This has become a common hash-tag for my Twitter account. (Yes, I gave into another form of social media...)
I know what you're thinking; "why in the world would she want to run a half marathon?!" Trust me, I asked myself the same question today during my six mile run. This is what I have come up with...
I am stubborn.
That's it; that's the simple and most explicable answer - I'm truly stubborn.
Where did it all begin? Well, I ran track in high school and ran my first 5K (3.1 miles) while living in Florence and got hooked! I love the way it makes me feel. And, if I'm being 100% honest, I love the free t-shirts to show off my accomplishments. For years I have been saying that I want to run a half marathon (13.1 miles). Why? Just to say that I did. To prove to myself that I can. Oh, and of course for the free t-shirt and medal (everyone gets a medal)! But, really, that's all it ever was for me - just talking about it and never putting it into action.
This all changed this past year when I met this girl who has also wanted to run a half. We tried to find a race that we could both run together, but things never worked out. I figured I could run one by myself and began searching for a race. The race in Nashville caught my attention since Keith's family is near that area. I saw that the race is at the end of April. After finding a basic training regiment off a credible running site, I quickly realized that I was already 3 weeks late in beginning my training. Given this time frame and the fact that I should have been running 4 miles a day comfortably even before beginning the training plan, I realized I needed to get my butt in gear and start running.
That's just what I did. I bought myself some running pants (this was motivation in itself because they aren't cheap), put Connor in his winter gear, strapped him in his jogging stroller, and hit the trails.
I started by running 3 to 4 miles a day for the first couple weeks and then started getting into 5 and today 6 miles. I will say that I can comfortably run 3 miles without feeling too terrible. However, today, while running my 6 miles I will admit that I had the same thought you all have - I am crazy for thinking I want to do this!! I kept going though and finished my 6 miles. And, I did that in 1 hour which is a 10 minute mile while pushing a stroller. (If you've never run while pushing a stroller then you are truly missing out on a good workout!) I felt great afterwards and actually began looking forward to another run tomorrow!
The only thing that got me through my run (with the help of water and a package of GU) was pride and stubbornness. I have always been one to push and refuse to disappoint myself.
So, why am I sticking with this goal of mine?
I'm doing it for me.
Questions: What goal do you have that you've been thinking about for a long time but haven't started? What motivates you?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I don't have "out-laws"
I do not have the stereotypical in-laws. You know the kind...the mother-in-law who is always in your business and not very tactful in giving un-solicited advice or the father-in-law who stays quiet and plays an inactive role in building a relationship with his daughter-in-law. No, my in-laws are not the typical "out-laws" that you hope never visit or call. In fact, they are the exact opposite.
Keith and I both get very excited when his parents call and say they want to make the five and a half hour trek across TN to visit us or they plan a weekend for us to visit them or even better, they plan a trip for the entire family to vacation in a foreign land!
I don't dread their upcoming visit or even loathe their stay while they're here. In fact, one of the last times they came to visit I encouraged them to stay longer than their planned weekend stay and they hung out with us for a week and a half! Does this sound unusual and hard to believe for you? Well, it's because you don't have my in-laws! And no, I'm not trading them or giving them away for anything!
Why do I absolutely love hanging out with them? If you have ever hung out with them, you would know! But, in case you haven't had the pleasure, I will share with you only a few reasons.
They are TONS of fun!! They love to have parties, go dancing, kick back and have a brew-sky, go rock climbing, and take on any adventure you throw their way. They truly are 30 year olds in 50 year old's body.
They are also super easy to talk to. If you ever have the chance to just sit and talk to them, you will find yourself opening up and talking about things you would never dream of talking about with your in-laws. And you know without a doubt that your conversation is being kept confident. And even when Connor was born, they never once gave unsolicited advice on how to raise our child. They offer advice when asked and are very respectful of his schedule that I have him on.
They will call or text (especially when they know you hate talking on the phone) just to say hi and see how things are going. They always call on your birthday to sing, yes SING, Happy Birthday to you. You look forward to it every year. :)
And when they come to visit, it's a blessing! They understand that being a stay-at-home-mom sometimes means that there is no "me time". So, they offer to take their grandson to run errands so you can get work done and just have some alone time. It's a win-win for all of us. I get "me-time" (even if it is working, I don't have to worry about keeping up with the kid) and Connor gets to hang out with his grandparents and they get to spend time with him!
Keith's dad will drive in for a weekend just to help us with projects around the house. Keith's mom will back out of a girl's weekend so she can drive up here to stay with me while Keith is out of town and I have to work.
When they are here, they help in any way I need. For instance, Keith's birthday shindig was this past weekend. Darcy left bowling early with me to help finish getting food ready before people came over and once Teresa got home she came straight to the kitchen to see what she could help with. After she did that task, she immediately began cleaning up dishes until I could come up with something else that I needed help with. Oh! And they also help cook! Yes, even Ron :) In fact, he even helped make Connor's baby food so Teresa and I could work out.
Again, these are only a few reasons...I can definitely come up with many many more!!
They are truly selfless. And not only are they our family, they are our friends. I am so blessed!
Keith and I both get very excited when his parents call and say they want to make the five and a half hour trek across TN to visit us or they plan a weekend for us to visit them or even better, they plan a trip for the entire family to vacation in a foreign land!
I don't dread their upcoming visit or even loathe their stay while they're here. In fact, one of the last times they came to visit I encouraged them to stay longer than their planned weekend stay and they hung out with us for a week and a half! Does this sound unusual and hard to believe for you? Well, it's because you don't have my in-laws! And no, I'm not trading them or giving them away for anything!
Why do I absolutely love hanging out with them? If you have ever hung out with them, you would know! But, in case you haven't had the pleasure, I will share with you only a few reasons.
They are TONS of fun!! They love to have parties, go dancing, kick back and have a brew-sky, go rock climbing, and take on any adventure you throw their way. They truly are 30 year olds in 50 year old's body.
They are also super easy to talk to. If you ever have the chance to just sit and talk to them, you will find yourself opening up and talking about things you would never dream of talking about with your in-laws. And you know without a doubt that your conversation is being kept confident. And even when Connor was born, they never once gave unsolicited advice on how to raise our child. They offer advice when asked and are very respectful of his schedule that I have him on.
They will call or text (especially when they know you hate talking on the phone) just to say hi and see how things are going. They always call on your birthday to sing, yes SING, Happy Birthday to you. You look forward to it every year. :)
And when they come to visit, it's a blessing! They understand that being a stay-at-home-mom sometimes means that there is no "me time". So, they offer to take their grandson to run errands so you can get work done and just have some alone time. It's a win-win for all of us. I get "me-time" (even if it is working, I don't have to worry about keeping up with the kid) and Connor gets to hang out with his grandparents and they get to spend time with him!
Keith's dad will drive in for a weekend just to help us with projects around the house. Keith's mom will back out of a girl's weekend so she can drive up here to stay with me while Keith is out of town and I have to work.
When they are here, they help in any way I need. For instance, Keith's birthday shindig was this past weekend. Darcy left bowling early with me to help finish getting food ready before people came over and once Teresa got home she came straight to the kitchen to see what she could help with. After she did that task, she immediately began cleaning up dishes until I could come up with something else that I needed help with. Oh! And they also help cook! Yes, even Ron :) In fact, he even helped make Connor's baby food so Teresa and I could work out.
Again, these are only a few reasons...I can definitely come up with many many more!!
They are truly selfless. And not only are they our family, they are our friends. I am so blessed!
Friday, March 2, 2012
PIctures of Connor
Here are some pictures of one of my favorite guys...
Playing with sweet potatoes
This is way more fun than actually eating them
Working on feeding ourself
Playing in my crib while mommy cleans my room
How can you not love this face?!
Jumpy Jumpy!!
Catching Up
I know I haven't posted much lately. To be honest, I've been super busy with...well...my kid :)
He is definitely becoming more active these days. He hates laying down unless it's nap time or bed time; he would much rather be sitting up, bouncing, standing, or walking (with help, of course). He still doesn't crawl or scoot or anything else like that, but he does try to stand up by pulling on anything near him. I'm okay with him not being mobile yet. I am learning to truly be in the moment and soak in this "baby time" because before I know it we'll be celebrating his 1st birthday. I'm not ready to even think about that.
He has started to enjoy his solid food much more now. Sometimes, it's almost as if we can't shovel it in his mouth fast enough. It's quite funny.
Oh! He likes to play this new game where he screams and then just looks at you with a smile on his face as if to say "haha you're turn". Well, Keith plays along and Connor loves it. I think it's quite funny...until we get out in public. Yesterday we were running errands all around town and as we're walking through the store he starts screaming and then looks at me with this huge grin on his face. Haha. I try not to play along because I don't want this game to continue...especially in public.
Speaking of my child and being in public...
He is ALL SMILES ALL THE TIME!! He truly is a happy baby. People will comment all the time about how happy he looks and how cute he is. Well, apparently this nine year old boy thought the same thing but instead of telling me, he began taking pictures of Connor on his dad's cell phone. WHAT?! I told him to please stop taking pictures of my child. I'm sorry, but that's just weird...not flattering. His dad saw how disturbed I was and apologized and made his kid apologize. He said he also made his son erase the pictures. Whether he actually did or not, I don't know. That was the first time I've ever had to say something out loud to someone in regards to protecting my child. I know it won't be the last...
In other news...Keith and I are having people over for his birthday tomorrow. We decided we wanted to get some more decorations up in the house. In usual Keith and Liz fashion, we wait until Wednesday night to begin these not-so-small art projects. Needless to say, as I'm typing this (9pm), Keith is outside still working on one of his projects. I'll post pictures once it's all finished. He is quite the crafty guy though :)
I'll try to post more often and with pictures of my sweet kid for my family who doesn't get to see him. :)
He is definitely becoming more active these days. He hates laying down unless it's nap time or bed time; he would much rather be sitting up, bouncing, standing, or walking (with help, of course). He still doesn't crawl or scoot or anything else like that, but he does try to stand up by pulling on anything near him. I'm okay with him not being mobile yet. I am learning to truly be in the moment and soak in this "baby time" because before I know it we'll be celebrating his 1st birthday. I'm not ready to even think about that.
He has started to enjoy his solid food much more now. Sometimes, it's almost as if we can't shovel it in his mouth fast enough. It's quite funny.
Oh! He likes to play this new game where he screams and then just looks at you with a smile on his face as if to say "haha you're turn". Well, Keith plays along and Connor loves it. I think it's quite funny...until we get out in public. Yesterday we were running errands all around town and as we're walking through the store he starts screaming and then looks at me with this huge grin on his face. Haha. I try not to play along because I don't want this game to continue...especially in public.
Speaking of my child and being in public...
He is ALL SMILES ALL THE TIME!! He truly is a happy baby. People will comment all the time about how happy he looks and how cute he is. Well, apparently this nine year old boy thought the same thing but instead of telling me, he began taking pictures of Connor on his dad's cell phone. WHAT?! I told him to please stop taking pictures of my child. I'm sorry, but that's just weird...not flattering. His dad saw how disturbed I was and apologized and made his kid apologize. He said he also made his son erase the pictures. Whether he actually did or not, I don't know. That was the first time I've ever had to say something out loud to someone in regards to protecting my child. I know it won't be the last...
In other news...Keith and I are having people over for his birthday tomorrow. We decided we wanted to get some more decorations up in the house. In usual Keith and Liz fashion, we wait until Wednesday night to begin these not-so-small art projects. Needless to say, as I'm typing this (9pm), Keith is outside still working on one of his projects. I'll post pictures once it's all finished. He is quite the crafty guy though :)
I'll try to post more often and with pictures of my sweet kid for my family who doesn't get to see him. :)
Monday, February 20, 2012
6 Month Old Food Critic
Who would have thought that a child who is a direct product of only one parent who is a picky eater while the other parent will eat just about anything once would take after the picky eater parent?!
I am choosing to not blame this on my personal food preferences but rather a banana...yes, a banana is the culprit. Which I guess is technically my fault since I fed him the banana, but I choose not to dwell on the minute details.
When I started feeding Connor solid foods, he loved carrots so much! Now, it's like they taste like dirt to him. I have tried feeding him differently. For instance, I was breastfeeding from both sides and then offering solids. Now, I'm trying to feed him from one side, give him solids, then finish with the other side of the breast. Failed attempt.
Any suggestions from mommies out there on feeding an almost 7 month old solids?
I am choosing to not blame this on my personal food preferences but rather a banana...yes, a banana is the culprit. Which I guess is technically my fault since I fed him the banana, but I choose not to dwell on the minute details.
When I started feeding Connor solid foods, he loved carrots so much! Now, it's like they taste like dirt to him. I have tried feeding him differently. For instance, I was breastfeeding from both sides and then offering solids. Now, I'm trying to feed him from one side, give him solids, then finish with the other side of the breast. Failed attempt.
Any suggestions from mommies out there on feeding an almost 7 month old solids?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Florida
It has definitely been a while since I have last posted and many things have taken place in the meantime.
One of these was a mommy/son trip to Florida to visit this girl, my best friend. It was my first time flying by myself. Yes, Connor was with me so I know I wasn't alone. However, it was my first time flying without family or friends. Obviously, we survived :)
What is my best friend doing in Florida? I'm so glad you asked. She married a Coastie last September and as any devoted wife does, she followed him. Since he was going to be deployed for a few weeks, Connor and I decided to take a trip to keep her company.
We had so much fun! She was the perfect hostess! We ate delicious food at local restaurants and even pigged out on cookie dough - just like the old days. We visited a park and Connor LOVED the swings!! The trip was far too short in my opinion (she may think otherwise). I'm excited to visit her and her love in the next city God is taking them - Morro Bay, CA!!!
One of these was a mommy/son trip to Florida to visit this girl, my best friend. It was my first time flying by myself. Yes, Connor was with me so I know I wasn't alone. However, it was my first time flying without family or friends. Obviously, we survived :)
What is my best friend doing in Florida? I'm so glad you asked. She married a Coastie last September and as any devoted wife does, she followed him. Since he was going to be deployed for a few weeks, Connor and I decided to take a trip to keep her company.
We had so much fun! She was the perfect hostess! We ate delicious food at local restaurants and even pigged out on cookie dough - just like the old days. We visited a park and Connor LOVED the swings!! The trip was far too short in my opinion (she may think otherwise). I'm excited to visit her and her love in the next city God is taking them - Morro Bay, CA!!!
Ready to check in at the airport
Hilary and Connor hanging out at the park
How can you not love this face?!
Connor playing with Hilary at lunch
Connor and mommy at lunch
Kisses from my favorite little boy
Connor and aunt Hilary
SWINGING!!!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
It's a first!!
We are experiencing a myriad of new things in the Edwards' household.
Connor is officially half a year old! This has brought a number of new things. "Firsts", if you will.
He is sitting up all by himself for quite a bit of time. We still have to put a couple pillows around him for when he is tired of sitting and wants to lay down. And, he is trying to pull up on anything and everything. He would much rather stand than anything else. He is also doing a really good job of "walking". He will hold onto your hands and take a few steps. Granted, it's wobbly and takes a while, but he's doing it! I'm pretty sure he'll skip the crawling stage and take off running!
We have also started giving the little guy his first solid foods.
I really want to make his foods myself. So, we started with brown rice cereal. He hated it! He literally threw it back up immediately. Don't worry, we have video and I'll share later.
We then tried carrots. He wasn't too sure of them at first. But with some reassurance from mom and dad (you know, "yum! carrots!"), he loves them! I also tried giving him peas yesterday, but he refuses to eat them.
He is definitely at a fun age and we are soaking in every moment we can!
Another first was more for mommy than it was for Connor.
Because Connor still will not take a bottle (trust me, I've tried everything!) I am unable to leave him with anyone longer than a couple hours. Any time I have left him with someone it has always been family or friends of ours or someone who came highly recommended and stayed onsite with me while I was working.
We have been taking Connor into service at church ever since...well, we always have. This was our choice to do so and not take him to the nursery because he is such a good baby and just sat there listening and taking everything in. He truly loves it!
Now that he's a mover and a talker (he "talks" during the most inopportune times - during prayer), I decided to try taking him to the nursery. I was skeptical only because I don't know what kind of sickness the other kids have and he doesn't know the ladies working in there (he's a mama's boy). Well, Keith and I dropped him off and he did great! He's definitely a flirt so he was smiling at everyone the entire time. I did really good too. I was only worried once throughout the service because I remembered I forgot to tell them that he can't sit up by himself for longer than just a few minutes without falling over. Luckily, I have a husband who is pretty much amazing. He reassured me that he informed them of this and that everything is fine.
I'm excited for all the firsts we'll be experience as the days come and go...
Connor is officially half a year old! This has brought a number of new things. "Firsts", if you will.
He is sitting up all by himself for quite a bit of time. We still have to put a couple pillows around him for when he is tired of sitting and wants to lay down. And, he is trying to pull up on anything and everything. He would much rather stand than anything else. He is also doing a really good job of "walking". He will hold onto your hands and take a few steps. Granted, it's wobbly and takes a while, but he's doing it! I'm pretty sure he'll skip the crawling stage and take off running!
We have also started giving the little guy his first solid foods.
I really want to make his foods myself. So, we started with brown rice cereal. He hated it! He literally threw it back up immediately. Don't worry, we have video and I'll share later.
We then tried carrots. He wasn't too sure of them at first. But with some reassurance from mom and dad (you know, "yum! carrots!"), he loves them! I also tried giving him peas yesterday, but he refuses to eat them.
He is definitely at a fun age and we are soaking in every moment we can!
Another first was more for mommy than it was for Connor.
Because Connor still will not take a bottle (trust me, I've tried everything!) I am unable to leave him with anyone longer than a couple hours. Any time I have left him with someone it has always been family or friends of ours or someone who came highly recommended and stayed onsite with me while I was working.
We have been taking Connor into service at church ever since...well, we always have. This was our choice to do so and not take him to the nursery because he is such a good baby and just sat there listening and taking everything in. He truly loves it!
Now that he's a mover and a talker (he "talks" during the most inopportune times - during prayer), I decided to try taking him to the nursery. I was skeptical only because I don't know what kind of sickness the other kids have and he doesn't know the ladies working in there (he's a mama's boy). Well, Keith and I dropped him off and he did great! He's definitely a flirt so he was smiling at everyone the entire time. I did really good too. I was only worried once throughout the service because I remembered I forgot to tell them that he can't sit up by himself for longer than just a few minutes without falling over. Luckily, I have a husband who is pretty much amazing. He reassured me that he informed them of this and that everything is fine.
I'm excited for all the firsts we'll be experience as the days come and go...
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