Still Here...

Oh HI! I have a blog!

In my last post (which was like a month ago...oops. sorry!) I mentioned that Emz tagged me.

The Liebster Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Notify the people you have tagged.
5. No tag backs.

So, my 11 things will be kind of a "what I did on my summer vacation" thing. More like what I've been up to instead of blogging. I will NOT be tagging anyone. Play along if you want!

1. I had been wanting to get family photos done forever - the last time we had them done was 2009. But I cannot afford them. So in August, I enlisted my uber talented friend Michelle, we went to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, and she worked her magic. I ended up with some of my favorite photos ever.

2. The end of August is always the toughest time of year for me. Getting everyone ready for school mentally exhausts me. I hate school supplies and labeling them and doctor's appointments and filling out forms. Definitely NOT my favorite part of being a mom.

3. That said, this year was ESPECIALLY tough. James started kindergarten. Two days before, I lost my shit completely. I was frickin terrified. Hyperventilating. Anxious. Scared to death. But my son, my crazy, quirky, sweet boy, transitioned to school BETTER THAN ANY OF HIS SIBLINGS this year. I cannot tell you how proud and happy that makes me.

4. I applied for a job but did not get it. I'm starting to get a little bummed about finding work after a more than 6 year hiatus. It isn't easy. And I am picky - I don't want just any job. I want one that I am trained and qualified for.

5. It is difficult for me to prioritize and organize my day, now that I have the WHOLE day. I work better with pressure and deadlines. Now I am content to piss away the entire thing. MUST get better about this.

6. I loved my Mizunos, but my feet didn't, long term. So I went back to my tried and true Brooks. It was a happy reunion. And they are pink! Love.

7. I have been running running running. But not really following my plan. I am 100% cool with this. I have not let summer get in my way. No excuses. Case in point, Kim and I set out for a long run 2 weeks ago. We started at 9am. It got up to 94 degrees. We were slow, but out there. We made it to 16 and called it enough, and then lazed in the pool for an hour. Running with friends this summer has made all the difference.

8. Chicago is 3 weeks from Sunday! Eek!

9. This Sunday, I'm running 20 with my sister at the Fox Valley Marathon/Half/Fall Final 20. So I paid to run a supported training run on a beautiful course and I get a MEDAL for my 20 miler. WIN!

10. Lately I have been really enjoying night running. But it's hard to go to sleep afterwards.

11. Next year is the year of no marathons for me. Both because I'm tired, and because I need to focus on getting a job and let's face it - marathon training, while enjoyable, takes a LOT of time. So next year I'll break 2 hours in the half. What - you didn't think I'd stop running, did you?

Now. Emily's questions!

1. Favorite social media? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
It could be said that I am slightly addicted to Facebook. So I refuse to even allow myself to become involved with other social media.

2. Favorite post workout meal?
Post long run, I crave a giant burger. Always.

3. Clean the house or do yard work?
Neither. But I tend to be the cleaner and my husband is the outside guy.

4. Favorite gift you've ever received?
My engagement ring. No question.

5. Do you look most like your mom or dad?
My mom. Here's proof...

Me, my mom, and Michelle

6. If you could go any where in the world - where would you go?
So tough - but I am in full on "I need a tropical vacation" mode, so right now, I'd love to spend a long time in Hawaii and hike and run on beaches and see the top of a volcano. Volcanoes are cool.

7. Workout alone or with a group?
Lately I'm all about the group. But I crave my solo runs too.

8. Favorite song at the moment?
Cannot get enough of Muse's Madness. So. Good.

9. Three qualities of your best friend.
Authentic, Funny, True.

10. Favorite Olympic event?
Gymnastics

11. Why did you start blogging?
I started to track my training. I keep doing it because I heart my friends in the computer.

THANK YOU EMZ!!!