patients. I may give up shifts with the adults all together, because I feel my time spent with the little people is so much more rewarding.
• And now to go do 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels. I have a love/hate relationship with her, but man she is getting my butt in shape! 

Blah Blah Blah

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. Christmas has passed, the New Year has passed, and here it is the first of February I've had a major case of the blah's lately and as a result haven't really felt like posting. The holidays were really hard. 2012, didn't start out the way I had hoped. I am quickly approaching the big 3-0 and my life isn't exactly where I thought it would be. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and there are a lot of good things in my life. But 2 of the things I want the most aren't there. And it's hard to see all the people around me getting those things. I feel left out and sometimes like I'm not part of the club. I'm trying to focus on all the positive things in my life and to celebrate the exciting things in my friends lives. But it's hard not to be a little jealous. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but I'm having a hard time rising out of this low period. I've been keeping up with my running and I think it is what is keeping me sane these days. Even when I have to force myself out the door or to the gym, I am always glad I get those runs in. I've also been tying to workout in other ways and eat right. I know I need to take care of myself even though some days I barely have the energy to function. I'm hoping the sun starts shinning in my life again.