DIY dress

For the past month or so, I've been greatly anticipating the Farm Chicks show! I'm super excited it's almost here! I remember going with Julia last year and falling in love with this dress but was a bit hesitant to splurge at the time. 

I was kicking myself in the pants when I got home and tried to buy it online only to find it was sold out. Fast forward a few months, I stumbled upon this tutorial on a knock off dress. I set out with high hopes to make this dress but then would end up frustrated and putting the project away before picking it back up several months later.  This past weekend, I decided to finally finish off this dress and although it doesn't have the a-line like the original dress I was quite happy with the end result.I added a belt I already had instead of attempting to make one. Now I just have to work the courage up to wear it in public!

all that jazz

This past weekend, I crossed another goal off my 30 before 30 list. My family and I drove many miles to see my little sister debut in the top jazz band and jazz choir at her college!

This goal was so near and dear to my heart. It was so special to see her performing on stage. I've heard her play piano many times but there's nothing quite like seeing someone you love completely in their element living out their dreams.  Watching her on the stage, she looked like she was just completely filled with joy.  I'm so happy for her and this musical journey she has embarked upon! My baby sister is all grown up!

Bloomsday 2012!

Yesterday marked my third year of running the Bloomsday 12k, and another beautiful race day at that. I sure missed my bloomie partner but she was definitely there in spirit!  I started the morning off with a peanut butter banana protein shake and was ready to dominate this race!

Ok, who am I kidding! Actually, I was really super nervous! The nerves happen every year but I had my hubby running by my side, along with approximately 48,000 enthusiasts ready to rock and roll.

The race itself went pretty well. We had a pretty steady jogging pace until about mile 4 when my knee really started acting up. I went from "I need to listen to my body and take it easy" to "I hate you knee, you will not come between me and my goal!" and everything in between. 

My official time ended up being 1:32:13. I missed my goal by just 2 minutes! Oh well, on the bright side, it was 12 minutes faster than my time last year. Yesterday evening while I was recovering, I thought about my fitness journey and where I was 10 years ago. I never would've imagined I'd be doing this. In fact, I used to dread anything fitness-related.  At nearly 200 pounds, I could barely run 1 mile, let alone 7.5 miles.  Putting things into perspective helped me realize how far I've come over the past decade.  And for that, I am incredibly grateful and humbled.

362 days until Bloomsday 2013!

nothin but blue skies

...do I see!