How Pinteresting...guess what?

It's that time of the week again! My favorite link-up. This one is even more special because I'm doing a themed post about a current decision in my life right now. After I post a few pins...take a guess as to what I have to decide.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: design-seeds.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: theus50.com via Faye on Pinterest

Source: onthewayapp.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: mrsrojasteaches.blogspot.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: ladybugsteacherfiles.blogspot.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: teacherweb.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: izzyshare.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: icanteachmychild.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: firstgradeschoolbox.blogspot.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Can you guess what opportunity I've been given? Let me hear your guesses and I'll fill everyone in later this week!!

Man, that was a fun one to do! :)

Memorial Day Weekend

I had a fantastic, lazy weekend full of friends, family, food, drinks and laughter. 

Friday, I went to Wild West Town with a 4th grade class. It was a class that I was very familiar with (same school I student taught at) I was actually subbing for the teacher and I loved it. It was so nice out.

(the gun show---good guys vs. bad guys)

Saturday, the Boy and I went to Milwaukee to help move his best friend to Madison. We helped him move everything in his new place and then grilled out for dinner. We stayed the night in Madison and then came home Sunday morning.

Sunday, we went to my girlfriend's pool and did nothing. I loved every minute of it! It has been definitely a hot few days here in Chicago. 

Today we had a BBQ at our house with good friends and family. We had 3 dogs here (and a baby pool for them) and 14 people...so needless to say, it was a great time.

My Aunt's dog, Max lounging in the kiddy pool-hahaha!

I hope everyone had a great long Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all the men and women who have served (or currently are) for our country. I thank you everyday for your service, braveness and loyalty! And thank you Grandpa for being the strongest person I know and also serving our country. I miss you everyday. I love you Grandpa!!

My Grandpa and I back in 1990.

WILW & How Pinteresting...Party Edition

My girlfriend and I are hosting a jewelry party next Friday. If you forgot... I love to throw a party or get together! :) Here are some pins that I've repined (or found) lately that I love and might incorporate into the party next weekend.

Dessert- 

Source: bakersroyale.com via Kristen on Pinterest

...WITH...

Source: family.go.com via Kristen on Pinterest

OR

Source: loveandoliveoil.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Appetizers-

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: annies-eats.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com via Cierra on Pinterest

Drinks-

Source: jamieoliver.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kristen on Pinterest

Anyone have any good recipes for a good healthy appetizer? These all look delicious but one good healthy dish is a must.

This is my counter before my thirty-one party last month! 

What I Learned Doing a Half Marathon...

...in hopes that maybe some will help out another fellow (new-ish) runner.

#1: I prefer to run with someone. It keeps me going.

(Me and my Dad at mile 7?)

#2: No matter how cold it is on the day of the race, I should always wear shorts. (I learned this the hard way)

#3: The night before the race, don't over do your meals. I was told if someone over stuffs themselves that night, they will 'unload' the next morning aka GO TIME!

#4: The morning of the race, eat a normal breakfast. I had cereal, yogurt, and a banana.

#5: SHOES ARE EVERYTHING!!! (I got my running shoes back in December. They were more expensive, but worth every penny)

#6: If your anxious (like I was before and during the race), go through US cities alphabetically. See if you can name us many US city from A to Z as you can. If I'm running and feel like stopping, I do the A to Z thing with girl and boy names too. 

Ex: A- Anchorage, B- Boulder, C-Chicago

      A- Amanda, B- Brooke, C-Claire

      A- Aaron, B- Bob, C- Chris...you get the hint. 

#7. Don't chance anything the day of the race. It's not worth it.

#8. After the race, your legs will be screaming "WHY DID YOU STOP RUNNING??" Stretch as soon as you can...and when you do, stretch everything!

(You can see I couldn't stand still)

#9. Don't eat too much after the race. I had half a brat, banana and gatorade. 

#10. When I got home I iced, elevated and took some ibuprofen to help make my joints less stiff. And let me tell you.... IT WORKED. The next morning, I was still stiff but not nearly as bad as I thought I would be.

 

Let me know if anyone had any questions. I don't know if these will help anyone, but I hope they do! 

Well...

I FINISHED MY 1st HALF MARATHON! 

WARNING: Picture overload!!

That's me crossing the finish line of the Festival Food Fitness Festival's half marathon.

 Unofficial Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds. 

(I say unofficial because I wasn't the first one over the start line and this time is from gun starting point, so it may be a little off.)

(My sister, me and dad before the race)

Our course is outlined in blue. Man, was it a tough course. We ran at least 3 hills throughout it!

My dad, sister and I all ran it (and all finished it), but it wasn't to say our morning was uneventful. This race was up at my sister's university in La Crosse, WI. Well, last night it decided to storm pretty bad. Well, that storm decided to stay until about 6 am. The race was suppose to start at 7:00 am, but was postponed until 8:30 am. It was later than we expected, but I'm glad we got to run it.

(Me and my dad around mile 6)

My dad and I ran together the whole way, except the last tenth mile, when I got a jolt of energy and sprinted to the finish line. 

(My sister's amazing time!!)

My dad as he's crossing! I'm so proud of him for training so hard the last 5 months and completing it with a smile on his face---not to mention he's in his late 50's!! GO DAD!

Me, dad and my sister after our race---I could barely stand still. My legs were killing me!

Sitting on the curb eating fruit, a brat and water, while stretching. Notice the medals around our neck! :) 

Go Daddy-o!

We left La Crosse today to head back home and let me tell you...sitting in a car after you've drank gallons of water and running 13.1 miles is not the greatest feeling. My dad and I made my poor mom stop 3 times for bathroom/stretching breaks.

This was me after we got home. Ice glued to every joint in my legs every 20 mins, as well as my feet elevated and before this picture was taken I had just taken 2 ibuprofen! I'm hoping I can still walk tomorrow...I guess we'll I'll find out the hard way.

There were things I did that worked for me before, during and after the race that worked for me and some things that did not work too well for me. I'll save that for another post. It's this girl's bedtime!

Well, I hope everyone had a great weekend, just like I did! Only 5 more days until another one :)

I'm pretty sure I can cross this off my 2012 bucket list, or add it and then cross it off if it wasn't on there before. I'm so proud of myself, along with my dad and sister!! 

Next run: a 5k that we're getting Mom to do as well!! 

Help A Friend Out...

So, a fellow blogger Jessica, over at Fantastically Average, who I just recently discovered and have become a daily reader of hers, is having a give away!!

Everyone loves a chance to win some free things, so of course, I entered and I think you should too!

The reason...she just got 50 followers!! Her giveaway is called $50 for 50 followers. I think it's such a cute idea and I would love for Jessica to get some more dedicated followers!

AND

You have a chance to win cute, practical gifts! Head on over to her blog and check it out!!

Congrats Jessica for 50 followers! I know more are coming your way! :)

WILW: iPhone edition

I'm joining Jamie with WILW---but iPhone edition. Ever since I got my iPhone, I don't think I could ever go back to a 'regular' phone.

Here are a few of my favorite apps on my iPhone that I LOVE:

1. Facebook- No explanation needed. Everyone needs to see what everyone else is up to once in awhile.

2. Twitter- I'm beginning to like Twitter more than facebook. Call me weird, but I like to see what celebrities are up to.

3. Zillow- Hands down my favorite app I have on my phone. I love real estate and everything about it. I've probably searched over a dozen different cities and price points and I've looked at probably 100 houses through this app. Enough said!

4. Draw Something- It's similar to words with friends, but it's dictionary instead of hangman or crossword puzzles. LOVE IT!

5. E! News- You know, to see what all the 1% is doing with their lives these days, while us 99% work our butts off.... (sense sarcasm.)

6. Groupon- Great deals in your area for food, beauty places, vacations, fitness, activities...you get the point.

7. Hanging with Friends- Like words with friends, but hangman instead. This game is a good time killer, if you ever need it!

8. NetNewsFire- This is my favorite app to read blogs. It's easy, fast and convenient for me. It uploads all the blogs you haven't read yet from your last visit.

9. Pinterest- No explanation needed here! (Follow Me! ---)

10. Starbucks- I love how you can pay through your phone without you credit/debit card. You do need to put in your card info, but I still love the convenience of it!

11. Words with Friends- I'm sure everyone knows this one.