Erick Baker @ The Bijou

Last night Carter and I, along with my mom and dad, went to see Erick Baker at The Bijou!  He is, hands down, one of my absolute favorite singers and artist!  Last year he was playing a special Valentine dinner concert at the Square Room and I was so torn on whether or not to go, but had downloaded numerous songs and in the end waited too long to buy tickets...it was sold out, 2 nights in a row.  Luckily, he played at The Bijou in April and Carter and I jumped on those tickets and that night I fell in love with his music!

In April 2010, @ The Bijou

We met at Oodles Uncorked for dinner before the show.  None of us had eaten there before and it was really, really good!  Will be making a return trip without a doubt!  Dad had the duck marsala (quack!), mom had a house salad and their famous mac-n-cheese (which I did sample and it was really, really good), Carter went with the cheeseburger and I decided on a tomato and mozzarella salad with salmon.  

Oodles Uncorked is at Market Square, so we walked to The Bijou from there. It's about 1/4 a mile.  We got in, found our seats and prepared for an amazing show!

Erick started with Unbroken Promise, which is an amazing song he wrote to his wife.  He sang a handful of songs with just his guitar and no other instruments, then the band came out and played with him.  Erick is one of those singers that feels every lyric, every note, when he plays and sings.  He loves what he does and it shows in everything that he sings.  

He has a new album coming out in August, with another show at The Bijou to have the release party! Mom already told me to buy her and dad tickets too!  So happy that they loved the show as much as I do!  A song that is going to be on his new album is Night and Day.  This has now become my most favorite song!  

So the video of the song will have to come later! I can't get it to upload!

Definitely looking forward to the next time I get to see Erick play...which is in about two weeks!!! YES!!! Carter and I are going to Birmingham the Saturday of Spring Break to see Erick and Will Hoge....I will be in heaven!  And then the next day we are headed to Folly Beach with mom and dad for the week!!!!  Lots of fun stuff coming up for sure!

Off to run....18 mile race next weekend!  Gotta put in some miles today in preparation!

Strawberry Plains 1/2 Marathon Recap!

I pretty much ROCKED it this time around!!!!  I ran it thirty minutes faster than last year, which I think is pretty much amazing!  Very happy with my time!


I woke up around 6 am, to do the coffee, breakfast, wake-up thing!  I already had all my clothes laid out the night before.

The race didn't start until 9 am, which was super nice, but I had to check in and get my bib and t-shirt by 8.30 am.  Here's a big difference with this half compared to others.  Most halfs, in fact, every single one I've been to, you have to pick up your bib the night before.  For this half, you don't even have that option, pick up is not until 8.30 am.  This is a very small half compared to most races I've done.  It only costs $35 and it starts at a school in Strawberry Plains.  I dressed in the first layer and headed to the starting point, which was 30 minutes earlier than the actual race start time.

The weather was really good for the run.  It was chilly starting out and of course I had my many layers on!  As you can see from the picture, the need for toboggans and gloves was there.  I bought North Face mittens and put hot hands inside them for this race and what a difference it made!  My hands actually started sweating around mile four and I had to take them off!  I'll take that over those frozen fingers from the last race.  

I ran with this guy Justin starting around mile 3.  It was his first half, first long race period, and it was nice to have someone to run with and to encourage on his first half. His wife was running the half too, but took off and left him on his own!  You couldn't listen to music on this race, so running with Justin kept me from getting bored.  That's a lot of miles to just think to yourself!

The race really wasn't bad at all.  The first 3 miles are on a pot-hole full road, which makes running a little bit of a challenge.  You have to dodge the pot-holes and make sure you don't twist your ankle, or in my case, step wrong with my left foot.  It reminded me of the trail race I did...and hated!  The rest of the road was good, except it was an out and back so the last 3 miles were on that some pot-hole filled road! That's all you want to do for your last 3 miles; concentrate on not falling!  I saw a group of five wild turkeys! A little afraid they would attack me! I know how those big birds can be when runners are near!  Any of you that live in Kingston and have experienced the attacking, hissing geese can sympathize with me!  They handed out gu on mile six and again on mile ten.  I took one at mile six and took one for the road (a.k.a. my next race) at mile ten.  As usual, mile 9-10 and then mile 11-12, was hard!  They always are though! It's like your so close, yet not there yet!

Happy finisher! I ran this in 2.15!  Not bad for the first half of the year and not really ever training to run any faster! Next up is the Whitestone 30k...which is 18 miles! Not going to lie....VERY ANXIOUS!  My plan isn't to run 18 before the race, which is next Sunday, just to get up and run it on Sunday!  My dad is going with me (Yay for Big Poppa Money!), so that if I get to certain mile, like 14, I can call him and he can pick me up or send out some people or whatever needs to be done!  My fear is that my foot will say NO MORE!  I'm praying it doesn't and that I can breeze survive those 18 miles.  The most I've done is the numerous 13.1 miles at a time! I'll accept some walking, but secretly I really want to run all 18! It would just be amazing!

Strawberry Half...coming right up!

This Saturday will be my first half marathon of the year!  Very excited!  Last year this was my first half marathon ever and I totally went into it without a lot of thought!  I thought I had been running lots of miles...like 8-10 every day! WRONG!  My little watch that was supposed to be computing every step I took accurately....FAILED ME! So, here I am running, what I think is 8-10 miles everyday, and think what's 13.1!?!?!  Can do!  WRONG! (again!)  I did it, but it was hard!  By the time I got done running the 13.1 miles, my incorrect, no longer, cute and cool watch, told me I had run 18 miles! Off much?  So those 8-10 daily miles were actually 3-5 miles...big oops!  Those 13.1 miles were not easy.  I didn't think the end of the race was ever going to come. I hated cows and horses and the beautiful scenery by the end...HATED IT!  I wanted to give up, wanted to not be running, thought I was going to die!  I didn't die and I didn't stop! I made it the whole way...it was just hard!  So, this Saturday means a lot to me and makes me a little anxious! I just remember how hard it was last year and don't want a repeat! Of course, I now have a trustworthy garmin (Garmie!!!!) and run 10 miles almost every weekend, so 13.1 should be a breeze! We shall see though! More to come when I get done!

Race #1

Today I ran the Calhoun's Ten Miler in Lenoir City.  Super early, super chilly, but totally worth it!

I laid my clothes out the night before so that I wouldn't be rushed in the morning.  I wore about four layers of clothes! I hate being cold!

The plan was to wake up at 5.15, drink some coffee, eat a protein bar, relax and head out around 6.20.  The plan did not work!  I woke up at 5.15, only to go back to sleep!  I then woke up at 6!  Eek!!!!  Not according to plan!  A big part of me wanted to go back to sleep and not worry with the race, but I knew I would hate myself if I did!  So, I got up, brushed my teeth, downed a cup of coffee and got dressed! (No breakfast...oops!)

This was layer one or really two, three and four.  I wore a tank, a short sleeve Nike running shirt, and then this long sleeve Nike running shirt. For bottoms, I started out with running tights.  Put my Uggs on and headed out the door! I always wear my Uggs to the race and change shoes before the start.  It's just a tradition!

I had to register, since I procrastinated and didn't sign up in time online, by 7.15 and the race started at 7.30.  I got to Calhoun's around 6.45 and had no problems parking or getting registered. I had plenty of time to drop off my stuff at the car, add some layers, change shoes, and run into some running friends!

Becky, Ashley, and I ran into each other at registration.  Becky and I have run a handful of races together. Lots of 5ks and a couple of half marathons.  She's the one that got me started on my marathon training and running. I had decided to start doing 5ks, but she was planning on running a full marathon last year and invited me to be apart of her "Runner Girls Club".  She ran my first half marathon with me and we actually did Disney Princess together last year (I say together, but there's no together about it, her pace is a whole lot faster than mine)!  I met Ashley through Becky at the Country Music Marathon last year, but didn't really get to talk to her with all the craziness of a marathon!

Us right before the start of the race.  Please notice the darkness outside! With the race starting at 7.30, it wasn't super sunny just yet!  It was also FREEZING!!!!!  I added to my layering another long sleeve shirt, another tank, arm warmers, a pair of running pants, and leg warmers!  My body actually felt great...not too cold and not too warm!  My hands on the other hand (so punny!!!!) were another story!  They were FROZEN! I'm not talking a little cold and they warmed up, I'm talking I thought they were going to fall off! I thought I was never going to get any feeling back in them!  Around mile 7 (7!) I started getting full feeling back into them!  As I type this, they hurt! The tips are super sensitive...frostbite much?

I ran with my camera for the first time, but with the frozen fingers, never got it out to take pictures! Boo!  It was a beautiful run and perfect for picture taking, but you need workable fingers to take pictures and I did not have them!

I ran with Ashley for most of the race at a 10 minute pace.  I typically run a little faster during a race, but was enjoying the run and talk with Ashley and plus for those first 7 miles, I was really worried about my fingers and considered getting help from someone, so I was a little distracted!  I finished at 1.42:00.  Not bad...I guess? I never have a time frame in mind, I just love running!!!!!!

Runner Girls at the end!!!!!  It was a lot of fun to run with these ladies!  I've not done a race since Cookeville Haunted Half and I forgot how much fun it is to run in a race.  Runners are really a community and a friendly one at that!  So, race 1 of the year down....next up Strawberry Plains Half Marathon in February and then Whitestone 30k, also in February!  Last year Strawberry Plains was my first half and was a hard one....really looking forward to kicking it's tail this time around! The Whitestone race will be a true challenge for me! 18 miles! I've never done more than 13.1!  We'll see how it goes!

Running Adventures

Most teachers had to go back today...Knox County not so much! Yipee!!! Although when we had to go that extra day in a half the week of Christmas I was singing a different toon!  So with my Monday off, I decided to go on a little running adventure and run in different areas besides the Neighborhood!!!! I do get tired of seeing the same houses over and over and over and over again!  


I started at Turkey Creek

I parked at Fleet Feet, ran in for some gu and then took off! I contemplated running on the sidewalk that follows all of Turkey Creek where everyone can see me when they drive past and decided that would be too much of a distraction for me!  (Maybe drivers too!!!)  Instead, I started off behind Fleet Feet where the Farragut Greenway is.  It's a good little place to run; I had never done it before.  For the most part you follow the interstate and run behind of all of the shopping areas like Gander Mt., Best Buy, Belk, etc.  Once you are on the other side of the shopping it winds back a little and it's more natural with some wildlife looking areas. (Not sure how much wildlife really lives in Turkey Creek?)  The turn around is at McDonald's on Lovell Rd. (I really wanted to run and get some unsweet tea from them!!!!)  All in all a pretty good run.  Strange to see all the interstate traffic as you run, but flat and straight.  If you run the entire thing down and back it totals 4 miles.  I ran all 4 of those miles at around 9.45, which for me is really good.  I've slacked off a lot on my time, so it was good to see the miles a little shorter than they have been!


I then headed to the West Hills Greenway. I parked at the YMCA.

I took my gu at this point, although usually I like to wait and take it at mile 5. I try to take one at the half way point of my run, but I'm really picky about whether I have access to water after I down one of these little puppies, so after mile 4 it is!  I used to run on this greenway all the time when I first started running. It's ride next to Bearden Middle, so after work I could get in a quick little run. Of course, this was when I was working on running a mile or a mile in a half, not ten to thirteen!  I started at the YMCA and ran down to West Hills Elementary school, then back past the YMCA to behind St. Andrews neighborhood.  They just lengthened and connected the greenway at YMCA to the other greenways that go out past Wal-Mart.  So this was a new little adventure for me!  I ended up running past the Wal-Mart and all the way to the Walker Springs Park, which is very small, not really a park at all, just a swing set, but whatever!  The run was great! I loved running this course.  I get a little nervous about running by myself anywhere, but the Neighborhood, but there were quiet a few people out and you do end up running near traffic so you are seen from time to time.  The scariest part is when you have to run under the road right past Wal-Mart and in another section.  I've seen one too many 48 Hours Mystery and Datelines to not get a little apprehensive when I run in a tunnel! But in true safety first mode, I called Carter and let him know where I was during the run and how much more time I had left.  I also always try to make eye contact with as many people as I can when I run by them.  I want people to remember seeing me just in case!  

All in all, a great day of running!  I ran ten today!!!! Yes!!! Now, according to my resolution, I only have to do that one more time this month!

I was quiet pooped at this point, but felt pretty great at the same time!  I headed to Starbucks for a little nonfat venti toffee mocha and a perfect oatmeal! Yum! Then to the mall to remind myself why I hate the mall! Strange people and students I teach!  I can only go there during a school day or really early on a Saturday! Stupid me!!!!  Then home for a nice little nap! It's the little things in life!

Now off to cook a little din din! Pork chops! Cross your fingers!  Until then, I will leave you with the official countdown to the Jersey Shore season premiere! Including tonight there are only 4 nights to go!!!!!  Slightly ashamed that I love watching these people do whatever it is that they do! But hey! I think Jwoww is pretty impressive and the fact that Pauly D's hair NEVER moves, is pretty awesome in and of itself!!!!

Resolutions

I actually buy into the whole resolution notion!  I think it's kinda cool to want to start fresh, to start over, to do better, to change...I like the whole idea of getting a chance to do that.  I like that the new year is a chance to do just that, to move on from the past year and become different, better, same, whatever you want in the last year.  I kinda feel Mondays are the same as a new year though too.  I don't necessarily think that the only chance you have to make a change is when the year changes..what happens to those people who mess up on day 2 of the new year? Are they screwed for the rest of the year?  But, I love that people get so excited about the start of something fresh and that they set goals for themselves and hopefully, they are goals to better who they are as a person on this earth?!?!  Besides Mondays, I also really believe that any moment in life is a chance to make a resolution, to make a change in yourself.  


So what are my resolutions?  They are simple and not earth changing, but they are mine.


1. Run at least 1 mile a day

Not always with so many layers on and with Ging looking like she's about to get stomped on.

I know I run a lot any ways and most days I hope to run more than just 1 mile, but on the days that I think I don't want to run, I want to do at least 1 mile...at the very least that's 365 miles for the year, which sounds kinda awesome to me.

2. Run at least 10 miles twice a month...this one will be tricky.  Some days 3 miles seem like such a feet, so 10...whoo...but I want to put it out there to try.  It can't hurt? I did run 10 on December 31st..I kinda feel like that might be a good sign!

3. Spend more time with my girls, at least once a month

Heather, Jade, Annie, and Me

These girls are amazing...what's more amazing is that we have been friends since grade school.  Granted there have been times when we haven't been as close, but with these girls, it's always like no time has passed at all.  I have so much fun when I am with them and I know that no matter what, they will always have my back.  It's nice to have a group of women who know you...through and through

4. Run in 8 half marathons

Last year I did 6....I want to do more than that this year.  This may be tricky since sometimes I have to find these 8.  I'm not going to Disney this year. I figure I can only ask Carter to do that one every other year.  A little sad, but I am already looking forward to next year.  I will be running one in February (the Strawberry Plains 1/2), another one in February at Whitestone (which is actually 18 miles, not 13.1, so that's going to be a toughy!), a couple in the Spring (Knoxville and Music City), look for some in the summer, and a few in the Fall (Nashville Women's, Nashville's Run for the Party, Cookeville Haunted Half, and Oak Ridge Secret City Half)  So even if I can't find any in the summer, that will be 8!

5. Continue to be the best teacher that I can

I never want to be one of those teachers that just settles into what I am doing. I never want to be a teacher that just gets by.  I want to be the kind of teacher that is continually growing and changing and improving.  I am still so new at what I do...I still have so much to work on and learn!

6. Marry this guy!

  

Well, if not marry, at least continue to grow and strengthen the relationship that we have!  The past few years have been so amazing with Carter. I could not imagine not having be a part of my life.  He has helped me become who I am today in so many ways.  He is the biggest supporter I have ever had and loves me unconditionally, as I do him!  He is truly my best friend. I always joke that if we broke up, he'd be the first person I'd call to talk about my break up!  So maybe this year, maybe not.  It'll happen when the time is right! (Although no complaints if it is this year!)

7. Continue to know, grow, strengthen, the woman, friend, coach, teacher, girlfriend, person that God wants me to be.  I think I get so caught up in everything I do that I forget what I do it all for.  God is truly the only reason I am here and I have been allowed the chance to do everything that I am capable of doing.

8. Spend more time with these great peeps!

 

My mammaw and pappaw!!!!!!  I love them so, so, so, much!  They are two of the wisest, most loving, most understanding people I know!  I hope that when I am their age, I am as loving and kind.  To this day, they are each other's best friends and I love to see the love they have for each other and for their family.  In the last couple of years, their health hasn't been as good as they would love for it to be.  But no matter, they still smile, they still find the good in every day! Love them with all my heart!

So that's all I have for now! I may add to this list, that ten mile twice a week may need to be removed!  These are the resolutions for today.  They can always change!

I had a great 2010!  Who knows what's in store for 2011?!?!  Excited to find out!

And I'm back! For real this time!

 Life is extremely busy this time of year!  I am very ready for a little break called Winter Break/Christmas Holidays/No work for two weeks! There are reasons beyond those little learners that I teach!  I am quiet blessed to never have had to work during the summer, over fall break, during Christmas holidays, or during Spring Break! Lucky girl right here! Plus, we've had a couple of um..snow days! So, I got those off too!  Which also meant no work, no teaching, no basketball game, no tutoring, no tumbling!  And I can now breathe again!  So what did I do with my days off?  I would like to say that I was very productive and did all kinds of really cool stuff that I don't normally have time for, but no...I did this!

That's right..nothing, except for a bunch of laying around!

And in a moment of cabin fever, I did a little bit of baking!  Now, I have tried my hand at baking fancy cookies with cool icing that really look like snowflakes falling outside....

Not mine...wish they were!

But had never done cupcakes..and right now, call me a trendsetter (or more likely a lowly follow), I am into cupcakes! Love them!  Can eat them all day and think they are the quite tasty!!!!!  I also have a new love of owls...don't ask! I have no clue where it started, but take a visit to my classroom and you will leave hooting!  I decided to make Owl Cupcakes!  Here it goes!

 The ingredients...I am not to the point where I make the cupcakes from scratch..that will be next time.

 The recipe!

 The planned outcome

 Before going in

 Preparing the wings

 All you do is untwist Oreos and cut the part without the cream in half and then the cream side become the eyes

 Out of the oven

 And transformed into an owl!

 Spot the one that belongs to me!

The little owl family all together! My madre saw the one in the middle and said it looked scary!  Thanks mom!  As I told her at least they look like owls! Hey! This was the first time ever!!!! I did get a good job after I pointed that out!