2013 Running Recap...431 Miles Later!

2013 Running Recap

I laced up for my last run of 2013 today! For the year, I ran 431 miles! That's equivalent to me running from Atlanta, GA to Hughes, AR and still having an additional 11 miles to run! This has been an awesome year for running! If anyone would have told me that I would have run more than 400 miles this year, I would have questioned their sanity. If anyone would told me that I would run a half marathon, I would have called them a lie! It's so crazy how running consumed me in 2013. Looking back I didn't see it happening but I also can't imagine what 2013 would have been like without running. It saved me. I always say running saved me from myself. I had some very defining moments during my run. I soul searched, analyzed, prayed, planned, and most importantly I found more of myself. You should never underestimate those moments of clarity you get from running. There's a saying, "Want to change your body exercise. Want to change your life, run"! This is true! I've changed over the last year. I'm more confident & more open with my feelings and others. I'm sure running wasn't the only contributor to this but it has helped. In September 2012, I ran a 10k. The farthest distance I had ever run. I didn't run more than that until I started half marathon training. This year I had a chance to run in places outside of Georgia. I ran four miles in NYC, Central Park. It was a wonderful view. Despite the fact that I got lost which is why I ended up with four miles. Lol, my sense of direction is terrible. My thoughts were I'm a runner and I'm running in NYC! I felt accomplished. Yes, I felt accomplished. A small town country girl conquering the pavement in NYC. Then I enjoyed two international runs... Running in Paris was exciting yet creepy! I kept saying I'm running on streets that I can't pronounce the name of properly. I conquered three miles in Paris! Again the view was amazing but I had a hard time not looking over my shoulder. I kept saying I don't want to get taken. Lol! I managed not to get lost though! London! I loved it and they have more of a running community. I didn't stick out like a sore thumb. I ran through the Royal Parks. I conquered another four miles! Oh, this Southern chick was on a mission! Running helps me to function. Those hours of runner's high are amazing! All of that but nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment I felt when I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon! Amazing is an understatement! Accomplished won't suffice! I've never participated in sports, cheerleading, etc. So, when I got into running my family was shocked. Of course, they didn't think I was serious until I kept going and going. My mom and brothers came to my half marathon race. Those were the best 13.1 miles of my life. I was able to reflect on so many things. Mainly how far I had come with running. I don't profess to be fast and it's not my goal to be the fastest. I do know I'm stronger than I thought I was. I know with proper training I can push my body to new limits and not regret it. Since my half marathon, I've tried to stay in half marathon shape. I run 3.3 miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Then I run 6-10 miles on Saturday or Sunday. Each 5k that I ran this year, I PR'd. So, my 2014 year is definitely looking better as I train harder and get stronger! I AM A RUNNER! My race, my pace! Chasing Pavement! 

Dating in 2013 - Too much of this and not enough that!

Attempting to date in 2013 is not what I expected.  Not that I have much experience with dating period but this ish sucks royally.  Here are a few observations from my stint in the dating world of 2013 & from chatting with a few friends who are dating as well.  

There is too much BS to filter through.  I mean you have men (at least this what they refer to themselves as) out here trying to date but will have a family at home. *confused face*  I just don't get it.  If you are that unhappy, you should change the situation.  

People don't know what they want (friendship, dating, relationship, etc) so they can't realistically let you know what they want from you.  They will say one thing but their actions reveal something completely different.

People are no longer trying to get to know you.  They either want to only communicate via phone or they always trying to screw. (Almost unfiltered.  I wanted to say the other word but my Momma may read this post and I would hate to hear her mouth.) What happened to real dates? Granted I'm not the movie and dinner type of chick but we can compromise. I'm just not seeing that anymore.

They aren't consistent with their actions.  One minute you doing this and that and the next you are all against doing this and that.  When the person gets accustomed to the good this and that you change it up. 

I'm not sure I'm cut out for this dating thing.  Dating is suppose to be fun and exciting.  What happened to people being honest, consistent, and communicating. It's really that simple. The game playing is too complicated!

Race Day...Better Late than Never!

So, this post is hella late for several reasons.  It's race day and I could barely contain my excitement and nerves.  I think my nerves were getting the best of me.  The night before I tried to make sure I had plenty of carbs and lots of water. I didn't eat anything that had the potential to make me sick.  Early in the day, I had rice & peas, broccoli, and cabbage.  Later I had a veggie pizza which I think was a good choice as my last meal before the race.

Anyway, it's race morning and I have my sidekicks with me.  I absolutely love my brothers, even the little monster! They are so supportive in a different way. *rolls eyes* For breakfast, I had a banana, piece of toast with peanut butter, energy bar, naked green juice, and water.  Sounds like a lot but I wanted to make sure my body was fueled properly.  I go through all the rituals and we head out to the race route.  I meet up with BGR, talk, take pics, and line up at the start line.  All I kept saying over and over in my head is trust your training.  My iPod is ready to go... My song at the starting line is BIG KRIT, "You Got This Here".  And off we go...

My thoughts:

Mile 3: It's a nice day and I'm glad I switched out of that long sleeve shirt my momma wanted me to keep on.

Mile 6: We are almost half way there.  Hey, why is that guy on his way back already and we are just at mile six. Looks at my running buddy and we both shake our heads.

Mile 8: Dang, it doesn't seem like we've been running for eight miles.  I may actually be able to do this.

Mile 9 - 11: These damn hills are so ridiculous and too close to the end of the route.

Mile 12: Only one more mile and I can do this.  Let me pick it up a notch or two. Looks at my running buddy and she's like I'm not going to be able to do this.  Oh no, you're my motivation.  Come on...

Finish line: Oh my goodness I DID IT! Looks at time and gets sad.  It says 2:17 something... Damn it, I wanted to finish in 2:15 or less.

I find my folks and I'm about to pass out...literally.  I need those cookies, that water, gatorade, and whatever else is available.  Amazingly, I wasn't sweating too badly.  Then my brother tells me that my time should be under 2:15 since the announcer said to take about four or five minutes off your time. And indeed it is: 2:12:55. I'm happy all over again. My knee was hurting like hell and my hips.  My knee was worse though.

It was the most amazing feeling in the world.  I ran a half marathon...nonstop! Of course, I've already made plans for my next one and contemplating a full marathon in 2015. :) To think, I ran my first organized race (5k) in March of 2012 and here we are in October 2013 and I've run a half marathon! Proud, excited, and ready to do it again.

And I got my sticker for my car! 13.1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a half marathon runner.  Then after my race I all but died...I got sick with E.Coli & my usual change in weather crap and I'm just bouncing back! I haven't run in two weeks and my sanity is on the line.  Today, I'm officially off doctor restrictions and can resume physical activity.

Race Week...Four Days until Half Marathon

So, I have four days until my first half marathon! I am only four days away from my sticker for my car! Excited and anxious is an understatement.  Many if not all of you have seen the various blog posts or pictures from my training.  Well, it's time to see what this training has really done for me.  Today was the last run before the race on Sunday. Okay, here is my confession: I've been having nightmares.  I'm so hung up on my time and this knee issue that I'm having nightmares about it. The first couple of nights and yes I have had nightmares more than twice.  Anyway, the first couple of nights I had an asthma attack during the race and my time was all jacked up.  All the other nights the knee pain caused me to have a really bad time and I cried.  It was crazy.  Saturday night I woke up in a sweat from the nightmare.  It's bad but I hear it's natural to have anxiety.  I just don't want a bad time or what I consider a bad time.

Race day:  The forecast is calling for rain.  This makes me sad but if the race is going on I will be running. I wonder what I will wear for the race.  I plan to do a video (short) and post to my blog.  I'm sure my nerves will be all over the place.

Anyway, I'm already looking for my next half marathon! I'll train smarter this time around and be pain free.  Amazingly when I ran this morning I didn't have any knee pain just a little discomfort.  I'm going to ice some more and see how things turn out on Sunday.  Until then, I have to remember MY RACE, MY PACE!

~Signed One Anxious & Excited Runner

Does it ever get easy to deal with? DEATH!

We all have had to deal with death at some point in our lives.  My question is does it get easier to handle.  From a very young age, I've dealt with it.  I remember being 5 or 6 and hearing my mom cry so loudly.  Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a momma's girl! At the time, I didn't know what was going on or the magnitude of what was happening.  Shortly afterwards, I remember attending the funeral of my little sister.  She died at six months.  My first experience with death that I can remember.

Years later, I was dealing with it again.  My grandfather passed.  At 11 or so, I understood better what was happening.  While I understood, I didn't grasp it totally.  It was crazy.  I had just literally seen him the day before and he was in good spirits.  Well at least I thought he was.  It was just baffling.

After that death seemed to continue to occur. Great-aunt, uncles, friends, classmates, great-grandmothers.  All my life, I had all four of my great-grandmothers then they were leaving so quickly.  By this time, I thought I was numb to the pain that death caused.  I was more sadden by the amount of wisdom leaving the earth rather than the person. Sounds harsh but I had just accepted the fact that people must die.  So, I was numb. I took death like I took the lies most people tell (with a grain of salt).

Oh but I wasn't numb to it all.  In 2008, the pain was real. My niece passed and it was the worst feeling in the world. The pain wouldn't subside no matter how much I prayed about and tried to occupy myself with other stuff.  Her time in our lives was just too short. 22 months just was not enough time.  It was just long enough for us to be attached and to cause inexplicable pain with her loss.  2008 was one of the worst years of my life yet.  It was way too much going on that year.  Fast forward it two years and here we go again.  My nephew passed.  This was the most painful not that I loved him more than my niece but I was so attached to this little boy.  He was really like mine.  I didn't go into a store without picking up something for him.  I didn't go home without spoiling him for hours on end. Plus, I couldn't believe we were making funeral arrangements for yet another child. I didn't deal with either death. I stayed occupied.  Mentally trying to stay away from it.  We had him for 374 days.  Long enough for me to be attached and question everything I'd ever been told. My sister who had just lost her son was calling me daily asking if I was okay. I was suppose to be comforting her yet she was doing the comforting.

Nothing in the Bible could have prepared me for these moments.  My way of thinking changed.  I changed. Don't get me wrong I still believe and I still have faith but it's not the way I was taught.  Do I believe in God? Yes, I do.  I just don't trust all that man has written in the Bible.  The logic of it all doesn't make sense to me. But that's another blog topic altogether.  Religion vs Spirituality!

I just want to know if there will ever be a time in life that death becomes easier to deal with?  Will you ever be numb to the fact that someone you love and care about will no longer be in your presence physically. Probably not huh?  That would make us inhumane.

For Arnevia & Devan Triplett, it hasn't been easy and it won't ever be! Auntie misses you daily! Love and hugs my heavenly angels!

A Runner's Nightmare - Nursing an Injury Before the BIG RUN!

I am a little more than a week away from my first half marathon.  Anyone who has been reading my posts knows that I have been training and the excitement that comes with this race.  Yes, I'm doing it for the sticker on the back of my car but it really is about more than that.  I'm a runner and it has changed my life.  I read somewhere on a runners' website that "If you want to change your body exercise.  If you want to change your life RUN".

Anyway, the last three or four weeks I have been getting sharp pains in my knee and my right leg.  Excruciating sharp pain but I'm stubborn as hell so I just keep pushing through the distance.  At first it was only when I was running but now it's when I'm walking and even sometimes when I'm sitting still. :(  This is a nightmare.  Trying to nurse an injury right before the race is a runner's nightmare.  Especially, if it is a race that you have trained so hard for.  So, far I have tracked 210 miles of my training.  This is as close to accurate as I will get.  THERE IS NO WAY I'M NOT RUNNING THIS RACE.  I will grit and bare through the pain then take my lil' stubborn ass to the doctor afterwards.  Sounds crazy huh? Well, I find it logically which probably means it's not logical. I've already paid for the race.  I've already put in 210 miles training and I really want that damn car sticker.  Right now, I'm taking it easy and only plan to run an additional 15 miles before the race.  No, not at one time but over the course of three days.

Things I know I did wrong while training:

• Not stretching adequately pre and post runs.
• Not properly cross-training
• Not wearing walking shoes when I walk to work.  Wearing flats and walking shoes are two totally different things.  The hills on Peachtree Road are deadly.
• I wear heels to work and out! 

This could be a lot worse and I could not be able to run at all.  The worse part of it now is my time will most likely be more than I would like it to be.  I wanted to finish in 2:15 but I'm sure we can add several minutes to that now.  So much for my average of 10 minutes per mile or less.  But I have to remember: MY RACE MY PACE!

When the Hero becomes a Coward

Sometimes people really aren't worthy of hero status but they are more like cowards.  Growing up, I would see people in some of the most difficult situations and admire their strength and determination to get through whatever it was.  I would think to myself damn I admire his or her strength.  The older I get the more I realize that some people are only operating in survival mode.  They're really not HEROS...they are COWARDS too afraid to change their situation or break away.  These are the people you see in the same bad situations over and over!

I notice a lot of people struggling with the same demons (or what have you) but when an opportunity is presented to change the situation they don't take it.  Why are we so afraid to live outside of our comfort zones?  Why has struggling and not growing become a comfort?  I ABSOLUTELY hate when people tell me it is different when you have kids.  Different as in, it is okay for you to continue to struggle in whatever situation which in turn means your kids suffer.  No it's not different.  I think it is selfish!

Growing up my mom was my HERO & sometimes she still is! (I question her decision making sometimes these days though.) We struggled but she was determined to make us understand that there was more to life than what Hughes had shown us.  I admired her strength and determination.  I didn't realize she was being a hero until I figured out the demons my dad was fighting.  He was a drug addict.  Things only got worse as we got older but she held on. The opportunity presented itself for her to change and guess what she did? Changed.  I admired her for that.  Her changed eventually helped him change. He fought his addiction and has been clean for years.  He's my HERO too! (And I question his decision making these days as well.)  But they both broke away from something that was holding them back.

There are so many people I admired as a child and perceived them to be HEROS.  Now, I'm finding out they are leaning more towards the COWARD status.  Change is necessary if we are to grow! Being stagnant, stuck in the same bad situations, complaining, and avoiding opportunities is not the life intended for us to live.  Life is about overcoming challenges and obstacles, seizing opportunities, and being happy!  Are you straddling the fence of HERO and COWARD?  If so, find that one thing that will tip you into the direction of hero!

Adventures in NYC

NYC is a really cool place to visit BUT I can not live there.  I love the city life BUT I wouldn't survive in NYC.  The one thing that would prevent me from surviving is the traffic.  I don't have the patience or skill set to drive there.  My overall observation is that it was really cool.  Didn't get to do any sightseeing but I got a good run in at Central Park.  I wasn't overly impressed with the pizza but I will say the cheese tastes fresher.  So, here's a recap of Day 1 & 2 on vacation.

Day 1: Flight leaves out at 10 AM.  I'm up and ready.  Pretty excited might I add.  I'm sitting on the flight and two eye candies get onboard.  I always enjoy eye candy.  They were sitting a few seats ahead of me initially.  I relax and start to fall asleep.  I'm awaken by sobbing.  I thought I was dreaming but oh no the lady beside me is crying like she had just lost a family member.  So, I'm concerned and all... Her husband is standing beside her and trying to console her. The flight attendant asks if she's okay and the husband replies to bring her a glass of water.  Anyway, minutes later things seem to have calmed down so I attempt sleeping again.  Shortly after I'm comfortable again, the flight attendant taps me on the shoulder asking me if I mind switching seats with the lady's husband who was sitting in the first row.  I move up to the first row.  But I'm thinking why the hell weren't they sitting together in the first place.  The husband thanks me and then says, "you would think after all these years of flying she still wouldn't cry".  I'm thinking to myself you would think you would sit beside her to give her some comfort.  Anyway, the eye candies are a few seats behinds me now.  I can hear talking a little too loudly on the flight about working out, etc.  We finally land at JFK. I get my bags and head out to wait on the other two who will be arriving on a later flight.  I'm nosey so I notice just about everything.  Well, the two eye candies are surrounded by men in regular clothes but then I notice that they are being handcuffed.  This really peaks my interest. So, they flew to NYC to turn themselves in... Darn shame.  I spend most of the day at the airport waiting on Tan & Patrice and waiting for transportation services.  Finally, free from the airport and to the hotel we go.  I'm starved at this point.  We check in and head out to explore Times Square.

Day 2: I got a nice 4 mile run in at Central Park.  We head out to Times Square again to grab a bite to eat and get last minute stuff for our flight later that night.  We hang out and all that good stuff.  We need to be at the airport four hours in advance since it's an international flight.  Our transportation services picks us up at 4 pm so we should have plenty of time.  WRONG! We get to the airport a little after 6 pm.  The traffic was horrific.  It took more than an hour to go five miles.  Oh by the way, there was this guy on the shuttle with us who obviously had a bladder issue.  Trust I'm not making fun of him.  So, he says, "I have a favor to ask of you ladies".  We are like okay... He says, "Do you mind if I go to the back of the shuttle and pee in this bottle? I have to go really badly". Silence...It was weird and he could have done so without telling us.  Needless to say, he did go in the back of the shuttle in his bottle.  DISGUSTING but I guess wetting your pants will be disgusting as well.  We rush into the airport and get checked in... Only to find out one of our names have been misspelled on the travel documents and of course this needs to match our passport information. Rolls eyes... It was misspelled in the system and not on the actual documents that we had in hand. We got that squared away and proceeded with check in.  We were upgraded to Premier Economy.  We get on our flight and are beyond excited on our upgrade.  Lots of leg room!! They provided each of us with an iPad and headphones to watch movies or whatever.  Free alcoholic beverages with our meal which I opted out of...

The adventures of Paris are coming soon!

It's Up to YOU...

So, I saw this picture on someone's FB page and I stole it.  LOL! Only after I warned them that I would.  Anyway, the message is what's important! I needed this message! I'm working on so many things at once and when I share them with folks they always say I'm doing too much.  But then I listen to them complain about their situations and think they aren't doing enough.  While some people may think I'm doing too much, I'm not satisfied until I change my situation.  IT'S UP TO ME!  And IT'S UP TO YOU... If you are unhappy with any aspect of your life, it is up to you to change it.  No one will ensure your happiness like you will. I hear people complain all the time about their jobs, health, financial situation, or just life in general.  When I ask them how they expect to change whatever it is that's needs changing they have NOT ONE clue. Well, I don't feel fulfilled at my current place of employment.  Guess what I'm doing?  Relentlessly applying for different positions and working on other things in the meantime i.e. writing, non profit, and a few other things just to name a few.  My financial situation sucks but I'm working on things to make it better.  I'm not unhappy in general but I have my days when I almost throw a pity party for myself.  Guess what I do? Look around and decide I have a lot more than some people.

Running has given me the opportunity to think about so many aspects of my life: goals, relationships, friendships, finances, etc.  It really is free therapy! I have learned so much about myself.  I have learned that IT IS UP TO ME to make me happy! My happiness is a priority!  Just remember IT IS UP TO YOU!  Whatever the desires of your heart are IT IS UP TO YOU to make it happen!

Tips for Runners

Half Marathon training has gotten real.  Yesterday, we did 11 miles.  I'm sore this morning.  Well, I'm probably a lot sorer than the rest of the group because three of us messed up with the directions at some point during the route and we were lost.  Being lost isn't that bad unless it causes you to run some really steep hills.  We were on a never ending incline.  Anyway, when I'm running I think about everything and I started wondering if my form was correct as the back of my left knee started to hurt.  I found this really cool picture that demonstrates proper form and thought you all may find it interesting.  Also,below are a few running tips for beginners.

Running Tips:

1. Start with a low mileage. If you can only run a few hundred feet, quarter mile, or half mile nonstop then that's where you should start.  Push yourself each week to go farther.
2. Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes.  Your shoes are your foundation when running and they are important.  A good pair of running shoes may be expensive but they are well worth it.
3. Don't run too often.  Experts recommend running no more than three to four times a week. Your body needs time to recover and it actually builds strength on recovery days.
4. Drink plenty of water.  You should drink plenty of water before your run, during your run (especially if you are doing a distance run), and after your run. The slightest dehydration can affect your running.  I have it written all over my bedroom mirror and refrigerator.... Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  It helps me to be conscious of my water drinking habits.
5. Don't compare yourself to other runners.  Sure, you can have a competitive spirit but your progress will not match other people's progress.  It is your run.  Run it at your pace. Enjoy your run!

Post Vacation

I missed blogging while I was on vacation but I'm beyond excited to share my experience with you guys.

NYC: We spent the bulk of the day at the airport either waiting on each other to get in or waiting on transportation.  It was a really tiresome day.  We finally made it to the room and began the walking around festivities.  Our hotel was in Midtown and we were in walking distance to Central Park.  I got to run four miles in the park.  I loved it! It was my first non-Georgia or Arkansas run! We didn't see the usual sights.  We left NYC the next day.  It was the longest shuttle ride to JFK for our flight.  I know I can not deal with New York's traffic or drivers.  I don't have the patience or skill set.

Paris: The flight wasn't too bad.  We left at 10 PM so we were pretty sleepy on the flight.  That coupled with those advil PM that I had taken.  We were upgraded to Premier Economy and it was nice.  They provided us with iPads to watch whatever movie.  The inflight meal wasn't anything I would have liked so I opted out.  We had plenty of room and it was just a good flight.  We got to Paris and the hotel was lovely.  We got out and explored the city a little. I got in a 3 mile run.  My first international run and I was excited. The next couple of days were AWESOME.  Paris is really touristy but the people aren't as happy as I imagined.  The food was disgusting! Even the bread was disgusting.  The language barrier was frustrating time from time. At any rate, we had a blast.  Sunday night we headed to London.

London: We didn't like our hotel.  It was nothing like we expected.  We complained and we were upgraded to a Club Suite that really looked like a regular room.  We had to pay 15 pounds per night for WiFi.  That wasn't in my lifestyle so I opted out of WiFi.  Because we arrived in London so late, we decided to have a drink in the hotel's bar.  It was cool.  The next morning we got out and went sightseeing.  I love London.  I got in a four mile run in the Royal Park.  Loved it! My second international run.  This black girl runs and travel! Paris has more touristy stuff but I was so comfortable in London.  I think I want to live there for a couple of years.  The fashion in London is better than Paris and I expected it to be the other way around.

Cons of the trip: It really doesn't feel like a vacation when you are always on the go and not able to relax.  So, we spent a few nights just relaxing and reading books.  We didn't go to any clubs and I'm kind of happy that we didn't.  It would have been too much.  The currency conversion was a major downer. For every $1 we converted, we received like .72 Euros.  So, I passed the lady $100 and received 72 Euros.  Anyone who knows me know the look that I gave.  But the British Pound was even more concerning.  If I had given the lady $100, I would have received 62 pounds or less.

Pros of the trip: It really was an experience of a lifetime. The memories will last forever. I can't wait for our next international trip.  I will provide day by day details later.  This post is already long enough! Make sure you travel the world and explore other cultures!

Finally...Update on the happenings in my life!

It is the Monday before I head to NYC to begin this vacation! Here's an update on how I'm feeling!

Half Marathon training is going well.  Some days I ask myself why I'm even doing this and then I remember that 13.1 sticker that I want so badly for the back of my car! LOL! All this for a damn sticker.  This past Saturday I ran 9.2 miles solo! I didn't think I would push myself to do it but I did! I'll be in Paris this upcoming Saturday and the training schedule calls for 10 miles.  I'm not making any promises but it would be totally AWESOME if I got in 10 miles while in Paris.  That would be a blog post all on its own.  LOL! Anyway, I totally suck at cross training and stretching! It's like I'm asking for an injury.  I have to do better.

Blogging: Well as you can see I'm still doing it! Sometimes life gets in the way and I don't do it as frequently but I'm still blogging. I LOVE IT!

Editing: This has been a slow process.  Not much progress has been made but I don't want to rush things either.  When I'm reading what I have written I sometimes blush! I'm like OMG I wrote that.  What type of mood was I in that day? LOL!

Hair crisis: Well I'm getting better at handling my hair after runs and what not.  I love the what not part! My stylist is still the bomb so she helps me to manage it and gives tips to keep me looking sane during the week until I can get my weekly fix! I love her and I'm sure y'all will too! If you are ever in metro Atlanta, stop by Jilli's Hair Salon at 3570 Canton Road Marietta, GA! Oh, she will have you RIGHT! Okay, that was an advertising plug but seriously check her out!

Vacation: Excited! We leave tomorrow for NYC, then Wednesday night we leave for Paris, and then we will head to London on September 1st.... *sighs* Then we will head back to NYC on September 4th.  So, packing was harder than I expected but I get it done! Before I became a runner and I do refer to myself as a runner now, my carry on luggage consisted of my heels.  I didn't want my bag to get lost and my shoes went missing.  Anyone who knows me knows I have serious shoe fetish.  Now, my carry on has all my workout stuff in it.  I don't want my workout stuff to get lost! So, we have a few things planned... NYC we are doing the usual sightseeing stuff and we will hit a Jazz and R&B nightclub.  Paris of course will be the usual sightseeing, hit at least one club (I'm secretly hoping for two or 3), and a dinner cruise.  London we have a full day of activities planned based on this attraction package that we are purchasing.  So, I'm told right now that it takes $1.33 to make one Euro! *sighs* losing money!

Crush: I'm not sure it's a crush anymore! He's frustrating though! I'm sure I frustrate him too but he has me drove sometimes.  I wish I could explain it but I can't.  I love it but I hate it! Actually, the I love it heavily outweighs the I hate it! I find myself missing him way too much!  One weekend we happened to be at the same spot (unplanned) and he was staking his claim.  He's attentive and almost overprotective! It was weird but weird in a good kind of way.  I didn't imagine being in a public place with him so it was different!

Sorry for the long post but until next time...Be productive, prosperous, and positive!

Almost Time... Vacation!

I'm so excited that it is almost time for my much needed and anticipated vacation.  I'm amazed that I've kept my sanity this long.  Last year, I was taking mini vacations throughout the year.  This year, I couldn't afford to do that and travel internationally as well.  I'm still not sure I can afford it but I'm doing it. As I get overly excited, I'm checking the weather for NYC, Paris, and London.

We don't have any definite plans for either place.  We have a few attractions in place for London but that's about it.  Of course, people continue to tell me that the food will not be the best.  I'm thinking what the hell am I going to eat while I'm there. So, my very intelligent sister suggests that I eat turkey sandwiches.  Really Tan turkey sandwiches?  I hadn't eaten turkey in over six months but you want me to eat it while I'm on vacation.  Anyway, the weather is suppose to be nice in all three places.  I'm eager to taste the wines, chocolate and cheese.

Packing isn't going as planned.  Mainly because I have been a tad bit under the weather but I shall get that knocked out on Saturday. I'm so excited! Of course, I plan to give you all an update upon my return.  Hopefully, I can stick to my training schedule and get some miles in while I'm away.  It will be cool just to say I run X miles in Paris and London...Oh and New York. LOL!

Uncomfortable Conversations...Monday Blues!

So, a lot of us try to avoid those uncomfortable conversations.  Well, I know I do most of the time anyway.  It's the worst thing to do, especially when you start courting someone.  Establishing what's what in the beginning will help avoid assumptions and in my case hurt feelings.  It's so easy for me to go with the flow most of the times.  Since I'm a strong believer that actions speak louder than words, I go off what people do and not what they say most of the time.  Anyway, that's not always a good thing.  Establish what's what upfront and then act accordingly!

I so don't get hung up on titles.  I'm like as long as you are respecting me and treating me the way I'm treating you we are good to go.  But I think this is one of my many flaws.  Not establishing what's what! I'm seven days away from my vacation and I'm ALL in my feelings.  I should be bubbling with excitement yet I'm shaking my head as I've done it to myself once again.  Moving forward, I will have the uncomfortable conversations upfront and establish the what's what!

I will blog about my half marathon training and vacation later.  Monday Blues...

The Excitement & Nerves Are Building!

It seems as if I have a lot going on these days! I am officially registered for my first half marathon! I am excited.  I've been training but I needed to make sure my body would agree with all that running before I spent my hard earned money.  Honestly, I've been trying to register for a week now but the darn thing wouldn't take my discount code and I wanted my discount.  I've decided for 2014 I am making a "Race Budget".  Racing gets a little expensive after a while.  Anyway, I am excited about being registered for the half marathon. I projected my completion time to be 2 hours and 30 minutes! I hope I'm not pushing it.

My other excitement and nerve building is this much needed vacation.  We are less than two weeks away from our trip to NYC, Paris, and London.  I'm excited but I'm nervous.  NYC doesn't make me nervous.  Being out of the country makes me nervous, I'm thinking of all the crazy things that can happen while I'm away.  However, I feel like I'm preparing well.  I'm sending my mom and siblings our travel arrangements.  So, if they need to contact us for any reason, they will have the number to the hotels and know our flight schedules. So, I started the packing process.  I really don't know what casual clothes to pack.  Of course, I know what I want to wear if I go out clubbing or something but not on a day to day basis.

I'm working on other stuff.  Like stuff that should make me self employed.  This is exciting and nerve wrecking all at the same time. It's forcing me outside my comfort zone and it is a struggle sometimes.  Yet, I'm still excited! :)  In the meantime, I'm updating my resume and cover letter to float about the country.

The countdown to vacation begins now and afterwards I will begin my countdown to my VERY FIRST HALF MARATHON!  Btw, marathon training is a little intense! Scheduled to do eight miles Saturday provided the rain holds off! Until next time...Peace & Blessings!

Living a healthy lifestyle! The struggles...

Living a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle.  The first thing I noticed when I became more engaged in my healthy lifestyle was eating healthy is expensive.  It's so much cheaper to grab something off the dollar menu or something unhealthy from the grocery store.  Anyway, I was set on changing my diet.  First, I got rid of the pork.  Lord knows I use to love eating fried pork chop sandwiches, pulled bar b que pork sandwiches, and fried bacon.  So, I ditched it!  It wasn't hard and that was about eight years ago.  The next thing to go was ground beef.  I actually replaced it with ground turkey but letting go beef was hard.  Ultimately, it meant no more pot roast, homemade hamburgers, etc.  That was about six years ago.  At this point my diet consisted of chicken, turkey, and fish.  I'm not a big vegetable person so I rotated the veggies I did enjoy: green beans <-- acquired taste, sweet peas, corn and few other things here and there. Fruit has always been consistent in my diet.  Now, I've given up chicken and turkey and I only eat fish! *sad face* This was a real struggle at first but I got over it! I wanted to see if it would make a difference with toning my stomach. I can't say that it didn't or it did.  But now I'm not eager to go back to eating either so I'm just leaving it out of my diet.

The other thing I noticed about a healthy lifestyle is it requires time that we sometimes "really" don't have.  Well, we could make time but it's so hard to decide between a workout and watching Scandal! It requires moving things around in our schedule.  I've learned it's all about sacrifice.  Everytime my alarm goes off for my early morning run, I'm thinking to myself what the hell was I was thinking.  At the end of the run, I'm thinking I'm glad I didn't miss this run I feel amazing.

Living a healthy lifestyle is challenging.  For many of us, it takes us out of our comfort zone.  It forces use to eat differently from what we are accustomed to.  It forces use to change our daily routines and engage in more physical activity.  Honestly, most of our parents weren't very physically active.  A healthy lifestyle often has us living outside the realm in which we were raised.  It can be a little uncomfortable at first, especially when you visit home and everyone is asking you why are you working out, not eating this, yada yada.  My answer was and is simple: "Because I want to be healthy and I refuse to be a diabetic, have high blood pressure, and all the other preventive diseases that plague our communities and families".  I usually get a lot of eye rolling and stuff like that but who cares.

One of my Facebook friends just recently made a status that asked the all too important question of why are we so unhealthy.  Not just as blacks but as Americans in general! We pride ourselves on so many things yet we struggle with healthy lifestyles!

Finding My Happiness - Life at 30

Some people spend their entire life without finding their happiness! Finding your happiness and having fun are two totally different things.  Fun is temporary and happiness should be permanent.  This isn't to say that you won't have those what the hell days but at the end of the day you will be able to find the good in it all!  I'm really finding my happiness and a lot of it has to do with me being focused on what I want, like, and find joy in doing.  I can't pretend like I've been unhappy but I hadn't accepted my total happiness.  I was in the business of pleasing people.  Worried about their opinions and what not.

Before I turned 30, I started to feel liberated.  I was learning more about myself and putting me first.  I'm sort of the go to person in my family most of the time.  It's great until you start carrying the weight of everyone's problems on your shoulder.  I needed to find a balance.  I'm still the go to person but I'm no longer trying to force people to do what is logical anymore.  I give my opinion and let them work the rest of it out.  I rest easier at night because I'm no longer worried if this person will do this or that!

I'm enjoying life responsibly! Well, sometimes it's responsibly.  Sometimes I get beside myself and have moments.  Saturday wasn't a responsible kind of night but it was fun!  If anyone suffers though, it will only be me.  I do what makes me happy i.e. running, writing, blogging, cooking, shopping, and traveling.  I'm setting goals and becoming a better person each day.  I am finding my happiness because I am focusing on me!

Really quickly, let me tell y'all about the seven mile run on Saturday! It was a killer! My time slick sucked but I was able to run the entire route without stopping.  This does not mean I wasn't moving as slowly as a snail at some points during the run.  The route we ran on Saturday was part of the course for the actual race.  Can we say hilly?! But I feel like it is something that I can totally do!  Cross-training is very important the next eight weeks.  I was tired but I felt awesome after the race. Pushing myself to become better! I will blog with an update of Half Marathon training later this week!  Until next time, be productive and prosperous!

Morning Observations

This morning has started out CRAZY! I usually run in the afternoon on Wednesdays since I have to be at work so early.  Today, I decided I would run with BGR at 5 AM.  My body said NO but I was determined.  So, I did it! Well, it's not a good idea if you are not prepared for it.  I was feeling some type of way yesterday and I had a chico stick (I love this candy), laffy taffy, and tootsie rolls.  That was my first mistake.  Then I took a nap once I made it home.  I was up later than I would have liked.  So, I was sluggish this morning.  My run kicked my butt and three miles should not be kicking my butt.  The humidity was awful as well.  So, I rush home, shower, get dressed, and grab a snack for breakfast.  What I didn't consider when I was attempting to be SHERO was after running three miles I still had to walk almost a mile to get to work. Damn it! My legs are ANGRY! Anyone in Atlanta knows downtown is hilly!  I get to work and realize I don't have my phone charger which is a necessity since my battery dies so quickly and I didn't charge it last night.  To make matters worst, I don't have my wallet today either. Sighs... It's gonna be a long day.  Note to self: preparation is key!

So, walking to work allows me to make certain observations.  Why is it that so many people (women in particular) will put their heads down to avoid speaking? I've noticed this while walking on the streets and in elevators. What's up with that? I'm not a morning person but I will say Good Morning! Most mornings I get on the elevator and I'm on by myself but the mornings when someone is getting on or already on I get pretty much the same thing.  I'll say Good Morning and the person mumbles something back.  Shit, I don't know if they are saying good morning back or trick don't talk to me.  Or in the afternoon, I'll get on the elevator and the person immediately drops their head to keep from speaking. SMH! I still speak anyway!  That's just my observation for the day! :) Enjoy HUMP DAY!

Letting Go... Friendships... Relationships...

Before I turned 30, I vowed to end friendships and relationships that were no longer thriving.  What do I mean?  I mean friendships or relationships that were selfish, one-handed, or ones that I had simply outgrown.  I can't pretend like I wasn't reluctant.  It takes me a while to meet new people so getting rid of old "friends" wasn't at the top of my list.  But as I sat around one day analyzing different relationships I realized I had outgrown a few people or a few people were just downright selfish.  Either way, I didn't want to keep my circle that way.

What happens when you outgrow a friendship or relationship and you hadn't imagined outgrowing that person.  My answer was to hold on to it because it was something that I had known.  So, I found myself gritting my teeth as I dealt with the constant selfishness and self-centered ways of the individual(s). Well NO MORE! I am too grown to ALWAYS have to get my straightening on a friend.  I shouldn't feel tense or unnecessary stress just from hanging around someone.  That's not what relationships are about.  All this revelation and I still didn't let the friendship go.  I can't pretend that the friendship means nothing to me because it does.  Hence me holding on for so long.  But at 30 my happiness is my priority! I'm childless and single... What other priorities would I have besides my happiness... Well, it's not my only priority but you get my point.

What happens when you are in a one-handed relationship?  What the hell is that?  Well, you know the type of relationship were you are ALWAYS giving and you get nothing in return.  The one where the individual can always call you for advice, help, or whatever they need BUT you can't get a damn thing out of them.  Well, once again I tried to hold on to it.  But that shit is for the birds too! I was able to let that one go faster than the one I had outgrown.

What happens when you have a friend that is downright selfish? First, you question how the hell y'all became friends in the beginning.  S/he didn't just turn selfish overnight.  WTH was I thinking? Selfish friends only think of themselves.

My point is letting go of friendships and relationships can be hard but it may be necessary for your happiness! It's really okay to love someone from a distance.  Everyone isn't meant to be a permanent fixture in your life.  When you let go of those things and people holding you back you will feel liberated! New! Rejuvenated!

My Inexplicable Attraction

Okay, this is how it happened to me... I woke up one morning *thankfully* and BAM I was attracted to white men.  When I say I attracted I mean like really attracted. I've always noticed if one was cute or what not but to be totally attracted and turned on by one was unusual even for my lil' fast ass! I'm not sure what has me eyeing the blond hair and blue eyes but it has been an adventure to say the least. Blond hair and blue eyes are just cliche by the way.  I don't discriminate...

Then my attraction was intensified when I went out and saw HIM! LOL! I literally was like a magnet drawn to him for reasons unknown. I literally could not take my eyes off him.  Thankfully, he didn't notice me staring.  I would have been beyond embarrassed.  Anyway, we finally made eye contact and I was a GONER! Anyone who knows me fa'real knows I like to flirt.  I flirted but I didn't do my usual flirting with him.  He sent a round of shots over for me & the girls. All three of us agreed he was FINE! We took our shots and watched him watch us. LOL! It was my bright idea to go on the other side of the bar where he was standing.  And we sashayed over...But the two traitors I was with left me alone with this strange, SEXY WHITE MAN to go dance.  Who does that? LOL! I love those two! What I found out is he's a flirt and I'm a flirt.  This is all bad.  He's TOXIC! I've been crushing every since... He's uncharted territory... So, I wrote a poem about it.  I didn't have any other way to express my feelings... Let me know what y'all think.

Uncharted Territory

Not my typical attraction…Yet you’re the total package

One glimpse and my desires were anew…It’s the drinks…I’ve had a few

I sit and ponder…Letting my eyes wonder

There’s something that won’t let me pull away…I’ve found my predator…And I long to be your prey

Not my typical attraction…But I’m pleased beyond satisfaction

It makes me uncomfortable to be so comfortable with you…When all of this is new

I’m with a familiar stranger…One that radiates danger

Not in the sense meant to scare…But meant to challenge and make me dare

Not my typical attraction…And not my typical reaction

I’ve gone astray…I didn’t expect to feel this way

My path is no longer clear…Yet I’m not laced with fear

I’ll do  something I usually don’t do…I’m seizing the moment…And I’m doing  it with you

~Xan Tucker

Juicing & Six Mile Run

Hi All,

Just as I promised, I want to talk about my juicing experience and the six mile run for my 1/2 Marathon training.  First off, juicing is messy! It's a hassle to clean up after juicing.  However, I feel like it is so worth it.  The first juice I made consisted of kale, spinach, apple, and strawberries.  I would  be lying if I said I didn't feel some type of way.  I will eat raw spinach but I'm so against cooked spinach.  It is disgusting to me anyway.   And I had never experimented with kale.  I'm really not a green vegetable type of girl.  I just started eating green beans and broccoli in the last few years.  Anyway, the juice was delish.   I wasn't expecting it to be be tasty as it was. Last night, I went a step further... My juice consisted of beets, carrots, strawberries, mango, blueberries, and blackberries!  Beets are messy and will stain your hands, countertops, and anything they touch.  But once again the juice was delicious.  What I didn't like was the mess I had to clean up afterwards.  That is the ultimate downfall to juicing.  It really is messy!  Now, that you know about my juicing experience lets talk about this run this morning...

So, I didn't eat properly last night.  Instead of eating a real dinner like I cooked, I decided to eat a bowl of cereal.  I knew better but that's what I wanted. I also didn't sleep well.  For the third night in a row, I think I know what the problem is but I'm not sharing it with y'all.  Anyway, I make it out to the race and things are going well until I get to 2.67 miles.  Then I just feel like damn why the hell am I out here.  It was starting to get hot and my legs were not cooperating.  I maintained until about 4 miles.  I slowed my pace and began to fall behind the group I was with.  I didn't care.  I just wanted to finish the run without stopping so I was fine with falling behind a little.  I've never been so thankful for traffic lights in my life.  Every traffic light break was needed today.  Anyway at 5 miles, I found some momentum.  That and the fact this was part of the route that I run a regular so I knew what to expect.  Anyway, I finished strong.  Completed 6.33 miles in less than 59 minutes.  I was so impressed with myself.  When I did my 10K last September I finished it in 69 minutes so that's a big improvement.  Next week is a 7 mile run and we will actually be training on the course for the race in October. I'm nervous but I'll be there.

What I learned from today's race.

1. Eat properly the night before.  Cereal was not a sufficient dinner.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I'm so happy I my hydration belt.  Those few swigs of water really helped.
3. Listen to your body.  I didn't want to over do it.  So, when I felt the need to slow my pace I did and my time was still good.
4. Celebrate your accomplishment! Don't beat up on yourself for having to slow down or not making your time.
5. Enjoy the run! I know I did today.  We ran on the Beltline and it was a different scenery!

My Life at the Moment

Lets look at the many things taking place in my life right now.  I'm not complaining it could be a lot worse.  Actually, it's not bad! Well not all bad.  Here's my life at the moment: half marathon training, hair crisis, editing, blogging, planning & shopping for my much needed vacay to NYC, Paris, & London and crushing! <-- hella excited about it all except for this crushing thing!

Half Marathon training hasn't been too bad but I'm only in Week four of training.  Check back with me when we get into Week 8.  So, what does this training entail? I run 3 miles on Monday & Wednesday.  I usually get another run in on Thursday.  It's usually a short run 1.5 - 2 miles.  Saturdays are the long runs and each Saturday we run a mile farther than the previous week.  When we did our four miles it was hilly and the humidity was crazy.  Last week was five miles and it was one crucial hill.  I kept thinking to myself why the hell, (not hell but f**k) <-- almost unfiltered, did I sign up for this foolishness. So, you can expect a post regarding six miles.  It's rough but I think it will be worth it in the end.  Honestly, I just want one of those stickers for my car that says 13.1 miles and not be flaking out! LOL!  Anyway, we get homework assignments from the group facilitator.  Last week was to get hydration belts and those things are expensive.  While I'm on vacation, I will have to run 10 miles on Saturday for my long run.  I'll be running 10 miles on the streets of Paris. I hope this to be true but I will blog about my experience.

Hair Crisis - Well with all this running my hair is always in crisis mode.  I go to the salon once a week yet I still manage to look like a crazed woman by the head.  I'm slowly but surely learning to manage my hair.  I've always had dry scalp so running does not help the issue.  However, I'm learning that if I wash it between salon visits that it helps a lot.  My stylist is the bomb and she works with me to make sure I have all the necessary products. I love her! If you are ever in the metro Atlanta area, check out Jilli's Hair Salon on Canton Road Marietta, GA.  She specializes in natural hair too! And since I'm rocking short hair it is a lot easier.  So many people have suggested that I get braids or a sew-in.  I'm not that girl and it still won't help my dry scalp problem. So, I'll continue to manage the issue.  One day I'm going to pull an Olivia Pope on my hair, "It's handled".  Until then, I'll just manage it!

Editing - I've been spending a lot of time editing this series of novellas that I have written.  It was so easy to write them and I'm so excited.  But this editing has given me the blues.  I don't like editing my work.  I have the tendency to change things. So, I'm taking my time with editing and then I will see how I want to move forward with it all. To say I'm excited is an understatement!  So, don't be surprised when you see a post about my novella series being available on E-Readers!

Blogging - Well my friends this is my third post and I'm loving blogging. And I can't wait to get into some more in-depth topics.

Planning & Shopping for NYC and Europe - I'm still trying to wrap my head around my first out of the country experience. I love to travel! I knew I would travel abroad at some point but I'm so thrilled to be going to Paris and London! I definitely can't wait to blog about that experience and share pictures with you guys.  I hear the food is disgusting.  This makes me really sad.  OAN: I hear the wine, chocolate, and cheese are amazing.  Anyway, we are planning our tours to the major attractions and I'm planning my outfits.  I literally write down what I plan to take and when I plan to wear it.  LOL! We won't have every single detail planned but we are still planning nonetheless! Of course, shopping will take place! NYC will be exciting as well but we only have a day and half there before we head off to Paris so there won't be much planning to do.

Crushing - Sighs! Am I too old to be crushing? And is it weird that I'm crushing on a white guy? And why doesn't this crush feel like the ones in high school.  Don't get it twisted I get butterflies and all that other stuff but it seems more intense.  I don't know if its because he's white or what.  Crushing seems childish to me but then we all have to start somewhere. He's cool! I like him.  He likes me.  Well, I think he does most of the time.  Sometimes, I say stuff that makes him look at me with the side eye! He needs to understand that I'm almost unfiltered.  It be like that sometimes.  Anyway, I'm crushing on the white guy but I feel like I'm letting my black men down.  It's just a crush today anyway! LOL! I'm going to blog about interracial dating later.  In the meantime, I need to figure out why I feel like I'm betraying black men because I'm inexplicably attracted to men of another race now.  It seemed like it happened all of a sudden.  It was like I woke up one day and started peeping out white men. Nesha thinks it was "Fifty Shades of Gray".  Who knows... At any rate, these are the happenings in my life at the moment!

I may blog another topic in a few hours depending on how my work day starts out!

Running to be healthy! NOT SKINNY!

As the rain hindered my me from participating in my morning run.  I was reminded of how far I have come with this running thing.  I had to hit the treadmill and it was not the same.  However, it got the job done.  So, here is to my second blog post!

Sooo many people ask me why I run and workout! The answer is simple.  I run for a healthier me. A lot of the time the misconception is that people only run or workout when they want to lose weight.  This misconception is especially true in Black culture where being "thick" is considered sexy.  Calm down, I don't have anything against "thick" guys or girls.  My point here is that physical activity leads to a healthier YOU.  Now, if you lose weight in the process then fine... You will be FINE!  I run to be healthy.  Anyone that knows me knows I have been SKINNY ALL MY LIFE!

I started running a few years ago.  I wasn't consistent at first.  The first couple of times was out of boredom.  No, I didn't have an epiphany or anything like that.  But after a few times of consistency I realized I enjoyed it.  I actually started out running on the treadmill.  I was bored after standing around waiting for weight machines to become available.  I definitely was not into free weights at the time.  Anywho, I was the most out of shape skinny girl in America.  I'm pretty sure of that.  The treadmill kicked my butt.  After a few months on the treadmill, I decided to give outdoor running a try.  Oh, this is a completely different type of running. I failed the first several times. It wasn't a pretty sight.  However, I set small milestones for myself.  I started out by saying I'm going to run X time without stopping.  The distance scared the hell out of me. So, I stuck with time for a while.  I avoided inclines at all cost <-- bad idea. LOL!  Eventually, I realized I was getting stronger and avoiding inclines in Georgia was impossible.  I embraced the inclines.  Outdoor running was not easy but it was a stress reliever.  I always felt so good after running.  It eventually became a part of my physical activity routine.  I would run three to four times a week.  Then I started thinking in terms of distance.

I ran my first 5K (3.1 miles) last March in 33:41.  Then I ran a 10K (6.2 miles) in 69:50 in September.  As part of my birthday celebration, I participated in a 5K and completed it in less than 28 minutes. I'm getting stronger.  As I train for my first half marathon, I look back at how far I have come with running.  The beginning was ugly and hard but worth it.  I have participated in four 5Ks, and one 10K.  I'm getting ready to sign up for a couple more 5Ks and a 10K.  But I'm training for my first half marathon.  I'm no longer afraid of distance.  Well, I say that but I'll check in periodically to let you know how my training is going.  I'm in Week Four!  In the meantime, here are a few tips I can offer to any beginner runner <-- just know that it isn't all inclusive.  I'm not an expert but I can speak from experience.

~You have to start somewhere.  Don't expect to be Flo Jo
~Set milestones! (If you haven't been getting cardio don't expect to be able to run a mile nonstop right off)
~Listen to your body! (Avoid injuries)
~Be consistent, extended breaks are not good! (Too much time off will make you feel like you are constantly starting all over)
~Good running shoes are a must! (They are your foundation)
~Do your research! (There are a lot of good running groups that provide valuable information on stride and breathing techniques)
~Think of running as a hobby and not a task! (Change your mindset and be positive)
~Join a group if you need the extra motivation or accountability!
~STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!!!!! (It's so important to stretch before and after your run)
~You will ache and be sore BUT you should NOT be in PAIN!
~Sign up for an organized race.  Crossing the finish line is an amazing feeling of accomplishment and it will motivate you to train!

Running is free therapy.  When I run I leave all the BS, frustration, irritation, stress, life's problems and all other foolishness on the pavement. I get in my zone and run.  You will feel better.  Before I started running, I dealt with stress by spending money (that I didn't have most of the time).  I would shop for clothes and shoes but now I run.  My bank account and closet appreciate the changes I've made.  I run to be healthy! NOT SKINNY! Try it...It is rewarding!!!

Introduction - Why Almost Unfiltered at 30?

First, why is this blog entitled "Almost Unfiltered at 30"?  Well, I realize the older I get the wiser I get. LOL! Seriously, I worry less of what others will think of me, what I do, and what I say.  I'm respectful in what I do and say but I could care less about what others think.  Why is it "almost unfiltered"? The reality of it is we will NEVER be completely unfiltered.  Unfiltered is saying things just the way you think them.  So, no one will ever be truly unfiltered.  At least not the majority of us.

What's the purpose of this blog? The purpose is to talk about everyday life... Relationships, health, workplace, society, people, etc.  Just discussing everyday life.  All sorts of things will come about. I'm not limiting myself to one thing.  Often I see or hear things and I'm like wtf? Oh yea, I'm a curser or "cusser" like my momma say.  Well, I am most of the time.  It's not to be offensive or due to lack of vocabulary.  It is one of the many ways that I express whatever emotion I am feeling at the time. And sometimes I ramble on about things that really shouldn't matter.  I'm weird like that but I tried being normal and the ish just didn't work for me.

Anyway, I want to talk about everyday life things and vent to whoever wants to listen.  Here's what you can expect in the next month or so... Running & fitness, inter-racial dating, my excitement as I gear up for my first out of the country experience, and whatever else I come across on a daily basis. I'm new to blogging so it will take me a minute to get acclimated but it should be entertaining to say the least. By the way, I do not profess to be an expert in any subject but I will give my opinion.  Honestly, most of the time I will just be rambling or asking for your input on things that often confuse me in this complicated world!  At any rate, I want to blog and I'm blogging NOW! :)