Deep thoughts I've been pondering

I've been thinking lately...

I think I'm lonelier than I thought since my BFF left in July. In fact, I think I take it out on Aaron some because I expect him to spend more time with me... I can't figure this out because it's not like my friend and I spent a whole lot of time together while she was here, but I think there's some truth to this. This is definitely harder than I thought. I am waiting for the adjustment to get easier.

Kids. I have a lot of questions about having kids. Like what if I'm afraid of how much I'll change. What if I don't want my priorities to change? How do you go from living a selfish life for 30 years to not living for yourself in 9 months? How do you make it all work- kids, work, a life?

This is probably a depressing post, but I've been thinking about these things lately.

Our pets

I'm feeling sentimental about our pets after seeing Marley and Me yesterday. We took Molly and Charley to the dog park today. They LOVE the dog park. I think I've mentioned this before... Anyway, we were thinking about how much they've changed. Since Charley came to live with us almost a year ago, he's got so much more energy! He's lost 70 lbs and feels much better. He is definitely a happy dog. When he goes to the dog park he RUNS! Aaron and I still can't get over seeing him run around the park. Molly, the dog we thought would NEVER calm down, has actually become a better dog. She no longer tears off like a freight train at the park scaring everyone in her path. She even comes when she's called at the park now. And... best of all, she plays well with other dogs now. The last few trips to the park have been pleasant! I can't say they always were. I think she's finally getting older and calmer- it only took 4 years!

They are good dogs!

note: In the first picture, Molly is trying to tell Charley to go away. She's not ferocious- like she looks. She just likes to let Charley know who's boss. The second picture is Charley and Rocky facing off. Rocky is terrified of the dogs- he will not go near them.

Shopping at Christmas time

I admit it.. I am a wierd person who actually enjoys shopping at Christmas time. I don't enjoy the long lines all that much, or the huge crowds of people, but I tolerate them for the chance at getting a great deal. I love shopping anyway, and there's something about the excitement in the air that makes shopping at Christmas fun for me.

Today I went out to the mall. All I needed was make up. I could have been in and out in 15 minutes, but I stayed and shopped. I had some free time this afternoon, and I enjoyed myself. The slow traffic getting into the mall didn't bother me, the mile I had to walk from my parking spot into the mall didn't bother me. Not even the long lines that seemed to move very slowly. Not all people felt the same way.

Case and point: I was in the checkout line at Sears when this loud woman got in line behind me. She was irritated because her husband was taking too long getting in line. I remembered seeing her in the shoe dept. annoyed that the workers weren't around when she needed them. Once her husband got in line with her, she continued to complain nonstop about the slow cashiers and even about the customers who didn't move to the next available cashier quick enough! Can you believe it?? I was on my cell phone for a few minutes of her rants- I'm sure I was in her rants somewhere- when my phone conversation was interrupted by her rudeness. All I have to say is- lady, everyone KNOWS that when you come to the mall in the afternoon the week of Christmas you must expect long lines, slow cashiers, and tons of people! What was this lady thinking? People like her should just stay home!

By the way.. I got some GREAT deals for myself at Old Navy today! I love Christmas bargins!

My best friend's back

SIGH! I am so excited Michelle came into town today. We went shopping right away- like within the first 30 minutes of her arrival. We were actually dress shopping for her wedding, so we had a purpose. Anyway, it's nice to have her here for a few days. I really missed her. This should be a fun week. I don't know what I will do the second week of break when she's gone though...

I think Aaron is happy she's here too. I've been a little lonely lately and he's had to fill in the BFF role. A role a husband is not made to fill. (I think he's all shopped out for a while).

What a weekend

This weekend was very busy. Friday night, my niece Hannah and I had a special date. We went to see my school play and then out for ice cream. It was a blast. Then Saturday, Aaron and I ran a race in a small town about 20 min. north of Bakersfield. The weather was bad and caused low turnout. Due to this- I got first place in my age group! Woohoo! When I went to accept my medal- I couldn't figure out why there weren't a 2nd and 3rd place finisher- that's because I was the ONLY person to enter for my age group! ha ha! Oh well, it was my personal best time and that's all that mattered to me.

Saturday afternoon was just as busy. We had errands to run. Sat. night, my nieces came over again. We had so much fun with them. This evening, I finished it off by making 8 dozen Christmas cookies for gifts. I've almost forgot- I have to go to work tomorrow. Here are some pictures of our fun weekend.

Las Vegas Half Marathon

Today was a much better day. One of the couples we ran with were renewing their vowels at mile 5 at the "Run Thru Wedding Chapel". We were honored to be there guests and get special starting priviledges with the evli and showgirls. Everyone was in great spirits so early in the morning. What was crazy is that people were still out at 5Am, only they had not gone to bed from the night before!! Can you believe it?

The start of the race was amazing! 10,000 runners all running at the same time down the strip. The lights lit up the street and fireworks went off overhead! It was cool! We all stayed together until mile 4 and then it was just too hard. My friend Christine and I were having to slow down, stop and look back to find the others. We decided to just keep going and meet up with them at the wedding chapel. We waited for about 5 minutes at the chapel, but we got there too early and would have to wait another 20 minutes to see the couples wed. We started to cramp up and decided we needed to keep going.

Mile 7,8,9 were hard. I was getting tired and my joints were hurting. Mile 9 a lady offered us gum, which I know sounds silly, but it made a HUGE difference! By mile 10 I was getting my second wind. I knew we only had three more miles to go, and they were going by fast! Before I knew it, we were at my 12. I started to pick up my pace and head to the finish line. I started to get emotional as I was coming to the end and the crowds were cheering us on. The problem was that as I started to get choked up, my air was being cut off and I couldn't breathe. I kept having to tell myself to get a grip until after the finish line!

It was a blast! Amazing! Beautiful day! Loved the run! We decided to come home today instead of staying another day. I could tell Aaron wasn't having a good time, and I just needed to sleep. It's nice to be home.

The run was fun, but I don't think Vegas is for us. There was so much sex everywhere! It was impossible to miss. Just not for us. I think we may be the only people to go to the Vegas Strip and not gamble!

Vegas Trip Day One

We got off to a very late start, so what's new... Anyway, I had wanted to get to Vegas early enough to check in to our hotel, relax, change, and look around the health expo. Instead we barely made it in time to change in the parking lot and get my bib before the expo closed. I was disappointed in the expo, we didn't have much time to look around, and it seemed like most booths were already packed up. We met my running group before dinner and headed up to the pasta party. Which was disappointing as well. I mean for the price we paid... there should have been did better food and more of it! We have fun hanging out with everyone there.

After dinner, we checked in to our hotel. There was a fight and rodeo going on in Vegas this weekend along with the marathon with over 14000 participants. Vegas was packed! By the time we got to our hotel, they didn't have any nonsmoking rooms left. Considering that Aaron and I both have asthma, I was supposed to be able to run in the morning, and I had reserved a nonsmoking room MONTHS ago, I was mad! As we were explaining our situation to the manager (who was not very understanding), a nonsmoking room became available.

After the three mile hike from our car with all our luggage through the casino, to the elevator, and another mile from the elevator to the room, we were tired. Actually more like exhausted! I was in bed by 9:30 which was good because we were meeting at 4:45AM to run!

So far our trip was not smooth or ideal. we didn't have a good impression of Vegas or the Luxor hotel.

My project

So, after I finished reading Twilight last weekend I didn't know what to do with myself! I had to find a project to throw myself into and quick. While I was out shopping, I found new seat covers for my director's chair that I use in my classroom. I've been wanting to change out the covers and paint it for like two years now... It seemed like the perfect time. So, here's the final product:

It used to have a beige cover and was a light wood color. I like this a lot better. We had a fog delay today. Instead of using it to be productive, I played in my classroom- fixing my chair up and checking my email... Oh well, it was worth it. I enjoyed myself.

We are off to Vegas for my 1/2 marathon. I will write about it and post pictures when I get back. I am so excited; I can't wait!